Discover the wilds of Donegal
1 | Glenveagh National Park
Bring the little ones on an adventure through a remarkable landscape in Glenveagh National Park. Entry to the Donegal park is free and you’ll wander through magnificent gardens, see the gorgeous lakeside castle and head off on the family friendly Garden Trail.
2 | Rougey Walk
Set off on a beautiful stroll from the surfing hub of Bundoran along the incredible Donegal coastline on the Rougey Walk. Look out to sea from the famed Wishing Chair and take the little ones across the Fairy Bridge, ending up on Tullan Strand.
3 | Donegal County Museum
Pick up a free Donegal Museum Detective’s Backpack when you go to Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny. Task your kids with finding hidden historical clues and let them get their detective booklets stamped.
4 | Glenevin Waterfall
Plan a trip to Glenevin Waterfall in Donegal to please children and adults of all ages. Stare up in awe at the waterfall flowing down the rockface. Cross the stream on stepping stones and don’t forget to tell the kids about the fairies that live in the forest.
Travel to stunning Sligo
5 | Coney Island
Enjoy an unforgettable adventure with the kids in stunning Sligo as you walk to peaceful Coney Island. Only accessible by foot at low tide, children love racing against nature so they get to see the large herds of wild rabbits.
6 | Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Wow the family with tales from ancient times as you make your way around Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, a short drive from Strandhill Beach in Sligo. Take in views of Benbulben while walking around the 5,000-year-old stone circles. End the evening with ice cream from Mammy Johnston's and a family stroll on the beach.
7 | The Model
Fill your family’s day with colour and beauty at The Model in the heart of Sligo Town. The collections at this vibrant art gallery have helped shape young minds since 2001 and you can even try out some of their free online programmes before you visit.
Experience the magic of Mayo
8 | Great Western Greenway
Load your bikes into the car and head west to Mayo’s 49km long Great Western Greenway from Westport to lovely Cashel. Active kids love cycling along the edge of Clew Bay for an unforgettable day out on the bikes.
9 | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park
Discover how people once lived in rural Ireland with a trip to Mayo’s National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, it’s only a short drive from Castlebar. After checking out the powerful exhibitions, make time for a stroll in the pretty parklands of the estate.
10 | Westport Skate Park
Grab your helmet and skateboards and cruise to Westport Skate Park in Mayo to take on the street features and quarter pipes. The open areas are great for learners who want to master the extreme sport. Bring your camera to snap the kids riding over the large mural – this is a family photo you’ll have to frame.
Explore glorious Galway
11 | Salthill
Treat the clan to a classic day out by the seaside filled with 99s, picturesque beach walks and a visit to the exhilarating Salthill playground. The climbing frames, swings and rockers are suitable for kids aged from one to 12, while parents enjoy the fresh Galway sea air.
12 | Buskers on Shop Street
Catch a live show on the bustling streets of Galway City and unearth Ireland’s next big thing. Talented musicians and performers flock to Shop Street to entertain passersby making it a brilliant place for an impromptu dance party with the family.
13 | Connemara National Park
Wilderness awaits on a holiday to the unbeatable Connemara National Park in Galway, it’s perfect for families. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in the sunshine, take on the Diamond Hill Looped Walk, stop by the audio visual theatre and end your day out in the playground. Admission is completely free.
14 | Portumna Forest Park
Plan a trip to Portumna in east Galway and spend the day immersed in nature on the great trails here. Young families love the Forest Friendly Walking Trail while older kids are best suited to the longer Woodland Walking Trail. If you’d rather bring your bike, the Bonaveen Cycling Trail is a must.
Enjoy the outdoors in Clare
15 | The Burren
Transport the whole family to an otherworldly landscape and fill them full of awe in The Burren in Clare. Explore the walking trails, draw pictures of the unique flowers and truly experience The Burren National Park. Learn even more about these plants for free at the nearby Burren Perfumery.
16 | Cratloe Woods
When in Clare, visit one of the best natural playgrounds in Ireland at Cratloe Woods made with large wooden beams and bark. Clamber up the climbing frames, look out from the lofty tower and play on the long slide.
Visit lovely Limerick
17 | The Milk Market
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the tantalising Milk Market in Limerick. Meet the makers of local artisanal food and teach the kids how these beautiful creations are made. Open for over 150 years, the market’s Sunday Patchwork Market is great for a family day out.
18 | Limerick City Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of The Treaty City at the admission free Limerick Museum, a short walk from the centre of the city, through displays of local lace, silver, and military artefacts. Walk out to Arthur’s Quay Park afterwards for wide open views of The Shannon.
19 | Limerick Greenway
Journey through the heart of rural Limerick from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale on the 39km Limerick Greenway. The peaceful trail has gorgeous views of tall trees and flowering plants, perfect for a scenic family walk.
Journey to The Kingdom
20 | Valentia Island Lighthouse
Look out over the vast Atlantic Ocean as waves crash into the shore from Valentia Island Lighthouse on Cromwell Point. Migrating whales are known to swim by here too. Ramble along the Kerry coastline and enjoy endless sea views while making precious family memories.
21 | Gap of Dunloe
Amaze the whole family on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives through the Gap of Dunloe on the Ring of Kerry. This lofty mountain pass is one of the many highlights of Killarney National Park, with spectacular backdrops for family photos at any of the lookout points.
Soak up the charm of Cork
22 | Scilly Walk
Spend the day with the family along the edge of the River Brandon on a stunning day out in Cork. The 6km Scilly Walk has views of Kinsale Harbour and maybe even some seals if you’re lucky. The trail ends up at Charles Fort, which is free to visit for the rest of 2021.
23 | Jungle City
Now for something completely different – see brightly coloured sculptures of elephants and lions throughout Clonakilty. The large scale art exhibition at Jungle City raises awareness of animal conversations by creating surreal views in the magical part of West Cork.
24 | Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve
Bask in the calming aura of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and explore the sprawling woodland of mature oak trees. Entry to this Cork park is free, allowing you to enjoy a walk by the river and glimpses of dragonflies, frogs and long-eared owls.
The Wild Atlantic Way is an incredible place for a family holiday with amazing art, incredible nature, epic exhibitions, and brilliant bike rides. Check out our Free Things To Do page for even more ideas for when you’re on a budget.
