Getting Outdoors: 8 Of The Best Waterparks Around Ireland

We spent last weekend at a waterpark with the kids.

We packed up our swimming trunks, floater jackets, change for the lockers, and off we went. And even though I was a little bit 'Are you CERTAIN we can't go for a nice family meal?' about the situation, I have to admit - I had the best fun ever. What's not to love about shooting down crazy slides with your four-year-old for an afternoon, while his baby sister and dad cheer you on at the bottom. Nothing, my friends, nothing. It was brillo. The kids are in their element because A) they're surrounded by water and kids obviously love splashing about and B) because they have your full attention. Ever tried bringing your smart phone onto a pirate's ship? Didn't think so. And the best part about it is that hours will literally fly by without you even noticing because you're all enjoying yourselves too much So now the kids are on their holidays and you're planning some activities, I can definitely recommend spending a day getting silly on the slides. Here are 8 of the best water theme parks that Ireland has to offer: 1. The Aqua Dome, Tralee The Aqua Dome in Tralee has been in operation for twenty-one years. Currently enjoying a refurbishment, the centre has a main pool complete with slides and rapids, whirlpool spas, a gym and an adult-only sauna health suite. 2. The Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, Bangor Visit the Aurora Splash Leisure Waters for it's two large flumes, slides, wave machine, water features, a cute baby beach and pirate ship. 3. Waterpoint, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Waterpoint has a kiddies pool with fun water features and a huge flume slide. They also have a baby pool suitable for babies and toddlers as well as an adult health suite for mum and dad. 4. Courtown Adventure and Leisure Centre, Wexford The leisure centre has three swimming pools, including a twenty-five meter pool and a learner pool with a kiddies slide. There is also a 65m water slide but a 1.1 meter height restriction applies to that one! 5. Waterworld Bundoran, Donegal It's fair to say that Bundoran is a famous tourist spot and Waterworld is open from Easter to September annually. Their water features include a pirate galleon ship, a gravity speed slide, a three-lane multi slide and a toddler pool. 6. Leisureland, Salthill, Galway Leisure land Salthill had a kiddies leisure pool complete with interactive water features, a giant sixty-five metre water slide, disabled changing and shower areas and disabled access with a swimming pool hoist. They also now have a brand new giant inflatable obstacle course to enjoy. 7. Funtasia, Drogheda, Co. Louth Funtasia's waterpark features over two hundred activities including a super bowl speed slide. There is also a full-on arcade at the centre with a play area, bowling, rock climbing and bowling. 8. Aquazone, The National Aquatic Centre, Dublin The facilities at Blanchardstown include a pirate ship, lazy river, wave pool and a variety of slides to suit all age groups (even mum and dad!) Do you have a favourite waterpark that you bring the kids to? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.