3 great family outings for a rainy day

When author, Elizabeth Jane Howard wrote, “A rainy day is like a lovely gift – you can sleep late and not feel guilty.” she obviously didn't have kids. With littlies bursting full of energy, the sight of rain clouds on a Sunday can fill even the most seasoned parent with dread. With limited opportunities for them to expend their boundless energy, the house can quickly become an incubator for boredom-induced tantrums and a general atmosphere of resentment and irritation. Unless of course you have some of those perfect children we're always hearing about, in which case return to your cup of (hot) coffee and peruse the papers while the little ones play quietly (and neatly) in the corner. As for the rest of us we'll be checking out these rainy day outings in Kilkenny, Kerry and Clare to dispel rainy day blues. The Reptile Village, Kilkenny Ireland’s only Reptile Zoo displays snakes, lizards, tortoise, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, caiman, spiders, scorpions, frogs, salamanders and more. Kids will love the Reptile Village's interactive experience where you can get a little closer and even handle some of the animals. There is also a Tropical Walk Through Enclosure, a soft play area and a cafe as well as indoor and outdoor picnic areas. It is easily accessible, located just 10 minutes from exit 7 on the M9 Dublin - Waterford road. Children under 3 go free, and there's a family rate of €27.00. Open 10am – 6pm today, visit their website for further information. Dingle Oceanworld, Kerry A visit to Dingle Oceanworld, located on the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, allows you to get up close and personal with magnificent marine life. The kids will be awed by coming face-to-face with the most fearsome creatures of the sea: sharks. For a slightly less terrifying brush with nature go and see the Polar penguins. Visitors can also get hands-on experience at the Touch Tank where you can stroke the friendly rays and even hold a starfish. Children under 3 go free, and there's a family rate of €28.80. Open 10am – 5pm today, visit their website for further information. Aillwee Cave and Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Clare The guided tours of the stunning caverns under the Burren are perfect for the littlies. They get a flashlight, and there is lots of scrambling over rock formations, navigating bridged chasms and even being splashed by thunderous waterfall. Also, the tour is about half an hour long which is usually just right for young attention spans. At the entrance to the caves is the Burren Birds of Prey Centre, which boasts the largest display of falcons, Harris hawks and owls, among other species, in the country. Easily accessed from Galway, Cork and Limerick. Children under 5 go free, and the family tickets start from €35.00. Open 10am – 5.30pm today, visit their website for further information.