It’s summertime: 7 great FREE family days out around Ireland in May

Time, not cash, is the most important thing you can spend with your kids.

Ireland is rich with spectacular scenery; mysterious woods and captivating castles for fun-filled family days out. AIG have endless inspiration on their site so if you’re looking for something to do with your family today, take the Family Time Quiz and find the perfect spot to make some memories! Load up the car (don’t ever let our mad weather stop you; just bring anoraks and wellies) and hit the road for some fantastic free family outings this May. Dublin’s Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe, and at 1752 acres, is home to plenty of wildlife, picnic spots, playgrounds and cycling trails. There’s free admission to the Visitor Centre, where you can get free tickets to visit Áras an Uachtaráin (the President’s residence) on Saturdays, or take the kids to a free workshop any Sunday morning on nature awareness, history and heritage and arts and crafts. Have a hunt around the Clonmel countryside in Tipperary and you’ll find the Giant’s Grave; a huge stone pillar with crosses carved deep into two of its sides. Wrap up warm to explore the Deserted Village and 5,000-year-old megalithic tombs on the slopes of Slievemore on Achill Island, County Mayo. Makes scents! Enjoy learning about lavender at Wexford Lavender Farm, rich with colour and amazing smells. With woodland walks and a quad train; tasty treats at the Purple Haze Café and take home lavender plants for your garden. The modern Galway City Museum building on the banks of the River Corrib tells the story of Galway’s past, and regularly hosts a variety of touring exhibitions. Be sure to pick up a ‘My Favourite Object’ sheet at reception. As you’re there, pop over to the at Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museum for thrilling tales of pirates, lost love and Ireland’s famous Claddagh ring. Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre in Co. Offaly has a 1km looped boardwalk along the best remaining example of a raised bog in Europe, with wonderful plants and animals. Waterford City is home to the Viking Triangle, as the city was founded by rampaging Norsemen in 914AD.  No longer rampaging; now they’ll just give you a nice cup of tea. Explore Fore in County Westmeath, site of a 7th Century abbey, and home of the seven wonders of Fore, including the tree that won’t burn and the water that flows…. uphill! For a good few days of exploring, roam the five stunning Southern Peninsulas between Tralee and Ballydehob. There’s Dingle, Iveragh, Beara, Sheep and Mizen with foaming seas, staggering cliffs, ancient constructs and jaw-dropping beauty. If you’re in West Cork you might be lucky enough to see some whales- the area is a protected sanctuary since 1990 and you might spot some shy Fin, Minke or even a Humpback whale. You’ll find more terrific suggestions on the AIG site so pack some snacks, get everyone strapped in safely and get rolling. Family time is precious; let us help you make the most of yours.