Day trips are a big thing with us, whether at home in Germany or in Ireland on our visits two or three times a year.
The boys are at an age now where we can easily visit historical sights as well as parks and playgrounds, so we took advantage of that and did a lot on our last few Irish holidays. Here, condensed into one county-by-county list, are some details about each of the places we visited and loved.
My sister-in-law suggested we meet them at Slieve Gullion Forest Park for a day out. Initially I was put off by the drive but it was a lot shorter than I imagined, being about 50 minutes from Drogheda.
Entrance fee: None. Entry is free.
Cafe: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnics allowed: Yes
What we loved: The fairy walk with loads of fairy houses, the trail in search of the giant, the views over the countryside, and the amazing (and I don't say that lightly!) playground
What we’d warn you about: The walking trails are quite steep in places. We brought the buggy and managed alright, but we had three adults to take turns of pushing it. A sling would be a better option for a baby.
Meath – Newgrange Interpretive Centre and Passage Tomb, Donore
Entrance fee: Yes, but not extortionate. Rates differ depending on the package you want, e.g. just Newgrange or Knowth and Dowth passage tombs too
Cafe: Yes, complete with highchairs, plenty of space and delicious caramel slices.
Toilets: Yes, at the interpretive centre
Picnics allowed: Not officially, but while waiting for the bus from the interpretive centre to the tomb, you could sit at one of the benches and have a snack
What we loved: The fascinating history, the witty tour guide, the food in the cafe and the child-friendly interpretive centre.
What we’d warn you about: Arrive early and plan plenty of time. The tour of the tomb itself is about 45 minutes and the tours run every 15 to 30 minutes but they fill up very quickly during the school holidays.
Meath – Oldbridge House & Battle of the Boyne Museum, near Drogheda
Entrance fee: Entrance to the grounds and gardens is free. There is a small entrance fee for the museum.
Cafe: Yes, with a beatiful view of the gardens and with outdoor seating.
Toilets: Yes, at the cafe
Picnics allowed: Yes and there is a huge area for picnicing on.
What we loved: The wide open space for running around, the walking trails, the beautifully laid out gardens, the cannons in front of the house, learning about the Battle of the Boyne through the small but interesting exhibition in the museum which includes a laser show (anything that includes the word laser is a great thing).
What we’d warn you about: The museum is very small. Don’t rush through it. There is a lot of information packed in. We took our time and let the boys try and get some ideas of their own as to what was happening in each of the life-sized, recreated scenes.
Dublin – Malahide Castle, Malahide
Entrance fee: The grounds are free. There is a fee for the castle tour.
Cafe: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnics allowed: Yes and there is a huge amount of space to picnic on.
What we loved: All the space to run about and kick a ball. Castles are always a big with our boys, so exploring around the castle was great fun too. At the other end of the park, near the carpark, is a huge playground, also suitable for picnics.
What we’d warn you about: The playground is huge. With small children you need to keep a good eye on them. Dressing them in clothes you can easily spot is a good idea.
Sligo – The Beach Bar and Surf School, Aughris
Entrance fee: Obviously you pay for your meal and drinks in the bar. The surf school charges for rentals and lessons.
Cafe: The bar does great meals at a decent price as well as drinks and coffee.
Picnics allowed: On the beach, yes.
Toilets: Yes, in the bar
What we loved: Renting body boards and wet suits, splashing around in the Atlantic, the view and the vibe.
What we’d warn you about: If you are braving the Atlantic, make sure to have something hot in a flask with you for warming up afterwards.
Mayo – Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar
Entrance fee: No. All Museum of Ireland museums are free of charge, a fantastic service.
Cafe: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Picnics allowed: Yes, in designated areas
What we loved: Walking round the large pond in the grounds, running on the great expanses of lawn, the interactive exhibitions. On arrival the children got clipboards, pens and activity sheets from the staff and were kept busy for ages, finding the answers to the quiz questions and drawing their favourite items form the exhibition.
What we’d warn you about: Plan plenty of time. There is a lot to see and to take in.
Mayo – Great Western Greenway, a walking and cycle path from Westpost to Achill Island
Entrance fee: No. You can hire bikes and trailers for children in several locations, e.g. in Newport and Mulranny
Cafe: Yes, several dotted along the route
Picnics allowed: Yes, wherever you fancy stopping
What we loved: The stunning scenery and the fact that the kids could run along without having to look out for cars.
What we’d warn you about: Nothing. It is a brilliant addition to Mayo tourism and you should definitely go there if you get the chance. You don’t have to go the whole route.
Mayo – Foxford Woollen Mills
Entrance fee: Not to the shop, yes to the tour of the woollen mills.
Cafe: Yes, with a great selection of delicious cakes as well as savory foods.
Picnics allowed: No, but you could have a traditional Irish car boot picnic in the car park if you wanted to.
What we loved: The woolen mills’ own wool blankets, throws and cushions as well as the gorgeous interior design of the shop and cafe. The kids loved that the cafe had a little old-fashioned school-like corner with colouring pencils and paper to keep them entertained while the grown-ups chatted and drank coffee.
What we’d warn you about: You will probably end up with bags of fabulous Irish designed and handmade rugs, cards, scarves, etc.
Cork – Titanic Museum, Cobh
Entrance fee: Yes
Cafe: No, but there are several bars and cafe along the opposite side of the road as well as next door.
Picnics allowed: No, but there are benches along the street if you were sitting down with a snack or a cuppa.
What we loved: The fact that the museum is housed in the former White Star Line ticket office, meaning that we were in the building where passengers on the Titanic stood. The recreated passenger cabins are amazing to look at and there are some interactive games for children. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
What we’d warn you about: The information provided during the tour is incredibly moving. Bring tissues.
Entrance fee: Yes
Cafe: No, but there are several bars and cafes just around the corner
Picnics allowed: Not at the castle but across the road at the pier there are picnic tables.
What we loved: Learning about Irish, Dutch and African pirates and the plundering that went on in the south of Ireland.
What we’d warn you about: The museum is very small, but if you take the time to look at the construction of the castle, to enjoy the view from the rooftop and to read all about the piracy that went on, you will find it fascinating.
Cork – Model Railway Clonakilty
Entrance fee: Yes
Cafe: Yes, housed in an old railway wagon, which is charmingly nostalgic.
Picnics allowed: No, but again the old car boot picnic in the car park would be an option.
What we loved: The railways, the tiny model people and houses, the indoor playground/ball pool and the outdoor playground.
What we’d warn you about: Don’t rush through the exhibition. There is a huge amount of detail hidden in each of the sections of the display.
Fionnuala is a project manager and mama to three bilingual boys living in Germany. Coffee in hand, she is usually found minding the children, planning projects, writing or cooking, all while keeping an eye out for vintage treasures and taking photos for her brilliant Three Sons Later blog.
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