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16th June 2023
03:56pm BST
Dublin's city centre is home to the Little Museum of Dublin, a Georgian house that showcases the very best of Dublin, making it truly fascinating for children and adults alike. Take a guided tour (tickets start at €13), and afterwards, allow your children to explore even more with the Big Little Treasure Hunt across the road in St. Stephen's Green Park. There, they'll be kept busy learning and having fun, as they discover each corner of this famous park.
Located in Townparks, Co. Offaly, Birr Castle makes for a fun day out for children of all ages. Step back in time with a guided discovery tour of the outdoors, visit the Historic Science Centre and afterwards, let your little ones explore the grounds to their hearts’ content. As well as the beautiful gardens, there’s a treehouse playground for children. This summer, the Castle is hosting a series of family-friendly events, including The Big Vintage Picnic as part of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, 2023 4-12 August. A family rate for two adults and two kids costs €30.
This family-run pet farm in Co. Tipperary is home to a number of friendly animals, including goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, alpacas, Llama, emu, sheep, rabbits and a Scottish Highlander. As well as offering your family the chance to visit these fascinating animals, you admission covers plenty of other activities to keep children and adults entertained. Tearaways Pet Farm has an outdoor playground, a go-kart track and a purpose-built indoor play area, making it an ideal place to visit, whatever the weather.
The Museum of Literature in Ireland celebrates Ireland's greatest storytellers, and it's a hit with kids and adults alike. Step inside MoLI's immersive exhibitions, wander the tranquil Reader's Garden and enjoy the museum's family programmes. The LitLab on level 4 invites younger visitors to take part in fun activities and games, all the while overlooking the nearby Iveagh Gardens. Adult tickets cost €13.50 while children's rates cost €11, though a variety of family rates are available.
As well as being a place of astounding natural beauty, Achill Island is home to Mayo's first and only aquarium. A 45-minute tour of The Achill Experience' Aquarium brings you face-to-face with a wide array of marine life, including catsharks, crabs, thornback rays, starfish and sea urchins. The museum, meanwhile, offers fascinating insights into Achill's history. Adult tickets cost €9, while children can attend for €5.
For a truly unique family walk, head out to Avondale House & Forest Park in Co. Wicklow and embark on the fully accessible Treetop Walk. This walkway has a natural gradient, allowing you to rise up to the trees' levels at 23 metres, before leading you towards the magnificent viewing tower, and its panoramic views of Wicklow. It's also suitable for prams. Afterwards, slide back down to Ireland's longest slide to solid ground. Adult tickets cost €15, while children's tickets cost €12, though family rates are available.
For an active family day out, make your way to the Suir Blueway in Co. Tipperary. Bring your bikes and enjoy a cycle along this picturesque trail, which connects Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel, with the Comeragh Mountains in the background. Shorter routes to suit younger cyclists can be selected – we’d recommend the Suir Side to Carey’s Slip linear route, which is a 5km return journey. Another, slightly longer option is the Cahir Castle to Swiss Cottage Route, which is an 8km return journey.
The Blueway is free to explore on your own bike, but bike rentals are also available from Treacy's Blueway Bike Hire in Carrick-on-Suir, starting at €15.
For more ideas on how to make the most of your short break in Ireland, visit discoverireland.ie
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.
From fascinating exhibits, thrilling walking trails and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the very best of Ireland without breaking the bank.
So what are you waiting for? Book a day out that's fun for the whole family today.
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
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