Share
2nd August 2024
03:06pm BST
Brought to you by Discover Ireland
With the kids off school, we're making it our mission to pack as much fun into the holidays, and one surefire way to make this summer one to remember is with a Daycation, full of experiences, activities, sightseeing, picnics, and outdoor tours, right here in Ireland.
What's a Daycation, you ask? Why, it's a family day out that packs a whole holiday's worth of fun into a single day, and best of all, is right on your doorstep.
We are here to showcase some of the very best zoos, farms and wildlife experiences that will offer your family that glorious feeling of holiday escapism, without having to pack your suitcases! These experiences are just some of the many ways you can enhance your Daycation, to slot in around walks on the beach, photoshoots with gorgeous green backdrops, and plenty of coffee and snack breaks along the way.
The Best Daycation Ever awaits, and here are some of our wildest experiences to make it count.
If you're heading to County Clare for a jam-packed Daycation, you've got to climb aboard one of the Dolphin Discovery Kilrush boats and cruise along the Shannon Estuary, Ireland's first marine Special Area of Conservation. Over 100 dolphins have been spotted in this area, so keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some of these beautiful animals.
With Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours, you'll depart from the pretty Courtmacsherry Pier and venture into the ocean for a couple of hours of watching out for whales, dolphins, basking sharks and all sorts of other marine life from your vessel. Be sure to journey through Kinsale while you're in the area to take in the colourful houses and get a bite to eat.
Come visit the historic Caherconnell Fort, and watch as the skilled sheepdogs do what they do best. This attraction is located in the heart of the Burren, so be sure to enjoy the peaceful and unique surroundings during the Best Daycation Ever in County Clare.
A family Daycation to Donegal wouldn't be complete without heading to the picturesque village of Malinbeg. Here, you'll meet FJ and his talented band of sheepdogs who will demonstrate their skills and prowess.
Turoe Pet Farm in County Galway is home to a range of animals, including pigs, ponies and donkeys. It also boasts two outdoor playgrounds and two indoor play areas, complete with ball pits, giant slides and bouncy floors, making for the perfect afternoon itinerary for a Galway Daycation.
The beloved Fota Wildlife Park is a wonderful destination if daycationing in Cork. As you ramble through the vast grounds, you'll share your path with some of the park's free-roaming residents, which makes for an incredibly memorable experience.
If you are spending your Daycation in Kilkenny, make sure to include a visit to Ireland's only Reptile Zoo and come away with a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures. This zoo hosts regular animal encounters, giving you and your family the opportunity to hold friendlier species of snakes, lizards and spiders.
One of Louth's top Daycation activities is a visit to family-run alpaca farm Long Acre Alpacas in Ardee, where you can spend an afternoon trekking through the peaceful great bog. And don't worry, you'll also get a photo opportunity along the way!
For those heading to the west of Ireland for their Daycation, an unmissable family friendly experience can be found at Leahy Beekeeping just outside Loughrea. After getting kitted out in a bee suit, you'll get up close and personal with a working hive and learn about the important role bees play in our environment. A worthy stop-off point before heading for a picnic and stroll at Loughrea lake.
Include a visit to this open pet farm on your next Daycation to Roscommon, and your little ones will thank you for it. Glendeer Open Pet Farm is home to monkeys, pigs, llamas, ostriches, and there's also plenty of play areas for your kids to enjoy.
Meet expert trainer Martin Feeney in the beautiful surrounds of Grange, Co. Sligo and learn all about his Atlantic Sheepdogs. You'll come away from this Daycation experience with a deeper understanding of the role sheepdogs play on a working farm.
The buzzy town of Dingle has lots to offer daycationers of all ages, but younger visitors in particular will love Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. Step inside this underwater world and bask in the beauty of their huge collection of marine life, which includes sharks, jellyfish and exotic fish. Be sure to get yourself an ice-cream at Murphy's or a toastie from My Boy Blue afterwards, before continuing on a road-trip around the Dingle peninsula.
If you're planning the Best Daycation Ever in Tipperary, you've got to make one of your pitstops a visit to Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre in Clonmona. In addition to the outdoor pet farm, there is plenty to keep your family entertained, including a go-cart track, a playground, a sports area and a sledge run.
At this Mullingar pet farm, your family will get to interact with farm and exotic animals alike. Once your children have fed the animals, why not kick back with some crazy golf or pedal cars?
For a relaxing Daycation experience in Leitrim, check out Glencar Alpacas. Here, you'll meet these gentle creatures and then head out on a guided alpaca walk, allowing you to take in panoramic views of the lake and valley of Glencar.
Ready for the Best Daycation Ever? Plan an unforgettable day at DiscoverIreland.ie.
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 us protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
