Staycation: Top 10 family days out to make break for before the kids head back to school

Make the most of August!

As summer is drawing to a close and the kids are preparing to get back to school, Fáilte Ireland is encouraging families across Ireland to Make A Break For It, to explore and discover what our gorgeous little country has to offer. Why not make the best memories together by experiencing so many of your favourite places once again. So, pack your bags and hit the road, because Ireland has never felt bigger. Listed below are some great recommendations for exciting family fun days out to squeeze in this summer. 1. Go wild at the Westport House Activity Centre Killary Adventure Company and Westport House in Mayo have teamed up to create an exhilarating centre that the whole family can enjoy. Try your hand at archery, zoom across a zipline or embark on an orienteering course. Activities suit all ages and are available on the grounds of Westport House. 2. Stand up paddleboarding in Dingle Hop onto a paddleboard to experience Dingle’s stunning waters from a whole new vantage point. Book a family stand up paddleboarding tour and discover the best of Kerry’s coastline from the water. No experience is necessary as your well-trained instructors teach you everything you need to know about how to be safe and confident in the water. 3. Be thrilled at the Delphi Adventure Resort in Galway The 300-acre Delphi Adventure Centre in the breath-taking Delphi Valley has indoor and outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy. Choose from adrenaline-fuelled thrills like canyon swinging and aerial trekking or take it at a slower pace by going hill walking or cycling. This all-weather resort makes for a memorable day out this summer. 4. Experience the joys of Tayto Park in Meath Just 30 minutes away from Dublin City, Tayto Park is Ireland’s only theme park. Young and old can enjoy this popular attraction which has a zoo, zipline and Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion. See Amur tigers, meerkats, and buffalos up close or hop on the coaster for a thrill. Between the zoo and the rides, Tayto Park is fun for all ages. 5. Get into nature at Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny Immerse your family in nature with woodland and lakeside at Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny. With over 80 acres to explore, you can hike the grounds, wander its pathways and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful part of the world. Youngsters love this discovery park with its charming playground, climbing wall and mini-zipline as well as an Elf and Fairy Village. Entrance to the discovery park is free, and onsite activities like ziplining can be paid for inside. 6. A family day out at Wicklow’s Clara Lara Fun Park Explore water slides, assault courses, tree houses, boating lakes and kiddie-karts at Clara Lara in Wicklow. Have a go on the largest water slide in Ireland or sail off on a pirate ship; enjoy this jam-packed family day out at this fun park. For a more chilled day, visitors can also have a riverside picnic and barbeque, try the mini-golf course, or embark on miles of hillwalking in this spectacular countryside location. 7. Head to Carlingford Adventure Centre and Skypark in Louth With over 20 land and water activities, you'll find lots to do at the Carlingford Adventure Centre and Skypark in County Louth.  Split into three zones: land, sea and sky, its activities include everything from canoeing and water trampolines to abseiling, laser quest and a Crystal Maze challenge. Bring the family and spend a day out on Carlingford Lough or flying through the trees; you’ll be glad you did. 8. Have an adventure at Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon Ziplining, tree canopy walks, segways, escape rooms and even a woodland safari - there’s lots to keep the family entertained at Lough Key. Spend the day exploring the 350 hectares of woods, lake, and islands in one of Ireland’s most picturesque parks. You can even stay overnight if you have a caravan or want to camp. 9. Bring the kids to Dun na Rí Forest Park in Cavan Along the banks of the River Cabra in the Cabra Estate Dun an Rí Forest Park’s 565 acres is a real hidden gem. If you have smaller kids, try the shorter walks of just 1.5 – 2km marked with various points of interest and plentiful wildlife. Highlights include the Icehouse, Toba na Splinne Holy Well and Cromwell’s Bridge. Kids can become budding explorers as they keep an eye out for the diverse flora, fauna and wide range of wild animals.   1.0 Take an epic journey on the water with Dublin Bay Cruises Book a trip with Dublin Bay Cruises and get a slice of Irish history as you cruise along Dublin Bay with great views of the city. This trip will take you past iconic landmarks such as the James Joyce Martello tower, idyllic Dalkey island - home to colonies of adorable grey seals, and the gloriously untouched Ireland’s Eye. Your 75-minute trip brings you around the beautiful vista of Dublin Bay and is a chilled, relaxing way to experience the county from the sea.