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National Botanic Gardens of Ireland/Facebook

6 free days out to keep your under 5s happy during the Easter break

From workshops at Dublin’s Botanic Gardens to fairy walks in Cork.

WITH THE EASTER break well and truly under way, you may have already found yourself short of ideas for things to do that will keep the kids (and yourself) entertained.

From visiting the Dublin’s Dead Zoo to walking through 166 hectares of gardens in Cork, we’ve rounded up six days out that will keep the little ones busy without putting a dent in your wallet…

DUBLIN

Earth Day at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland: Celebrate Earth Day with a trip to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in Glasnevin, where attendees can plant bee-friendly seeds in pots to bring home.

Suits: ages 4+. When: 22 April. Where: National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Find out more information here. 

History events at the National Museum of Ireland: The National Museum of Ireland organises free events year-round for people of all ages and interests, making it a great option to check whenever you’re looking to fill a few hours. This Easter, there’s the opportunity to draw animals at the Dead Zoo, or visitors can be brave and drop into the Discovery Zone to learn all about sharks.

When: various dates throughout the year. Where: National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2. Find more information here

KILDARE

Barrow Bluebell Family Fun Day: Head along to the beautiful bluebell-filled grounds at Moore Abbey for a day packed with music, games and the option to head on a walk through the woods, if you fancy. 

When: 22 April, 2-5pm. Where: Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co Kildare. Find more information here.

CORK

Doneraile Wildlife Park: Spanning 166 hectares, Doneraile Wildlife Park has plenty of family-friendly walks throughout its grounds that are suitable for buggies and little legs, while herds of deer can be spotted at different points too. There’s also plenty of space to settle down and have a picnic, so pack some sandwiches.

When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Doneraile Wildlife Park, Turnpike Road, Doneraile, Co Cork. Find more information here.

GALWAY

Merlin Woods: Located a 20-minute drive from Galway city, a trip to Merlin Woods is the ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Go for a walk or cycle and keep an eye out for the abundance of surrounding wildlife, including red squirrels and foxes. A fairy walk is set to take place in the woods on Saturday, April 27.

When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Merlin Woods, Doughiska Road, Galway. Find more information here.

BELFAST

Colin Glen Forest Park and Gruffalo Trail: If you’re up north, take a trip to Colin Glen Forest Park to explore the Gruffalo Trail, based on, of course, the popular children’s book. The little ones will get to meet their favourite Gruffalo characters, and a guided tour is also available upon booking. 

When: Monday-Sunday. Where: Lisburn, Belfast. Find more information here.

Want to win one of three family passes for a day of thrilling fun at Fort Lucan Outdoor Adventureland? Enter here – and don’t forget to subscribe to our Family Newsletter in the box below!

More: 6 totally free spots to bring the kids to in and around Cork, according to real parents>

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