Westport House Pirate Park: You want it? This stately home has got it. Not only are there adventure rides (including the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship and Cannonball Run), there’s a miniature railway, Go Karting, Swan Pedalo Boats on the lake, a Pirate Playground, a plethora of dining options (including picnic sites) and so much more. There’s an indoor soft play area for the little ones, and if it all gets too much for someone, they can always visit the dungeons. More interested in Twilight Pony Rides? They also have those.
Suits: All ages. When: Daily from 10am. Costs: Adults €19.95; under-16s €15.65; Family of 4: €57. Find out more here.
People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire: Noticing a theme as yet? Listen, you can’t beat a sea breeze on a hot day… so, if you’re looking to park yourself somewhere this Sunday that has the necessary amenities and transport links, as well as a playground, lots of food (and NO SAND), pay the People’s Park Market a visit. You’ll leave with a full belly, spent children, and possibly a work of art.
Suits: All ages. When: Sundays from 11am – 4.30pm . Costs: Free entry. Find out more here.
SeaFest: A weekend of seafaring fun for all ages awaits at Ireland’s largest maritime festival. Taking place in Galway Harbour, expect flyboarding, a food village boasting the finest seafood, sailing, ship tours, a kids’ zone, a display from the events sources and talks from famous wildlife cameraman Doug Allan. All events and activities are free!
Suits: All ages. When: 29th June – July 1st. Costs: Free. Find out more here.
The Promenade Festival, Tramore: Now in its fifth year, this is the biggest family fun festival in the South East including street performers, kite displays, live wrestling, puppet shows, rock pool exploration, and a veritable feast of food and drink. Capturing the true essence of classic seaside fun, the Promenade Festival has grown into one of the biggest seaside family festivals in Ireland – with a spot of chainsaw carving thrown in for good measure.
Suits: All ages. When: June 30th – July 1st from 12pm – 4.30pm . Costs: Free entry. Find out more here.
Juju’s Kids’ Summer Trail Run: Fancy getting off the beaten track while upping your fitness levels? This run around the Glendalough trails includes lots of fun warming up and trail running drills, before setting off for an exciting route run. There will be plenty of pit stops to keep everyone together along the way, and Parents are more than welcome to join the fun but they must run too – no walkers!
Suits: Kids 10 years and over. When: Sat June 30th at 10am. Costs: Kids €10; Adults free. Find out more here.
Ennis Street Festival: Indeed this is meant to be a weekend guide, but – since all the kids are now officially off school, you may be looking for something to keep them going midweek. Should you find yourselves Westside, this street festival – focusing on Urban Wildlife this year – kicks off on Monday, July 2nd and runs for the week. Expect puppet shows, kids’ disco, workshops, arts & crafts, playgrounds, exhibitions, a Viking Battle raging on the streets; and duck racing to boot!
Suits: All ages. When: July 2nd – July 8th. Costs: Free entry. Find out more here.
Coillte Forests: No matter where you are in the country, you are close to one of Coillte’s 250 recreation sites. Whether it’s walking, cycling, picnics and playgrounds, camping or fishing, Ireland’s flurry of Coillte forests has something for everyone. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and your water in this weather, obvs.
Suits: All ages. When: Daily. Costs: Free entry. Find out more here.
Want to win a Lily O’Brien’s hamper full of delicious chocolate for your little one’s teacher (or, shhhh, for yourself)? Enter here!
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