The Northwest is very family friendly the landscape and the stunning beaches and national parks do most of the work and they are free for the most part. Here we list some things to do and see with the kids including some attractions which are free (or nearly as in some cases there is a small charge or you have to pay for parking).

There are lots of family friendly and child friendly things to see and do with the kids. Have a look also at our Family Events section for forthcoming family friendly events to entertain the kids.

The Northwest offers a great array of activities for families including horse riding, cycling, boating, walking, world-class golf, swimming and surfing on the delightful beaches and angling.

Donegal

The Glenveagh National Park in Donegal has woodlands, deer, birds, mountains, lakes and beautiful glens. The landscape is magnificent and Ireland's highest peaks are here. There is a visitor centre to introduce the family to the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area.  A Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest gardens in Ireland, which contrasts with the rugged surroundings. The visitor centre has displays explaining the Park along with an audio-visual show and it is accessible for members of the family with disabilities and buggies.

There are playgrounds in Donegal in Town Park, Letterkenny, Porthall, Letterkenny, Festival Park, Buncrana, Marian Park, Buncrana, Moville, Culdaff, Ballyliffen, Castle Park, Newtowncunningham, St. John Bosco Senior & Junior, Drumacrin, Bundoran, Westend, Bundoran, Glencolmcille, Dolman Centre, Narin Portnoo, St. Marys Close and Gweedore.

The beaches in Donegal are considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world and in particular the blue flag beach at Port Salon is breathtaking. Other blue flag beaches include Rathmullen, Bundoran, Dunfanaghy and Glencolmcille.

Donegal County Museum is free and a good one for rainy days.

Sligo

The beaches in Sligo are spectacular and famous for their surfing in many cases. Easky is a surfing mecca but for experienced surfers only. It is still great fun to take the kids to watch the surfers and they will inspire you to try some of the easier beaches such as Enniscrone nearby where you can get lesson and hire boards and suits. 

Strandhill is a seaside village and quiet holiday resort located on the R292- it is roughly 7 miles form Sligo town. With its wild Atlantic waves is also a very popular spot for surfers. Swimming is forbidden at Strandhill beach due to the very strong currents.

Mullaghmore Beach is located in north County Sligo, 25km from Sligo town via the N15 and beside the town of Mullaghmore. It is a rural sandy beach backed by an extensive dune system and with views of Ben Bulben. Beach guards on duty daily from June to September. There are both lifebuoys and torpedo buoys on the beach.

Enniscrone and Mullaghmore are better for small children to paddle and jump the waves.

Dunmoran Strand is a sheltered beach break that has quite reliable surf and can work at any time of the year.

There is a climb to Meave's Tomb in Knocknaree if you have the energy and the determination.

There are playgrounds in Sligo in Ballymote, Dromoe West, Tubbercurry, Enniscrone, Forthill, Sligo City and Mitchel Curley Park.

Cavan

Cavan has great angling, ancient oak forests for exploring and exciting.

Meander down the renowned Shannon-Erne Waterway or along the majestic River Erne and you'll find that Cavan is ideal for cruising. Dotted with shimmering lakes and rivers, this area of Ireland is a genuine boaters paradise.For tips on boating holidays have a look at our boating section and look at the lake shore guides and legends.

Enjoy a family walk or trek in the great outdoors in Cavan's two great Forest Parks at Killykeen and Dun an Rí. Killykeen surrounds the lake and islands of Lough Oughter. Scattered throughout the park are early fortifications such as Crannogs or lake dwellings.

Dun an Rí Forest Park is situated in a tranquil glen, one mile from Kingscourt. There are  animals to spot including stoat, hare, mink, rabbit, red and gray squirrel and otter along the banks of the River Cabra. Both parks are havens for bird life also.

Cavan Crystal is one of Ireland's great free indoor attractions and is well worth a visit.

There are playgrounds in Cavan in Lough Gowna, Ballyjamesduff, Kingscourt, Arva, Shercock, Cathedral Road, Tullacmongan, Cootehill, Swanlinbar, Templeport, Bawnboy and Kilnaleck and Kilnavara, Cavan Town.

Leitrim/Monaghan

The waterfall at Glencar in Leitrim is well worth a visit and is a beautiful walk. 

There are playgrounds in Leitrim in Mohill, Ballinamore, Carrick on Shannon, Acres Lake, Drumshanbo, McDermott Terrace, Manorhamilton, Fairgreen, Fenagh and Glenfarne.

Monaghan has great activities including horse riding, walking, cycling and golfing. The Monagahan County Museum and Gallery is a free small museum and another good for a rainy day.

There are playgrounds in Monagahan in Ballybay Town Park, Iniskeen, Castleblayney, Ardbannagher, Glaslough, Corrybrennan, Ballybay, Clonseady, Magheracloone, Mulladuff, Smithboro, An Corran, Oram, Crann Mor, Rockcorry, Lisdarragh, Newbliss, Lakeview, Emyvale, Carrickmacross Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross Gallows Hill, Clone O'Neill Park, Cherry Park, Cara Street, Carn Heights, Killygoan, Ard Glas, Mullaghmatt, Castleblayney, Drumilliard and Glaslough.

Ireland visitor discounts is a fantastic free downloadable discount voucher for leading Irish cultural and heritage visitor attractions. You should download a form for each member of the family and bring this with you when you are travelling. Discounts include two for the price of one in leading tourist attractions, free admission at some attractions and between 10 and 20% off other attractions. This really could make a considerable saving for your family.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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