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 and what to do for free.

The National Aquarium of Ireland in Galway city is Ireland's largest aquarium, it is home to 170 species of marine and freshwater life including Seahorses, Stingrays, and their gentle giant, the Angel Stark. Visitors can hold sleepy starfish and giant Spider Crabs, as well as take part in the daily feeding frenzy, or explore 'the deep' in a model submarine.

Dan O'Hara's Heritage and History Centre is an award winning heritage centre situated approximately 5 miles from Clifden - Connemara’s capital. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of the West. A multi-lingual audiovisual exhibit introduces the history of the area and tells the story of Dan O’Hara. Dan’s cottage and farm has been restored and illustrates his life in Connemara before the famine. Kids will love the animals on the farm including Connemara ponies, donkeys, cattle and sheep. Visitors can also step back in time a visit a Crannóg, (pre-historic lake dwelling) Ringfort and Clocahaun (early Christian Oratory). Guided tours of the centre are available by prior appointment and are both entertaining and educational. Demonstrations of turf cutting, thatching and other activities are available. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is Farmhouse accommodation available.

Families can experience the wild beauty of the Connemara National Park where they can walk or cycle and may spot red deer or wild ponies. The Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six national parks and covers two thousand hectares of the stunning Connemara landscape. There are self-guided trails including two short trails which may be suitable for younger children. In the visitor centre children can look at interactive exhibits, see 3-D models and plans of the park and watch an audiovisual show. In the summer there activity days involving animals and nature for children from the ages of four. There are also extra guided walks, evening talks and nature mornings in the summer.

The Galway City Museum in Spanish Arch houses three floors of exhibits and information panels, relating the story of Galway from medieval times to the modern day. The ground floor tells the story of contemporary Galway, with special emphasis on the role that the arts play in the city. The first floor brings medieval Galway life in a very contemporary way, while the second floor houses an exhibition on the Claddagh village, from post famine times to the early part of the last century.

Kylemore Abbey and Gardens are set in the heart of the Connemara mountains. Families can visit the picturesque Abbey (under restoration), reception rooms, video and exhibition and enjoy a stroll to the beautiful Neo-Gothic Church (under restoration) and Mausoleum where original owners are buried; browse in the Craft Shop; view Kylemore Abbey pottery as it is produced in the Pottery Studio and sample the home cooked food in the Restaurant. Take a shuttle bus to Kylemore Abbey’s six-acre Victorian Walled Garden, the most significant walled garden in the West.

Visit the Dartfield Horse Museum and Irish Heritage Centre which is dedicated to Irish horses, dogs and Connemara ponies.

Athenry Heritage Centre in St. Marys, The Square Athenry brings this Medieval Town to life using models, storyboards and audio-visual touch screen to celebrate and interpret the towns medieval past. The Heritage Centre, situated in the ruins of the Medieval St. Marys Parish Church, in the centre of town, is a good starting point for families visiting Athenry. It profiles the 13th Century Norman Castle and Dominican Priory, 14th century town walls complete with towers, the North Gate and the 15th century market cross. Activities can include puppet shows, craftfairs, dressing in medieval costume and seasonal events. Call to see what is on (092 844601).

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre in Ballinasloe is a place where families can discover the original Twelfth of July and the roots of Ireland’s turbulent history at this award-winning centre.

The Connemara Trail in Aille Cross, Loughrea has family friendly options for riding. Experienced or novice riders alike can enjoy this holiday. Riders spend four to six hours a day on well-mannered, surefooted Irish hunters and Connemara ponies. Non-riders are welcome to accompany riding partners.

Coole Park in Gort, is a nature which reserve features attractions, exhibitions, tea-rooms, nature trail walks, the famous "Autograph Tree", and a lake and turlough. There are two audio-visual Presentations; The Magic of Coole and Lady Gregory of Coole. Families can pre-book guided walks of the Park. Family walks and childrens activites are organised during July and August.

Corrib Cruises in Oughterard offers pleasure cruises on Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake. A cruise through this lake is a great option for families while visiting the West of Ireland to view and photograph the magnificent scenery.

Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre, Merlin Park on Dublin Road invites families to experience a guided heritage tour and specially commissioned film on Galway, the City of the Tribes.

Killary Cruises at Nancys Point, Leenane in Connemara has a purpose built cruise ship has been designed to offer the maximum of comfort and safety to families and offer them uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery which makes the Killary Fiord such a unique place to visit.

Killary Adventure Company in Leenane offers excitement and fun with quality accommodation for the family. Suitable from the complete beginner to the more experienced, from age 8 – 80. There are facilities for individuals or groups for up to 150. Activities include, waterskiing, kayaking and sea kayaking, hobie cat sailing and lots of other family friendly activities.

Leisure World Galway, Galway Shopping Centre on Headford Road offers something for everyone in the family. These include: ten pin bowling, quasar 2000, tumble towers & tumble tots, kids soft play arena, astro-turf soccer pitches, american pool, snooker, and the very latest in video game.

Pallas Karting, Tynagh in Loughrea is a place where older kids and parents can be in the driving seat, jostling for pole position and overtaking at breathtaking speed, before accelerating into the straight and heading for the chequered flag.

Portumna Castle in Portumna has grounds open to the public. There are formal, geometrically laid out gardens and a recently restored 17th century walled kitchen garden. Portumna Castle is surrounded by the towns’ local attractions - Lough Derg and the Forest Park.

A popular tourist attraction on the Aran Islands, Dún Aengus is an important archaeological site that also offers spectacular views on the Island of Inishmore. It has been called ’the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe.’ The name ’Dún Aengus’ meaning ’Fort of Aengus’ refers to the pre-Christian god of the same name described in Irish mythology. It is a semi circular stone fort over looking the Atlantic. As much of the tour is outdoors families are advised to wear weather protective clothing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain and a trip to the Island to see the views, the richness of the Irish language, the culture and the hospitality is highly recommended as a day trip.

Aran Island Ferries is a family run ferry company offering a year round service to the Aran Islands and famous Dun Aengus fort. Located in the heart of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands’ offers breath-taking scenery, medieval castles, ecclesiastic ruins from early Christian times, prehistoric stone forts (including the famous Dun Aengus), cliffs, sandy beaches, clean air, unique flora and fauna, and a rich folklore that the islanders are proud to recount. The Islands’ raw beauty and charm will leave families longing to return again.

Have a look at our west for free for more inspiration or at Galway East Tourisim which has a dedicated Family Fun section and lots of information on festivals and events for all the family.

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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