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.
Newgrange is Ireland's best-known prehistoric monument. It was built approximately 500 years before the Egyptian pyramids and 1500 years before Stonehenge. It fills almost a full acre of ground. You must register at the visitor centre and are taken then to the site by minibus. This attraction can get very busy with long waits for the tour and we would suggest you go off peak or very early in the morning if you have particularly young children. Exhibits at the centre include a seven minute introductory audiovisual show and a walk through replica of Newgrange with the simulation of the winter solstice.
Puddenhill Activity Centre in Garristown has lots of indoor and outdoor activities and entertainment for the kids to choose from. There are family friendly activities such as karting, barrage paintball, clay pigeon shooting, puddenhill play centre and an animal farm.
Newgrange Farm in Newgrange, Slane is a 333 acre farm situated in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley. This is a family owned and run working farm / educational facility, where families can try the "hands on" experience of bottle feeding, feeding, holding, petting, and seeing all the usual farm animals and poultry, and much, more.
At Causey Farm in Girley, Fordstown, Navan kids can join the Murtagh Family who keep beef cattle, sheep and ponies, for a day fun and craic and get to know the work, food, dance, sport, music and song. There are children’s programmes which include giant bubble blowing, clay modelling, treasure hunt, and challenge course.
Saint Patricks Cathedral, Trim is a Cathedral Church in an historic setting on an ancient site with a 15th century tower. It is reputed to be older than Armagh or Canterbury. The fine stone tower is a remnant of the medieval parish Church of Trim.
If you want to take the children fishing or just have some family outdoor fun Rathbeggan Lakes Family Park and Angling Centre is a good option. Set in the gently sloping valley of the River Tolka, this springfed stillwater complex could be miles from anywhere. With a choice of four different fishing lakes and a selection of other family friendly activities on offer you will find something for everyone to enjoy. The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and you can fish for three hours for €15. They also have a pet farm, a playground, picnic and barbeque facilities, a coffee shop and nature trails.
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.