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 Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, housed in the 1897 Bonded Warehouse, relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey/Irish Mist Liqueur and the development of the town. Visitors can wander through the various recreated working stations that were at the distillery such as malting, bottling or cooperage areas and learn how the whiskey was made. Throughout the tour families can interact with the artefacts, admire bees collecting honey for the production of Irish Mist, try out outfits worn on canal barges in the 1850s and learn about the history of Tullamore Town. This is an audio visual presentation, guided and self-guided tours, complimentary tasting of Tullamore Dew Whiskey or Irish Mist Liqueur (for adults only of course). Facilities include coffee shop / bar / tourist office / gift shop.

The award winning Birr Castle Demesne gardens are very family friendly with lots to see and do with the kids. They are the largest in the country, spanning over 120 acres of formal and natural landscapes with five miles of paths. The impressive worldwide plant collection boasts over 40 champions’ trees, a Victorian fernery, wildflower meadows, lake, rivers and waterfall. The Millennium Gardens include the world's tallest box hedges and stunning arched pathways of hornbeam cloisters.

The Demesne is also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre, where kids can travel back to the time when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive museum galleries reveal pioneering Irish achievements in astronomy, photography, engineering and botany, with a special emphasis on the brilliant design and assembly of the world famous Great Telescope, a 'Leviathan' creation from the 1840's. The Telescope has been fully restored and sits in the centre of the demesne to be admired by all who visit. They offer pre-booked guided tours as well as educational tours for primary and secondary schools. Birr Castle is still, after 13 generations, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Rosse.

Ballybrittan Castle, Edenderry is an extended tower-house which takes its name from the townland of Ballybrittan, near Edenderry, Co. Offaly. Although a major portion of the castle was taken down in the 19th Century the overall suite of buildings is regarded as one of the best surviving examples of this house type.

Clara Bog and Mongans Bog, Near Clara is one of the few large raised midland bogs remaining substantially intact. It has a wide range of vegetation types and habitats and classic hummock and hallow surface. It is one of the only raised bogs in Ireland with a well developed natural drainage system or “soak ". The bog lies 2km south of Clara Town.

Clonmacnoise West Offaly Railway, Blackwater Works, Shannonbridge allows the family to travel by rail for 9km in a specially designed rail coach. Kids can learn about the past present and future uses of the area. Blackwater Bog is an industrial bog where milled peat is harvested for the generation of electricity. Stop off along the route and see a demonstration of the traditional method of turf cutting. Learn about the flora, fauna and archaeology of the area. The kids can discover more about the unique preservation powers of the bog and some of the more unusual archaeological finds.

Lough Boora Parklands in Boora is a good family friendly trip for nature lovers. Some of the area has been flooded to create a habitat for birds and native woodland. For those who would like to watch the birds, a special bird hut commands a perfect view over the lake. The parkland commands six lakes most of which are stocked with fish and all providing vital habitat for native and wintering birds.It hosts some of the most innovative land and environmental sculptures in Ireland. The artists, inspired by the natural and industrial heritage of the area have created many large-scale outdoor sculptures.

Leap Castle, once known as Leim ui Bhanain, was an O’Carroll fortress which guarded the pass from the Slieve Bloom into Munster. Famous for its many ghosts and spirits, as well as a foul smelling elemental creature, half human and half beast, reported to roam the lower regions of the Castle. The Castle is now opened to day visitors for some ghoulish family fun.

Charleville Castle is an enigmatic and impressive Gothic revival castles. It was almost lost through vandalism while it stood vacant during a large part of the 20th century. Families can visit rooms in various stages of restoration and really appreciate the care and attention that has thus far gone into the main rooms with their spectacular ceilings.

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.