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.

Lough Key Forest Park & Activity Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon is one of Ireland’s newest and best family attractions with lots to see and do for all of the family and is a must see. Against a backdrop of water, parkland and forest there are unique attractions offering gentle leisurely pursuits or energetic activities for kids and adults alike. The Lough Key Experience is an engaging audio tour of the history and nature of the Park through the 19th Century underground servant’s tunnels, up the 5-storey Moylurg Viewing Tower and along Ireland’s first Tree Canopy Walk - a 300m long creation of timber and steel that gently rises 9m above the woodland floor offering a ‘birds eye’ view of the landscape.

The innovative and all weather Boda Borg is a unique and challenging Swedish Adventure House for adults and children alike containing numerous rooms with fun-filled activities and imaginative puzzles but no instructions! Once you enter the challenging two storey Boda Borg only teamwork using countless different skills, ingenuity, trial and error will allow you to progress from room to room. The outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom provides stimulating and entertaining activities and equipment for children of all ages and abilities in a colourful and safe environment. The 350-Hectare estate also contains many walks and trails through the woodlands and forests, bog garden and 19th century parkland with its majestic trees, follies, bridges and canals.

Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre in Tulsk was the pre-historic capital of Connacht and is reputedly the largest and best preserved Celtic Royal Site in Europe. It was a centre of ritual ceremony, inauguration of Kings and legendary home of Queen Medb, earth
goddess and Warrior Queen. The mythical entrance into the “otherworld” is
through the Cave of Cruachan otherwise known as Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats).
Archaeologists from the Discovery Programme are excavating the site of Tulsk Fort during the summer months. Visitors are welcome to visit the site adjacent to the Heritage centre.

Strokestown House is an eighteenth century Palladian mansion, home of the Packenham Mahon family from 1653 until 1979. The House is unique in that it retains all of its original furnishings and can be seen by guided tour. The Famine Museum is located in the stable yards of Strokestown Park. The six-acre Walled Gardens have been faithfully restored to their original splendor. Kids may enjoy the fact that the herbaceous border has been entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest in Ireland and Britain.

King House Interpretive Galleries & Museum in Boyle is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion and visitors can explore the house and enjoy a range of exhibitions that offer an enchanting view of Ireland’s heritage and culture. They portray the world of Gaelic Ireland, the dramatic episodes in the lives of the King family, the architecture, construction and restoration of the House and the military history associated with the building. Also available is a children’s playground, fully accessible facilities for wheelchair users convenient coach and car parking and lots of other family friendly features.

A great day out with the kids with lots to see and do is the Arigna Mining Experience situated in the hill country of north Roscommon. The village of Arigna is situated in a picturesque valley with breathtaking scenery and an unspoiled landscape. Coal mining was carried out in Arigna for 400 years until 1990, when the last mines closed. The work of a miner was exhausting and often hazardous with working conditions that were very harsh and cramped. All tours of the mine are guided by ex-miners, who give visitors an insight into a working way of life you could not even imagine.

Have an enjoyable family day out at Tullyboy Farm in Boyle and experience the atmosphere of a real working farm in a beautiful setting. There are lots of animals to see, cuddle and hand feed, such as Ilamas, emus, rheas, pigs, puppies and more. Every child gets a free horse ride on Bob and they also have free use of the bouncing activity centre in the playground. They can also jump into the straw, dive and search for hidden goodies.
Boyle Abbey in Boyle is an impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.

Castlerea Railway Museum, Main Street, Castlerea is probably the largest and most varied repository of railway heritage memorabilia in the country. One of the major attractions at the Castlerea Railway Museum is locomotive A55, a Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric. A Railway Museum has been built around the locomotive, and the overall effect suggests that it has arrived through the wall of the building into the bar. There is a bar on a train which allows families to immerse themselves into a haven of memorabilia whilst adults enjoy a creamy pint of Guinness or whatever takes their fancy.

Derryglad Folk Museum, Curraghboy, Athlone has a view of over 4,000 items dealing with history, heritage and folk culture. The collection also deals with farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past.

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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