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.
One of the world’s great gardens Powerscourt Gardens is situated 20 kms south of Dublin in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The garden was begun by Richard Wingfield in the 1740s and stretches out over 47 acres. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs which are great for a family day out. The 18th century Palladian house, now incorporates an innovative shopping experience and the Avoca terrace café (watch out for the cream cakes) and an audio visual history of Powerscourt House.
At Wicklow Gaol, Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, all of the family can experience the harshness of prison life in the 18th century, the passion of the rebellion and the cruelty of the transportation ships. Kids will love the gallows and all of the other gruesome displays.
At Wicklow National Park, the family can enjoy conservation of local biodiversity and landscape with fast-flowing streams that descend into the deep lakes of the wooded valleys and continue their course into the surrounding lowlands. The Park is also a family friendly recreational space for locals and visitors alike. It welcomes visitors all year round. An open access policy applies on Park lands allowing visitors to explore freely on foot. Temporary restrictions may however apply in certain areas or for certain activities. They run seasonal events so check our family events section.
Avondale House is the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres with tree trails and walks ranging in duration from one to five hours this is a great day out for the family to combine historical learning and walks and outdoor play. This beautiful Georgian House contains fine plasterwork and many original pieces of furniture. The American Room is dedicated to Admiral Charles Stewart - Parnell’s American grandfather. Kids can be introduced to this wonderful historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation. Other family friendly facilities include a restaurant, book shop, picnic areas, children’s play area, two orienteering courses and large car/coach park.
Russborough House is the finest house in Ireland open to the public. Built between 1740 and 1750 in the Palladian style by Richard Castle (Cassells) with fine stucco ceilings by the Lafranchini brothers. The House which is beautifully maintained and lavishly furnished contains paintings from the Beit collection, fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain and silver. Kids will love the maze which is open every day throughout the season.
The National Sea Life Centre Bray invites visitors to enjoy a journey through the magical world of underwater wildlife. This is small by worldwide standards but still a good day out (especially a rainy day) and you can combine it with a walk on Bray's strand and the amusements just beside the centre. Featuring over 24 displays, it offers an insight into the marvels of Ireland’s freshwater and marine world, as well as the opportunity to view, at close quarters, creatures from all over the world. They include armour-plated starlet, ferocious red-bellied piranhas, cuckoo wrasse who change sex and seahorses whose males give birth. With over 70 different species on view, the visit culminates the ocean tank display, home to a collection of tropical sharks. Regular talks and feeds give an informative and entertaining introduction to freshwater and marine life, and highlight the many conservation projects that the centre is committed to. You can walk Bray Head afterwards for great views and fresh air.
At Annamoe Trout Farm, Annamoe, the kids can experience quality angling, a friendly welcome, the thrill of a catch, value for money and a beautiful natural environment. The Fly Fishing Lake is open all year round.
Have a good family day out at the outdoor adventure Clara Lara Fun Park at Larragh which is dedicated to providing healthy and creative fun for families and groups of children. Set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside in the Avonmore River valley with tree houses, Tarzan swings, rope bridges, rowing boats, water slides, rafts, canoes, junior go-carts, BBQs, mini golf, picnic areas, a restaurant and lots more. The lakes are all man made with a flat gravel bottom and approximately 2 feet deep.
Glendalough "the glen of the two lakes” is a great family friendly destination. It is an ancient monastic settlement and two clear water scenic lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep valley which was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. There are lots of walks and trails in the area including the Wicklow way. Swimming is not permitted in the lakes but there are plenty of places for picnics and opportunities for cycling, walking and riding nearby.
At Glenroe Open Farm, Kilcoole you can get close to a wide variety of farm animals and pets, including Sika deer, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, peacocks, hens and chicks. Pets Corner is where the young and curious visitors can hold and pet their favourite furry animals such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and chipmunks.
At Greenan Farm Museums and Maze, Greenan, Rathdrum, there are nature trails; farm animals, solstice maze and a tricky Celtic maze will positively puzzle you! A stream flows through it to the pond in the middle and a viewing tower overlooks the excitement below. Unique in design, this hedge maze is the highlight of most people’s day.
Killruddery House and Gardens, Killruddery House & Gardens in Bray is surrounded by magnificent formal Gardens dating from the 17th century. Visitors can have a guided tour of the House and/or walk in the Gardens during the open season. They also run festivals and events.
Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford are laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, and have trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants from all parts of the globe planted in harmony with woodland and shade loving plants. There is an Avoca cafe which is family friendly but do book if you are there for lunch as it gets busy. Like all the great gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in spring, a blaze of summer colour and the wistful tints of Autumn, all elegantly set off by the crystal waters of the river.
Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry is a favourite area for family picnics, with woodland walks, a playground and masses of space. The Waterfall is Irelands highest at 121m (398ft.) and is surrounded by woods and specimen plants. A great day out 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.