Ulster
1. Belfast Mela arts festival, Belfast, Co Antrim
The Belfast Mela arts festival celebrates the city’s diversity and inclusivity. Between August 16th and 24th more than 60,000 visitors will participate in a carnival of global cultures at various locations across the city, including Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall. The festival allows families to explore the world, discover new cultures, taste incredible global foods and dance to rhythms from every continent, says organiser Krishan Tandon.
“Create unforgettable memories in a vibrant, joyful atmosphere that welcomes everyone,” he says. belfastmela.org.uk
2. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a leading centre for astronomical research and education, and the perfect day out for the next generation of scientists. In the Digital Full Dome Theatre, they can experience the many wonders of our universe while discovering what impact the centre’s scientific research has had on the field of astronomy. Hands-on activities and workshops are also available – and, as an added bonus, visitors can even touch Ireland’s largest meteorite. armagh.space
3. The Bailieborough Bridewell, Bailieborough, Co Cavan
This summer, a new museum is opening in Co Cavan – the Bailieborough Bridewell, a former jail with deep historical roots. This immersive visitor experience tells the story of the many bridewells established in Irish towns during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their purpose was primarily to house petty criminals, vagrants and those awaiting trial, and their occupants sometimes included children. It’s a captivating insight into a darker aspect of our past. Refuelling is available across the road from the museum in the funky eaterie Nomad. thisiscavan.ie
4. Stendhal Festival, Limavady, Co Derry
Stendhal Festival is one of Northern Ireland’s leading family-friendly arts festivals. Running from July 4th-6th, it offers an eclectic programme celebrating a variety of genres, including music, comedy and visual arts. Organiser John Cartright says a key element of the festival is encouraging children to discover the magic of the many aspects of culture by allowing them to participate in hands on and meaningful ways.
“We hope it will elicit a desire for them to get involved in the arts from a young age,” he says.
Performers include Kate Nash, Ed Byrne and the Lightning Seeds. stendhalfestival.com
5. The Lennon Festival, Ramelton, Co Donegal
The annual Lennon Festival promises an exciting line-up of events, performances and activities. In addition to festival opener Daniel O’Donnell, highlights include a parade and a soapbox derby, where locals race their home-made carts in a fun-filled, fast-paced competition. The festival, which runs from July 4th-14th, will close with a fireworks display, lighting up the Donegal skies.
“The Lennon Festival is a safe, fun-filled celebration with music and entertainment for all ages – perfect for families,” organiser Lee O’Brien promises.
6. Winnie The Pooh Hunny Hunt, Hillsborough Castle, Hillsborough, Co Down
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the royal residence in Northern Ireland, is an ideal location for relaxed walks and family outings this summer. As a bonus, between June 29th and August 31st, there will be Winnie the Pooh “hunny hunts”. Along the way, children might find Rabbit’s Garden, Christopher Robin’s Thinking Spot, Eeyore’s Quiet Cabin and Piglet’s Cosy Burrow – all inspired by the Disney character. Garden admission is free for children. hrp.org.uk
7. Island Discovery, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Unsurprisingly, Fermanagh Lakelands – one of the country’s prettiest regions – is best explored by water. Skipper Barry Flanagan from Island Discovery takes visitors on an adventure across Lough Erne, departing from Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town. Barry chooses the route based on the changing currents, seasons and movements of wildlife. He shows passengers secretive creatures such as kingfishers while intriguing them with poignant stories of the dramatic surroundings. The tour lasts an hour, and the boat has a roof to provide shelter from our temperamental weather. ernewatertaxi.com
8. Glaslough Village Market, Glaslough, Co Monaghan
A 90-minute drive from Dublin is Co Monaghan’s crown jewel, Glaslough, the deserved winner of endless Tidy Towns awards. In addition to its floral displays and historic buildings, the village is a honeypot for foodies. Alongside Ambledown Cottage pizzeria – often said to be Monaghan’s most photo-friendly restaurant – is the artisan chocolatier Glaslough Chocolates and Pocono, renowned for its gelato. The Glaslough Village Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month, where more than 30 stalls sell locally made food and crafts. monaghantourism.com
9. OM Dark Sky and Observatory, Davagh Forest, Sperrin Mountains, Co Tyrone
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland – an international dark sky park where astronomy meets archaeology. The absence of light pollution in Davagh Forest facilitates crystal-clear views of stars, constellations and the Milky Way. Stroll along the Solar Walk, which links the new observatory with the astronomical alignments at the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. Elsewhere, Davagh Forest offers gentle mountain biking and walking trails. omdarksky.com
Leinster
10. The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, Tullow, Co Carlow
The family-run Chocolate Garden of Ireland offers plenty of opportunities to satisfy a sweet tooth. Established in 2001, the Co Carlow confectionery wonderland not only provides visitors with delicious treats but also interactive activities. In its chocolate mould-making workshops, participants create their own figures, with various shapes available. In addition to making delicious creations, participants can keep the mould to take home, allowing them to be a chocolatier all summer long. chocolategarden.ie
11. Newbridge House And Farm, Donabate, Co Dublin
On the edge of Donabate is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets: Newbridge House and Farm. The 18th-century cobbled courtyard and surrounding paddocks are home to animals including many rare and native Irish breeds.
Children will be thrilled to meet Shetland and Connemara ponies, playful pygmy goats, curious pigs and various other farmyard friends,” says marketing manager Pauline Matijasevich. She says the farm promotes compassionate farming methods, allowing the animals to roam freely.
Tours of the house are also available. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a must-see – a collection of unusual and interesting objects, including shells, corals, fossils, taxidermy and Captain Cook memorabilia. newbridgehouseandfarm.com
12. Kildare Farm Foods, Rathmuck, Co Kildare
Enjoying a day out with the entire family this summer doesn’t have to drain your finances. The award-winning Kildare Farm Foods is Ireland’s only free zoo, where visitors can feed animals such as alpacas, camels and goats (pre-booking required). Located off the M7 in Rathmuck, the farm has many on-site activities, including a train and indoor crazy golf. The Tractor Cafe provides sustenance, while the farm shop offers a unique retail experience.
Farm tours are available during July and August (€30 for a family of four). They include foraging, potato picking and a visit to the beehives. Best of all, budding farmers get to bring home their harvest. kildarefarmfoods.com
13. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Drumgoole, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Few need an excuse to visit Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most beloved destinations. For those who need convincing, however, this summer, the county is rewarding families by giving discounts of up to 15 per cent on admission, experiences and accommodation packages, thanks to the popular Love Kilkenny Longer initiative. One such attraction is Castlecomer Discovery Park, which offers many exhilarating activities, such as ziplining, canoeing, archery and axe throwing. Try raft and catapult building to see whether your family could survive in the wilderness. discoverypark.ie
14. National Steam Rally, Stradbally, Co Laois
Electric Picnic isn’t the only festival worth noting in Stradbally. Organised by the Irish Steam Preservation Society, the annual National Steam Rally celebrates Ireland’s rich steam-engine heritage. On August 3rd and 4th, steam enthusiasts from all over the world will descend on this Co Laois town and marvel at the impressive displays of steam engines and vintage machinery and vehicles. The Stradbally Woodland Railway, a volunteer-managed heritage line, will also be running.
If that wasn’t enough, the diverse entertainment programme will include parades, amusements, children’s activities and music from some of Ireland’s leading singers, including Michael English, Declan Nerney, Robert Mizzell and many more. irishsteam.net
15. Jolly Boys Pizza and Grill, Ballymahon, Co Longford
Center Parcs is a considerable draw for Irish families but there’s much to discover in Co Longford, including the charming town of Ballymahon. There, you’ll find one of the region’s most popular restaurants, Jolly Boys, opened during the pandemic by a trio of entrepreneurial friends, Fenton White, Leo Flanagan and Michael Delaney.
The food is made fresh in-house every day, and the menu includes handmade pizza using 48-hour-proofed dough. As a testament to its commitment to supporting other local businesses, the restaurant also collaborates with Wide Street Brewery to produce a specially made draught beer. jollyboys.ie
16. Aurfest, Dundalk, Co Louth
Running on July 4th and 5th, Aurfest is a fun-filled celebration where music, comedy and community come together outside Dundalk. Born of the passion of close friends and talented musicians, the festival brings local and national talent to one intimate festival. With just 1,000 attendees, the atmosphere is personal, electric and full of good vibes. While they don’t have a specific programme for children, organisers say they are happy to welcome people of all ages. Two under-12s are free with an adult ticket, while 13- to 17-year-olds are half price but must be accompanied by at least one adult. aurfest.ie
17. Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, Navan, Co Meath
A recently launched 30km greenway links the Royal and Lake counties. Repurposed from an old railway line, the user-friendly route connects Navan in Meath to Kingscourt in Cavan. Along the way, cyclists and walkers pass charming villages including Kilberry, Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber and Kilmainhamwood, as well as one of Meath’s two Gaeltacht regions, Baile Gibb. In addition to the lush landscape, there are historic station houses, gates and rail lines to admire. Bike hire is available from Feel Good Bicycles in both Navan and Virginia. feelgoodbicycles.ie
18. Heritage Week Castle Tours, Birr Castle Demesne, Co Offaly
Birr Castle is offering a 60-minute guided tour of their interiors to mark Heritage Week 2025, from August 16th to 24th. This is a rare opportunity to explore the magnificent interiors of five main reception rooms and the library, dining room and much more. Whether you like history, culture or you just want to feel like you stepped into an episode of Bridgerton, this may be the tour for you. Tickets are €22 and booking is essential. This tour is recommended for adults and children over 12 years old. birrcastle.com
19. Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford
While Johnstown Castle is renowned for its stunning Gothic revival property, ornamental gardens and wildlife the Wexford estate is also a hub of cultural activity, creating unforgettable summer evenings for all the family. Visitors can enjoy films under the stars, including The Bodyguard on August 15th, Mamma Mia on August 16th, Grease on September 5th and Bridesmaids on September 6th. johnstowncastle.ie
20. Greenan Maze, Co Wicklow
If you and your family love animals and adventure, why not enjoy a family day at Greenan Maze? Booking a ticket can get you entry to the maze, museums, playgrounds, cafe, treasure hunt and fairy tree trail. There is something for everyone to enjoy and it would make for the perfect family-friendly summer day out. The maze is open every day in July and August. An adult ticket costs €9 and children under two go free. A child’s ticket above two is €9. There are also family tickets available. greenanmaze.com
21. Alice in Wonderland, Belvedere House, Mullingar, Co Westmeath
This summer, a lively adaptation of family favourite Alice in Wonderland will tour some of Ireland’s most beautiful locations, including Belvedere House, Gardens and Park outside Mullingar. The Westmeath estate will sparkle with magic, music and not-so-organised chaos – just as the beloved heroine would want. Be prepared for talking caterpillars, mad hatters and evil queens. The performance, by open-air theatre company Chapterhouse, takes place on June 28th. Children under five go free. belvedere-house.ie
Munster
22. West Lake Aqua Park, Twomilegate, Co Clare
At West Lake Aqua Park, adventure meets the breathtaking beauty of Lough Derg. Suitable for water enthusiasts aged over six, the park is an inflatable island of fun waiting to be conquered, with thrilling slides and activities. Wetsuits are provided free of charge. Visitors must be able to swim to access the water park. A perfect day out, even in the rain. westlakeaquapark.ie
23. Children’s Pizza Party at Marina Market, Cork
If your family loves pizza and your kids want to get involved with the cooking, Cork is offering a way for your family to get involved in pizza making. The event will be held from 11am–12pm on Thursday, August 14th in The Marina Market. You can learn how to stretch and top pizza with some of Oak Fire Pizza’s chefs. In this hands-on workshop, kid’s will make their own pizza which will then be cooked for them to taste their amazing creations. Tickets are €15 and include a pizza. oakfirepizza.ie
24. Dingle Sea Safari, Dingle, Co Kerry
Dingle Sea Safari offers families an exciting way to explore Ireland’s coastline. Spearheaded by Jimmy Flannery, a seasoned fisherman with a lifelong connection to the sea, the expeditions also showcase the ocean’s many residents. “What’s great about the safari is that families can enjoy an up-close and personal experience with dolphins, dramatic cliffs and hidden caves, all while learning about wildlife and history from the local captains on-board,” says Jimmy’s son, Jamie. dingleseasafari.com
25. Limerick Wild Geese Festival
From July 3rd-6th, the Limerick Wild Geese Festival will commemorate the Flight of the Wild Geese, which saw more than 12,000 Irish soldiers and their families uproot to France following the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, with many subsequently joining the French army. Launched in 2019, the eclectic event honours the long-standing friendship between the two countries while providing artistic and educational entertainment for all. Alliance Française Limerick, one of the city’s longest-running non-profit organisations, has overseen recent editions, and this year’s programme promises four days of Gallic and Gaelic fun. limerick.ie
26. Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
It might be a long way to Tipperary, but those who travel to the Premier County will be richly rewarded. Its award-winning Museum of Hidden History is a state-of-the-art visitor experience in the civic centre of Clonmel. Founded in the 1940s, the attraction has recently been completely reimagined and redesigned, bringing Tipperary’s hidden history to life through characters, stories and an extensive collection of artefacts. Immerse yourself in tales of castles and conquests, courage, superstition, murder and death. hiddenhistory.ie
27. Dig into Waterford
To coincide with its 1,111th birthday, Waterford is launching an ambitious tourism campaign, Dig into Waterford, inviting visitors to explore the country’s oldest city and surrounding areas. The campaign encourages an exploration of the region’s stories, spirit and significance in shaping the Ireland we know today. Organisers have curated six Dig In itineraries, each offering a different slice of Waterford’s character – from the coastal villages of Dunmore East, Ardmore and An Rinn to the beloved destinations of Tramore, Lismore and Dungarvan. The city of Waterford takes centre stage with walking tours, exhibitions and cultural experiences that bring more than a millennium of stories to life. visitwaterford.com
Connacht
28. Galway Hooker Festival, Kinvara, Co Galway
Galway is renowned for its rich summer activities, including the arts and film festivals. Another is the Galway Hooker Festival – or Cruinniú na mBád – which takes place between August 9th and 10th. The visually stunning event celebrates the living tradition of the sailing of beautiful Galway hookers – once the workhorses of the coast off Connemara and north Clare. The harbour village of Kinvara will also host lively sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers. galwayhookers.ie
29. Slow Adventure Yoga and Paddle Experience, Adventure Gently, Dromahair, Co Leitrim
On the banks of Leitrim’s river Bonet, Adventure Gently offers families an opportunity to unwind. The Slow Adventure Yoga and Paddle Experience combines guided yoga, scenic Canadian canoeing and meditation, complemented by a nourishing breakfast and lunch brimming with local flavours. Adventure Gently’s Grainne McGowan says this slow adventure experience is the perfect summer activity for the family.
“It’s a chance for all ages and abilities to unwind, reconnect and enjoy quality time together amid the natural beauty of Ireland’s hidden heartlands,” she says. adventuregentlyireland.com
30. Croagh Patrick Seafoods, Westport, Co Mayo
Casanova is said to have sworn by them, so if you want a serotonin boost, visit Croagh Patrick Seafoods, the family-run oyster farm on the shores of magnificent Clew Bay. Here, owner Padraig Gannon leads a shore-based tour of the oyster beds, followed by a shucking demonstration and tutored tasting.
“We love welcoming families cycling the Great Western Greenway to our oyster tour,” says Padraic. “There’s nothing better than seeing a child’s face when they taste an oyster for the first time.” croaghpatrickseafoods.ie
31. Night & Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co Roscommon
Roscommon’s Night & Day festival has a clear mission: to celebrate the best of local and international talent. This year’s event runs from June 27th-29th and is bursting with family-friendly activities and facilities such as dance workshops, kids’ yoga, circus skills, ancient amusement games and an imagination playground. Lough Key Forest Park, which is hosting the festival, also offers attendees activities such as ziplining, boat tours and kayaking. While Night & Day is an over-20s event, children aged 14 and under are welcome when accompanied by an adult (they also don’t need a ticket). Sadly, teenagers between 15 and 19 aren’t permitted. nightandday.ie
32. Atlantic Sheepdogs, Streedagh, Grange, Co Sligo
In Irish folklore, Queen Maeb, who is buried in Sligo, had just one thing on her mind: the brown bull of Cooley. Today, however, another animal is charming families in this northwest county. Atlantic Sheepdogs allows visitors to witness border collies as they carry out their daily duties on a farm on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Owner Martin Feeney says that under the towering shoulders of Benbulben mountain, his farm, family and flock will “enrich your experience of the Wild Atlantic Way as you slow down the pace and watch their champion sheepdogs at work on home turf.” atlanticsheepdogs.ie
