1 | Glenveagh National Park

Bring the little ones on an adventure through the remarkable landscapes in Glenveagh National Park. Entry to the Donegal park is free so families can wander through magnificent gardens and see the gorgeous lakeside castle before heading off on the family-friendly Garden Trail.

2 | Rougey Walk

Set off from the surfing hub of Bundoran on the beautiful Rougey Walk. Follow the route along Donegal's impressive coastline and reach the famed Wishing Chair for even better views. Then, take the little ones across the Fairy Bridge, ending up on Tullan Strand.

3 | Donegal County Museum

Learn something new on a visit to Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny. Pick up a free Donegal Museum Detective’s Backpack and task your kids with finding hidden historical clues, earning stamps in their detective booklets as they go. 

4 | Glenevin Waterfall

Plan a trip to Glenevin Waterfall and stare up in awe at the 30-foot waterfall flowing down the rockface. Cross the stream on stepping stones and don’t forget to tell the kids about the fairies that live in the forest.

Travel to stunning Sligo

5 | Coney Island

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure with the kids on a stroll to Sligo's peaceful Coney Island. Only accessible by foot at low tide, children love racing against nature so they get to see the large herds of wild rabbits.

6 | Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

Wow the family with tales from ancient Ireland as you make your way around Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, a short drive from Strandhill Beach. Take in views of Benbulben while walking around the 5,000-year-old stone circles before ending the evening with ice cream from Mammy Johnston's and a family stroll on the beach.

7 | The Model

Fill your family’s day with colour and beauty at The Model in the heart of Sligo town. The collections at this vibrant art gallery have helped shape young minds since 2001 and you can even try out some of their free online programmes before you visit.

8 | Great Western Greenway

Load your bikes into the car and head west to Mayo’s 49km-long Great Western Greenway from Westport to lovely Cashel. Following the route of the old Great Midlands Railway, the greenway traces Clew Bay and takes in views of Clare Island, the Nephin Beg Mountains and Achill Sound. 

9 | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park

Discover how people once lived in rural Ireland with a trip to National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, just a short drive from Castlebar. After checking out the powerful exhibitions, make time for a stroll in the pretty parklands of the estate.

10 | Westport Skate Park

Grab your helmet and skateboards, and cruise to Westport Skate Park to take on the street features and quarter pipes. The open areas are great for learners who want to master the extreme sport. Bring your camera to snap the kids riding over the large mural – this is a family photo you’ll have to frame.

Explore glorious Galway

11 | Salthill

Treat the clan to a classic day out by the seaside filled with 99s, picturesque beach walks and a visit to the scenic Salthill playground. The climbing frames, swings and rockers are suitable for kids aged from one to 12, while parents enjoy the fresh Galway sea air.

12 | Buskers on Shop Street

Catch a live show on the bustling streets of Galway city and unearth Ireland’s next big thing. Talented musicians and performers flock to Shop Street to entertain passersby, making it a brilliant place for an impromptu dance party with the family.

13 | Connemara National Park

Wilderness awaits on a holiday to the Connemara National Park, a perfect place for families. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in the sunshine before taking on the Diamond Hill Looped Walk. Then stop by the audio-visual theatre and end your day out in the playground where admission is completely free.

14 | Portumna Forest Park

Plan a trip to Portumna in East Galway and spend the day immersed in nature on the great trails here. Young families love the Forest Friendly Walking Trail while older kids are best suited to the longer Woodland Walking Trail. If you’d rather bring your bike, take on the Bonaveen Cycling Trail onsite.

15 | The Burren

Transport the whole family to an otherworldly landscape and fill them with wonder at The Burren in Clare. Explore the walking trails, draw pictures of the unique flowers and truly experience The Burren National Park. Learn even more about these plants for free at the nearby Burren Perfumery.

16 | Cratloe Woods

When in Clare, visit one of the best natural playgrounds in Ireland at Cratloe Woods, made with large wooden beams and bark. Clamber up the climbing frames, look out from the lofty tower and spend an afternoon playing on the long slide.

Visit lovely Limerick

17 | The Milk Market

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the tantalising Milk Market in Limerick. Meet the makers of local artisanal food and teach the kids how these beautiful creations are made. Open for over 150 years, the market’s Sunday Patchwork Market is great for a family day out.

18 | Limerick City Museum

Immerse yourself in the history of The Treaty City at the admission-free Limerick City Museum, a short walk from the centre of the city, through displays of local lace, silver and military artefacts. Walk out to Arthur’s Quay Park afterwards for wide open views of The Shannon.

19 | Limerick Greenway

Journey through the heart of rural Limerick from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale on the 39km Limerick Greenway. The peaceful trail has gorgeous views of tall trees and flowering plants, perfect for a scenic family walk.

20 | Valentia Island Lighthouse

Look out over the vast Atlantic Ocean as waves crash into the shore from Valentia Island Lighthouse on Cromwell Point. Migrating whales are known to swim here, too. Ramble along the Kerry coastline and enjoy endless sea views while making precious family memories.

21 | Gap of Dunloe

Amaze the whole family on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives through the Gap of Dunloe on the Ring of Kerry. This lofty mountain pass is one of the many highlights of Killarney National Park, with spectacular backdrops for family photos at any of the lookout points.

Soak up the charm of Cork

22 | Scilly Walk

Spend the day with the family along the edge of the River Brandon on a stunning day out in Cork. The 6km Scilly Walk has views of Kinsale Harbour and maybe even some seals if you’re lucky. The trail ends at the historic ruins of Charles Fort.

23 | Jungle City

Now for something completely different – see brightly coloured sculptures of elephants and lions throughout Clonakilty. The life-sized sculptures have been decorated by local and international artists and aim to raise awareness for animal conservation by creating surreal views in this rural part of West Cork.

24 | Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve

Bask in the calming aura of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and explore the sprawling woodland of mature oak trees. Entry to this Cork park is free, allowing you to enjoy a walk by the river and glimpses of dragonflies, frogs and long-eared owls.