The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a natural wonderland of unspoilt lakes, spectacular mountain ranges and breathtaking coastal drives with a great mix of things to do for all generations. Plan a trip to Killarney National Park where grandparents can visit Muckross House & Gardens or take the whole family to Muckross Traditional Farms to see what rural life was like in the 1930s and 1940s.

Dingle

Stop off in Dingle and enjoy some family fun on the water. Book in with Dingle Dolphin Tours or take the ferry to The Blasket Islands. Drop into Dingle Oceanworld, where the kids can see everything from sharks to penguins. After, treat the grandparents to a tasty meal at Out of the Blue and an early evening toast to a memorable home holiday.

Seaside holiday at Strandhill, Sligo

There’s nothing like swimming, building sandcastles and walking barefoot in the sand on a beach holiday. The vast beach at Strandhill is one of the best on the west coast, so it’s an ideal destination for a seaside holiday. 

While the kids try a surf or kayak lesson, parents and grandparents can play some golf, go for a seaweed bath, or just grab a coffee in one of the village’s lovely cafés. This is just a taste of the endless fun things to do in Strandhill, check out our complete guide and plan your next trip.

Clonakilty, Cork

Visit charming Clonakilty with its colourful streets, quaint buildings and Ireland’s only model village. Step back into the 1940s and explore West Cork’s towns as grandparents share stories with their grandchildren, making special memories to last a lifetime.

Take tea in an original train carriage at West Cork Model Railway Village with scenic views across the bay and finish off your trip with a 30-minute jaunt around Clonakilty on the Road Train. Round off the day with fish and chips for all the family and a stroll along the golden sands of Inchydoney Beach.

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon

There’s no end of things to do in Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, which really makes the most of its glorious natural setting. You can hire a boat, let the kids roam around the adventure play kingdom while the adults grab a coffee, or explore the forest trails by foot or electric bike. If you fancy something more adventurous, try the tree canopy walks, a woodland safari or even a Segway tour.

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, Westmeath

Take a trip to Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park for an ideal day out with grandparents and kids. Explore the sensory garden, scenic trails, children’s playground and the striking sculptures of mythical Irish heroes. Watch blacksmiths at work, discover our folk history at one of its many exhibitions, and make sure to attend one of its famous storytelling sessions.

Birr Castle Demesne and Historic Science Centre, Offaly

Offaly's Birr Castle Demesne may be best known for its giant telescope, which was the largest in the world when it was installed in 1845, but it also has one of Ireland’s best playgrounds. It’s a great multi-generational destination with scenic walks around the stunning gardens and terrace views, followed by a snack or a coffee in the picnic area. 

Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford

Travel back in time to Ireland’s largest open-air archaeology park and explore our ancient past from 9,000 years ago at Irish National Heritage Park. Look inside thatched huts, find out what it was like to live in a ringfort or a Viking settlement.

As you journey through thousands of years of Irish history, there are special activities along the way just for the little ones. Try your hand at archery or meet the impressive birds of prey at the falconry centre. 

Ballycotton Lighthouse, Cork

East Cork is memorable for its natural beauty and visitor experiences and is ideal for a day trip from Cork city. A tour of the distinctive lighthouse on Ballycotton Island is a highlight in the area for young families and grandparents.

Take a boat trip to the island with Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours and retrace the steps of former lighthouse keepers to the top of the lighthouse for jawdropping views. Afterwards, stroll the beautiful sands along Ballycotton Bay; its beaches stretch for 25km so you’ll easily find a spot just for yourselves.

Dublin Bay Cruises

Dublin city has endless things to do and memorable places to visit for a family reunion. See our capital from a completely different vantage point on a cruise of Dublin Bay. Sail from the city centre to Howth or Dún Laoghaire, and if you're lucky you might see seal colonies or a friendly dolphin along the way. Finish your visit with alfresco fish and chips, and they taste even better after a few hours on the sea.

Photo credit: @dublinbaycruises

Airfield Estate

With ornamental gardens to stroll around, Airfield Estate in Dundrum is a great option for all ages. Once you’ve pre-booked, you can meet the working farm’s Rhode Island Red Hens, the Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs and more. After working up an appetite with a day on the farm, call into Overend’s Kitchen for a delicious meal.

Ardgillan Castle

The manicured green spaces, immaculate gardens and abundance of handy seating areas make Ardgillan Castle a lovely spot for a leisurely day out. Watch the kids play in the impressive playground, grab a coffee at the dog-friendly café, or feed the little ones’ imaginations with a visit to the fairy trail.