51 family-friendly things to do across Ireland this summer
Whether you're following the sun, dodging rainclouds, or planning a family trip, there's loads happening across Ireland over the coming weeks to help you answer that dreaded question.
From indoor adventures to outdoor escapes, family festivals to animal encounters, there's something for every kind of explorer and no shortage of ways to enjoy the summer holidays.
1. National Museum of Ireland | Dublin and Mayo
Discover Ireland's heritage through three unique and free museum experiences offered by the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin and Mayo. With family-friendly exhibitions and events, the National Museum offers a rich and accessible window into Ireland's past and culture.
2. Beyond The Trees | Wicklow
Soar above the canopy on the treetop walkway, explore forest trails and discover Ireland's forestry heritage at Avondale House. With interactive exhibitions, panoramic views and a cosy café, it's a refreshing outdoor day out.
3. AquaZone | Dublin
AquaZone in the National Aquatic Centre is packed with fast flumes, a wave pool, lazy river and surf machine. Families of all ages can enjoy a full indoor water adventure, whatever the weather.
4. Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival | Wexford | 10 - 13 July
Celebrating four decades of seafood, music and community spirit, this festival brings cookery demos, live entertainment and children's activities to the heart of this fishing village.
5. Wicked Sing-A-Long | Wicklow | 12 July
Sing along to the big screen version of Wicked at Mermaid Arts Centre. With stunning visuals and powerful songs, this reimagining of Oz is perfect for musical fans and families.
6. Kidspace | Dublin (Rathcoole and Rathfarnham)
Kidspace is a modern soft play centre with creative zones, climbing frames and sensory-friendly features. The barista café and clean spaces make it a reliable hit for Dublin families.
7. Fota Wildlife Park | Cork
One of Ireland's best-loved attractions, Fota Wildlife Park is home to endangered species in naturalistic enclosures. Families can explore animal trails while learning about global conservation, and it was just announced that the Panoramic Wheel will remain open for the summer.
8. Summer Exhibition: Voyages | Dublin | Until 23 August
The Ark celebrates 30 years with a colourful exhibition curated by young people. Children aged 10 to 17 selected paintings, ceramics, photography and more from the centre's collection, creating a joyful showcase of creativity, imagination and the journeys The Ark has taken since 1995.
9. Waterworld Bundoran | Donegal
Make a splash at Ireland's top indoor aqua adventure in Bundoran, with wave pools, water slides and safe toddler zones. A perfect spot for energetic swimmers whatever the weather.
10. Happy Days Play Centre | Fermoy, Cork
A cheerful indoor centre with slides, ball pits and a café. It's a handy family break when travelling through north Cork.
11. Ballina Salmon Festival | Mayo | 12-20 July
Ireland's longest-running community festival returns with fireworks, heritage celebrations and events along the River Moy. There's live music, family days and plenty to entertain throughout the week.
12. Funtropolis | Dublin | 12 and 13 July
Merrion Square fills with live music, workshops and free activities for a full weekend of summer fun in the city centre.
13. Skypark | Louth
Summer just got a whole lot better – SkyPark is now open daily for non-stop family fun and thrilling outdoor adventures! Aerial courses, SkyNet, mini golf, monster croquet, frisbee golf, slides, and much more will be available for all ages to enjoy.
14. Croke Park Museum, Stadium and Skyline | Dublin
Explore Irish sport and heritage with a trip to Croke Park. Start at the museum, then take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and finish with panoramic city views from the Skyline walkway.
15. Newgrange Farm | Meath
This hands-on farm near the Boyne Valley is full of friendly animals, pedal tractors, a straw maze and tractor rides. A lovely outdoor option for young families with energy to burn.
16. Airfield Estate | Dublin
This working urban farm offers animal encounters, gardens and milking demos. Kids can explore nature trails while adults enjoy a coffee from the on-site kitchen using produce grown on site.
17. Fairy Festival | Meath | 19 -20 July
Loughcrew Gardens hosts this magical event with fairy trails, unicorns, aerial acrobatics and wand making. Young children are invited to dress up and lose themselves in an enchanted world.
18. Secret Valley Wildlife Park | Wexford
A welcoming, hands-on wildlife park where younger children can meet alpacas, feed goats or cuddle a rabbit. Well suited for relaxed family days in the countryside.
19. Rose Festival | Dublin | 19 and 20 July
Set in St Anne's Park, the Rose Festival features live music, flower displays, craft stalls and a full family programme with soft play, a planetarium and children's entertainers.
20. Brick Féile | Meath | 19 and 20 July
Ireland's top LEGO® event returns with stunning displays, interactive builds and themed zones. It's packed with activities for young builders and supports the Fairy Bricks charity.
21. Titanic Experience | Cobh, Cork
Step into the shoes of Titanic's final passengers at the original White Star Line office in Cobh. This guided tour recreates the journey aboard the Titanic, from check-in to the tragic end, with personal stories, recreated interiors and immersive visuals.
22. Barretstown Big Picnic | Kidare | 20 July
A charity day with canoeing, face painting, mini golf and a circus show, raising funds for Barretstown camps for children affected by serious illness.
23. GoQuest | Dublin
This indoor challenge centre in Carrickmines has 50+ rooms to test logic, memory and teamwork. Choose between Junior and Arena versions for families of all ages.
24. Tearaways Pet Farm | Tipperary
An indoor-outdoor centre with soft play, go-karts, a petting zoo and sandpits. It's especially popular with younger families looking for a full day's fun.
25. Kilmihil Festival of Fun | Clare | 1 - 4 August
A long weekend of family-friendly entertainment including bouncy castles, parades and fireworks. Family Day, Monster Field Day and more create a real community buzz.
26. Malahide Castle and Gardens | Dublin
Wander 260 acres of woodland and parkland, visit the historic castle and let the kids loose in one of Dublin's best playgrounds. A peaceful escape just minutes from the city.
27. Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival | Offaly | 1 - 9 August
This long-running festival features vintage cars, exhibitions, art and live music. Family Day on 2 August promises games, BBQ and the famous duck race.
28. Squirrel's Scramble | Wicklow
This high ropes adventure park beside Killruddery House features zip lines, bridges and woodland trails. A thrilling experience for active kids and parents alike.
29. Bay Sports | Roscommon
Lough Ree is home to Europe's largest inflatable water park. Kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards are also available for families looking to get out on the lake.
30. Spraoi Waterford | Waterford | 1 - 3 August
A brilliant celebration of street arts with parades, performers and fireworks. The Sunday parade is a highlight, with colourful floats and a carnival atmosphere.
31. Bray Air Show | Wicklow | 2 August
A packed day of aerial displays from 3pm, with family entertainment starting at noon. Free to attend, but parking should be booked in advance.
32. Jurassic Newpark | Kilkenny
This dino-themed park now has a massive indoor inflatable zone called Jurassic Bounce. With obstacle courses and bounce zones, it's ideal for kids who love action.
33. Stradbally Steam Rally | Laois | 3 and 4 August
Celebrating over 60 years of vintage steam with parades, machinery, trade stalls and music. It's a central, family-friendly event on the Cosby Estate.
34. Castlecomer Discovery Park | Kilkenny
Set in woodland, Castlecomer offers climbing, ziplining, canoeing and a junior playground, plus a craft village and relaxed trails for quieter exploring.
35. Emerald Park | Meath
Ireland's biggest theme park features thrilling rollercoasters, gentle rides, water flumes and a zoo with big cats and birds of prey. Ideal for full family days out.
36. Heart of the Glens Festival | Antrim | 3-10 August
Cushendall's flagship festival returns with 80 events, including the famous Lurig Challenge mountain run. It's a joyful mix of music, fun and tradition.
37. Doagh Famine Village | Donegal
Now reopened following a recent fire, Doagh Famine Village continues to share the story of Irish life from the 1840s to today. Built around original thatched cottages, the immersive tour includes life-size exhibits, historical buildings and cultural displays. Please support this important local attraction.
38. Dublin Horse Show | Dublin | 6-10 August
Held in the RDS, this iconic event includes showjumping, crafts, food and pony displays. Younger visitors will enjoy the treasure hunts, animals and Parade of Champions.
39. W5 | Belfast
W5's summer programme includes the incredible Dinosaurs Survive! experience, with roaring animatronics, baby dinosaurs and interactive fossil fun. Older children can also join full-day summer camps packed with science, coding, robotics and creative tech.
40. Donabate Portrane Summer Festival | Dublin | 8-10 August
Portrane Green fills with music, food trucks, fireworks and seaside fun for three days of summer celebration.
41. The Playstation | Kilkenny
This local favourite has a multi-level play frame, toddler area and party zones. It's bright, tidy and always a hit with young kids.
42. Belmullet Festival | Mayo | 10-17 August
Belmullet hosts a week of music, culture and heritage, with parades, fairs and fireworks drawing crowds to the heart of Erris.
43. Explorium | Dublin
A hands-on science and sport centre packed with interactive zones, challenges and activities for all ages. Try F1 racing, test gravity-defying rooms and learn through active play.
44. The Playdium | Kerry
Kerry's largest soft play centre includes toddler zones, slides and seating for parents. A good all-weather option with solid on-site facilities.
45. Rose of Tralee Festival | Kerry | 15-19 August
Over 100,000 people visit Tralee for this beloved festival with parades, music and fireworks. It's a major celebration of Irish culture and community.
46. National Heritage Week
Ireland | 16th-24th, August
Thousands of events explore Ireland's history, nature and culture. Guided walks, talks and exhibitions bring local heritage to life across the country.
47. Aquadome | Kerry
One of Ireland's top indoor waterparks, with rapids, slides and bubble pools. There's also a vitality spa, gym and mini-golf next door. A top pick rain or shine.
48. Moynalty Steam Threshing |Meath | 20 August
This 50-year-old celebration of rural life includes threshing, crafts, steam engines and music. Derek Ryan headlines and there's lots to entertain children.
49. Ould Lammas Fair | Antrim | 23-26 August
Ireland's oldest fair fills Ballycastle's streets with traders, music and tradition. A great excuse to visit the Antrim coast in late summer.
50. Wild Ireland | Donegal
Step into the past at Wild Ireland, where bears, wolves, lynx and other native species roam in a recreated Celtic rainforest. A unique wildlife sanctuary with a strong conservation message.
A classic country show with competitions for livestock, poultry, crafts and baking. There'll be plenty for kids and a strong local feel throughout the day.
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