Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full holiday, Ireland is packed with unforgettable experiences.
From dramatic coastal drives and ancient castles to lively cities, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. This guide covers the best things to do in Ireland – from iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems – to help you plan your perfect trip.
Best Indoor Attractions in Ireland
GAA Museum + Croke Park Stadium Tour
Dive into Ireland’s sporting passion with the original Sam Maguire & Liam MacCarthy Cups, a hands‑on Game Zone (hurling, Gaelic football) and a guided stadium tour that takes you pitch‑side, into dressing rooms and VIP areas.
Newbridge House & Farm (Donabate)
Classic Georgian house tours and a working farm with indoor heritage displays, animals and a cozy courtyard tearoom. Offers a mix of history and hands‑on fun.
Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre
Cool down and ramp up the fun with a splash-filled day at AquaZone, Ireland’s premier indoor water park at the National Aquatic Centre. Packed with fast flumes, a wave pool, lazy river and the epic FlowRider surf machine, it’s ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best Place to Meet Animals and Nature
Ireland is full of great places where families can meet animals in a fun and friendly setting. Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is a standout, with open habitats for giraffes, lemurs, zebras and cheetahs, offering a more natural way to see exotic animals. In Wexford, Secret Valley Wildlife Park gives visitors a hands-on experience with everything from alpacas and wallabies to snakes and meerkats, along with regular petting sessions.
For a mix of animals and traditional farming, Newgrange Farm in Meath invites children to bottle-feed lambs, meet donkeys and explore old-style machinery. Nearby, Castleview Open Farm in Laois offers a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, with friendly animals including goats, pigs and ponies, plus play areas and tractor rides.
The Slieve Aughty Centre in Galway has miles of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding, along with a farm where children can meet the pot-bellied pig, alpaca, sheep, donkeys and ponies and play on the small playground. Newbridge House in Dublin has a popular traditional farm where little ones can say hello to pigs, goats, donkeys, ducks, cows and more.
Many of these venues are open year-round, sometimes only weekends off-season, (Newgrange only from March-August) and combine animal encounters with family activities, making them ideal for day trips in any weather.
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders
Whether it’s climbing, paddling or just a good walk, Ireland has endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hike through Glendalough, cycle the Great Western Greenway or kayak in Killarney National Park. Families can spot deer in Phoenix Park or head for the coast to see seals, dolphins or puffins.
Adventure centres, forest parks and greenways make these experiences accessible for all ages. Many also include cafés, playgrounds or equipment hire. With YourDaysOut, it’s easy to plan a full day outdoors that everyone will enjoy.
Best Indoor Things to Do in Ireland with Kids
Kidspace PlayCentres in Rathcoole & 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.
Explorium – National Sport & Science Centre
Over 250 interactive STEAM exhibits, VR/AR zones, climbing walls and the Gravity Room. Ideal for ages 8+ and science lovers of all ages. Includes café on site.
Most Instagrammable Spots
Ireland has no shortage of places that stop you in your tracks. From the pastel houses of Cobh to the dramatic cliffs of Moher and Slieve League, there’s a photo opportunity around every bend. The Dark Hedges in Antrim remain a must-see, while the ruins of Dunluce Castle offer a moody backdrop for coastal shots.
Colourful towns like Dingle, the sun rising over Ha’penny Bridge or a quiet moment in Brigit’s Garden all stand out in the feed. Many listings on YourDaysOut include visitor photos, making it easy to pick your next picture-perfect stop.
Stay & Play – Activity-Based Accommodation
Across Ireland, more and more places to stay are adding extra reasons to visit. From glamping pods and treehouses to farm stays and castle lodges, there’s plenty on offer for families looking for something different. Westport Estate in Mayo is a great example, where guests can combine outdoor play, swan pedalos and zip lines with a night in luxury bell tents.
Other options include Clissmann Horse Caravans in Wicklow, Loughcrew Megalithic Centre in Meath and Glamping Under the Stars in Laois. Whether it’s an overnight stay beside a petting farm or a weekend with built-in activities, YourDaysOut can help you find and book something unique.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
A scenic coastal route perfect for road trippers and photographers.
Step into the White Star Line building and retrace the Titanic’s last port of call through immersive guided tours and personal passenger stories.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium | Kerry
Get up close with sand tiger sharks, playful otters, gentoo penguins and other marine wonders at Ireland’s largest aquarium.
Explore ancient limestone caves featuring underground rivers, waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites and the remains of brown bears in Ireland’s Burren
Walk paved cliff-top paths to take in dramatic Atlantic views across the ocean and Aran Islands at one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders
Discover one of Europe’s longest free-hanging stalactites deep within the limestone Burren, a true geological marvel.
Wander through four Celtic-themed gardens, wildflower meadows, woodland trails, a living willow play area and a giant sundial, all inspired by Ireland’s heritage and the Celtic calendar.
Explore a Georgian mansion set in stunning parkland with adventure zones, glamping, swan pedalos and beautiful views across Clew Bay
National Museum of Country Life | Mayo
Experience rural Irish life from 1850–1950 through immersive exhibits set in a Venetian Gothic mansion nestled in lush parkland.
Ben Bulben Walking Loop | Sligo
A family‑friendly, 5–6 km forest loop at the base of Benbulben offering easy terrain and stunning views across Sligo countryside and Donegal Bay
Ireland’s dramatic sea cliffs, soaring three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking panoramic views after a nervy and winding drive up.
A colourful, autism-friendly indoor soft play and party centre in Buncrana, with safe climbing zones, creative spaces, and fun for little ones
Doagh Famine Village | Donegal
A guided, immersive walk through life in a 19th-century Donegal community, with life‑size thatched cottages and storytelling that combines humour, history and emotion. Recently partly reopened after a fire.
Scenic Drives & Loop Routes
Ireland’s winding roads reveal some of its most spectacular scenery. Drives like the Ring of Kerry, Slea Head and Sky Road offer panoramic coastal views, mountain passes and plenty of scenic stop-offs along the way. Further north, the Causeway Coastal Route is a firm favourite, stretching from Belfast to Derry with sea views, cliffside castles and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.
Shorter loops such as the Gleniff Horseshoe in Sligo or the Healy Pass in Kerry are ideal for day trips. Whether you’re after a peaceful drive or planning a packed road trip, YourDaysOut makes it easy to find family attractions and events to visit along the route.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
There’s always something happening in Ireland, whether it’s a village fair, family festival or a big seasonal event. Summer brings open-air concerts, food trails and medieval days, while autumn fills the calendar with pumpkin patches, scare parks and harvest fairs. In December, towns light up with markets, Santa trains and festive farm fun.
YourDaysOut is the easiest way to keep up to date with what’s on this and every weekend in Ireland. Events are listed by locations and date, so whether you’re planning ahead or looking for something last-minute, you’ll find ideas to suit every season.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
Some of Ireland’s most memorable places are the ones that aren’t on every tourist map. The Lost Valley in Mayo, Loop Head in Clare and Loughcrew Cairns in Meath are just a few worth discovering. Often quiet and deeply local, these places are full of charm
These spots are perfect for families who want to slow down, avoid the crowds and explore something new. YourDaysOut helps uncover these lesser-known places, with honest listings and local tips that make planning simple.
National Transport Museum of Ireland (Howth Demesne)
Ireland’s only comprehensive collection of road transport with over 60 rare vehicles (buses, fire engines, trams, lorries) dating from 1883–1984. Open weekends & bank holidays and ideal for nostalgic, educational discovery of how people moved around Ireland in the past.
Museums, Castles, Ruins & Historic Sites
From medieval towers to windswept ruins, Ireland’s castles are some of its most striking landmarks. Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel and Trim Castle all offer family-friendly tours, while restored sites like Donegal Castle give a real sense of the past. Many castles are set in parklands, ideal for a picnic or short walk.
There are also plenty of ruins with dramatic settings, like Dunluce Castle on the coast or Minard Castle in Kerry. Most are open year-round and often cost little or nothing to explore. YourDaysOut lists dozens of heritage stops that are perfect for mixing history with a bit of fresh air.
Explore prehistoric Ireland (bog bodies, Bronze‑Age treasures, Ardagh Chalice) at Kildare Street and decorative/military history at Collins Barracks with free admission. The “Dead Zoo” Natural History branch is temporarily closed for restoration but accessible via the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks.
Food Experiences & Local Markets
Markets are a great way to taste your way around Ireland. The English Market in Cork, the Milk Market in Limerick and St George’s in Belfast all serve up fresh produce, street food and artisan treats. Smaller markets and seasonal food trails can often be found in towns across the country.
Many cafés now combine good food with family-friendly features, like indoor play corners or garden seating. Farm shops, ice cream parlours and make-your-own pizza spots are also easy wins on a family day out. Use YourDaysOut to find food-focused venues near your route or destination.
Visitor Tips
- Ireland is a compact country with a lot to explore, but planning ahead makes a big difference. Weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so always pack a waterproof jacket and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Many attractions remain open year-round, but smaller venues or farms may only operate on weekends or during holiday seasons.
- Driving is one of the best ways to see the country, especially if you’re heading to rural areas or planning a coastal road trip. Just remember, driving is on the left and some country roads can be narrow and winding. Public transport links are good between major towns and cities, with services like Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and private coach companies offering regular routes.
- Booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during school holidays and weekends, as many popular spots offer timed entry or limited capacity. Sites like YourDaysOut make it easy to find events on in ireland every weekend, plan day trips and secure your place ahead of time.
- Many attractions, especially museums and heritage sites, offer free or discounted entry, so it’s worth checking their websites or local tourism offices for details. Ireland’s larger cities also offer visitor cards or passes that can save money if you’re planning to explore several locations in one trip.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to slow down. Some of the best experiences come from detouring off the main roads, chatting to locals or stumbling upon a small village festival. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a few weeks, there’s always something new to discover - rain or shine
FAQ: Rainy Day Activities in Ireland
What are the best indoor activities in Ireland when it rains?
Ireland has no shortage of indoor attractions for wet days. Families can visit waterparks like Aquazone in Dublin or Funtasia in Drogheda, explore interactive museums such as EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum or Castlecomer Discovery Park, or enjoy indoor fun centres like Jump Lanes in Limerick or Airtastic in Cork.
Are there good indoor options for toddlers and younger children around Ireland?
Yes, soft play centres like Kidspace PlayCentres in Rathcoole & Rathfarnham, Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre in Tipperary, The Playcentre Kingscourt & Playcentre Trim and Happy Days in Fermoy, Cork and Jurassic Newpark in Kilkenny are ideal for younger children. Sensory-friendly venues like the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin & Mayo offer a calmer pace for toddlers too.
Where can I take teenagers on a rainy day in Ireland?
Teens will enjoy indoor activities like escape rooms, bowling, climbing walls and interactive museums across the country. Options include GoQuest & Explorium in Dublin, Skypark and Carlingford Adventure Centre in Louth, We are Vertigo in Belfast, take in a show at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Wicklow, a cinema trip to any Omniplex or IMC location or be brave and take the Skyline Tour in Croke Park in Dublin.
What are the best venues to view and meet animals in Ireland?
Ireland has plenty of family-friendly spots to meet animals up close. Fota Wildlife Park in Cork offers open habitats with giraffes, zebras and cheetahs, while Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Wexford is perfect for hands-on encounters with alpacas, meerkats and more.
Newgrange Farm in Meath and Castleview Open Farm in Laois both offer a mix of animals and traditional farm fun, with bottle-feeding, tractor rides and friendly goats and ponies. In Galway, the Slieve Aughty Centre includes forest trails, horse riding and a small petting farm, while Newbridge House & Farm in Dublin is home to pigs, cows, donkeys and ducks.
Most are open year-round, with some seasonal closures, and combine animal fun with play areas, making them ideal for a day out in any weather.
Is there anything free to do indoors in Ireland with kids?
Plenty. Free-entry museums such as the Natural History Museum in Dublin, Crawford Art Gallery in Cork or Galway City Museum offer family-friendly experiences without the cost.
Can I book indoor activities in advance on YourDaysOut?Yes. Many indoor venues across Ireland listed on YourDaysOut offer direct booking, helping families secure spots and skip the queues when the rain rolls in.
From everyday adventures to once-in-a-lifetime memories, YourDaysOut makes it easy to discover, plan and book family fun across Ireland — rain or shine
Updated August 2025
