There are lots of family friendly and child friendly things to see and do with the kids. Have a look also at our Family Events section for forthcoming family friendly events to entertain the kids and see also our what to do for free.

Bunratty Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in the southwest and it is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life are recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting and during the summer period visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life. Older children and teenagers may enjoy the medieval banquets which are held in the castle twice nightly subject to demand at 17.30 and 20.45. The Traditional Irish Night is held nightly at 19.00 in the Folk Park from May to October (reservations necessary).

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top visitor sites and are great family friendly attraction. Looming over County Clare’s West coast, the cliffs stretch for 8 kilometres and 214 metres over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The famous site is the location of a major tourism project which has created a New Visitor Experience at the Cliffs of Moher. The New Experience includes an award winning visitor centre containing a state of the art interpretation element, Atlantic Edge, as well as extensive visitor facilities. The Atlantic Edge Exhibition Area brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher. The themed zones of Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man present the setting, geology, wildlife and human stories associated with the cliffs - one of the most visited natural wonders in Europe. The building has been subsumed into the contours of the local terrain and is covered by the grass hillside. Significant works at the cliff edge include extension of pathways, development of raised viewing platforms and seating areas as well as ecological reconstruction of the eroded cliff edge habitat. Cliffs of Moher rangers are now on site for visitor comfort and also to provide Cliff edge guiding and information. This is free but there is a charge for parking.

The Aillwee Caves is an experience which should be part of every visit to the Burren. Guided tours go through the cave every fifteen minutes. It is an easy walk alongside the hibernation pits of the long extinct ursos arctos bears over bridged caverns and under waterfalls where you marvel at the stalactites, stalagmites and unusual formations. Climb the mountainside behind the cave to appreciate the landscape spreading out below and walk over the typical limestone pavements to view the spring gentian or mountain avens. The kids might enjoy browsing through distinctly different craft shops for unusual mineral specimens, crystals, fossils, personalized souvenirs. There is also a Burren Birds of Prey Centre home to the largest display of Falcons, Harris Hawks, Owls, American Kestrels and White Tailed Sea Eagles in the country.

Craggaunowen-The Living Past in Kilmurry tells the story of the Celts in Ireland. The story is told of how they lived, farmed, hunted and died. Visitors can, for example, see a replica of a Crannóg (Lake Dwelling), Ring Fort and “An Iron Age Roadway.” Craggaunowen Castle which was built around 1550 is also situated on the grounds. A major feature is the “Brendan Boat” built by Tim Severin who ailed from Ireland to Greenland, re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan, reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus. Kids will like animals such as Soay sheep and wild boar which are species of the pre-historic era.

The Burren Centre tells the story of the in an impressively presented "A Walk Through Time" multi-dimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural effects suggest the geological formation of the landscape, its flora and fauna. Beautifully displayed artefacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and interactive experiences together with dramatic life-like reproductions of human activity all combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the Burren. Revealed to the visitor are the mysteries and complexities of this unique region through the Burren Centre experience.

The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre may be of interest to little girls and you can watch audio-visual exhibits on the history of perfume making in the Burren. You can then look at the distillery and the organic garden. This is essentially a sales pitch but if you are able to resist this it is a nice short stopover. Admission is free and there is an organic tea room.

Geagans Woods between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna is a great place to look for archaeological ring forts and megalithic tombs. The surrounding area is also good for walking and swimming.

The Salmon of Knowledge Experience in the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna is a visitor centre with an audiovisual tour, crafts and a gourmet food store. Children may enjoy the salmon of knowledge story (all kids love a story) and adults learning about the custom of oak smoking salmon. This is another free attraction.

Clare has an abundance of both sea and freshwater beaches. Lahinch is a popular seaside resort with a beautiful blue flag beach, fun packed leisure centres, a Sea life Centre, indoor pools and excellent surfing. Other blue flag beaches include Doonbeg, White Strand, Spanish Point and Fanore.

You can take the family fresh water swimming in Loch Derg the largest of the Shannon's lakes and at Killaloe.

The family can take a Dolphin Watching Tour to Scattery Island and around the area. There is something wonderful about seeing dolphins and any animal in their natural habitat although sightings and not guaranteed.

The Clare Museum is located in a beautifully restored former convent in the very centre of the town. The exhibition "The Riches of Clare” blends a more traditional method of displaying local artefacts with modern multi-media interpretive tools.

Brian Boru Heritage Centre has an imaginative exhibition which charts the history of Killaloe and its Celtic and nautical significance. The exhibition also traces the history of the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the development of the Shannon River as a transport system. The visit features an audio-visual presentation of the route the canal boat took while making deliveries from Dublin to Limerick.

Visit the Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre which has pools to splash around in, an Aquarium and a playzone. The kids can come eye to eye with some rare and spine chilling fish species as they surround you in this incredible and exciting aquarium. Sammy Sharks Soft Play Zone is an area for 2 to 10 year olds with a two story maze of ball ponds, slides, scramble nets, climbing ladders and loads more to keep even the most active children happy.

There are beautiful walks along the Cliffs of Moher with stunning scenery and families could also try sections of the Burren Way.

Clare has superb surfing and Aloha Surf School in Fanore offers professional surfing instruction for people of all ages and abilities. No experience necessary and all equipment is provided.

Families with keen surfers or would be surfers could also try the Lahinch surf school who run weekend breaks. The Cliffs of Moher is home to some famous and dramatic surfing at Aileen's which is for extreme surfers only and is featured on youtube and has legendary status in the surfing community.

Ireland visitor discounts is a fantastic free downloadable discount voucher for leading Irish cultural and heritage visitor attractions. You should download a form for each member of the family and bring this with you when you are travelling. Discounts include two for the price of one in leading tourist attractions, free admission at some attractions and between 10 and 20% off other attractions. This really could make a considerable saving for your family.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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