A tour of the Old Midleton Distillery is a journey through the story of Irish whiskey by means of an audio-visual presentation (available in 7 languages). Follow the old distillery trail through mills, maltings, corn stores, stillhouse, warehouses and kilns - some of these buildings date back to 1795. View the largest pot still in the world prior to sampling the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar (minerals for children of course).

The Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork is an exciting place for children to learn about the universe. They can enjoy an interactive self guided tour with 21st-century technology in a 16th century castle, play The Comet Chaser in Ireland's first interactive theatre and virtually save the Earth and enjoy local produce in the on-site restaurant.

Cork City Gaol is worth a visit to experience 19th-century prison life. It features furnished cells, wax figures, sound effects and audiovisual exhibits.

The Queenstown Story in Cobh is a fascinating museum which tells the story of the history of the town. Cobh was the Titanic's last port of call before it set sail on its maiden and only voyage. Children can learn about the emigration from Cobh and the multimedia exhibition brings history to life.

The Cork Arts Theatre (CAT) is one of the busiest venues in the region, it is a 100 seat theatre which showcases a wide range of theatre events from costume dramas to childrens shows. Check out their website for more info at www.corkartstheatre.com or call 021-4505624.

Monkey Maze in Glanmire is a GIANT (500 sq m) 4 level play area catering for children up to 12 years of age. It has family friendly features which include: mother & baby area, separate dedicated toddler area, 3 indoor football / basketball courts, ball cannon area, ball pools, 5 amazing slides and much more.

Cinema World in Douglas has screens with Dolby digital surround sound, air conditioning, luxurious stadium seating, fully wheelchair accessible, and loop system for hearing aid users.

Cork Butter Museum, The Tony O’Reilly Centre at O’Connell Square a unique institution, located in the historic Shandon area of Cork with its entire ground-floor gallery displaying traditional butter-making equipment. The gallery features a keg of thousand-year-old butter and accompanying panels on the food and society in the Ireland of Saints and Scholars.

Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum Experience, Convent Avenue in Sundays Well has two of Cork’s attraction housed in the building. Amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects and fascinating exhibitions allow the family to experience day to day life of prisoners and gaoler. Situated in the unlikely setting of the former Governors House the "Radio Museum Experience" deals not alone with the early days of Irish & international radio broadcasting but with the impact of its invention on all our lives.

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery at the Emmet is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure. The Gallery’s permanent collection comprises over 2000 works, ranging from eighteenth century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations.

Dinosaur Exhibition, Dino Cafe, Castletownroche in Mallow based in the picturesque village of Castletownroche and close to Annes Grove and Doneraile Animal Park, the Dinocafe features life sized and scientifically accurate dinosaur models created by some of the finest sculptors in the world. This unique exhibition is a great wet-weather attraction and will astound and entertain children and adults alike. The Dinocafes restaurant serves top quality hot meals and snacks and there is an extensive gift shop that includes specially commissioned artworks.

Old English Market in Grand Parade is an amazing shopping destination and, even more, an interesting cultural destination, just off the main shopping streets of central Cork City. In this large building, families will find a concentration of food vendors, each in their own serving stall, selling both local and imported foods. Just a walk through the building is practically an overload of your senses as you see and smell the fresh fruits and vegetables, stunning bakery, sides of beef on a hook, stacks of poultry, crocks of olives, fresh eggs in high piles, and the delightful people selling their products. The English Market is a pleasant opportunity to combine shopping, dining, and a cultural experience all in one.

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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