The South East has lots of family friendly and child friendly things to see and do for free with the kids. There are also lots of family events most of which are free.
The landscape and the stunning beaches and parks do most of the work and they are free for the most part. Here we list some attractions which are free (or nearly as in some cases there is a small charge or you have to pay for parking).
Festivals
Over the summer months the Waterford and Wexford area plays host to many wonderful family friendly festivals and events that are sure to entertain the whole family. Highlights include the Waterford Spraoi Festival, a celebration of dance, theatre and workshops especially for younger children, taking place in Waterford City. The Duncannon International Sand Sculpting Festival and the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival
Kilkenny hosts the Arts Festival in August featuring live performances, art exhibitions and music of all sorts. Carlow hosts its own Arts festival in June.
Walks
For a really unique experience, follow the Copper Coast between Tramore and Dungarvan, an idyllic stretch of rugged coastline that passes through charming towns and villages. Here you’ll find the Copper Coast European Geopark, with guided trails especially for kids and adults, where you can learn about different habitats and the environment, including rocks, animal and plant life.
Tintern Abbey, set in glorious woodlands, is a wonderful place to start out on a nature walk through the forest.
Glenshelane forest park in Waterford is good for a walk with the kids as well.
Dundrum forest in Tipperary is worth looking at for a walk as is the Ballynacourty forest area in Tipperary. In Tipperary the Devils bit is worth a drive especially if you can introduce some storytelling along the way for the kids.
Attractions
There is no admission charge to Dungarvan Castle and the Museum in Dungarvan is also free.
There is now no admission charge to Ferns Castle which histroty buffs may enjoy. Only half of the castle now remains. Archaeological excavations revealed a rock- cut ditch outside the castle walls.
Ballyhack Castle is also free and is located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford estuary. The castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built C15th Century by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th Century during the time of the Crusades.
Outside Thurles, is the Holy Cross Abbey (located in the village of Holycross), which was founded in 1169 by the King of Thomond of the Cistercian monks and is free. A relic of the true cross owned by the King was given to the Abbey. Founded originally in 1168 for Benedictines by the King of Munster, Donal O Brien, the abbey was transferred to the Cistercians about 1182. A particle of the True Cross was enshrined in the abbey, and Holycross became one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in Ireland.
Kilkenny Cathedral is free but a donation may be requested towards the fund for the Cathedral's restoration.
Beaches
Below is a list and description of the area’s best beaches for families provided by Failte Ireland. Some are well known beaches, but they’ve also included some lesser known gems that you and your family and sure to enjoy exploring! Remember that water safety is very important and that a life guard may not be on duty or the water may not be safe for children or adults to swim in depending on conditions.
Lawlors and Councillors Strand Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. These two beaches merge at low tide. Families can enjoy swimming or underwater activities such as snorkelling in the sheltered and picturesque coves.
Woodstown Beach Woodstown, Co. Waterford. Safe sandy beach, great for swimming when tide is in. When the tide is out, lots of sea shells to be collected and it is ideal for building sandcastles. It is very popular with families for picnics and long walks.
Tramore Strand, Co. Waterford Sand dunes and 5km of sandy beach for sports & play. Popular with surfers and for canoeing and Kayaking. Great for shell collecting and building sand castles. Serviced with food outlets, shops and amusements.
Bunmahon, Co. Waterford. Long sandy beach. Great for walks and exploring, although there are dangerous rip tides outside designated swimming areas.
Kilfarrassy, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Long cliff backed beach with some of the best scenery on the Copper Coast. Safe for swimming with sandy bottom. Ideal for water sports.
Newtown CoveTramore, Co. Waterford .Small cove mostly used by strong swimmers and divers. Look out for the statue of the metal man on top of the cliffs.
Duncannon Beach Duncannon, Co. Wexford .Access onto beach for cars. Suitable for families. Sand sculpting festival in August with face-painting and beach parties.
GrangeFethard, Co. Wexford .Great sandy beach, lovely for walks, wind surfing and kayaking. Runs into Banna Strand at low tide – beware of getting caught by rising tide!
Baginbun Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford. Sheltered cove with sandy beach. Rock pools to explore at low tide. Ideal for swimming and suitable for families.
Carnivan Beach Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford. Long sandy beach with rock pools at low tide. Suitable for more experienced swimmers and ideal for surfing.
Dollar Bay, Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford. There’s treasures buried here! Pirates buried two tonnes of Spanish milled dollars at Dollar Bay in the mid 1700s. It is a fine sandy beach, with coves and rock pools, suitable for families.
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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