There are lots of family friendly things to do and see with the kids in the Southwest and Shannon region. Have a look also at our family events section most of which are free.
The landscape and the stunning beaches and national parks do most of the work and they are free for the most part. Here we list some great manmade and natural attractions which are free (or nearly as in some cases there is a small charge or you have to pay for parking).
The Southwest and Shannon region is very family friendly great to visit all year round but is probably best between April and October when the weather is better. Ireland has a wealth of major festivals and events most of which have free activities suitable for families.
For detailed listings of what to see and do with the kids and faamily friendly festivals you should check our Family Events section.
Kerry
Kerry hosts the famous Rose of Tralee International Festival which is a five day party based around the personality-based event to choose the Rose of Tralee in August. In July Killarney host the Killarney summer fest which is one of Ireland's premier family festivals. There are activities to appeal to all ages and tastes.
Explore the Dingle Peninsula by bike or horse riding and delight in the stunning coastline. This is also a walker's paradise.
Muckross Friary and gardens are free and an enjoyable day out.
The landscape simply is stunning and you should spend as much time with your family enjoying this is possible. In Dingle a climb to the Pilgrims Lake is a great way to spend a family afternoon. There are miles of other family friendly tracks and walks around the Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula.
There are pleasant walks around the streams, lakes, woodlands and waterfalls of Glen Inchaquin Waterfall Park in Kenmare.
Kerry's beaches are some of the finest in Ireland and we do not have a space to list them all. Top of the list are those on the Dingle Peninsula including Ventry beach, Beenbawn, Cappagh Strand, Wine Strand and Slea Strand and Stradbally. There is also good surfing at Inch Strand and Srudeen Strand.
In the Ring of Kerry Waterville is the main beach resort and beach is beautiful. Derrynane beach has beautiful sand dunes and Ballinskelligs and Kells Bay are also fantastic. In the north of Kerry you could try Ballybunion, Banna and Ballyhegue.
Limerick
Limerick hosts the Riverfest in May which is a festival of music, arts, food and culture full of family events which is bound to entertain all of the family.
Desmond Hall is a castle and the entrance is free so it is a good one to put on the list if you want to keep the budget down.
After your sightseeing children would appreciate some free play and walking and nature lovers will enjoy the Ballyhoura Mountain Park which is open all year round. It has enjoyable walking and bird watching in its natural woodland area which includes way marked trails, nature walks, peat bogs and flowers.
Another option for walking is Knockfierna Hill which is also the home of the National Famine Commemoration Park which contains 15 buildings associated with the famine.
Cork
Cork has the Jazz festival at the end of October which will entertain younger children even though this is generally perceived as an adult event. During August there are a number of Regattas in Cobh, Skull and Baltimore, Roscarberry also has a family festival during the summer all of which are very family friendly with lots to see and do with the kids.
Beaches are prolific around the Cork coastline and there are fine beaches many now with Blue Flags. In Youghal there are beaches at Front Strand and Clay Castle. In Kinsale you can stroll down the beaches at Castlepark and Summercove and Garylucas on the old head of Kinsale. Clonakilty has the beautiful beaches of Inchydoney. Long Strand and Red Strand are some of the best beaches in Cork and Bantry Bay has some beautiful beach areas.
There are good forest parks to walk and the Farran Forest Park and the Gouganne Barra Forest Park are two of the most popular forest free attractions in Cork.
The Cork Public Museum is a good free indoor attraction for rainy days.
Cork has miles of great walks. Good places for a short walks include Kinsale, Clear Island and Charles Fort. You can also try the beaches described above and of course the Millstreet country Park which is an abundance of nature trails, and moorlands, wetlands, rivers and waterfalls.
Clare
Clare hosts the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival which is probably more likely to be considered an adult event however there are other festivals in such as the Flea Nua in Ennis in May and the Willie Clancy Summer School in Milltown Malbay which is a series of concerts and workshops in traditional music and dance.
The Cliffs of Moher are an award winning visitor attraction. 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. This is free but there is a charge for parking.
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.
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 good 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.
There are beautiful walks along the Cliffs of Moher with stunning scenery and families could also try sections of the Burren Way.
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.
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.
Sign up for our free newsletter to be kept updated with all of the latest special offers for family holidays and family travel news. Remember to enter our fantastic competitions which have super prizes and best of all are free.