In the West the landscape and the stunning beaches and national parks do most of the work and they are fee for the most part. It is a fantastic family holiday destination with lots to see and do for free with the kids. 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). Have a look also at our
family events most of which are free
Beaches
There are fantastic beaches all along the Galway coast which is dotted with hundreds of coves and inlets perfect for a walk, swim or paddle. If you travel out as far as Connemara (it is well worth the drive and a real favourite of ours) Ballyconnelly and Roundstone are surrounded by deserted beaches (unless you count the sheep that will come to visit you). You can often find a beach where you were the only family on the beach from morning till evening. Be prepared for a short walk to the beach which can add to the excitement. The best beaches are discovered by accident!
Omey Strand near Cleggan is another beautiful sandy beach. At low tide you can drive to the Island but do be careful and get local advice on the tides as you could get caught.
In Galway city options include Salthill which is right in the city centre and for fresh water swimming outside Galway you have the option of Loughrea Lake beach.
In Mayo beach options including the Old Head Beach and Carowmore beach near Louisburgh and Bertra beach near Westport overlooking Clew Bay. On the north coast of Mayo options include Ross Strand and Killala and of course fantastic beaches around most of Clare Island and Achill Island.
Walks
For families who love walking there are great walks to suit all ages around Mayo which include the Westport town walks and the Foxford Way in the Westport area. You do not have to do al of any walk – just sections. Families could also try the North Mayo Sculpture Trail for which fifteen sculptures were created to highlight the beauty of the coastline.
Families can experience the wild beauty of the Connemara National Park in Galway where they can walk or cycle and may spot red deer or wild ponies. The Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six national parks and covers two thousand hectares of the stunning Connemara landscape (there is a small charge). There are self-guided trails including two short trails which may be suitable for younger children and is family friendly. In the visitor centre children can look at interactive exhibits, see 3-D models and plans of the park and watch an audiovisual show. In the summer there activity days involving animals, nature for children from the ages of four. There are also extra guided walks, evening talks and nature mornings in the summer.
The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick in Westport is an ancient site of pilgrimage with breathtaking views over island strewn Clew Bay. This is manageable for older members of the family and worth a trip even if you only get as far as the base with toddlers.
Coole Park near Gort has plenty to keep kids occupied. There are several walks through the forest, including the family walk which takes you past the Cole river (see if you can spot Yeats’ swans), walled garden with sundial, The Autograph tree, picnic area, plenty of grass to run about and play on. Also, check out the deer, in the paddock up from the café at the stable area.
Stop by Brigit’s Garden between Moycullen and Oughterard. Enjoy the Celtic garden, nature trail (complete with sheets for the kids to complete for a free gift), giant sundial and café. Open during the winter months by appointment only.
Loughrea Lake in Galway has one of the best play parks in the region. Lots of different equipment for all age groups, plus tennis courts, picnic area, walks along the lakeside and free parking.
In Roscommon the Lough Key Forest Park is one of Ireland's most attractive forest parks and has lots of facilities and great walks around the lake. There are boats for hire and lots to see and do with the kids including the visitor attraction the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. There is probably going to be a parking charge though so technically this is not fully free.
Other walks in Roscommon include walks along the River Suck, the Suck Valley Way and the Green Heartlands cycle routes.
Sports
The West has fantastic adrenalin sports perfect for enjoying its natural beauty. Families can try anything from walking over the mountainous terrain of Connemara, swimming or surfing on beautiful Atlantic beaches, kayaking, abseiling, hiking through forest parks and boating on tranquil lakes or fiords. You should check with the tourist offices while there.
Attractions
Ballintubber Abbey near Castebar is still in use and is one of the most popular of Ireland's free attractions. Ballintubber abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. The Abbey's facilities that include guided tours, a video display and interpretative centre. The Celtic Furrow traces the importance of the Winter & Summer Solstices and the two equinoxes.
Hennigan's Heritage in Swinford, Mayo consists of a theme farm incorporating various farm animals and poultry, a farm museum with all types of implements used in the region over time and a thatched cottage. Demonstrations of the workings of all implements are given.Archaeological tours of the surrounding area are provided covering monuments from the Neolithis Age to recent times. There is a lake on the farm which can be used for fishing. A picnic area is being provided nearby. One of the purposes of the centre is said to make a connection to the past more real and understandable for children.
The Douglas Hyde Centre in Roscommon request a donation. Douglas Hyde is best remembered as the first President of Ireland. This centre is committed to revealing the life of Douglas Hyde as well as the results of his work as founder of the Gaelic League.
In Galway you could try St Nicholas Catherdal.
Festivals
There are world-famous festivals of every kind including the Galway Arts Festival in July. There is a Salthill Air show which is fun for kids in June in Galway as well as the Connemara Pony Fair in Clifden which is also great fun to the family.
Westport has the Westport House and Pony Show in June which is great for children who love horses. Westport also has an Arts Festival in September which is great fun for kids and Ballina has a Street and Arts Festival in July. You will also find lots of traditional, walking and food festivals in the West. Most festivals will have special activities for children many of which are free and you can check events on our family events section.
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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