1 / 20

🌲Carrigbyrne Forest
Carrigbyrne Forest is a delightful family-friendly forest park in County Wexford, managed by Coillte. It offers several waymarked walking trails that wind through mixed woodland, including a short, easy loop perfect for little legs. The forest is home to a variety of birdlife and wildflowers, providing a gentle introduction to nature for children.
- Playground: A well-maintained playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames provides a fun break for kids.
- Facilities: Plentiful free parking, picnic tables, and bench seats along the trails. No café, so bring your own snacks.
- Practical tips: Trails are mostly gravel and dirt; can be muddy after rain. Main loop is buggy-friendly. Dogs on leads welcome.
Families can enjoy a few hours of fresh air, exercise, and outdoor play. The forest is especially lovely in spring when bluebells carpet the floor. Combine with a visit to nearby Enniscorthy or the National 1798 Rebellion Centre for a full day out.
Travel tips
Bring your own snacks and drinks
There's no café at Carrigbyrne Forest, so pack a picnic or bring snacks and water for the whole family.
Main loop is buggy-friendly
The main walking loop has gravel and dirt paths suitable for buggies, making it accessible for parents with babies and toddlers.
Watch out for muddy paths after rain
Trails can become muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear and consider visiting on drier days if you have young children.
Free parking available
Plentiful free parking makes it easy to visit without worrying about parking costs or availability.
Wear suitable walking shoes
Gravel and dirt trails require proper walking shoes for all family members, especially young children who may be unsteady.
Playground provides a good break
The well-maintained playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames is perfect for letting children burn off energy mid-visit.
Visit in spring for bluebells
Spring is particularly lovely when bluebells carpet the forest floor—a magical sight that children often find captivating.
Plan a few hours for your visit
Allow a few hours to enjoy the walking trails, playground, and picnic areas without rushing.
Dogs on leads are welcome
If your family has a dog, you can bring it along on a lead—great for a multi-generational family outing.
Picnic tables and benches throughout
Plenty of seating areas along the trails allow you to rest, have a snack, and enjoy the woodland scenery with your family.
Spot local wildlife
The forest is home to various birdlife and wildflowers—bring binoculars or a nature spotting guide to engage children.
Combine with nearby attractions
Consider pairing with Enniscorthy or the National 1798 Rebellion Centre nearby for a fuller day out.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places

Wells House & Gardens
4.8 miA historic Victorian house set in 300 acres of woodland and formal gardens, designed for family fun. Highlights include an adventure playground, fairy trail, maze, animal farm, and seasonal events like the Easter egg hunt and Halloween spooktacular. The house itself offers guided tours, but the main attractions for kids are outdoors. - Adventure playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames - Animal farm with goats, pigs, rabbits, and more - Fairy trail with miniature houses and magical creatures - Maze and woodland walks - Cafe and picnic areas Facilities: baby-changing, buggy-friendly paths, parking. Suitable for toddlers to tweens. Practical tip: bring wellies after rain as some paths can be muddy.

Irish National Heritage Park
6.5 miStep back in time at the Irish National Heritage Park, an open-air museum near Wexford that brings over 9,000 years of Irish history to life. Families can explore reconstructed dwellings and settlements from the Stone Age, Viking era, Norman period, and more, set across 35 acres of beautiful woodland and riverbank. - Highlights: Interactive exhibits, costumed guides, and hands-on activities like Viking weaponry displays and ancient craft demonstrations. - Ages: Great for kids aged 4–12, but interesting for all ages. The park has a children's playground and wide, stroller-friendly paths. - Facilities: On-site café, picnic areas, gift shop, and ample free parking. Wellies or sturdy shoes recommended after rain.

Irish National Heritage Park
6.5 miStep back in time at the Irish National Heritage Park, an open-air museum near Wexford that brings over 9,000 years of Irish history to life. Families can explore reconstructed dwellings and settlements from the Stone Age, Viking era, Norman period, and more, set across 35 acres of beautiful woodland and riverbank. - Highlights: Interactive exhibits, costumed guides, and hands-on activities like Viking weaponry displays and ancient craft demonstrations. - Ages: Great for kids aged 4–12, but interesting for all ages. The park has a children's playground and wide, stroller-friendly paths. - Facilities: On-site café, picnic areas, gift shop, and ample free parking. Wellies or sturdy shoes recommended after rain.

Johnstown Castle Estate & Museum
9.0 miJohnstown Castle is a stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival castle surrounded by 50 acres of formal gardens, lakes, and woodlands. The estate is home to the Irish Agricultural Museum, which offers interactive exhibits on farming, rural life, and the history of the estate. Families can explore the Fairy Trail, enjoy the adventure playground, feed the ducks, and wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens. - Highlights: Fairy Trail, adventure playground, duck feeding, museum with kid-friendly activities, beautiful walled garden. - Ages: Suitable for all ages; babies and toddlers will enjoy the open spaces, while older children love the museum and fairy trail. - Facilities: Baby changing, toilets, café (with high chairs), ample parking, buggy-friendly paths. - Practical tips: Allow 2-3 hours; bring wellies if wet. The museum is indoor, so it's a good rainy-day option. Check for seasonal events.

Johnstown Castle Estate & Museum
9.0 miJohnstown Castle is a stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival castle surrounded by 50 acres of formal gardens, lakes, and woodlands. The estate is home to the Irish Agricultural Museum, which offers interactive exhibits on farming, rural life, and the history of the estate. Families can explore the Fairy Trail, enjoy the adventure playground, feed the ducks, and wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens. - Highlights: Fairy Trail, adventure playground, duck feeding, museum with kid-friendly activities, beautiful walled garden. - Ages: Suitable for all ages; babies and toddlers will enjoy the open spaces, while older children love the museum and fairy trail. - Facilities: Baby changing, toilets, café (with high chairs), ample parking, buggy-friendly paths. - Practical tips: Allow 2-3 hours; bring wellies if wet. The museum is indoor, so it's a good rainy-day option. Check for seasonal events.

Wexford Opera House
9.2 miWexford Opera House is a stunning modern theatre that hosts a diverse programme of opera, drama, dance, comedy, and family-friendly shows throughout the year. Its state-of-the-art facilities include two auditoria (the main O'Reilly Theatre and the smaller Jerome Hynes Theatre), both with excellent sightlines and comfortable seating. The venue is fully accessible with lifts, baby-changing facilities, and a welcoming café bar. Families will find a range of dedicated children's performances, including Christmas pantomimes, interactive workshops, and matinee shows tailored for younger audiences. The theatre often runs educational programmes and sensory-friendly performances. With its central location on High Street, it's easy to combine a visit with a meal at one of the nearby family-friendly restaurants. - Recommended ages: 3–12 for most children's shows; some performances suitable for all ages. - Facilities: baby-changing, accessible seating, booster seats for children. - Practical tips: book early for popular family shows; check website for specific age guidance. On-street parking can be limited, so consider using the nearby car parks.

Kidz Kingdom
9.2 miKidz Kingdom is an indoor soft play centre located in Wexford, Ireland, designed for children up to around 12 years old. It features a large multi-level play frame with slides, ball pits, and climbing areas, as well as a dedicated toddler zone for younger children. Facilities include a party room for birthday celebrations, a café serving snacks and drinks for parents, and free Wi-Fi. The centre offers special sessions for school groups and holiday camps. Practical tips: Children must wear socks; socks are available for purchase. Adults are free. The centre can get busy on weekends and school holidays, so advance booking is recommended for parties.

Selskar Abbey
9.2 miSelskar Abbey is a medieval Augustinian abbey located in the heart of Wexford town. Now a peaceful ruin, the site features a grassy area and stone walls, perfect for a quick family stop. Kids can explore the remaining arches and towers while learning local history. - Highlights: Historic abbey ruins with a small park, often hosting community events. - Ages: Suitable for all ages; toddlers can run around, older kids enjoy the castle-like exploration. - Facilities: Limited facilities; nearest toilets and cafes on nearby Main Street. - Tips: Combine with a walk along Wexford Quay or visit the nearby Irish National Heritage Park (paying attraction). Best on dry days as the area is uncovered.

Wexford County Library
9.2 miWexford County Library offers a welcoming children's section with a wide range of books, audiobooks, and interactive resources. Regular storytime sessions, craft workshops, and summer reading challenges engage kids from toddlers to teens. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, computer access, and a homework club. The library is a quiet, safe space for families to explore reading and learning together. - Free entry and borrowing - Baby and toddler groups weekly - LEGO club and coding workshops for older children - Wheelchair accessible, baby-changing facilities - Online resources: e-books, audiobooks, and educational apps

Ferrycarrig Castle
9.2 miFerrycarrig Castle is a 12th-century Norman castle ruin located on a hill overlooking the River Slaney near Wexford. While the castle itself is a shell, it offers a scenic spot for a picnic and a glimpse into medieval history. Families with kids can explore the grounds, climb the remaining walls, and enjoy panoramic views. There is no admission fee, making it a quick, budget-friendly stop. However, there are no facilities or interactive exhibits, and the terrain is uneven, so supervision is needed for young children. Combine a visit with the nearby Irish National Heritage Park for a fuller historical experience.

