1 / 20

🏰Glin Castle and Gardens
A historic castle and gardens in County Limerick, offering a glimpse into Irish heritage. Families can explore the beautifully maintained gardens, including a walled garden and woodland walks. The castle itself is a lived-in family home, with guided tours that fascinate older children.
- Highlights: Castle tours, woodland gardens, play areas, and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts.
- Ages: Best for ages 5 and up; toddlers can enjoy gardens but may find tours long.
- Facilities: Parking, café, toilets. Pushchair-friendly paths in gardens.
- Practical tips: Book tours in advance; check for family ticket deals. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Travel tips
Book castle tours ahead of time
Guided tours should be booked in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment on the day.
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit
Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore both the castle and gardens without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Toddlers may struggle with long castle tours
The guided tour inside can be lengthy; very young children may lose interest, so consider splitting activities or skipping the tour for under-5s.
Gardens are pushchair-friendly
The garden paths are suitable for pushchairs, making it easier to explore with babies and toddlers in tow.
Look for family ticket deals
Check the website for family packages or group rates before you visit—they could save you money on entry fees.
Explore the woodland walks
The woodland walks offer a quieter experience away from the main castle, good for families wanting a gentler pace.
Walled garden adds interest for older children
Older children often enjoy discovering the secrets of formal walled gardens with their geometric designs and hidden corners.
Check for seasonal family events
Easter egg hunts and other family events run seasonally—visit the website to see what's on during your trip.
On-site café for refreshments
A café is available on-site, so you can grab drinks or snacks without leaving the grounds to explore elsewhere.
Toilets are available throughout
Toilet facilities are provided on the grounds, useful for managing young children's needs during your visit.
Parking is on-site
No need to struggle finding parking elsewhere—spaces are available at the castle for visitor convenience.
Best suited to children aged 5 and up
Whilst younger children can enjoy the gardens, the castle tours and activities are really geared towards ages 5 and older.
Bring appropriate footwear for garden paths
Garden paths vary in condition—sturdy shoes are advisable, especially after rain or for younger walkers.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places

Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
8.4 miExplore the history of aviation and maritime at this unique museum located in Foynes, County Limerick. Highlights include a full-size replica of the Boeing 314 flying boat, interactive exhibits, and the story of Irish coffee. Families will enjoy the children's area with hands-on activities and the chance to see historic aircraft and maritime artifacts. - Interactive exhibits suitable for all ages - Children's play area and activity sheets - Café serving homemade treats and the original Irish coffee - On-site parking and accessible facilities - Allow 1.5–2 hours for your visit

Vandeleur Walled Garden
9.1 miA beautifully restored Victorian walled garden set within the Vandeleur Estate in Kilrush, County Clare. Highlights include a colorful formal garden, a yew maze, a children’s playground, and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails. The site also features a café and plant sales. Families will appreciate the well-maintained playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames suitable for toddlers to pre-teens. The maze is a fun challenge for older kids. The garden paths are pushchair-friendly. There are picnic tables and a small fairy trail to explore. - Playground suitable for ages 2–12 - Maze and fairy trail - On-site café with child-friendly options - Seasonal family events (check website)

Listowel Lartigue Monorail
11.6 miThe Listowel Lartigue Monorail is a unique and historic monorail system, reconstructed as a tourist attraction in Listowel, County Kerry. It offers a fun and educational experience for families, with a short ride on a replica of the original horse-drawn monorail that operated from 1888 to 1924. - **Highlights:** The 1km journey on a single rail with balanced carriages is a thrill for kids. The visitor centre features a museum with original artifacts, a model railway, and interactive displays explaining the engineering marvel. - **Ages:** Suitable for all ages; very young children can ride safely in their parent's lap. The museum has hands-on exhibits that engage older kids and adults. - **Facilities:** On-site parking, gift shop, and nearby café. The ride is fully accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. - **Practical tips:** Check seasonal opening times; rides run every 30 minutes. Combine with a visit to Listowel town for a full day out.

Listowel Library
11.6 miListowel Library is a public library in the heart of Listowel town, County Kerry. It offers a dedicated children's section with a wide range of books, storytelling sessions, and craft activities. The library hosts regular events such as 'Rhyme Time' for babies and toddlers, 'Story Time' for preschoolers, and art workshops for older children. With free Wi-Fi, computer access, and a cozy reading area, it's a great indoor spot for families. - Highlights: Children's corner, free events, friendly staff. - Ages: Suitable for babies to teens. - Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing, wheelchair accessible. - Practical tips: Check the library's Facebook page or website for event schedules. Parking available nearby.

Listowel Town Park
11.6 miListowel Town Park is a family-friendly public park located in the heart of Listowel, County Kerry. It features a well-maintained children's playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames suitable for toddlers and older kids. The park also includes a bandstand, walking paths, and plenty of green space for picnics and games. - Free entry and open year-round - Benches and picnic tables available - Hosts community events and festivals during summer - Nearby cafes and shops for refreshments Practical tips: Parking nearby can be limited during events. The park is flat and pushchair-friendly. Public toilets are available in the town centre a short walk away.

Moyasta Station (West Clare Railway)
11.9 miMoyasta Station is a beautifully restored heritage railway station on the West Clare Railway line in County Clare, Ireland. It offers a charming step back in time with steam and diesel train rides through the scenic Burren countryside. Families can enjoy a museum with railway memorabilia, a café serving homemade treats, and a playground for kids. - Highlights: Heritage train rides, museum, playground, café. - Best for: Ages 2–12, but all ages welcome. - Facilities: Toilets, baby changing, picnic area, limited wheelchair access (check ahead). - Tips: Train rides run on select days – check schedule. Arrive early for parking. Combine with nearby Kilrush or Loop Head for a full day out.

West Clare Railway
12.0 miThe West Clare Railway is a heritage steam railway that recreates the historic line that once served County Clare. Kids will love the vintage trains, the chance to ride in carriages pulled by a steam locomotive, and the friendly station atmosphere. Highlights for families: - Steam train rides through scenic countryside - Interactive exhibits in the on-site museum - Picnic areas and a café with kid-friendly snacks - Special events like 'Day Out with Thomas' (seasonal) The journey takes about 30 minutes return, perfect for young attention spans. Facilities include baby-changing, a gift shop, and ample parking. The train runs on select dates from April to October, so check the timetable before visiting. Practical tips: arrive early to see the locomotive prepare, bring a camera, and dress for the weather as the carriages are open-sided on some trains.

Scattery Island
12.1 miScattery Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Shannon Estuary, rich in early medieval monastic history. It features a well-preserved round tower, the ruins of a 6th-century monastery founded by St. Senan, and several church buildings. After a short ferry ride from Kilrush (10-15 minutes), families can explore the island's walking paths, spot seabirds, and enjoy panoramic views of the estuary. - Highlights: Round tower (120 ft tall), holy well, ancient graveyard, wildlife like seals and birds. - Recommended for ages 5 and up (boat journey and uneven terrain may be challenging for toddlers). - Facilities: No shops or cafes on the island; bring water and snacks. Toilets available in Kilrush only. - Practical tips: Ferries run seasonally (April–September), weather-dependent. Check operator 'Scattery Island Ferries' for times. Wear sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing.

