🌿Kilfane Glen & Waterfall

Nore Valley Park & Farm is a family-run farm and adventure park located near Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny. It offers a mix of animal encounters, outdoor play areas, and seasonal activities suitable for young children. Highlights include: - Petting zoo with friendly animals (rabbits, goats, sheep) - Tractor and trailer rides around the farm - Giant bouncing pillow, pedal boats, and go-karts - Indoor soft play area for rainy days - Café serving homemade food Facilities: ample free parking, baby changing, picnic areas. Best for ages 2–12. Booking recommended for weekends and school holidays. The farm is mostly outdoor, so dress for weather.

A family-run pick-your-own fruit farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, specialising in apples, strawberries, raspberries, and other seasonal fruits. Kids love the open-air experience of picking their own fruit straight from the trees and bushes. The farm also has a shop selling fresh produce, juices, and homemade treats. - Highlights: Pick-your-own fruit (seasonal), farm shop, juice tasting, picnic areas. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, especially toddlers to teens who enjoy outdoor activities. - Facilities: Parking, toilets, picnic benches, and a play area for younger children. - Practical Tips: Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes; check website for opening times and fruit availability as seasons vary. Dogs on leads welcome.

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is a stunning 19th-century landscaped garden and arboretum set in the rolling hills of County Kilkenny, Ireland. It offers a perfect day out for families, with a large playground, wide grassy areas for picnics and games, and buggy-friendly paths that wind through the walled garden, woodland, and along the river. Children will love the adventure playground, the giant tree swing, and the fairy trail. The arboretum boasts a collection of rare trees and plants, and there are beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. - Playground suitable for all ages, with swings, slides, and climbing frames - Walled garden with colourful flower beds and a fountain - Woodland walks and river walks, easy for pushchairs - Café serving light lunches, snacks, and ice cream - Free admission, donations welcome - Toilets and baby-changing facilities available Practical tip: Bring wellies if it has rained, as some paths can be muddy. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk, and the café has varying hours. Parking is free but limited on busy weekends.

Kells Priory is a magnificent medieval Augustinian priory located near the village of Kells in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the largest and most impressive monastic ruins in the country. The site features extensive stone remains, including a large church, cloister, towers, and defensive walls, often described as a 'city of ruins'. For families with kids, the priory offers a sprawling, atmospheric space to explore. Children can run around the grassy fields and climb on low walls (with supervision). There are no interactive exhibits or playgrounds, so it's best for kids who enjoy history, adventure, and outdoor exploration. Toilets and parking are available on site, but no café – pack a picnic. Highlights include the imposing 13th-century tower, the chapter house, and the tranquil river setting. The site is not fully accessible for pushchairs due to uneven ground. Suitable for children aged 5 and up who can navigate uneven terrain. The priory is open year-round with no admission fee, making it a budget-friendly outing.

Mount Juliet Estate is a historic country estate set in over 1,500 acres of parkland in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The estate's walks and gardens offer a serene escape for families. Highlights include the 1.5km Walled Garden Walk, the Woodland Walk along the River Nore, and the ancient yew tree walk. Kids will love exploring the walled garden with its colourful borders, herb garden, and fruit trees. There are also wide, buggy-friendly paths, picnic areas, and a playground near the hotel. The estate is home to deer, pheasants, and other wildlife, adding to the adventure. Practical tips: The walks are free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking is available at the hotel (free for garden visitors). Toilet facilities are in the hotel lobby. Dogs on leads are welcome. The terrain is mostly flat and well-maintained, suitable for pushchairs and toddlers. For older kids, the longer woodland walks offer a bit more challenge. The estate also hosts seasonal events like an Easter egg hunt and a Christmas market.

The National Reptile Zoo in Gowran, County Kilkenny, Ireland, is a dedicated reptile and amphibian zoo. Highlights include a wide variety of snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Families can enjoy daily talks and handling sessions. The zoo is fully indoor, making it a great rainy day option. Facilities include a café, gift shop, and wheelchair access. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

A scenic family-friendly hiking trail through the Blackstairs Mountains, offering gentle slopes and panoramic views. The trail is well-marked and suitable for children aged 5 and up, with picnic spots and benches along the way. - Highlights include wildflower meadows, birdwatching, and a summit viewpoint. - No bike hire or pushchair access due to uneven terrain. - Nearest facilities (toilets, café) at the trailhead car park in the village of Graiguenamanagh.

Jenkinstown Park is a charming public park located in County Kilkenny, Ireland, known for its tranquil woodland walks, beautiful gardens, and a fantastic children's playground. The park features a lake, picnic areas, and a café, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. - Highlights: Woodland trails, playground with swings and slides, walled garden, and a duck pond. - Facilities: On-site café, public toilets, ample parking, and picnic benches. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, with a dedicated play area for toddlers and older children. - Practical tips: Free entry; wellies recommended after rain; dog-friendly.

Jenkinstown Park is a charming public park located in County Kilkenny, Ireland, known for its tranquil woodland walks, beautiful gardens, and a fantastic children's playground. The park features a lake, picnic areas, and a café, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. - Highlights: Woodland trails, playground with swings and slides, walled garden, and a duck pond. - Facilities: On-site café, public toilets, ample parking, and picnic benches. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, with a dedicated play area for toddlers and older children. - Practical tips: Free entry; wellies recommended after rain; dog-friendly.

A stunning 12th-century castle set in extensive parkland on the banks of the River Nore. The castle offers guided tours through its richly decorated rooms, while the park is free and features a large playground, woodland walks, and a tearoom. Families can enjoy picnics, feeding the ducks, and exploring the formal gardens. - **Highlights:** Guided castle tour (paid), playground with zip line and climbing frames, river walks, butterfly garden. - **Ages:** All ages welcome; playground suits 2–12 years. - **Facilities:** Baby changing, accessible paths, on-site café, toilets near playground. - **Tips:** Park open dawn to dusk; castle tours run hourly (last entry 4pm). Free parking nearby.