Journalist Glenn Kelly lists just a few of the incredible day trips and overnight stays available this summer to keep the whole family entertained.
It’s that time of year again: teachers all around the country are drifting off in the classroom, with minds on summer holidays abroad, and delighted to be heading for eight weeks in the clear without a single “yes, miss”, “no, miss”, “Tommy’s just been sick at the back of the class, miss.”
However, we parents at home won’t be waving off our kids anytime soon, and so the fret begins of what to do with them all summer, so they are not stuck inside the house glued to a TV or tablet.
Our weather may not always be great, but don’t let that stop you! As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad outfit choices. And while you are wondering if you and the kids will need a raincoat even though it looks totally fine out (answer: yes, you will), let me take the strain out of your decision- making with seven of the best ideas for a day out this summer, or even a cheeky night’s getaway.
From all across the island, this guide will fill all your days and ensure the whole family has a great time.
Center Parcs, Longford Forest; The Great Family Escape in the Midlands
Centerparcs.ie; 3-nights trip in August priced from €1,499.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and maybe even bring your dog with you, then look no further than Ireland’s very own Center Parcs.
Tucked away in the serene Newcastle Woods, Center Parcs Longford Forest – to give the resort its full name – is the ultimate summer staycation for Irish families. Spanning 400 acres of car-free woodland, this premium resort takes the stress out of travel by offering accommodation, dining, and endless adventure all in one safe, enclosed environment.
The centrepiece of the resort is without doubt the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Ireland’s largest indoor water park. Heated to a balmy 29.5°C all year round, it features exhilarating wild water rapids, towering slides, and dedicated toddler splash zones—ensuring a tropical escape no matter what the unpredictable Irish summer weather brings outside.
Aside from the pool, the resort serves as a massive outdoor playground. With traffic-free trails, families can feel safe exploring the shaded forest paths on bicycles. If you don’t have your own, these can be hired on-site.
Summer truly brings the resort’s central lake to life, where a sandy beach invites sandcastle building, and the water plays host to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a floating inflatable obstacle course. For thrill-seekers, the forest canopy offers high-ropes courses and ziplines.
After an action-packed day, families retreat to modern, open-plan woodland lodges. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, these lodges frequently offer glimpses of local wildlife like deer and red squirrels right outside your patio.
With fully equipped kitchens for easy self-catering and a vibrant village square packed with family-friendly restaurants, Center Parcs Longford Forest provides the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and non-stop fun for an unforgettable summer getaway.
The K Club, Kildare; The Opulent Option for a Fabulous Family Break
Kclub.ie; 2-night Family Stay in July from €1,000
The K Club in County Kildare delivers a masterclass in five-star luxury for families. Set across 550 pristine acres along the River Liffey – just 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre – this historic resort effortlessly pairs opulent relaxation for parents with high-energy adventures for children.
The magic of a family escape here lies in the sheer variety of outdoor pursuits. Families can explore the estate via the six-kilometre K Trails on complimentary bicycles, try their hand at fly-fishing, or experience falconry and archery. Budding golfers can take junior clinics on the championship courses that hosted the prestigious Ryder Cup, or play rounders and Gaelic games on the lawns.
For younger children, the supervised K Cubs Kids’ Club organises immersive activities like “Junior Einsteins” science experiments and creative arts. This allows parents a guilt-free window to slip away to the serene K Spa or enjoy a cocktail.
Accommodations are tailored for families, offering large, interconnecting luxury rooms with thoughtful touches like colouring books on arrival.
Dining keeps things effortlessly flexible. While the fine-dining Barton Restaurant provides a glamorous evening out, you don’t have to go all “fancy” when you can visit the vibrant atmosphere at The Palmer and South Bar & Restaurant, which caters brilliantly to all ages with dedicated children’s menus.
Offering five-star sophistication without the need to keep the kids out of the pool, The K Club transforms the traditional luxury holiday into an unforgettable, stress-free playground for the entire family.
Roe Valley Resort, Limavady; The All-Action Family Adventure Getaway
RoeValleyResort.com; Summer Club Family Sleepover from €300 per night B&B
Since taking over Roe Valley Resort in November 2024, the Galgorm Collection – famous across the island for the Galgorm Spa Resort – has set about making the Limavady hotel Ireland’s best luxury family location, whilst at the same time retaining its warm and friendly welcome.
Having already added an outdoor play area with slides and Land Rover experiences, Roe Valley has now opened its latest attractions, new slides for the pool area, and an upcoming two-storey soft-play zone that will be opening at the beginning of July.
Kids will also be able to try their jet-ski skills in the pool and make pizzas in Fratelli’s restaurant.
Not only will the kids be exhausted with all the treats on offer, but parents can also enjoy the two on-site restaurants, with a new bar also opening in July, and full spa facilities. Or if you are a golf fan, the on-site 18-hole course will keep your swing in good order.
Roe Valley is also located just 30 minutes from Derry and 25 minutes from the beautiful north coast, so what are you waiting for? Get it booked.
Emerald Park, County Meath: Ireland’s Only Theme Park and Zoo
EmeraldPark.ie; All-Access Tickets from €44
Located in County Meath, Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is Ireland’s premier destination for an all-in-one family day trip. Combining a high-energy theme park with a diverse zoo, it effortlessly bridges the gap between toddler-friendly fun and teenage-approved adrenaline.
For the thrill-seekers, the legendary Cú Chulainn ride – one of Europe’s largest wooden roller coasters – and the newer Tír na nÓg zone offer hair-raising drops. Meanwhile, younger children can explore the dedicated Junior Zone, which features gentle rides like the Dino Dash and a couple of playgrounds.
There are over 45 rides on offer, more than enough to keep the whole family happy from early morning to early evening.
As well as the rides, there is, of course, the zoo, so make sure you leave time for that too! Home to over 250 animals, including big cats, meerkats, and the immersive Lemur Woods walk-through, this area is my personal favourite. Be sure to make the live bird show too, as this is a chance to see some of the biggest birds very close up.
Book early to save up to 20% on your tickets and make it a must-see summer trip.
Wild Ireland, County Donegal; Take a Walk on the Wild Side.
WildIreland.org; A Family-of-Four ticket costs €68.87
Following on from the animal theme, how about a walk on the wild side?
Tucked away on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Wild Ireland is a wildlife sanctuary with a fascinating premise; rolling back the clock to display the animals that once ruled the island’s ancient countryside.
Set within a regenerating Celtic rainforest, this sanctuary offers a home to rescued animals that cannot return to the wild, many saved from abusive conditions in circuses and roadside zoos. The true highlights are Ireland’s “lost” apex predators—species hunted to extinction on the island centuries ago. Visitors can walk the flat, accessible woodland trails and come face-to-face with European brown bears, a pack of grey wolf brothers, Eurasian lynx, and wild boar.
Alongside the big predators, you’ll encounter arctic foxes, deer, Barbary macaques, and native birds of prey. There is a huge focus on conservation with regular keeper talks to keep the young ones – and older folk – well informed and educated.
The Dublin Horse Show: For the Love of Horses
Dublinhorseshow.com; A Day Pass for the Family Costs €88.50
Running from 5 – 9 August, the Dublin horse show is back in the RDS in the capital, ready to attract fans of show jumping and great days out.
While world-class riders compete in the Main Arena, the grounds are packed with activities designed specifically for children.
Tucked safely behind the Grandstand, the dedicated Family Area is a paradise for kids of all ages. Younger thrill-seekers can get behind the wheel at the Mini Defender Driving Experience, tackle a climbing wall, or burn off energy in a toddler soft-play zone. The atmosphere is kept magical with roaming circus acts, magicians, stilt-walkers, and expert face painters.
When hunger strikes, the grounds are lined with fantastic food trucks serving everything from artisan burgers to sweet churros and ice cream.
You don’t have to be a big fan of horse-riding to have a great day out in South Dublin for this event.
Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle, Hillsborough; Family Fun at a Royal Residence
Hrp.org.uk; Adult tickets for access to gardens and castle cost c.€23. Kids go free to gardens and events this summer.
This summer holiday, Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and Gnasher are all making their way to the royal residencies of Hillsborough to cause some mischief.
Located just 20 minutes to the south of Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin, the kids will have a great time taking part in this adventure.
The evergreen characters’ go-kart time machine has gone haywire and scattered its pieces over Hillsborough Castle’s 100-acre gardens. Unless they find them, the Beano crew could be stuck in history forever!
Kids must find the missing pieces around the historical gardens whilst meeting life-size characters along the way.
Grown-ups can also enjoy a coffee as they dander around the grounds and then take part in a tour of the castle itself. Hillsborough is where the King and other royals stay during a visit to the north, and you will see some of their living areas, including historical family photographs and emblems from historical moments such as the Good Friday Agreement.
The fact that kids go free for the Beano adventure shows it is a clear winner!
Wildlands, Galway: An Adventure in the West for All the Family
Wildlands.ie. See website for activity pricing.
Nestled across 20 acres of mature woodland in Moycullen, just ten minutes from Galway City, Wildlands is a premier indoor and outdoor adventure park. It serves as the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers and families alike, functioning seamlessly whatever the weather.
Thrill-seekers can brave the Zip ‘n’ Trek course, soaring up to 15 meters through the forest canopy, or take to the waters of Ballyquirke Lough for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Indoors, the energy remains high with action-packed ninja warrior courses, a multi-tier fun climbing wall arena, and the Celtic Challenge Rooms—a clever, Irish mythology-themed crystal maze featuring 24 unique puzzle chambers.
For younger kids, the park includes Baile Beag (an immersive miniature play village) and off-road mini jeep driving. Complete with luxury, architect-designed overnight log cabins and the award-winning Olive Tree Kitchen, it delivers an unforgettable day out.