Sinead’s suggestions
Playgrounds
- Fitzgeralds Park in Cork City
- Min Ryan Park in the town of Wexford
- Marlay Park, Dublin
- Cabinteely Park, Dublin
- Kilkenny Castle Playground
- Cratloe Woods in County Clare
- Mauves Castle, Liège
- Malahide Castle, Dublin – a great option for older children
Walks
- Check out this website for suggestions – www.thefamilyedit.ie
- And on Instagram discover @ourlittlehiker
- All Heritage Ireland sites are free until the end of the year BUT check the websites in case tickets need to be booked online.
- Raven Point Wood on Curracloe Beach in Wexford – suitable for bikes and strollers
- JFK Park and Arboretum in Co Wexford – free entry until end of 2021
- Emo Court, Co Laois – fairy woods and bike and buggy friendly
- Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny – village of elves and fairies on beautiful hiking trails. Pay for parking only.
- Slieve Gullion, Co Armagh – stroll through the Giants’ Lair and see the playground.
- Doneraile Court and Wildlife Park, near Mallow, Co Cork
- Ards Forest Park, County Donegal
- Castletown House, County Kildare
- Lough Boora Discovery Park, County Offaly
Beaches
- Portsalon to Donegal
- Strandhill to Sligo
- Duncannon to Wexford
- Youghal, Co. Cork – Youghal Eco-Boardwalk – 1.9 mile hardwood paneled beach walkway ideal for the elderly, those with limited mobility, wheelchair and stroller users.
Cycling
- Waterford Green Lane
- Limerick Greenway
- Greenway of the Royal Canal
- Carrigaline Greenway in Crosshaven, Cork
Jen’s suggestions
In the midlands
- Kildare – Donadea Forest Park, Castletown House and Maynooth Castle
- Meath – Girly Bog, Loughcrew Cairns and Trim Castle (check opening hours)
- Offaly – Lough Boora and Derryounce Lakes and Waterways Discovery Park
- Laois – Cour Emo
To the west and north-west
- Mayo – Belleek Wood for a walk, ABC park in the Ballina and Land of Giants play area in Claremorris.
- Galway – Coole Park and Rinville Park
- Sligo – Gleniff Horseshoe
- Leitrim – Glencar Waterfall
At Dublin
- Marlay Park
- Cabinteely Park
- Farmleigh House – free entry for 2021
- Ardgillan Castle and Gardens
- Corkagh Park
- Malahide Castle Park
In Ulster
- Down – Tollymore Forest Park
- Donegal – Ards Forest Park
in Munster
- Cork – Inishannon Playground and Fota Gardens
- Tipperary – Glen of Aherlow Forest Trail
- Kerry – Banna Beach
East and South East
- Wicklow – Greystones Playground AND Bray’s Head and Waterfront Beach, nice for walks and a coffee Crone Woods
- Kilkenny – Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum.Inistioge beautiful gardens and playground