Family Holiday Ideas in Killarney
There are a huge number of opportunities for family activities in and around the Killarney area.
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
Muckross is one of Ireland’s premier attractions and incorporates Muckross Traditional Farms, Craft Workshops, Nature Trails, Free Audio Visual, Restaurant and Craft Shop. Situated in Killarney National Park, Muckross House is a focal point within the Park and is the ideal base from which to explore its terrain whether by foot, jarvey’s or bike. Muckross Traditional Farms are working farms recreating the traditional farming methods of the 1930’s. Visitors to the farms can enjoy a free trip around the site on the superb Muckross Vintage coach and use the newly opened children’s woodland playground. The Walled Garden Centre incorporates the Garden Restaurant, Mucros Craft Shop and the three Mucros Craft Workshops.
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Ross Castle
Built in the 15th Century by the O’Donoghue Chieftains. It overlooks the lower lake in Killarney and looks out on a 7th Century monastery and 12th Century Oratory on Innisfallen Island. Legend has it that Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, was educated here by the monks in the 9th Century.
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Killarney Jarvey’s & Jaunting Cars
Enjoy the traditional way to visit the delights of Killarney with the famous jarvey’s and jaunting cars. Lots of story telling, history and Craic!
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A Cruise in the Park, Killarney
Take a relaxing and enjoyable cruise through the Killarney National Park in the comfort and safety of a covered, heated and modern vessel, the MV Lily of Killarney. Fully glazed to allow you enjoy the magnificent views that make this cruise unique, including the historic Ross Castle. Live commentary will entertain and inform you on the history and folklore of the area. This all weather water coach cruise is the ideal way to view Killarney National Park.
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Buddies Indoor Soft Play & Party Centre
Come to Buddies and relax in our Café, while your children explore our exciting play centre. Our centre is suitable for children up to the age of 12 years. Our facilities include an Astra Slide, Ball Cannon, Sports Area, Interactive Lights, Toddler Track and so much more. Open 7 days.
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Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
Killarney offers a wide choice of Equestrian options, from organised riding and treks to the less formal mountain rides through the magnificent Gap of Dunloe.
Killarney Riding Stables – Trekking in Killarney National Park
Muckross Riding Stables – Trekking in Killarney National Park
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Coolwood Park, Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
A fifty-acre complex, 10 acres of which is a wildlife park and 40 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Heavily wooded it is the stronghold of the red squirrel, sparrow hawks, dippers and more common species. It is an ideal place to take the family for a visit. The wildlife park includes monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, racoons, prairie dogs, agouties, arctic foxes, maras, llamas, alpacas, mountjac deer, pygmy goats, large birds of prey collection, pets corner, reptiles, fancy fowl, rabbittery and large waterfowl collection. Coffee shop and picnic area available on site.
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Kennedy’s Pet Farm
Ireland’s Premier Family Pet Farm with all weather facilities for an exciting day out. New arrivals on the farm are a regular occurrence and there’s always a happy mother waiting to show off her new babies! So if you fancy cuddling, feeding or just admiring the large varieties of animals – puppies, kittens, deer, pigs, piglets, horses, calves, sheep and lambs, goats and kids, donkeys, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, ducks and ducklings, geese and goslings and “Prince” the peacock – then Kennedy’s Pet Farm is a must. Its unique indoor and outdoor playgrounds are every child’s dream experience. Small coffee and tuck shop available. Feel free to bring your own picnic.
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Cappanalea Outdoor Educational Centre, Killorglin
A great Outdoor Educational Centre that includes activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, bouldering, orienteering, hill walking, windsurfing, abseiling and dinghy sailing. Great for older children.
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Aqua Dome, Tralee
The Aqua Dome has something for everybody. The young and young at heart, those seeking thrills, and the visitor who just wishes to unwind… all have much to look forward to. “Fly down” the 90-metre flume, “splash out” in the waves, ride the “raging rapids” or relax in the “lazy river”. Small children have their own area; with bubble slide fountain and mushroom spray. Adults can experience the luxury of the Sauna Dome, which features two large saunas, steam room, cool pool, sun shower and relaxation area.
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Aqua Golf, Tralee
Aqua Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course featuring bunkers, water hazards and holes of varying difficulty. Between the two lie remote control boats and trucks, which are great fun for all the family.
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Crag Cave, Castleisland
Crag Cave is a natural, all-weather visitor attraction located at the gateway to Kerry. Formed of limestone, it is a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites, thought to be over one million years old, with dramatic sound and lighting effects. Friendly guides are pleased to outline the caves origins and its many beautiful formations, and introduce visitors to a world older than mankind. The Cave Centre has a coffee shop, extensive gift shop and “Crazy Cave”, an indoor children’s soft play adventure centre with junior, toddler, baby and sports areas.
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