Six Family Outings for Spring: Open Farms, Activity Centres & More

Brighter days, warmer nights...spring is in full swing and family outings are back on the agenda! It's time to hit the road and discover some of Ireland's most exciting spring/summer attractions. 

Here are our recommendations for some nature-based exploring in Kerry, Cork and Galway...

Sandy Feet Farm - Tralee, Co. Kerry

Sandy Feet Farm is a family-run open farm near the village of Camp (which is about a 20-minute drive from Tralee town centre).

Get up close and personal with a range of familiar (and not-so-familiar) farm animals such as alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs and even a very charming Highland cow!

Treat yourself to a tractor-trailer ride around the farm or to something homemade and sweet in their spacious cafe. They've even got a sensory garden and natural play area for kids to enjoy while you take in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Burren Nature Sanctuary and Cafe - near Gort, Co. Galway

The Burren is such a beautiful place, and the Burren Nature Sanctuary does a great job of highlighting the magic of the area. 

There's lots for adults and kids to do here besides exploring the nature trails. Take a walk through the Magical Hazel Fairy Woodland, check out the 'Disappearing Lake,' meet the friendly farm animals, and let kids be kids in the Adventure Playground.

Top tip: book a Fairy Pig Walk Picnic with owner Mary and Emilia the pig for an experience like no other!

It's also worth paying a visit to the Burren National Park, which is less than a half-hour drive from the Sanctuary.

Leahy's Open Farm - near Youghal, Co. Cork

Leahy's Open Farm is situated in a remote and peaceful spot outside Midleton, Co. Cork, with plenty of room to explore the various attractions they have on offer. This includes a petting zoo, an adventure playground, an indoor play barn, go-karting, a farm museum, and a chocolate factory where they craft their own homemade ice cream! 

There really is something for everyone here at this fun-filled gem. Unique attractions like their digger park offer digger-mad kids a chance to work an actual mini JCB. Adults and kids can also take a spin on the quads and barrel trailer rides available in this area. 

Tearaways Pet Farm and Activity Centre - near Portumna, Co. Galway 

Tearaways Pet Farm and Activity Centre is located in the townland of Clonmona, Tipperary — just a 15-minute drive from the vibrant town of Portumna.

Tearaways is a one-stop-shop for all things family-fun. Outdoors you'll meet lots of friendly animals, including alpacas, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, a Scottish Highlander, a pony, and much more. Kids will love the go-kart track, barrel train, playground, and sledge run!

Indoor activities include a two-storey play area complete with a 4 lane wave slide, 2 tunnel slides, crawling tunnels, cargo nets, and ball pits. There is a separate play area for toddlers and a seating/viewing area where parents can enjoy a cup of coffee and some hot food or baked treats.

 Tralee Bay Wetlands - Tralee, Co. Kerry

Tralee Bay is brimming with natural beauty in springtime, and a visit to Tralee Bay Wetlands is one of the best ways to soak it all up! This activity and eco-centre gives you everything you need to take in some of Kerry's most spectacular views.

Get out on the water with a pedalo, try the outdoor climbing wall, visit the indoor interactive exhibits, or explore the grounds and discover more about the animals and plants native to the area. Best of all, Tralee's waterpark - Aqua Dome - is right next door, and is well worth a visit with the kids!

Corrin Nature Reserve - Fermoy, Co. Cork

Located near the bustling Cork town of Fermoy, the Corrin Nature Reserve is a really peaceful spot to take the kids for some fresh air and wildlife-watching. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking nearby. 

The reserve includes a natural meadow, wetlands, butterfly garden, wildflower meadows, wild bird cover crops, 1000m of walkways, tables, seating, pond, pools and observation decks, as well as a natural stream, a protected island, and a partridge-rearing enclosure.

To discover more family-friendly attractions near you, check out the Attractions tab of the Xplore Local app.