Clare Island Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferry services from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island, located off the coast of County Mayo. The crossing takes about 20-30 minutes and offers stunning views of Clew Bay and the Atlantic. Clare Island is famous for its rich history, including the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O'Malley's castle, and boasts sandy beaches, walking trails, and wildlife such as seals and seabirds.
For families, the ferry is a fun adventure with the chance to spot dolphins and porpoises. The island has a café, toilets, and a small shop, but facilities are limited, so bring snacks and water. The main attraction is the castle (entry fee applies) and the beautiful beaches like Trawnore and Loughanillaun. There are also guided walking tours available in summer.
Practical tips: Check weather and sea conditions before booking, as crossings may be cancelled in rough seas. Book tickets in advance during peak season (June-August). Pushchairs are manageable but note the island has some uneven paths. The ferry can accommodate buggies. A family day trip is easily doable, but consider staying overnight at the island's B&Bs or campsite for a longer adventure.
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🏖️Old Head Beach
Old Head Beach (also known as Old Head Strand) is a beautiful Blue Flag beach near Louisburgh, County Mayo. It boasts a wide expanse of golden sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. The beach is ideal for families with children due to its shallow, safe waters and lifeguard patrol during summer months. - **Highlights:** Rock pool exploration, sandcastle building, paddling in calm waters. Dog-friendly (on leash during summer). - **Facilities:** Car park, public toilets, seasonal lifeguard station, nearby café and pub in Louisburgh. - **Practical Tips:** Arrive early in summer to secure parking. Bring sun protection and windbreakers as weather can change quickly. The beach is exposed, so no shelter from wind. - **Ages:** Suitable for all ages, especially toddlers and young children who can wade safely.
🏖️Silver Strand Beach
A beautiful Blue Flag beach on the Mayo coast, Silver Strand is a firm favourite with families. The wide, sandy shore and clean, shallow waters make it a safe spot for paddling and swimming. Children will love building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and playing on the soft sand. - Lifeguards on duty during summer months (June–August) - Car park and public toilets nearby - Picnic tables and benches along the promenade - Gentle slope into the water, ideal for young swimmers - Stunning views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay For active families, there are coastal walks in both directions. The beach is also close to the town of Louisburgh, where you can find shops, cafes, and eateries. Parking is free, and the beach is easily accessible by car.
⛵Killary Harbour
Killary Harbour is Ireland's only fjord, a stunning 16km-long inlet surrounded by mountains and sea. Families can enjoy boat tours that offer close-up views of the dramatic scenery, with opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and maybe even dolphins. The harbour is also a hub for water sports like kayaking, and there are scenic walking trails suitable for older children. - **Highlights**: Boat trips (e.g., Killary Fjord Tours), seal spotting, kayaking, walking trails. - **Ages**: Boats welcome all ages; walking trails best for 5+. - **Practical tips**: Bring warm layers and rain gear regardless of season. Book boat tours in advance during summer. Parking available near the pier in Leenane. - **Facilities**: Public toilets, cafes and restaurants in Leenane, limited baby-changing facilities.
🏔️Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick, also known as 'The Reek', is a 764m mountain in County Mayo, Ireland, famous for its pilgrimage to the summit chapel on the last Sunday of July. For families with older kids (10+), it offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of Clew Bay and the Atlantic. The main route is a rocky path that takes 2-3 hours up and 1.5-2 hours down. Facilities include a car park (fee) and visitor centre at the base. Note: no facilities on the mountain; bring water, snacks, and rain gear. Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. The experience is primarily outdoor and weather-dependent; avoid rainy or windy days.
🏖️Renvyle Beach
Renvyle Beach is a stunning sandy beach located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara, County Galway. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountains. Families will appreciate the clean, safe swimming area with lifeguards on duty during summer months. - Facilities include parking, public toilets, and a nearby café. - Ideal for sandcastle building, paddling, and beachcombing. - Adjacent to Renvyle Castle and forest walks for exploring. Practical tip: The beach can be windy, so bring windbreakers and sun protection. Best visited during low tide for more sand exposure. Suitable for all ages, with gentle slopes into the water.
🏰Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a historic castle set within a stunning estate in Connemara, County Galway. Families can explore the Victorian Walled Garden, the neo-Gothic church, and the abbey's heritage rooms. The estate offers beautiful woodland walks, a children's playground, and a café with family-friendly options. - Highlights: Victorian Walled Garden (with restored glasshouses), Gothic Church, Mausoleum, Abbey heritage exhibition. - Ages: All ages welcome; playground for younger children, trails for older kids. - Facilities: Café, restaurant, gift shop, baby-changing facilities, pushchair-friendly paths (some uneven). - Practical Tips: Allow at least 2-3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Check seasonal opening hours online.
🏔️Diamond Hill (Connemara National Park)
Diamond Hill is a popular hiking destination in Connemara National Park, offering stunning views of the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, and the Atlantic Ocean. Families can enjoy a moderate circular walk suitable for older children (ages 6+). The park has a visitor centre with exhibits, picnic areas, and toilets. There is no playground, but kids can explore the bog and heathland. - Best for families with children who enjoy outdoor adventures. - Dogs on leads welcome. - The walk takes about 2-3 hours. - Free entry, but small parking fee applies.
🌊Clew Bay
Clew Bay is a stunning natural bay on the west coast of Ireland, renowned for its 365 drumlin islands (one for every day of the year) and the iconic peak of Croagh Patrick. Families can enjoy boat trips to explore the islands, spot seals and seabirds, and take in breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The bay is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with kayaking, fishing, and island hopping popular activities. Nearby attractions like Westport House and the Great Western Greenway offer additional family-friendly fun. - Highlights: Scenic boat tours, Croagh Patrick climb (ages 8+), Westport House adventure playground, and the Clew Bay Bike Trail. - Facilities: Public jetties, picnic spots, cafés in Westport town. Toilets available at main tourist points. - Ages: All ages, but boat trips and hiking are best for ages 5+ with adult supervision.
🏞️Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a stunning natural area in County Galway, Ireland, covering over 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heathlands, grasslands, and woodlands. It's a fantastic destination for families who love the outdoors. - **Highlights**: Diamond Hill walking trails (easy to moderate), the Victorian walled garden, and the Connemara pony paddock. The visitor centre has interactive exhibits about the park's history, wildlife, and landscape. - **Facilities**: Large free car park, picnic areas, playground, and clean restrooms. The visitor centre has a café with kid-friendly options. - **Practical Tips**: Bring rain gear and sturdy shoes. The Diamond Hill Loop is about 1.5 hours and suitable for children aged 5+. Pushchairs can access the walled garden but not the mountain trails.