Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is a family theme park and zoo located in Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland. It offers a wide range of attractions suitable for children of all ages, including thrilling roller coasters, gentle rides for toddlers, and a large zoo with over 30 species of animals.
Highlights for families include:
- The Cú Chulainn wooden roller coaster and other adrenaline rides for older kids and adults.
- The Safari Zoo, where children can see lions, tigers, meerkats, and more up close.
- Indoor play areas, like the Soft Play Zone, perfect for younger kids on cooler days.
- The Viking Voyage water ride and the Steam Engine train ride for a gentler experience.
Facilities include on-site dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants, picnic areas, gift shops, and ample parking. Practical tips: Book tickets online in advance for best prices; the park can get busy on weekends and school holidays. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available.
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🎢Emerald Park
Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is a family-friendly theme park and zoo in County Meath, Ireland. It features over 30 rides and attractions, including the Cú Chulainn Coaster – Europe's largest wooden roller coaster. The zoo is home to more than 100 species, from lemurs to eagles. Kids love the 'Tayto Factory' tour and the giant outdoor play areas. - Highlights: Zoo, roller coasters, water rides, Tayto tour, petting farm. - Suitable for ages 2–18, with many kids' rides and soft play for toddlers. - Facilities: on-site restaurants, picnic areas, buggy hire, baby changing. - Practical tip: book online in advance for best prices; arrive early to avoid queues.
🌳Duleek Town Park
A charming community park located in the heart of Duleek, County Meath. It features a well-maintained playground suitable for toddlers and older children, with swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park also offers open green spaces, benches, and walking paths, making it a relaxing spot for families. - Playground equipment for various ages - Picnic benches and shaded areas - Nearby parking and local shops This park is ideal for young children who enjoy outdoor play. Facilities are basic but clean. It's a popular spot for local families to meet and for a quick, budget-friendly outing.
🌳Ratoath Town Park
A well-maintained community park in the heart of Ratoath, featuring a modern playground with equipment for toddlers and older children, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park has open grassy areas perfect for ball games or picnics, and a short walking loop around the perimeter. - Playground suitable for ages 2-12 - Benches and picnic tables - Public toilets nearby (seasonal) - Free parking on surrounding streets - No café on site, but shops a short walk away
🎢Tayto Park
Tayto Park is a popular theme park and zoo located in Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and a zoo with over 100 species. Highlights include the Cú Chulainn wooden roller coaster, the Viking Voyage water ride, and the Red Panda enclosure. The park has multiple playgrounds for younger children and interactive animal encounters. - Recommended for families with kids aged 3-15. - Facilities include restaurants, picnic areas, baby changing rooms, and accessible toilets. - Practical tips: book tickets online in advance to save; arrive early to avoid queues; bring sunscreen and rain gear as most attractions are outdoors.
🏰Oldbridge House
Oldbridge House is a historic country estate set in beautiful gardens, ideal for families. Kids can explore the woodland trails and the adventure playground. The house itself offers guided tours with interactive elements. Facilities include a café and picnic areas. Ages 3-12 enjoy the most, but older kids can engage with history exhibits.
🌳Dunboyne Town Park
A well-maintained public park in the heart of Dunboyne, featuring a modern playground with equipment for toddlers and older children, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The park offers spacious green areas for picnics and ball games, along with walking paths and benches. Facilities include public toilets and nearby parking. It's a popular spot for local families and community events.
🎪Bounce 'n' Play Galway
Bounce 'n' Play is a popular indoor soft play centre in Galway, designed for children aged 0-12. The facility features separate play zones for different age groups, including a dedicated toddler area with safe equipment and a larger adventure frame with slides, ball pits, and climbing structures. Parents can relax in the on-site café while watching their kids through clear viewing panels. The centre also offers party packages for birthdays and special events. - Highlights: Multi-level play frame, toddler zone, ball pit, slide, and party rooms. - Ages: Suitable for babies to pre-teens (0-12 years). - Facilities: Café with seating, baby changing, free parking, and Wi-Fi. - Practical tips: Socks required for all, book in advance for weekends, and consider off-peak hours for quieter visits.
⛰️Hill of Tara
An ancient ceremonial and burial site dating back to the Neolithic and Iron Age, considered the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Kids can run across the wide-open hill, explore the earthworks, and imagine ancient legends. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. - Highlights: The Mound of the Hostages, the Stone of Destiny (Lia Fáil), and the Royal Enclosure. The visitor centre has interactive exhibits and explains the mythology. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, but best for children aged 5+ who can appreciate the history and enjoy the open space. - Facilities: Small museum, toilet, parking (pay and display). No playground or café nearby, so bring snacks. - Practical tips: Wear sturdy shoes (the ground can be uneven), visit on a clear day for best views. Guided tours available seasonally.
🏰Ardgillan Castle & Gardens
Ardgillan Castle is an 18th-century country house set in 193 acres of parkland overlooking the Irish Sea. The gardens include a Victorian walled garden, a rose garden, and woodland walks. Families love the large adventure playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. The castle itself offers guided tours on select days (check ahead), showcasing period rooms and local history. - **Highlights**: Walled garden, woodland trails, playground with zip wire, panoramic coastal views, tea room with homemade treats. - **Ages**: Suitable for all ages, but the playground is best for ages 3–12. Pushchair-friendly paths. - **Facilities**: Café (high chairs, baby change), picnic areas, free parking, accessible toilets. Dogs on leads welcome in grounds. - **Tips**: Arrive early for parking on busy summer weekends; bring wellies in wet weather for woodland paths.
🐑Newbridge House & Farm
A historic Georgian house set within 350 acres of parkland, combined with a working farm that offers hands-on animal encounters. Families love the farmyard where children can pet and feed goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens, plus watch milking demonstrations. The walled garden and playground provide additional outdoor fun. - Highlights: Animal feeding, hayrides, fairy trail, adventure playground, and seasonal events like pumpkin picking. - Ages: Best for toddlers to pre-teens; babies welcome in prams. - Facilities: On-site café with kids' menu, picnic areas, baby-changing, and ample parking. - Practical tips: Check website for opening times (farm open daily March–September, house open Sundays/bank holidays). Wear sturdy shoes for farm paths.