Let’s spread our wings a little further than England and Scotland for this one, shall we? Sitting just south in the loud and lively, lovely Irish capital, Dublin, in County Wicklow. The area is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and down-to-earth locals, making it a peaceful retreat for a break or a calm, scenic spot for a family forever home.
Whether you’re visiting County Wicklow on family jaunt or you’ve set up home in an abode nestled between the mountains, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do with the kids nearby. To those who aren’t in the know, County Wicklow may well seem like an area of Ireland with little family attractions to offer. Frankly, you couldn’t be more wrong.
If you do manage to tear yourself away from hunting pirates or capturing cowboys and Indians outside in the grassy mounds, here are five favourite local family attractions.
What to do with the kids in County Wicklow
SEA LIFE Bray Aquarium
No matter what the weather has in store, Bray SEA LIFE Aquarium will always be a reliable hit with the kids. Marvel at the tens of colourful aquariums, which are home to over 1000 creatures.
Located on the town’s seafront, SEA LIFE Bray is a real treat for tots and tweens alike, promising exciting marine displays, talks, and feeding demonstrations.
Kippure Adventure Centre
Suitable for all school-age children, but great for tweens and teens, age nine and upwards, Kippure Adventure Centre is an adrenaline activity site set amongst the beautiful Wicklow mountains. Test your skills across a range of enthralling pursuits including climbing, abseiling, high ropes and, everyone’s favourite, the zip line.
There’s also a wide range of calmer activities too, such as treasure trails and mountain walks. If you’re visiting at the weekend or during the school holidays, look online to see what’s on; the visitor attraction often runs excellent bushcraft survival camps.
Killruddery House
It’s always good to do a spot of sign seeing from time to time, and apart from the mountains, Killruddery House is without a doubt one of Bray’s most significant landmarks. Extremely close to Bray village, this stunning house and its gardens can only be visited during the summer months, so do book online in advance to secure your tour date.
Don’t forget to pack the picnic basket and some garden games, too! You won’t want to be torn away from those lawns.
The Ski Club of Ireland
Open from September to March each year, the Ski Club of Ireland is a great day out for families venturing to County Wicklow during the autumn or spring school term-time breaks.
Boasting the largest artificial ski slope in Ireland – alongside smaller slopes for tots and young children – families can enjoy an action-packed afternoon skiing or snowflaking on Snowflex (you won’t believe it’s not snow). If you do live nearby, do get in touch for information on children’s skiing lessons or snowboarding classes.
Glenroe Farm
A day out at the farm is always great fun and Glenroe Farm, Greystones, is absolutely no exception. Expect the usual, such as pigs, horses, goats, sheep and cows, as well as some cutesy unusual additions, including Glenroe Farm’s Falabella miniature horses.
Children can get hands-on in Pets Corner, where kiddiewinks are welcome to hold and feed rabbits, gerbils, and other familiar furry creatures. Break for a picnic by the adventure playground, before enjoying the site’s secret gardens and marshlands walk.
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