Relaxing forest walks

Explore wonderful walks in gorgeous settings during the mid-term break. Discover the rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Offaly and Laois, admire the views, and visit Kinnitty Castle afterwards where you can reward the whole family with hot chocolates.

Lace up your hiking boots and head to the scenic landscape of Killarney National Park. Park up and choose from one of the five stunning walking routes. Drive around the Ring of Kerry and stop off at Ladies View for the best vantage point in the Kingdom.

The walking trails in Longford's Newcastle Woods are not to be missed, with some longer treks to tire out the most energetic of kids. Art lovers in Sligo should head to the Hazelwood Sculpture Trail at Half Moon Bay on the shores of Lough Gill. The trail is dotted with magnificent wooden sculptures and carvings, guaranteed to delight your children.

Family-friendly activities

Kayak across tranquil water, bike around epic headlands and paddle through the capital with a fun, family-friendly activity this midterm. Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Surfdock in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock and explore the heart of the city.

Have an unforgettable day out exploring the Lough Derg Blueway. Take a kayak tour led by the University of Limerick Sport Adventure Centre and journey through 1,000 years of history. Or bring the family on an exciting day out with an e-bike tour along the West Cork coastline in Kinsale. The team at Wild Atlantic Sports have a great selection of bikes, self-guided tours and routes.

By the water

Feel the breeze blow through your hair and watch birds dive for fish on a visit to the shore with the kids. Rent a bike from On Yer Bike in Carlingford or lace up your walking shoes and set off on the Carlingford Lough Greenway in Louth. The greenway runs for 7km along the edge of Carlingford Lough to the quiet village of Omeath.

Head to the banks of the River Boyne in Meath for a family glamping trip at Rock Farm Slane - waking up in a yurt with views of Slane Castle is a unique experience. Head downstream to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre with the kids to explore the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Newgrange and Knowth.

Head for the hills

Thrillseekers flock to the forests of Ballyhoura for amazing outdoors pursuits guaranteed to tire out the most energetic of children. Rent a mountain bike from Trailriders and take on the five rewarding looped trails, or if it’s your first time mountain biking, opt for chilled out spin along the forest trails.

Homemade treats

Treat the little ones to delicious desserts this midterm break. Travel to Skelligs Chocolate outside Ballinskelligs in Kerry and watch your kids squeal with delight as the talented chocolatiers whip up delicious creations.

Go for an ice cream straight from the source at Leahy's Open Farm in Cork. Kids can get a cold treat or a homemade chocolate after visiting the farm animals or going wild on the go-karts and adventure trail. 

For the older kids, Les Petites Tartres in Roscommon has cakes and pastries to wow even the most sophisticated sweet tooth. 

Foodie wonders

Spend time in the glorious outdoors this midterm and order afternoon tea to go from The Metropole Hotel in Cork. They’ve got adult and kid's boxes, packed with scones, cakes and tea.

Take a visit to Wicklow to enjoy the beautiful walking trails and exciting bike trails. Stop off at Belmont Demesne in Greystones for a tasty treat at The Barn. Or stop by Killruddery House and Gardens and grab a seat in their popular Pizza Shed, where they use ingredients from the 800-acre estate to make delicious creations such as "The Cheeky Pig." 

Show the little ones where their favourite food comes from on a visit to Grow HQ in Waterford. Not only will you have an amazing choice of delicious, seasonal food, but the passionate owners also run nature walks and garden tours, educating children about healthy food and ecology.

See incredible animals up close

There’s something special about watching one of your kids see an exotic animal for the very first time. If the weather is on your side, check out Stonehall Visitor Farm in Limerick which is home to lots of fluffy and unique animals that your little ones will love. Llamas, alpacas, emus and ostriches roam the land here and love to meet visitors. Once you’ve seen the fauna, check out the local flora with a walk on the nature trails.

The iconic Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park is a must for any family in the county during the break. From gigantic elephants and towering giraffes to tiny chipmunks and cute monkeys, there’s an endless amount to see here. Get them excited in advance of your trip by streaming one of the live shows of the elephants and penguins.

On Cork’s Fota Island is the wild and entertaining Fota Wildlife Park. Kids love watching the cheetahs, zebras and eagles and they can also learn all about the park’s conservation efforts.

Don't forget to pre-book your family’s slot at these popular spots during busy times.

Hotel breaks and city tours

Headed to beautiful Westport? Take a morning stroll around the historic grounds of Westport House and later, soak up the sights on an afternoon kayak tour around Mayo’s Clew Bay.

Plan a break to vibrant Galway city and stay in a family room at the Connacht Hotel. Parents love the kitchen in the room and its great location, while the little ones adore the kid’s pool and colourful bunk beds. Have a family day out on the Galway Tourist Train and see all the sights in a fun and unique way.

Discover a different side of Dublin on a Hop On Hop Off Tour around the capital. Take in the sights and buzzing atmosphere from an open top bus, admiring places you’ve never been before. With over 30 stops at Dublin's most loved and unique places, enjoy a scenic spin and hear stories of the city’s colourful history along the way.

Castle adventures

The striking Birr Castle Demesne in Offaly has a whole host of fun activities. Smaller kids love exploring the grounds and discovering wildlife on The Quest, while older kids are fans of the Treehouse Adventure Playground. Again, pre-booking is advised.

Don’t let the rain ruin your midterm plans, there’s lots of indoor fun in every county in Ireland. Pay a visit to The National Wax Museum in Dublin and get your picture taken with a host of famous faces like Liam Neeson and Elvis. Kids love exploring the fantastical Wax World where their imaginations can run wild as they hang out with Harry Potter, Peppa Pig and Santa.

Escape the rain and head underground in Roscommon at the Arigna Mining Experience. Learn about the geology of the area and get an insight into the lives of the coal miners by taking a guided tour.