The best six days out for the whole family for UNDER a tenner – plus our guide for where kids eat for FREE

The Irish Sun

13-06-2025

AS the summer holidays get underway, many people will be on the lookout for out-of-the-ordinary activities to do with the kids.
With the
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There are plenty of unique outdoor activities you can do in Ireland this summer
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And they will set you back only a tenner or less
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One of them is completely free
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But in Ireland, there are a range of activities that are either free or cost less than €10 - opening up the possibilities for the
And to top it off, there are a number of
Milano and Saba offer free kids
In Eddie Rockets,
On Wednesdays, IKEA Family members can get a free kid's meal with every adult meal purchased.
And here are a few unique days out in Ireland that leave you bankrupt over the next few weeks.
First up is a guided cave tour in the Cuilcagh Mountains.
Guided cave tour
Located in
The guided tour takes visitors through winding passages, underground rivers and vast cave networks that showcases stunning stalactites and crystal-clear pools.
Each tour lasts an hour and 15 minutes and covers over one kilometre of the cave system - and it's accessible to most ages and
Visitors are provided with helmets and headlamps and experienced guides lead the group while sharing insights into the geology and history of the caves.
The Marble Arch Caves are open daily from spring throughout the summer with tours running every hour though you should always book ahead.
And although an adult ticket cost £16, a family ticket, which includes two adults and two
Alongside the caves, the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark offers walking trails and outdoor activities for those wanting to explore more of the area.
But it should be noted that there are 154 steps to enter and exit the caves, so it's important to wear proper shoes.
Velorail experience
Up next is railbiking in
This outdoor activity is suitable for individuals, families and groups seeking a unique way to explore the area - and it's less than 30 minutes from Castlebar.
Inside Irish Olympic medallist's hiking trip to iconic US landmark - complete with 'perfect views'
Spanning 9 kilometres, there are three types of railbikes available - two seater railbikes, four seater
Before setting off, participants are securely fastened with seatbelts and receive a safety briefing from trained staff.
Each session is one hour and 15 minutes and riders are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure to ensure they are fully prepared.
The cost is €40 per railbike, regardless of the number of passengers - making it only €10 per person for a group of four.
Along the way, participants can enjoy uninterrupted views, spot native wildlife and experience a peaceful car-free environment.
For more information or to book your railbike adventure, visit the official website:
And it doesn't matter if your ticket is booked for a rainy day, as according to one review it can be enjoyed in any conditions.
One visitor wrote: "Weather was not great but that doesn't matter as the Velo rail has a top which protects you and the shop has rain ponchos to purchase."
Hiking the stairway to heaven
Or, you can hike the stairway to heaven at the Mourne Mountains, Co Down.
The trail begins at the Kilkeel car park and follows well-marked paths ascending steeply towards the summits of Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard.
At approximately 7.5 kilometres in length with 450 steps, the hike typically takes three to four hours to complete - depending on your fitness level.
Hikers encounter a variety of terrain including rocky steps, narrow ridges and open moorlands.
The route finishes at the summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak where views stretch across the Mourne Mountains and even as far as
And there is no entry fee to access the trails.
The Stairway to Heaven hike is open year-round, and is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure.
But visitors should always pack some water and food - and could even enjoy a picnic with the stunning views.
One visitor wrote: "MAKE SURE YOU BRING WATER AND SOME CARBS!!
"On our way down so many people were walking up and I heard on multiple occasions of people not have water with them. Don't be that group who goes unprepared.
"The carbs are to keep you going on the route."
Wells House & Gardens, Wexford
This 17th Century Victorian Manor House has a history dating back to the Cromwell days.
The
Tickets to enter the
A
And even better, kids under two can enter for free.
You can take two Woodland Walks, where you can see dragons, fairies and trolls, or spend time in the Adventure playground.
Visitors can head to the animal farm, enjoy the stunning view from the terraced gardens or see the arboretum.
Included in the ticket is:
No time limits
Tranquil Gardens & Arboretum
Lady Frances Fairy & Gruffalo Walk
Mogue's Enchanted Woodland Walk
(new)
Playground
Animal Farm (new additions)
Free Parking
Toilets & Baby changing facilities
Free Wifi
Access to Ireland's no.1 Tourist attraction 2019
Explore acres of enchanting woodlands & gardens
Picnic areas
And to drive from
Visitors have left many reviews speaking about the beauty of the site - and one in particular spoke about the attention to details on the trails.
They wrote: "I visited Wells House yesterday with my daughter and granddaughter. We had the most amazing time, the grounds and walks were amazing.
"I cannot believe the level of detail along the walks - my granddaughter was absolutely delighted every step of the way. And we racked up a lot of steps!!!
"The formal gardens are beautiful and the walled garden a delight."
Kildare Maze
This is a great idea for families who want a bit of adventure - and admission is very reasonable.
It is Leinster's largest hedge maze, and is located just outside Prosperous in the North
It offers a challenging and exciting day out for the family at an affordable price.
Here, you can enjoy the Hedge Maze, the Wooden Maze, Crazy Golf, an Obstacle Course, a Picnic Area and a Zip Wire.
Tickets for adults cost €9, while children and students can enter for €7.
Admission includes all activities and there are two time slots to choose from.
There is 1.5 acres of hedge-lined paths, which after 2km leads to the viewing tower at the centre of the maze.
The viewing tower offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the stunning maze.
The patron saint of Kildare is St Brigid, which is the inspiration for the design of the maze.
The cross is located within the four quadrants, and the centre of the cross is the centre of the maze.
Many visitors praised the price of the entry to the maze, and one noted that the time to solve it can vary.
The review reads: "Started with the main maze. Managed to solve it in 10 minutes with my son.
"My daughters did it in 20 minutes (with some help from us in the viewing tower!). Took other groups up to an hour though! Onto the next (wooden) maze.
"Proved tougher to find all 8 clues than the main maze for us! And there is a zipwire (we loved) and sandpit (mine are a bit old for this).
"And then there was still Crazy/ Mini golf..And the value was fantastic!
"The whole afternoon cost less than the takeaway food (in the local town) afterwards."
Nore Valley Park
This park is the ultimate day out for families, with loads to offer.
It is located in a serene valley overlooking the River Nore in
It has been in operation since 1989, when the owners transferred their beef and tillage farm into a campsite and open farm.
This 60-acre open farm has 120 camping pitches, offering adventure play areas, hands-on farm experiences and seasonal events.
You can bottle-feed baby goats, enjoy scenic tractor rides along the river and camp under the stars.
Or, head go-karting or hop on a trailer ride, before playing crazy golf or giant chess.
There is also a 3km river walk and nature trail to spend time in nature.
Tickets for the pet farm start from €11 and there are plenty of different seasonal events on offer.
Reviews on Tripadvisor are full of parents recommending a visit, both due to the price of tickets and the care taken with the animals.
One person wrote: "This is a wonderful site for families with young children.
"They have an extensive pet farm with the most well cared for and tame animals I've ever come across.
"They also have a large sand pit with excavators that kept our two kids amused for an extended period!
"The site itself has the most beautiful views onto a valley with beautiful mature trees. Tents and caravans are all pitched together which is lovely and rare to find these days.
"The playground is impressive and a security man arrives at 10pm to send the kiddies home to bed."
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The Kildare Maze is a great day out for families
Credit: The Kildare Maze
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Wells House & Gardens is great to step back into history
Credit: Wells House & Gardens
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Nore Valley Park overlooks the River Nore in Kilkenny
Credit: Nore Valley Park
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Several restaurants offer free meals to kids
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