Best Family Attractions in Waterford

Free Stuff!

There is such a huge choice of family fun activities in and around Waterford, the only problem will be how to fit them all in during your stay. The good news is that you don’t have to put your hand in your pocket for all of them. Check out our Parks & Playgrounds section to see where they are located or why not spend a day at one of the 49 beaches scattered along the coast?

Here are a few other suggestions:

• Check out the native wildlife at Fenor Bog
• Go for a drive through the Comeragh Mountains and check out the Magic Hill and The Mahon Falls
• Go for a hike and picnic with the family up in Coumshingaun (the finest example of a glacial lake in Europe) also in the Comeraghs
• Visit West Waterford and see Lismore Castle, The Towers of Ballysaggartmore
• Take a walk along the cliffs of our coastline in the East or West of the county
• Take a megalithic tour and visit the Knockeen and Gaulstown Dolmens

There's so much to do, the only problem you'll have is fitting it all in!

Waterford

The multi award winning Waterford Museum of Treasures is always a huge hit with children and it's worth noting that Under 14's go free.  Located close to the City, Stonehaven Equestrian Centre offers treks for all levels of ability along the banks of the River Suir. If you want to experience the beauty of the Suir Valley without exerting yourself, a trip on the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway is a must. The route of this narrow gauge railway runs along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and is an enjoyable trip for all ages. If you don’t have your own car, that’s not a problem. The W&SVR have teamed up with Suirway Coaches to offer a coach service to and from W&SVR. Continue your enjoyment of the great outdoors with a visit to the Bilberry Goat Herd which are open to visitors during the Summer months on Saturdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm or to book a visit phone Orla on 086 0701147. Or enjoy a relaxing game of Pitch & Putt in the Regional Sports Centre.

Indoors there is also plenty to do. Activate Waterford Kidzone offer bowling, a kidzone, pool, snooker, table tennis and video games or visit the Odeon Cinema - with 8 screens there is sure to be something for all tastes.

Tramore

Situated just 10km south of Waterford City, Tramore is considered the premier resort of the South East of Ireland. The sandy beach in Tramore stretches for almost 5km and has some of the highest sand dunes in Ireland. Tramore is the best served beach in terms of amenities including surf clubs offering both lessons and board hire (Oceanics, Tramore Surf School and T-Bay). There’s even the opportunity to learn Irish while surfing with Freedom Surf School! See the coast line from a different perspective with Sea Paddling.com who offer sea kayak tours and also run Irish Canoe Union Courses. If you prefer to stay on dry land, try pony trekking with Lake Tour Stables or a round of Pitch & Putt. Practice your driving skills at the Newtown Driving Range before having a round of golf in the Tramore Golf Club.

If the Sunny South East doesn’t live up to its reputation, there’s still plenty to do indoors. For all the family there’s Splashworld with heated indoor swimming pool and giant water slides with an Amusement Park covering over 20hectares just opposite the promenade. For young kids visit Run Amuck, the Pottery Place, Laser Blast or Pirates Adventure. Just outside Tramore in Fenor is the Copper Coast Mini Farm and further along the coast in Stradbally is the Sallyfort Mini Farm.

Dunmore East

While the beautiful coves and beaches are sure to keep both young and old occupied, if you feel like trying something more visit the Dunmore East Adventure Centre which offers sailing, archery, rock climbing and kayaking (ask about their family friendly offers) and for younger children there is a lovely playground in the villages park.