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Visit Crag Cave
Thought to be over a million years old, Crag Cave in Castleisland is a unique look into the interior of an authentic cave. Described as a “wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites”, kids can learn about the science and history behind the formation of the cave and be educated on its formation in an easy and accessible way. Also on site is Crazy Cave, a soft play area for young kids and babies to enjoy, as well as a restaurant and regular seasonal events such as a visit from Santa. It is important to bear in mind that to access the caves, one must ascend over 72 steps and it is therefore unsuitable for wheelchair or pushchair access.
Crag Cave is open all year round with fares starting from €12.00 per adult and €5.00 per child. Children’s admission for both Crag Cave and the Crazy Cave play area is €11.00. See cragcave.com for more information.
Outdoor adventure
Kerry has a plethora of options for the family who wish to be outdoors and active during their getaway. Star Outdoors Adventure Centre in Kenmare features a huge variety of aquatic adventures such as kayaking, sailing, pedal boats, water skiing, inflatable obstacle courses and more. They also run land activities such as archery and crazy golf, and have an on-site restaurant too. Eclipse Ireland Activity and Adventure Centre is also located in Kenmare and features more exhilarating and exciting adventures such as orienteering, assault courses, rock climbing, mud surfing, horse and pony trekking and so much more, so there is no shortage of enjoyment to be had here.
For more information see staroutdoors.ie and eclipseireland.com.
Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms
Muckross House is a stunning nineteenth century mansion and, along with its exquisite gardens, makes for a brilliant location for a relaxing family walk or picnic. The traditional farm area of Muckross offers a small petting farm area for younger visitors, and there is also a restaurant on site. An ideal location for some family quality time surrounded by beautiful scenery and rich history, this location is also open all year round.
Muckross House and Traditional Farms joint admission from €15.50 per adult, €10.50 per child aged 6 to eighteen and €6.25 for children aged 3-5. Special rates for students, seniors and families also apply. See Muckross-house.ie for more information.
Explorers World
For those seeking adventure and activity on a rainy day, Explorers World in Dingle ticks all the boxes. Featuring indoor rock climbing walls of varying size and difficulty, everyone in the family can test their strength and ability here. For younger children, there is also a kids’ indoor soft play area. The Jungle Café is also on site for any well-deserved breaks needed throughout the activities.
A 1.5 hour climbing session is €12.00 per adult and €10.00 for those under eighteen. Two hours in the kids’ soft play area is €6.00 per child under 4 and €8.00 per child over 4. See explorersworld.ie for more information.
Fairy trails
For little ones who love finding fairies’ abodes, Kerry has two brilliant woodlands with fairy trails worth exploring. The woodlands in Derrynane House and in Darryquin both have some lovely fairy trails that will make for brilliant day out for you and your little ones among nature, and best of all it is completely free! The fairy homes here were only discovered in 2010, but locals believe these magical creatures have inhabited these woodlands for thousands of years, so be sure to stop by and take a look at some of the enchanting dwellings created by these pixies in the heart of Kerry.
Entry is free of charge. See irishfairytrails.com for more information.
