So you’ve decided to holiday at home in Ireland this year?
You’ve made a great choice but now the trick is finding things to keep the kids occupied.
I’ve recently come across a fantastic website that lists activities for kids: Fundays.ie has a host of things to keep the little and no so little ones occupied.
You’ve got all the usual favourites like Fota Wildlife Park, Blarney Castle, Trabolgan and The West Cork Model Railway Village but there are dozens of places that I didn’t even know about!
Here’s a few of my highlights:
Liscarroll Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary has taken in about 2400 donkeys rescued from all parts of Ireland. Many have been abandoned or put in a field and given little or no attention after having worked for their owners for years, hauling peat or pulling a cart.
There is a strong feeling at the Donkey Sanctuary that supporters have the right to see how their money is spent on caring for the large donkey family.
Facilities include a visitor information centre with tea/coffee machine, picnic area as well as disabled access and toilet. Tours can be arranged with advance notice.
Admission Prices
Free
Opening times
Monday to Friday 09.00 to 16.30 Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 10.00 to 17.00
The Monkey Maze in Glanmire
Monkey Maze is Europes largest indoor activity centre and party venue for kids in Cork. Our giant 4 level adventure play maze complete with tunnels, slides, ball cannons and more will provide exciting and safe entertainment and exercise for children under 12. A soft play area for younger kids and toddlers caters for mini monkeys.
Monkey Maze is the perfect venue for birthday parties, school tours and other group outings. Our kitchen caters for all your all your requirements from tea and scones, to hot dinners, sandwiches and baby food.
Security tags are placed on all children entering the facility to ensure parents can relax and enjoy reading the newspaper or magazines, watching a match on our widescreen TVs, or just enjoying seeing their children benefit from our developmental play areas and getting exercise at the same time as having lots of family fun.
Party Packages
Starting at just €10 per child.
Admission Prices:
Monday to Friday €5.00
Saturday and Sunday €7.50
Opening Times
10am to 6.30pm – 7 Days a week.
Go Safari Childrens Activity Centre, Fota:
Go Safari is Corks newest and coolest play centre – we house Irelands only Indoor Zip Wire, a 7m Climbing Wall *, electric Cars, a massive playframe, sports cage, a dedicated Toddler zone and extensive cafe menu – plus party hosting is our speciality!
Party info
Parties are a matter of pride at Go Safari, where we like to think we are the best in the business at looking after the little ones BIG day!
With 2 hours play, private party rooms for your meal, party bags for each child, free invites, free teas & coffees for the adults and a dedicated party team to cater to your needs. It is no wonder why Go Safari is the number one choice for parties in Cork.
Opening times
Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Admission Price
Mon to Fri – Ages 1 to 4 years €5, ages 5 and over €6.
Sat, Sun & Bank hols – Ages 1 to 4 years €6, ages 5 and over €7.50.
* Please note the climbing wall must be pre-booked
Leahy’s Fun Farm, Midleton:
Leahys Open Farm is a great family day out for all ages, we have a huge selection of animals on display, we provide petting times at 1, 3, & 5pm where the animals are taken out and our visitors get to hold and feed them in the Jolly Barn.
We have a new outdoor adventure area, and climbing towers along with Crazy Golf and a massive Maze one of the biggest in Ireland. If all that is not enough then we have pedal Go Karting and indoor play areas. Why not wonder through Nanas Nook Museum and see how life was lived in by gone days.
To finish off your day at the open farm why not treat yourselves to some yummy home baking in our coffee shop.
You will have a great day out at Leahys Open Farm.
Admission Prices
€8.80 – Children under 2 years free
Family Ticket €40.00 for 2 Adults and 3 Children
Birthday Parties from €14.50 per person based on a minimum of ten in the group
Group rates available: For every 10 children 1 adult free
Opening times
Easter Weekend and every weekend until May 1: Sat 11am to 6pm and Sun 1pm to 6pm
Easter Monday 11am to 6pm
May to August 31st: Mon to Sat 11am to 6pm Sun 1pm to 6pm
September: Mon to Sat 11 to 4pm. Sun 1pm to 6pm
Open Month of December for Santas Village.
Prince August Toy Soldier Factory:
Ireland’s only Toy Soldier Factory & Visitor Centre.
Hands on Experience, Exhilarating and Great Craic.
There is no fake machinery or actors; it’s the REAL working factory, with REAL workers and REAL processes. Our demonstrations give first hand learning experience that includes visual and tactile methods.
One of the only places in the world to see Tin Soldier being cast the same way that they have been since the 17th Century. Watch closely as Tin soldier is cast right before your eyes.
It’s not just a factory but also a visitor centre that allows the child inside each person to unleash its creative spirit.
Rewarding and satisfying are just two words hobby casting fans use when describing their love of casting and painting
Kids Mini Painting Workshop from €7
No Experience Required! People of all ages can enjoy painting miniatures. Pieces come in a range of styles and sizes to suit all ages and interests. The novice painter can get help from our friendly staff who are happy to explain the process and choices.
Suitable for children age 6 & upwards: Children age 6 or under should be accommodation by a adult.
How Long Does It Take? 20 to 30 minutes,
How Does It Work?
Cast your piece, visit the creative corner, choose your colours and just start painting.
What Can I Create?
Keepsake fairies, ballerina, hearts, Tolkien figures, toy soldiers, warhammer style figures.
Holiday ornaments
Gifts for Mum, Dad, teacher, weddings, Christmas and more
Personalized fridges magnets,
Kids items including teddy bears, cowboys, Romans, Vikings
Once you have finished painting, you take you piece home.
Cost:€7.00 pp or €15 for 3 children.
Time: 10am to 4pm Daily Monday to Sunday
Kids Themed Workshops
1 1/2 Hrs Painting and Diorama Battlefield Workshop:
Opening Times
Open 7 Days A Week: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Sat, Sun & Bank Hols Open 10am to 4pm.
Admission Prices
Free Admission to individuals and families: for group rates please contact us.
Sheila’s is a great choice for your family holiday!
You get cheap, clean, secure, friendly budget accommodation in a location close to Cork City centre.
We have family rooms, private rooms; a big self-catering kitchen; a cinema room; Free WiFi and we can even get you half-Price Pizzas in 4 Star Pizza!
