50+ Best Things to do in Clare With Kids

Are you planning a summer getaway to the west coast of Ireland and are wondering if you should stay in County Clare? Perhaps you’ve already booked somewhere and are looking for the best things to do in Clare with kids? There are plenty of things to do with kids in Clare to entertain them, whether you are visiting for a day or staying longer.  And you’ll find them right here!

Things to do in Clare with kids

When it comes to things to do, Clare Ireland has plenty on offer for families. In fact, much more than you would think. Clare is home to the Burren National Park, the famous Cliffs of Moher, and the Wild Atlantic Way follows the Clare coastline between its borders with Galway and Limerick. And that is just the beginning.

If you are looking for family things to do in Clare, Ireland, I have a list of over 30 things for families to do in Clare which will keep both you and the kids happy no matter how long you are spending in the county.

The list of things to do in Clare with kids is divided into nine sections according to the type of activity/interest. You can skip to the one you want to check out, or you can read the entire list and create a bucket list of things to do in County Clare with the kids for your next trip. The choice is yours!

Clare things to do outdoors – Nature, Parks, Beaches

This section is dedicated to outdoor things to do around Clare with kids that involve things such as nature, parks, beaches, and more.

Cliffs of Moher

Arguably, number one of the top 10 things to do in Clare is to pay a visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These amazing sea cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions and run for 14km (9 miles) from Hag’s Head in the south to O’Brien’s Tower in the north. At their tallest, they stand 214 metres (702ft) above the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can walk along the cliffs and there is a Visitor Centre with interactive displays about the cliffs and the flora and fauna that can be found there. Parking is payable at the cliffs as is entry to the Visitor Centre.

For more information visit here.

Address: Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 KN9T

The Burren National Park

One of the top things to do in Clare with family is the Burren National Park. One of only six national parks in Ireland, the Burren is 1500 hectares of mountains, bog, grassland, forests, and lunar-like landscape.

There is a visitor centre (open between April and October) where you can find more information about Ireland’s smallest national park, several Neolithic tombs and monuments to spot including the Poulnabrone portal tomb, and there are several walking trails around the area. The Burren is completely free to visit and best done on foot or by car. If you are going to be in County Clare with kids, make sure to add the Burren to your itinerary.

Address: 2 Church Street, Knockaunroe, Corofin, Co. Clare, V95 T9V6

Cratloe Woods

This Coillte site is located in southern Clare, not too far from Bunratty. There is a car park and picnic area, and there are over 700 hectares to explore along an extensive road network. It overlooks the Shannon Estuary and there are lots of walking trails and a children’s playground for families. If you are looking for outdoor things to do in County Clare with kids, head to Cratloe Woods. Don’t forget the wellies, rain gear, and a picnic.

Find out more here.

Address: Cratloe, Co Clare

Vandeleur Walled Garden & Woodland Bistro

Set among 170 hectares of beautiful woodland is a hidden gem of Ireland. The Vandeleur Walled Garden is a 19^th century enchanted garden where visitors can enjoy a botanical treat. Trees, beautiful flowers, and plants await those who decide to stop by.

This restored garden has water features, a horizontal maze, a Victorian glasshouse, and plenty of space for the kids to run around. There is even a huge garden chessboard. The Woodland Bistro is the ideal place to fill empty bellies too. And with no entry fee, this is one of the best free things to do in Clare with kids.

Discover more by clicking here.

Address: Killimer Rd, Ballynote West, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 E735

Bridges of Ross

These sea arches are in southern Clare, on the Loop Head Peninsula, and are worth visiting if you are in the area. There were originally three arches, but only one remains intact. However, you can still see where the other two dropped into the sea.

There is a car park, from where the walk is a few hundred metres to see the remaining sea arch. These are a waypoint along the Wild Atlantic Way. Make sure to keep a close eye on children for safety reasons.

Address: Ross, Co. Clare

Ennistymon Cascades

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland is the Ennistymon Cascades in County Clare. These small cascading rapids can be viewed in the town of Ennistymon where the River Cullenagh becomes the Inagh River. Since they can be viewed from the roadside, these are great to see with kids. Why not treat the kids to a cake and drink after seeing these small waterfalls in this small market town.

Address: 8 Main Street, Ennistymon, Co.Clare, V95 P2P7

Doolin Cliff Walks

The Doolin Cliff Walks is a guided walk along the coast, ending at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where public transport is available for your return trip. The walk is an 8km walk along gravel paths with a local farmer guide and through two of his fields. It is a great way to see the natural beauty of the area.

They also run a 360˚ tour of the Cliffs of Moher, starting with the walk, before returning to Doolin Pier for a boat trip along the bottom of the cliffs, giving you a complete view of them. This might be better suited to older kids who can complete the walk themselves.

Click here for more information and to book.

Address: Doonnagore, Doolin, Co. Clare

Pollock Holes

The Pollock Holes is a bathing place among locals in Kilkee. At the water’s edge, there are three large, natural rock pools which are safe and sheltered for swimming. The water is cold, and it is advisable to have some sort of water shoes on your feet. Strong swimmers only should venture in on their own.

You can walk around the edge of them and kids might enjoy rock pooling, or searching the pools for sea creatures such as crabs or small fish. Bring some nets and let them become marine biologists for a few minutes. The pools are only accessible at low tide or two hours before low tide, so check the tidal timings before you go to avoid disappointment.

Address: W End, Kilkee Upper, Co. Clare

Fanore Beach

One of the best beaches in Clare to visit with kids is Fanore Beach, near Ballyvaughan. This Blue Flag beach is nestled by large sand dunes and the River Caher enters the sea there. A long sandy beach, and quieter than some other beaches, this is a great place to visit in Clare with kids.

There is a surf school, lifeguards (seasonal), toilets, showers, parking, and beautiful views of the Burren National Park behind it. Just watch out for jellyfish. Dogs are allowed before 10am and after 6pm on leads and you must clean up after your dog.

Address: Fanore More, Fanore, near Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Dromore Wood & Nature Reserve

If you are looking for things to do in Ennis, Clare with kids, then Dromore Wood is the place to go. Once part of the estate of the Crowe Family and worked in the mid-1900s as a commercial wood, the forest is now a nature reserve under the protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

There are 1000 acres to explore with rivers, lakes, meadows, and trails. The 17th-century O’Briens Castle stands by the lake edge and there are the ruins of two other castles in the reserve. There are also two ring forts, a chapel, and a limekiln.

There is a visitor centre where you will find facilities, picnic tables dotted around the reserve, and is one of the best free things to do in Clare with kids. Kids will thoroughly enjoy getting out in nature, exploring, and trying to spot wildlife. Remember wellies and rain gear if the weather has been, or is predicted to be wet.

Address: Ruan, Co. Clare

Scattery Island

Known as Inis Cathaigh in Irish, Scattery Island is located in the Shannon Estuary off the coast of Kilrush, County Clare. There is a lighthouse on the island, ruined monastery, and round tower, a small visitor centre run by the Office of Public Works.

This uninhabited island can be visited by a tour with Scattery Island Tours. You depart from Kilrush Marina for your guided tour of the island (available in several languages), where you can learn about the island and its history. Younger visitors get a treasure map to help bring the exploration of this tiny island to life for them. You can bring a picnic to enjoy while there or even take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

If you are looking for attractions in Clare with a difference, then consider a Scattery Island Tour.

Spanish Point

Spanish Point is a small village in the parish of Milltown Malbay in County Clare and is so-called after the wrecks of some Spanish Armada ships off the coast.

Spanish Point is a popular place to visit in summer and comes alive with visitors enjoying the resort, beach and seaside activities. Surfing is a popular past-time, and you can also take boat tours to visit the wrecks of one of the sunken ships.

Doughmore Beach

Another one of the best beaches in County Clare is Doughmore Beach. Located near the village of Doonbeg, this long sandy beach is a great place for a walk and paddle. Stretching 4.5km, you can enjoy a stroll and view the cliffs of Baltard and Killard along the way.

Surfing is, again, a popular activity but swimming is dangerous due to the swell. The beach is backed by sand dunes and the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Resort. Dogs are allowed before 10am and after 6pm on leads, provided you clean up after them. And if the wind is chilly coming off the Atlantic, there are plenty of places in Doonbeg for a warm cuppa.

Address: Doonbeg, Co. Clare

Kilkee Cliff Walk & Beach

Located on the Loop Head Peninsula, the Kilkee Cliffs may not be as popular the Cliffs of Moher, but they can be a lot more enjoyable thanks to the fact they are much quieter. There is no entry fee, and they can be reached by a gentle stroll.

Visitors can enjoy breath-taking views and landscape without the crowds. If you are visiting with young kids, keep a close eye on them and stick to the path. There are two routes to take, one 5km and one 8km route. At Kilkee town itself, there is a beach for a stroll if you fancy it.

Address: Moveen West, Co. Clare

Doolin Ferry to the Aran Islands

If you are looking to take a day trip from County Clare, head to Doolin for the ferry to the Aran Islands. The island, located in Galway Bay, are a great place to visit on a day trip and there are regular ferry services from Doolin.

Take a step back in time, visit Dun Aonghasa, a 2,000-year-old Iron/Bronze Age fort on Inishmor, or O’Brien’s Castle and the Plassy Wreck on Inisheer. Or simply spend the day exploring the island, paddling on quiet beaches, or enjoy a cuppa in one of the cafes or pubs.

Address: No.1 Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare, V95 DR74

Lisseycasey Cascades

If you are looking to take the kids walking in nature in Clare, head for the Lisseycasey Cascades Loop. This easy 3.7km walking trail passes through a beautiful part of Clare and is part of the 30-acre Lisseycasey Ecology Park.

There is outdoor gym equipment for kids to try their hand at, and they can try and spot wildlife which includes pine martins. Dogs are welcome on leads and the walk will take about an hour, depending on ages, levels, and stops along the way.

Address: Dehomad, Lissycasey, Co. Clare

Lahinch

If you are looking for where to stay in Clare with kids that will give you easy access to the county, then stay in Lahinch. This small town along the coast is ideal for exploring the county as a family.

In Lahinch, you’ll find a great beach to visit with the kids, Seaworld and Leisure Centre, and several surf schools if the kids want to try their hand at surfing. Lahinch Adventures has indoor and outdoor activities and there is a great playground in town as well.

Sports, Adventure and Fun things to do in Clare for kids

In this section you’ll find ideas for activities for kids in Clare involving sports, adventures, and other fun things to do in Clare for kids and their families.

Atlantic Air Adventure

Located in Shannon, County Clare is an interactive Aviation Museum, Aviation Education Centre and Flight Simulation Centre that is fun for all the family. Atlantic Air Adventure has a flight simulator that kids can try out, an aviation museum, and regularly holds camps throughout the year. Linked to the Shannon Aviation Museum, this is a great place to take any budding pilots or fans of airplanes.

Learn more about the Shannon Aviation Museum here. And for the Atlantic Air Adventure, click here.

Address: Shannon Rd, Smithstown, Shannon, Co. Clare

Clare Water Sports

If you are looking for fun things to do in Clare for kids, head to Ballyalla Lakes and Clare Water Sports. This adventure centre offers kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, and there are kids camps held throughout the summer. If you have kids who love the water, then get them kayaking on Ballyalla Lake.

For more information, click here to visit the website.

Address: Ballyalla Grove, Ennis, Co. Clare

West Coast Aqua Park

Located in Kilrush, the West Coast Aqua Park is a fun adventure park on the water that kids love.

Jump, slide, climb and bounce your way around the inflatable obstacle course on the water

And see which member of the family can complete it first (and without falling in).

There is a kiddy aqua park for younger members of the family between 2 and 5 years of age, guided kayaking sessions are available, and there are also swan pedalo’s to rent. For hours of fun, head to the West Coast Aqua Park in Kilrush.

For more information and to see the latest prices, click here.

Address: Creek Lodge, The Marina, Kilrush, Co. Clare

Derg Isle Activity Centre

A great place to take kids for adventures on the water, in the sky, and on land is Derg Island Activity Centre. Water activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and water zorbing (water balls). Land activities include climbing, obstacle course, and archery.

For all-round family fun outdoors, Derg Isle is the ideal venue. For more information, visit the website.

Address: R352, Carrowmore, Scarriff, Co. Clare, V94 V8C2

Unusual things to do in Clare with children

If you are looking for unusual or unique things to do with kids in Clare, then this section will give you a few ideas. Some are ideal as things to do in Clare in the rain and things you won’t find anywhere else.

Ardnacrusha Power Station

Also referred to as the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme, the power station at Ardnacrusha is one of the top unusual things to do in Clare with the kids. Built three years after the establishment of the Irish Free state, in 1925, it was the most powerful hydroelectric plant in the world until it was eventually surpassed by the Hoover Dam in the USA.

During the summer months there are guided tours of the power plant available where visitors can see the turbines and learn how the turning of them converted falling water into energy. There is a refurbished Visitor Centre with toilets and there is parking. The tours run on weekdays, last 90 minutes, and must be pre-booked but are free. If you are looking for educational things to do in Clare with children, then book your visit to Ardnacrusha Power Station.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Address: Headrace Canal, Ballykeelaun, Co. Clare

Aillwee Caves

There are some caves in Clare which are worth visiting with kids, especially if it is raining and one of the best is the Aillwee Caves. This cave system in the karst landscape of the Burren gets its name from the Irish Aill Bhuí, meaning yellow cliff.

Privately owned, this County Clare attraction has a vast cave system for visitors to explore with an underground river, waterfall, and plenty of stalagmites and stalactites to view. These are among the oldest caves in Ireland and tours are guided and last 30 minutes. For an unusual place to go in Clare, book tickets for the Aillwee Caves.

Find more information on the website.

Address: Ballycahill, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Doolin Caves

Also known as Pol an Ionain, this limestone cave near Doolin on the edge of the Burren, gets its name from the Irish name Poll an Eidhneáin which means Ivy Cliff Cave.

The cave contains one of the world’s largest free-hanging stalactites, reported to be 7.3m long. There are daily tours of the caves lasting 45 minutes and tickets must be pre-booked. There is a Visitor Centre, nature trail, gift shop, and café.

For more information, or to book your tickets, click here.

Address: Craggycorradan East, Doolin, Co. Clare

Loop Head Lighthouse

One of the best attractions in County Clare to visit with kids is the Loop Head Lighthouse, one of the best lighthouses to visit in Ireland. Located on the peninsula of the same name in southern Clare, the lighthouse stands overlooking the Shannon Estuary.

There has been a lighthouse at the site since 1670. Visitors can take guided tours of the lighthouse and take in views as far as the Blasket Islands to the south and the Twleve Bens in Galway to the north from the top of the tower.

For more information and to book your tour, click here. (Note that at the time of writing this post the lighthouse is closed for renovations. Keep checking the website to see when it reopens).

Address: Kilbaha South, Kilbaha, Co. Clare

Father Ted’s House

If you are looking for fun things to see in County Clare, particularly with older kids, then seek out Father Ted’s House. The house, which featured in the Channel 4 TV hit series, Father Ted, is located in County Clare.

A word of warning though. This is a private residence, and you cannot enter the house or grounds. You can take pictures from the gate but do not enter the property or knock on the door.

Pre-Covid, the family did arrange Afternoon Tea for fans to enjoy in the house while discussing the TV show on a pre-booked appointment-only basis. However, they are not currently offering this anymore.

Address: Glenquin, Killinaboy, Co. Clare

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

One of the best places to visit in Clare with kids is the Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory. If your kids love chocolate as much as mine, then they’ll love visiting this Clare activity.

You can visit the factory 7 days a week without needing to pre-book and view the chocolates being made from an open plan viewing platform. Then you can pick up some goodies in the shop, or indulge in something sweet in the café.

You can find more information on the website.

Address: Oughtmama, Bellharbour, Co. Clare, H91 VCF1

Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

Caherconnell Stone Fort is a well-preserved medieval stone ringfort located 1km south of the Poulnabrone dolmen, in the heart of the Burren.

There is a visitor centre with audio-visual presentations and a café. The fort is one of the Burren’s most popular tourist attractions and visitors can explore the fort through self-guided tours.

You can combine your visit to the ringfort with a sheepdog demonstration. Learn how these intelligent dogs are trained and how they work through demonstrations with them. There is also the opportunity to book private demonstrations.

For more information, visit here.

Address: Caherconnell, Ballydoora, Carran, Co. Clare, V95 YK31

Burren Perfumery

If you are looking for a different kind of day out in Clare, why not visit the Burren Perfumery. This family-run business was the first perfumery established in Ireland over 30 years ago and visitors are invited to learn about the process involved in creating cosmetics, soaps, and perfumes.

There is an audio-visual presentation and photographic exhibition and afterward, you can stroll the herb garden, or enjoy some refreshments in the tearoom.

For more information on opening times, click here.  

Address: Fahee North, Carron, Co. Clare

Kids activities, Clare involving animals

For kids who love animals, these Clare children’s attractions are the ones to consider visiting. Many of these are among the top things to do in Clare with toddlers as they can get close to animals. So, if your kids love animals, these kids’ activities in Clare are the ones for your family.

Burren Birds of Prey

The Burren Birds of Prey, Clare is one of the best family things to do in Clare. Located at the Aillwee Caves, combining these two venues makes for a great family day out in the county.

Visitors to the Burren Birds of Prey can learn about birds such as Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls, take a fully-guided walk with hawks through a wood, and enjoy flying demonstrations. Tickets must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment.

For more information, or to book your tickets, click here.

Address: Aillwee Cave, Ballycahill, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, H91 AX26

Moher Hill Open Farm & Leisure Park

One of the top 10 things to do in County Clare is visit Moher Hill Open Farm. Overlooking Liscannor Bay, Moher Hill is a 14-acre open farm where children (and adults) can learn about animals in beautiful surroundings.

Animals that kids can see and learn about include alpacas, highland cows, Galway sheep, pygmy goats, and more. As well as the farm and the animals, there are other activities on offer such as a bouncy castle, indoor and outdoor go karts, miniature golf and more.

There is also a fairy trail and picnic areas, making it the perfect place for a day out in Clare with kids.

For more information, or to see the latest prices, click here. Note, pre-booking is not required but it is advisable to arrive early to secure your entry.

Address: R478, Ballysteen, Co. Clare

Castlefergus Riding Stables

If your kids enjoy horseriding, or would love to give it a go, then Castlefergus is where you need to go for your day out. They offer horse riding and pony trekking for visitors of all ages and abilities. They also run summer camps for kids who want to learn to ride.

For more information and contact details, visit their website here.

Address: Castlefergus, Quin, Co. Clare, V95 Y7ND

Burren Farm Experience

Set on almost 500 acres, the Burren Farm experience is one of the best activities in Clare to do with kids who love animals. This working beef farm is located in the heart of the Burren and offers tours to visitors to learn about how a beef farm works and some history behind this one.

Tour highlights include visiting the old farmhouse, exploring the famine village, seeing a round field (or cashel) and ruined chapel, among other things. The guided tour can be taken either in a jeep or on foot and they range in duration between 2 and 3 hours. There is also camping or camper hire on offer at the Burren Farm Experience.

For more information, or to book a tour or camping, click here.

Address: Kylecreen, Boston, Co. Clare, H91 ERK2

The Flying Alpaca

One of the best places to take kids in County Clare for an animal experience to remember is the Flying Alpaca near Kilkee, one of the best places for alpaca walking in Ireland as a family.

Flying Alpaca have three experiences to choose from including a meet and greet the animals, and an alpaca walk suitable for those over the ages of 12, although kids between 8 and 11 can accompany an adult. If you are looking for a memorable animal-themed day out, then head to the Flying Alpaca.

For more information and to book your tickets, click here. Note, you must pre-book your experience.

Address: Newtown East, Kilkee, Co. Clare, V15 D761

What to do in Clare with kids who like history

If you are wondering what to do with kids in Clare and, they like history and castles, then these sites across the county are a must.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

One of the best things to do in Clare with kids is to visit Bunratty Castle. Of the castle in Clare, Ireland Bunratty is the best as there is so much to see and do. As well as the medieval tower castle, in which you can explore different floors and see antique furniture from the period, there is a fairy garden, farm and an amazing folk park.

The folk park gives visitors a chance to discover what village life was like in the 19^th century. There are many buildings to explore including farmhouses, a grocery store, post office, and more. Each is furnished as it would have been in the 19^th century and sometimes there are peat fires burning in the houses.

And, if you fancy something truly special, why not book a Medieval Banquet, held in the castle every evening.

For more information about the castle, folk park, and banquets, and to pre-book your entry tickets, click here.

Address: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare

I have written previously about visiting Bunratty Castle with kids.

Knappogue Castle

Another of the castles in County Clare to visit with the kids is Knappogue Castle, near Ennis. A tower house built in 1467, Knappogue Castle offers guided tours as well as medieval banquets. The gardens are open to the public to enjoy free of charge from May to September and have been restored to their former glory with climbing roses, grapevines, and clematis.

For more information, visit here.

Address: Quin Rd, Knopoge, Ennis, Co. Clare

Poulnabrone Dolmen

The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a large portal tomb located in the heart of the Burren National Park and is one of its top tourist attractions. It comprises three standing stones and a horizontal capstone and dates from Neolithic times. It is one of the most photographed dolmens in Ireland and is a must if you are taking the kids to the Burren National Park.

Address: Poulnabrone, Co. Clare

Quin Abbey

Built between 1402 and 1433 as a Franciscan friary, Quin Abbey is a fairly well-preserved ecclesiastical site in County Clare.

There is a visitor centre at the site, which is free to visit, and the abbey is worth visiting if you are nearby. You can discover the world of medieval Franciscans by visiting the abbey. Buildings to explore include the cloister, kitchen, refectory, dormitories, and chapter room.

For details about opening times, click here.

Address: Commons, Quin, Co. Clare

Doonagore Castle

If you are just looking to view a pretty castle from afar, then seek out Doonagore Castle near Doolin. This 16^th century round tower house is a private holiday home so is not open to the public, but it can be viewed from outside the walls. If you are passing by, grab a few pictures of it.

Address: Ballycullaun, Co. Clare

Craggaunowen

Craggaunowen is a 16th-century castle and open-air museum located 10km from Quin in County Clare.

The castle was built around 1550 By John MacSioda MacNamara, who built nearby Knappogue Castle. After many years of being left to ruin, it was restored in the 1960s and houses several artefacts from its era, and is open to the public during the summer months.

The open-air museum features reconstructions of ancient Irish architecture including a dolmen, crannog, and currach boat. It also has a reconstructed ringfort from the Bronze Age. Visitors can explore village life in the Bronze age through the crannog, which was a lake-dwelling while chatting with live characters.

For a great day out learning about Irish ancient and medieval history, Craggaunowen is a great place to visit in Clare with kids.

Learn more and book your tickets here.

Address: Craggaunowen, Kilmurry, Co. Clare, V95 AD7E

Carrigaholt Castle

Carrigaholt, which is derived from the Irish words Carraig an Chabhaltaigh meaning Rock of the Fleet, is a small village in southern Clare. The castle was built in the late 15^th century and is a five-storey tower house. While it is not accessible to the public inside, you can still explore the exterior and enjoy views across the Shannon Estuary while you are there. Watch out for bottle-nosed dolphins. You can also take dolphin boat tours from there.

Carrigaholt Village is small but quaint with a few pubs where you can enjoy some great Irish seafood dishes.

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is one of the best castle hotels in Ireland and is a great place to visit, whether you are staying there or not. Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the descendants of the last High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. While the current structure dates from the 19^th century, there has been a castle there since the 16^th century.

Dromoland Castle sits on an estate of 450-acres and visitors can stroll through the grounds, enjoy some golf or even a posh afternoon tea in the castle itself. While you cannot explore the castle unless you are a hotel guest, you can still marvel at the castle and grounds.

Click here to discover more about Dromoland Castle.

Address: Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3

Newtown Castle

As with all counties in Ireland, Clare has many castles to visit, and another to put on your radar is Newtown Castle. This 16th-century tower house located near Ballyvaughan is unique in Ireland as it has a cylindrical tower that rises from a square base.

The tower is open to the public on weekdays and is free to visit. Find more information here.

Address: Newtown, Co. Clare

Museums and Heritage Clare days out

If you are looking for things to do on a rainy day in Clare with kids, then you can’t go wrong with a museum indoors. Here are some ideas of places to head to if the weather is rubbish outside.

Clare Museum

This small museum in Ennis documents the history of the county. Housed in s former Sisters of Mercy convent, the museum has artefacts that show the history of the county for over 6000 years through objects from archaeological sites, religious and agricultural sites and more. You can learn more about the Spanish Armada, IRA associations and collections relating to Eamon de Valera (a political leader in the 20^th century). It also houses objects on loan from the National Museum of Ireland.

Learn more here.

Address: Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare

Museum of Irish Rural Life

If you are looking for things to do in Clare for families, and you and the kids want to learn more about rural life in Ireland, then head for the Museum of Irish Rural Life in Kilrush. The museum houses a fantastic collection of artefacts and documents that help visitors discover more about rural life in Ireland. The kids will love seeing the old tractors and other farming objects. The owner is hugely knowledgeable and makes a visit to this museum a personal and informative one.

Address: St Joseph’s Terrace, Drimna, Kilrush, Co. Clare

Brian Boru Heritage Centre

One of the best things to see in Clare is the Brian Boru Heritage Centre. This last High King of Ireland was born in Clare and was a hugely influential figure 1000 years ago.

The heritage Centre has an imaginative exhibition about the life and times of the man, giving an insight into Celtic Ireland, the arrival of Christianity and more. You can also learn about the history of Killaloe village and the surrounding areas. The centre is open in the summer months.

Address: The Lough House, The Bridge, Shantraud, Killaloe, Co. Clare

Indoor family activities, Clare

If you are looking for indoor activities for kids in Clare and the wider county, then this section is for you. Handy if the weather is wet and miserable outside and you don’t want to visit a museum.

Michael Cusack Centre

When it comes to indoor activities, Clare has a few that are ideal for kids and their families, particularly if you need to escape the rain, and if you happen to have a GAA fan on your hands, then head for the Michael Cusack Centre.

Located in the heart of the Burren in what was the Cusack homestead, the centre has exhibitions and audio-visual displays about the life and times of this important figure in Irish sporting history. Guided tours are available every day between April and September, and afterward you can relax in the tea rooms or walk the Cusack Way, one of many trails in the Burren.

Address: Sheshodonnell East, Co. Clare

Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre

If you are looking for indoor things to do in County Clare, Ireland then head to the Shannon swimming and leisure centre. As well as a 25m swimming pool there are also Astroturf pitches, a basketball hall, a climbing wall, and a skate park. The skate park and Astroturfs are outdoors along with the playground, but the rest is indoors.

For information on opening times and public sessions, visit here.

Address: Bothar Linne, Tullyglass, Shannon, Co. Clare

Escape Rooms Ennis/Shannon

One of the best things to do in County Clare as a family is try your hand at an escape room. Work together as a team to tackle an interactive game to complete missions and escape the “room”. Teams need to use logic, focus, observation and communication skills to complete the mission within the 60-minute time slot. If you are looking for fun, indoor things to do in Clare with teenagers, then an Escape Room is ideal.

For more information or to book one, click here.

Address: Unit 19, Ballycasey Craft and Design Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 EA30

Fun Kidz Club

This great indoor soft play centre in Ennis is one of the best things to do in Clare when its raining with young kids. There is a huge soft paly area for kids aged 3-10, a separate baby and toddler area, and young kids will have a great time in the ball pool, going down sliders and more. There is lots to keep kids entertained for hours while parents enjoy a cuppa from the on-site café.

Find out more here.

Address: Gort Road Industrial Estate, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 FF9W

Dennis’s Den – Funworld

Another great indoor soft play centre to bring the kids is also located in Ennis, Dennis’s Den. This centre has a huge adventure land with slides, ball pit, and more, and also has separate baby and toddler areas to cater for the younger members of the family.

For more information, opening hours and the latest prices, click here.

Address: Quin Road Business Park, Quin Rd, Clonroad More, Ennis, Co. Clare

Planet Entertainment Centre

If you fancy a game of bowling or laser tag, head for Planet Entertainment in Ennis. This indoor leisure centre also has a soft play centre, making it an ideal place to visit with the whole family.

For more information, visit the website.

Address: Showgrounds Rd, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare

So, if you are wondering what’s on in Clare this weekend for kids, then I hope this list has given you a few ideas for things for kids to do in Clare and the surrounding area. Whether you want to get outdoors and enjoy nature, learn about some history or simply let the kids run off steam at an indoor centre, there is something for everyone in County Clare.

Cath x

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