Exploring Family-Friendly Adventures in Laois
If you’re planning an adventure at Glamping Under The Stars in Co. Laois, you’re in for a treat. Lovely Laois is packed with family friendly activities for kids of all ages.
So, whether you want to explore ancient ruins at The Rock of Dunamaise, meet cute animals at the Castleview Open Farm, go mountain biking or wild swimming in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, or just splash around in the outdoor pool in Ballinakill, County Laois really is fun for all the family.
And it’s a great value for a family break too.
Top Things for Families to Do While Glamping In Laois
1. Cullenagh Forest Walk
(Open Daily, Free Entry)
Turn left out of the glampsite entrance, go up the hill & explore the forest. Past guests have spotted everything from squirrels and frogs to cuckoos and buzzards, and even wild deer!
2. The Rock of Dunamaise
(Open Daily, Free Entry, Free Parking)
Perched on a hill outside Stradbally, the ancient ruins are truly spectacular. Kids love it! Short walk from the parking area, amazing views. Bring the camera.
3. Emo Court Parklands
(Open Daily, Free Entry to Gardens, Free Parking)
Visit the historic house & gorgeous gardens. There’s a buggy friendly walk (2.5km) around the lake, with wooden sculptures that kids can climb & benches to stop & rest when legs get tired. Try the tearooms for lunch, or pack yourself a picnic.
4. Abbeyleix Boardwalk on the Bog
(Open Daily, Free Entry, Free Parking)
Park at The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel & bring your boots. The cinder path & wooden boardwalk takes you through spectacular bog land. Polly’s Café has coffee, cake & sandwiches. (Wood fired pizza available Sat & Sun 5pm – 9pm only).
5. Timahoe Tower
(Open Daily, Free Entry, Free Parking)
Historic round tower, located just 10 minutes from the glamping site. There’s a playground nearby and the visitor centre serves drinks and snacks at weekends.
6. Ballinakill Outdoor Pool
(Open June – September, afternoons & evenings only, Pre-booking recommended)
Has a main pool and a toddler pool, changing rooms and picnic area. After your swim, check out the playground, (right next door), or explore nearby Heywood Gardens.
7. Heywood Gardens & Lake Walk
(Open Daily, Free Entry, Free Parking)
Adjacent to the Ballinakill Outdoor Pool, Heywood Gardens is well worth a visit. The looped lake walk features a castle-like folly, and formal gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Kids love the turtle sculptures in the sunken pool, and the pretty gardens are ideal for a relaxing family stroll. Park at the lower gate.
8. Castleview Open Farm, Cullohill
(Open Thurs to Mon from 11am through spring & summer)
The pet farm is home to alpacas, miniature ponies, donkeys & goats, as well as smaller fluffy animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, etc. There’s also a playground, a maze, crazy golf & a mini go-kart track, and a café. It’s ideal for kids under 10.
9. Fossey Mountain Ranch, Timahoe
(Pre-book to avoid disappointment)
Ever wanted to try western, ‘cowboy’ style horse riding? This quirky ranch (complete with cowboy saloon!) offers western style riding lessons for all ages & abilities. Or you can book a ‘hack’ – a leisurely horseback ride through the Laois countryside.
10. Slieve Bloom Mountains
(Always Open, Free to Visit, Free Parking)
The Slieve Bloom Mountains is great for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking (great for older kids & teens). Highlights include Glenbarrow Falls, Monicknew River Walk, and the Ridge of Capard. There’s also a wild swimming spot at The Catholes, and a beginner’s bike trail at Kinnitty Castle. Pack a picnic or try The Falls Café at Glenbarrow.
11. Castlecomer Discovery Park
A bit further afield but well worth the trip, Castlecomer Discovery Park offers a range of activities from treetop walks, axe throwing and archery, to a junior woodland adventure and pedal boats on the lake. It’s a paradise for adventurous kids and even boasts the longest overwater zipline in Ireland.
12. Birr Castle Gardens
Birr Castle is situated in 120 acres of beautiful gardens, with an impressive waterfall and various sculptural features to explore along the way. Kids love the Giant Treehouse (age 6+) and there is also a Science Centre onsite. Take a picnic or visit the onsite café.
See you on a family friendly break soon! Check out Glamping Under The Stars HERE
*Images Courtesy of Glamping Under The Stars
