Top 10 Family Fun Days Out in Co. Donegal!!!

Being a mum of three boys, I know how important it is to keep the kiddos entertained during the holidays! I decided to make life easy for all you upcoming visitors by giving you a brief run through some of the top family fun days out in Donegal. You can thank me later 🙂

(Clicking on the blue activity names within the blog will bring you to the company’s direct website).

 

1. WILD IRELAND, DUNDRAIN, MUFF, CO. DONEGAL

One of Donegals newest tourism offerings is Wild Ireland. Following on foot of the success of the fabulous RTE TV Series – “Return Of The Wild – The Bearman of Buncrana” last year saw thousands flock to this beautiful natural habitat which is now an animal sanctuary for rescued wild animals. In this magical place, Killian Mc Laughlin has fulfilled his lifetime ambition wherein he is now his own zoo keeper tending to and looking after Brown bears, European Wolves, Wild Boar and Lynx. There are also

wild birds, swans, ducks and otter. There is lots to see and do for children too – take the fairy trail around the rainforest, enjoy their tales of ancient folklore, play in their play park and finish off with some tasty treats & gifts from the Wild Ireland Shop.

 

2. DOAGH FAMINE VILLAGE, ISLE OF DOAGH, CO. DONEGAL

If there’s one museum to visit in Donegal during your stay, then this is it. Doagh Famine Village is an education for both Irish and visitors alike. Everytime I visit I learn something new! Story tellers lead guests through the history of Irish life from the Great Famine of the 1840s right through to the present day. Attractions include thatched cottages, an eviction scene, Orange Hall, Republican Safe House and Irish Wake to name a few. It’s a fun day out for kids with all the novelty places and there’s no one in Donegal that can tell a tale like the owner himself, Pat Doherty!

3. LURGYBRACK OPEN FARM, CULLION ROAD, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Lurgybrack Farm is one of Donegal’s most popular family fun days out! An open farm for all the family! It has a host of farm animals that families can meet face-to-face and an array of outdoor and indoor play areas! like those play area markings UK. Tea room, outdoor picnic areas, parties for kids and no day is complete there without the tractor ride around the farm! Do not miss this if you are travelling with little ones!!! It’s a fabulous fun family day out.

 

 

 4. HALFWAY KARTING, BURNFOOT, CO. DONEGAL

For all the petrol heads and boy racers Halfway Karting is the place to be!!! This place is one of my kids favourite trips out! They love nothing more than a good rally around a tyre filled track with chequered flags on the go. Compete with your family and friends to get the best lap record!

This exciting outdoor racing track has top of the range Sodi Karts and Stock Cars. Great for all the thrill seekers who fancy a competitive race.

 

5. ARENA 7, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Arena 7 is a family run entertainment complex with fun for everyone – Bowling, Laser Quest, Kids Adventure Centre, Arcade, Pool Table, Restaurant and Diner all under one roof!

Fun for kids of all ages from toddlers to teens and of course a fun bit of bowling for the adults too!

 

 

6. INISH ADVENTURES FLOATING WATER PARK, MOVILLE, CO. DONEGAL

Summer 2020 has just seen the launch of Inish Adventures floating water arena just off Moville’s shore path. If you have lively older kids and teens then this will be a dream for them (and for you parents – as it will tire them out! lol). Inish Adventures also offers instructed kayak + SUP board hire aswell as summer camps during July and August

 

7. WILD ALPACA WAY, KNOCKAMANNY BENDS, MALIN, CO. DONEGAL

Wild Alpaca Way is set on the stunning Knockamanny bends at Malin Head, you can now enjoy the spectacular scenery with views from Malin Head to Glashedy Rock to the Isle of Doagh and beyond, all while exploring the hills of Donegal with your very own Alpaca to guide you.

This is a fun family day out for all age groups. The walk is uphill but at a leisurely pace with a downhill stroll on the way back. The views are spectacular and to die for. This activity can be carried out in groups with social distancing in place.

Walk your own Alpaca, feed it, breathe in the wonderful fresh sea air and stop to take in the breathtaking views along the way.

 

8. OAKFIELD PARK, RAPHOE, CO. DONEGAL

Oakfield Park is a privately owned estate set in Oakfield Desmene of Raphoe – the former deanery. Sitting in a lush landscape of parklands and mature woodlands, overlooking the distant Croaghan Mountain, the grounds include a traditional walled garden and kitchen garden.

A hugely popular feature of Oakfield Park is a wonderful miniature railway This railway is based on the now defunct Co. Donegal Railways. Over 4km of track has been laid and the narrow gauge railway has a miniature steam engine and carriages in the old CDR livery. The train winds around the lake and woodlands and offers an excellent opportunity to view the lower gardens in comfort. The kids will adore this!!!

Oakfield Park hosts many public functions throughout the year – its famous family picnics, Steam Sundays, Oakfest Festival during the summer months and the infamous Santa Express which is a huge Donegal favourite at Christmas. If your stay coincides with one of their fabulous events then DON’T MISS IT!!!

9. AMAZING GRACE YACHT CHARTERS, GLENGAD, MALIN, CO. DONEGAL

Explore Irelands north coast aboard the Amazing Grace.

You can create your own bespoke package to explore the Norths Wild Atlantic Way by sea!

Travel in luxury around our many ports, and enjoy a truly unique experience of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Whether you are travelling for the scenery, the action or just to relax, our bespoke packages will ensure you have an experience you will never forget. The Yacht comfortably sleeps 9 passengers, and you also have the option of staying overnight on board.

 

10. LEISURELAND, REDCASTLE, CO. DONEGAL

Leisureland is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading Indoor Fun Parks. Catering for children of all ages, they offer a safe and secure environment loaded with fun.

The wide variety of activities include not only our three level interactive play systems but also:

Dodgems, Small Car Track, Ball Pool, Ladybird Ride, Carousel, El Dorado Guns, Pirate Ship, Safari Trains, Remote Control Trucks & Cars, Aqua Blast Fire Station and Bumper boats.

 

So – there you have it – a fast-track guide to lots of fun places to go and see with your family during your Donegal holiday or Irish Staycation. These are just a few of many throughout the County. Come and visit – you really won’t be disappointed with so much to see and do.

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Remember for all your self catering accommodation options – Wild Atlantic Wanderer has a huge range of homes throughout Donegal in Inishowen and Rathmullan. We’d love to host you.

Stay with us and Feel at Home