Fun Day Trips from Laois

During holiday periods and at weekends, it can be great fun to get in the car and go and explore a little further afield than your usual haunts. Make a day trip out of it by leaving early and packing a picnic or some snacks to bring with you. Keep a pack in the car boot - packed with a change of clothes, wellies, rain jackets, sun cream and a first aid kit (although hopefully you'll have no need of the latter!)

Here are some tried and tested suggestions for interesting day trips and places to visit, all within handy striking distance of County Laois.

County Kildare

A visitor attraction that children love to return to again and again is Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, which is located on a mineral island in the Bog of Allen.  The Park is a leading destination for families, school tours, birthday parties and tourists, and and also for the seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Easter and Halloween.  The great mix of fun, leisure and education ensure that there is something to entertain and interest visitors of all ages.  New to the Park for 2010 are the Pet Farm, the Discover Science Trail and the new Coffee shop. The Park features a wide variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities. Ramble through the woodland and gardens, take a relaxing trip on the Lullymore train and explore the wonder of the  natural environment and heritage.  For younger visitors, there is the Funky Forest Indoor Play Centre, the quality outdoor playground, 18-hole Crazy Golf and a large football pitch.  There is no time limit on visits, so make a day of it!  The entry fee is very reasonable. Families do not need to book in advance. Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is located four miles outside Rathangan. Phone 045 870238 or read more information here.

Many kids are fascinated by mazes, then another Kildare family attraction that is well worth a visit at some point is The Millennium Maze, which is located in Ballinafagh Farm, Prosperous, near Naas.  The Maze was grown to mark the Millennium and it is designed in the shape of a St. Brigid's Cross.  The fully grown hedge maze covers approximately one acre with more than 1.5 miles of paths, with hedges over six feet high.  Other activities include: crazy golf, sandpit, and a pets' corner with donkeys, goats, hens, rabbits, etc.  The shop and a large picnic area make a great base for those too tired to explore.  Ballinafagh Farm offers a great day out for school tours, birthday parties or other family outings.  It is open weekends in May and September from 12pm to 6pm, and daily in June, July and August from 12 noon to 6pm.   For Bookings and enquiries, phone 045 868151 or find further details and directions here.

If your child likes horses he/she will love the National Stud in Kildare.  Combine this with a visit to the Japanese Gardens and cafe for a very pleasant outing.

County Offaly

Birr Castle Gardens and Telescope, Birr, Co Offaly.  Birr Castle houses a historic science centre and newly restored giant telescope.  The science centre is interesting and child friendly and the giant telescope is amazing. This site is very popular for school tours. The gardens and trees are delightful.

Lough Boora Parklands, near Tullamore is family friendly and there is free admission.  It is an interesting landscape with a Mesolothic walk and a sculpture walk.

County Carlow

Just outside Tullow there is Rathwood Gardens and right beside it is The Chocolate Garden; the title says it all!  Rathwood Gardens and Interiors Centre has a cafe and a playground and has something for both young and old. Altamont Gardens, near Tullow is also worth a visit.  The Gardens and walks are really nice and there is picnic benches and toilet facilities.  There is also a garden centre.

County Kilkenny

Check out our Kilkenny page for the many attractions in Kilkenny.  Our particular favourite is Castledermot Discovery Park as it is north of the County and therefore very accessible for a half day trip from Laois. Dunmore Cave is also worth a visit and again is very accessible from Laois as it is the Laois side of Kilkenny city.

County Tipperary

Tipperary is home to the Rock of Cashel, which is a famous historic site.