As parents, we all know how expensive family days out can add up. That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of the best free things to do in Tipperary with kids — no entry fees, no surprise costs, just great days out for the family.
From nature parks and lakeside drives to sensory gardens and historic sites, Tipperary has plenty to offer families on a budget. Here are our favourite free things to do in Tipperary with kids.
The Glen of Aherlow
The Glen of Aherlow Nature Park features many walking trails, seating and picnic areas with flora and fauna throughout. Entry is from the viewing point at the ‘Christ the King Statue’, which offers a panoramic view of the valley below.
The Sensory and Mobility Garden, Cahir
The Sensory & Mobility Garden on Church St. was specially created to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, but particularly for people with disabilities.
The garden contains many varied features, such as scented plants, sculptures, water features, Braille signs, and pathways of different textures — plenty to stimulate the senses. It’s a haven of peace and a place to unwind, and also serves as a mobility practice area.
Fishing at Marl Bog
Bring a picnic and your fishing rod and head to Marl Bog, an area of woodland with a man-made lake just 2km from Dundrum. There’s parking on site and established forest and lakeside trails to explore. The lake is stocked with brown trout, managed by the Dundrum Fisheries Group.
Go on a Lough Derg Drive
Start off in Dromineer — feed the swans, watch the boats and let the kids have a play in the playground. Next, head to Garrykennedy for a forest walk, another playground stop, and lunch in Larkins or a picnic in one of the lovely BBQ and picnic areas.
If little ones are due a nap after lunch, head towards Ballina, stopping at The Lookout to take in the amazing scenery along the way.
Finish up at Ballina playground, where mum or dad can grab a workout on the outdoor gym next door. If you’ve packed swim gear, the kids can take a dip in the outdoor pool. Anything left in the picnic basket? Wrap up your day dining al fresco at one of the many picnic benches along the Shannon bank.
Follow the Fairy Trail in Templemore
Head to the lovely Town Park in Templemore and walk past the lake to find the fairy trail in the woods. See how many fairy doors you can spot — they’re updated at seasonal times like Christmas and Halloween (there are around 38, we believe). Afterwards, feed the ducks and swans and let the kids loose in the playground while you get a workout on the outdoor adult gym.
Related: Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Tipperary
Make the Most of Libraries
Make sure to check out your local library and see what classes and events are on offer throughout the year. Your local Tipperary library branch is a wonderful, free resource for families.
Libraries host popular annual summer reading programmes, and many branches run parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, games and activity sessions, and exhibitions.
There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
There are some great playgrounds throughout the county — a free and fun way to spend an afternoon. We’ve been enjoying the fabulous playgrounds in Fethard and Ballyclerihan. Make a habit of trying a new one when you’re out and about, and bring some snacks and drinks or a picnic lunch to make a full day of it.
History & Heritage in Tipperary
Holycross Abbey, near Thurles
Holy Cross Abbey is one of Ireland’s National Monuments. Under the patronage of James Butler, the fourth Earl of Ormonde, much of the abbey was rebuilt in the 15th century, but after suppression it was eventually left in ruins. In the late 1900s, a movement to restore the abbey church saw it brought back into use as a house of worship, and today Mass and other holy events are celebrated there regularly.
Brú Ború Heritage Centre
Brú Ború is a national cultural centre at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. This cultural village is designed around a village green and includes a folk theatre, genealogy centre, restaurant and other amenities.
Related: Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Tipperary
The Devil’s Bit
The Devil’s Bit is a few miles from The Ragg, near Thurles. Tipperary has beautiful, lush mountain scenery, and the most famous of these hills is known as the Devil’s Bit. Legend has it that the devil took a bite from the mountain and broke his teeth in the process, letting the bit fall from his mouth and land in Cashel to form the Rock of Cashel — once the high seat of the Kings of Munster.
Heritage sites around the county, including the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle, occasionally offer free entry days, and National Heritage Week brings free family events across Tipperary each year. Check heritageireland.ie and heritageweek.ie ahead of your visit for current dates and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tipperary a good county for free family days out?
Yes — Tipperary has a great mix of nature parks, lakeside walks, playgrounds and heritage sites that cost nothing to visit, making it easy to fill a weekend without spending a cent.
What’s a good free day out for younger children in Tipperary?
A Lough Derg drive is a great option, with playgrounds, swan-feeding and picnic spots along the way at Dromineer, Garrykennedy and Ballina.
Are Tipperary’s libraries really free to use?
Yes — library membership, book and DVD borrowing, computer access, and most classes and events run by your local branch are free for families to enjoy.
Do Tipperary’s heritage sites ever offer free entry?
Some do, on selected occasions, and National Heritage Week each year brings free events across the county. Check heritageireland.ie and heritageweek.ie for current dates before you plan your visit.
You Might Also Like
- Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Tipperary
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Tipperary
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