Planning a family getaway to the family-friendly town of Maynooth? The Glenroyal Hotel is your perfect base. We know that keeping everyone entertained—and fed—is the key to a successful trip. That's why we've curated this list of family-friendly attractions, including some not-so-common but oh-so-fun adventures that will have everyone talking for weeks. From hunting for fairy doors on a mystical trail to stepping into the shoes of a medieval knight or meeting brand-new foals, we've got the inside track. All are within an easy hour's drive, so buckle up and keep reading for great tips on your next outing.
 

Explore Dún Laoghaire’s People’s Park

People’s Park is a beautifully landscaped, two-hectare park located just a short stroll from Dún Laoghaire Harbour and is popular with locals and visitors of all ages. It’s green, well-maintained gardens feature lovely fountains, a fun children's playground, and a quaint tearoom offering a quiet spot for relaxation. It’s a great place to spend a sunny morning or afternoon with the family. The park particularly comes to life on weekends when it hosts a vibrant market every Sunday between 11am and 4pm; vendors bring a colourful collection of arts & crafts, alongside locally grown organic Irish produce. Throughout the year, the park also serves as a popular venue for live music acts and festivals.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 35 mins
Pricing: Free to walk the pier. Paid car parking may apply.
Recommended Age Group: All ages (pram accessible).
Food Info: Outside food welcome for a picnic in the People's Park. The park also has a great food market on Sundays. Plenty of cafés and restaurants in the town.

Step Back into Time at Trim Castle

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild at Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle. The guided tour of the mighty keep is fascinating for all ages. The extensive grounds are perfect for running around and pretending to siege the walls. It’s a real-life history lesson that feels nothing like school!

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 40 mins
Pricing: Visiting the castle is free but there is a cost for castle tours: Adult €5, Child/Student €3, Family €13.
Recommended Age Group: 3+ (the castle tour involves steep, narrow staircases).
Food Info: Picnic spots available on the grounds. Outside food welcome. The town of Trim has several family-friendly pubs and cafés a short walk away.

Bonus: Just a short 5-minute drive from the castle is Trim playground on Watergate St. This well-maintained playground offers plenty of fun for kids of all ages with equipment like slides, swings, etc. There are picnic tables inside the playground. Car parking available next to the playground.

Unleash Curiosity at The Explorium

Located in the heart of Dublin, The Explorium is a spectacular interactive museum designed for curious minds. It’s all about touching, playing, and experimenting. With 50+ exhibits across multiple floors, it’s a guaranteed hit for budding scientists and engineers who love to ask, "how does that work?"

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 30 mins
Pricing: Varies based on age. Check their website for current rates as pre-booking is essential.
Recommended Age Group: 3+
Food Info: No food available inside the museum. Outside food is not permitted, but there are plenty of family-friendly cafés and restaurants just steps away.

Experience Farm Life at Kildare Farm Foods

This is a genuine farm experience where kids can feed lambs, calves, and piglets (season dependent). Meet a host of friendly animals, enjoy a tractor-trailer ride, and finish your visit with some top-quality food from their farm shop and café. Simple, authentic, and utterly charming.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 25 mins
Pricing: Check website for current rates. Traditionally around €10 per child, adults cheaper/free.
Recommended Age Group: Toddlers to 10 years.
Food Info: Excellent food available onsite in their café, famous for hot food and delicious treats. Picnics also welcome.

Navigate the Treetop Trails in Avondale

For the active family, a day at Beyond the Trees in Wicklow is unbeatable. Follow the scenic forest walk along the river to a stunning waterfall. The main attraction is The Tree Top Adventure, a series of wobbly bridges and nets high in the canopy, offering a thrilling perspective of the forest below. Beyond the Trees is also home to Ireland’s longest slide – a very popular add-on for thrill-seeking individuals.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 1 hour
Pricing: From €19 per person. Pre-booking is mandatory.
Recommended Age Group: 7+ (must be over 1.2m tall for the adventure course).
Food Info: Outside food welcome in the picnic areas. The Honey Pot Café onsite also serves excellent coffee, cakes, and light lunches.

Feel the Need for Speed at Kylemore Karting

Ready, set, go! Kylemore Karting in Dublin offers high-octane fun for the whole family. A brilliant indoor activity for a rainy or sunny day.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 25 mins
Pricing: Check website for current rates. Pre-booking is mandatory.
Recommended Age Group: 9+ (must also meet height requirement).
Food Info: Food not available and offsite food not allowe.

 

Wander Through a Victorian Wonderland at the National Botanic Gardens

Find a moment of calm and beauty in Glasnevin. The extensive gardens are completely free to enter and offer endless space for children to explore. The highlight is the series of magnificent glasshouses, including the iconic Great Palm House, home to tropical plants and warm temperatures, even on a chilly day.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 35 mins
Pricing: Free (Donations welcome)
Recommended Age Group: All ages (pram friendly).
Food Info: The Teahouse onsite serves lovely food and coffee. Outside food welcome and picnicking on the lawns is a favourite summer activity.

 

Embark on a Pirate Adventure with a Royal Canal Boat Trip

Gather the crew and set sail for adventure while discovering the scenic beauty of Ireland’s inland waterways with a Royal Canal Boat Trip. They offer year-round, skippered private charters that start and finish in Blanchardstown — a wonderful & relaxing way to mark a special occasion or enjoy quality time with your favourite shipmates. All hands-on deck for a memorable voyage!

To plan your next adventure on the water, call Jenny on 087 937 7588.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 25 minutes
Pricing: from €40 per person
Recommended Age Group: 3+ (a hit with all primary school ages).
Food Info: No food is sold on the boat, but light refreshments are provided, and outside food is welcome. Pack a fun picnic to enjoy on your voyage!

 

Uncover the Magic at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens

Even if you’re not into horse racing, this is a fabulous day out. Meet magnificent thoroughbred horses, including foals in the spring. The truly magical part is the Japanese Gardens, a stunning landscape representing the ‘Life of Man’, and the unique Fairy Trail, which captivates younger visitors.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 40 mins
Pricing: Adult €16, Child €8, Family €40. Online discounts often available.
Recommended Age Group: All ages (pram friendly!)
Food Info: The Tully's Café onsite offers a great selection of hot and cold food. Outside food is also welcome in designated picnic areas.

 

Discover Forest Adventures on the Vartry Trails

Give the kids the freedom to run, cycle, and explore on the flat forest trails of Vartry Reservoir. Located along the trail you’ll find resting & playing areas where families can enjoy fresh air, spot wildlife, and enjoy a memorable picnic together by the water's edge.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 50 mins
Pricing: Free.
Recommended Age Group: All ages. The main trails are wide, flat, and perfect for buggies, little cyclists, and scooters.
Food Info: Outside food welcome. There are no cafes onsite, so packing a picnic to enjoy by the reservoir or in the forest is highly recommended. The nearby town of Roundwood has excellent pubs and cafés.

 

Marvel at Ireland's Highest Waterfall at Powerscourt

Experience the awe-inspiring views of Ireland's tallest waterfall. Kids will love the wide-open spaces to play and the thrilling roar of the water, making for an easy, spectacular, and unforgettable family outing surrounded by Wicklow's natural beauty. There are several easy hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. The viewing areas are easily accessible, and there's a great playground for kids of all ages.

Distance from Maynooth: approx. 50 mins
Pricing: Adult €7.50, Child €5.50, Family €23.50 (2 adults + 3 children). Dog-friendly (on lead).
Recommended Age Group: All ages.
Food Info: There is a great picnic area and onsite restaurant that serves excellent coffee, hot food, snacks and ice cream. Outside food is welcome.

 

Your Family Haven in Kildare Awaits

After a day packed with adventure, return to the comfort and warmth of the Glenroyal Hotel. Let the kids enjoy our Little Explorers Kids Club that runs from 4pm-9pm every Saturday and daily during Irish school holidays. Unwind in one of our fully equipped family suites, burn off remaining energy in our family-dedicated swimming pool or reminisce about the day’s adventures over a delicious meal in our award-winning Enclosure Restaurant.

Please note: Prices and policies are subject to change. We always recommend checking the official attraction website for the most up-to-date information before you visit.

Ready to start your family adventure? Click here to view our family offers.