As a mum of three energetic boys, I'm always on the lookout for ways to enjoy Ireland without spending a small fortune. There's something so special about discovering simple joys as a family—be it a ramble through the woods, splashing along a stony stream or visiting a fairy trail filled with magic. And the best part? Many of Ireland’s loveliest experiences are either completely free or very budget-friendly.
Whether you're a fellow parent planning a family trip or just looking for weekend ideas close to home, here are my insider tips for the best cheap and free family days out in Ireland in 2025, all tried and tested by us!
1. Fairy Trails & Woodland Walks
Ireland’s fairy trails are pure magic for little ones—and they’re often completely free! My boys always adored discovering tiny doors hidden in tree trunks and spotting fairy houses nestled under mossy branches.
Top picks:
Ballyseedy Woods, Co. Kerry – A lovely forest walk with fairies to be found and lots of nature spotting.
Parson’s Green, Co. Tipperary – Entry is low-cost, and there's a small petting farm, playground and fairy trail too.
Glenbower Wood, Co. Cork – A peaceful, stroller-friendly trail with fairy installations that feel straight out of a storybook.
Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork - In Fota Island Resort, on the road leading to Fota Island Adventure, there is the sweetest fairy trail, which is free to wander around.
Tip: Pack a picnic and let the kids bring their own fairy letters to leave in the fairy post boxes (some trails have them!).
2. Visit Blooming Flower Fields (Free Entry Dates!)
Visiting a lavender or sunflower field is not only great for capturing the most beautiful of family pictures, but also a wholesome and budget-friendly day out. Many Irish flower farms now open for free or donation-based entry on selected days.
Don’t miss in 2025:
Wexford Lavender Farm – A beautiful lavender farm which makes for a beautiful family day out. You pay €6 per car and spaces need to be pre-booked in advance here.
Joe's Farm Crisps, Co. Cork – Offers open days each summer, perfect for pictures in a huge field of beautiful sunflowers. Entry is €30 per car, which is more expensive than other days out on this list, but a bunch of freshly picked sunflowers is included in this fee and proceeds are going to charity also. New this year, they also added a lavender field to their farm. Make sure to visit early next summer.
Keep an eye on farm Facebook pages or Instagram for 2025 opening updates!
3. Coastal Adventures & Seaside Fun
From skimming stones to searching for crabs in rockpools, the Irish coastline is a treasure trove for family fun—and totally free.
Our family favourites:
Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork – Soft sands and shallow waters, ideal for younger kids.
The Ballycotton Cliff Walk – An adventurous trail with stunning sea views. Keep it short with little legs, or do the full loop if you’re feeling brave!
Loughshinny, Co. Dublin – A quieter beach option with great rock pools for exploring.
Tip: Bring wellies or crocs for paddling, and a change of clothes—trust me, it’s needed!
4. Visit a Farm (For Less!)
While many farms charge entry, some still offer affordable access or free open days throughout the year.
Budget-friendly gems:
The Farm Grenagh, Co. Cork – Reasonably priced and packed with fun, including barrel rides, friendly animals and for Tractor Ted lovers you can even sit in Tractor Ted's cab!
Causey Farm, Co. Meath – Offers ticketed seasonal events, but sometimes runs free family days too.
Doneraile Court & Park, Co. Cork – No entry fee at all, and a deer park, gardens, and fab playground make it a must-visit!
5. Explore Free National Parks & Heritage Sites
Ireland’s national parks are completely free to visit and offer wide open space, beautiful walking trails, and plenty of natural wonders.
Top spots:
Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry – Explore waterfalls, lakes, and woodland trails. The kids will love spotting deer.
Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal – A castle, gardens and lake walks make for a full day’s adventure.
Phoenix Park, Dublin – One of the largest urban parks in Europe. There’s space to run, bike hire, and even free-roaming deer!
Tip: Bring scooters or balance bikes for the longer trails—it makes a world of difference with tired little legs.
6. Take Advantage of Local Festivals & Community Events
Many towns across Ireland host free family events, markets, and summer festivals with live music, kids’ crafts, and more.
How to find them:
Follow your local county council or community pages on Facebook.
Look out for Heritage Week (August) and National Play Day (July) events, which are often totally free.
Libraries and arts centres also run seasonal workshops and shows.
Simple Days Make the Sweetest Memories
The beauty of family time in Ireland is that you don’t need to spend much to make lasting memories. A wander through the woods, a splash in a stream or spotting a fairy door together can be far more special than a pricey day out.
In 2025, with costs rising all around us, finding affordable ways to enjoy childhood magic feels more important than ever and Ireland makes it easy with all its wild beauty, warm welcomes and hidden gems.
