Explore, picnic & play –here are some of the best summer family days out in Ireland surrounded by nature.
Summer in Ireland is a season of colour, warmth (if we’re lucky!), and long days made for memory-making. As a mammy who loves nothing more than packing up a picnic and heading out with my boys, I’ve come to treasure the Irish gardens and woodlands that are perfect for summer days out – complete with flowers in bloom, fairy trails to wander and shaded forest walks to keep cool.
Here are 10 of the most magical gardens and woodlands to visit in Ireland this summer with kids, where you can breathe in the scent of summer roses, chase butterflies through meadows and soak in the joy of the season.
1. Fota Gardens, Co. Cork
Ideal for: Strolling under shady trees, letting the kids do roly-polys down the lawn and enjoying the beauty of this stunning place.
With its exotic plants, towering trees and secret corners to explore, Fota Gardens are full of charm in summer and are one of our favourite places to visit all year round. Look out for flowering rhododendrons, the stunning wisteria wall in May, sunny benches to rest on and lots of open green space for kids to run free and enjoy a sunny day in beautiful surroundings.
Plan your visit - Fota House and Gardens
2. Woodstock Gardens, Co. Kilkenny
Ideal for: Victorian charm, summer flowers & panoramic views.
Located above the picturesque village of Inistioge, Woodstock Gardens are a joy to visit in summer. With a beautifully restored walled garden, blooming terraces, ancient towering trees, a stunning glasshouse café and a fairy trail for little ones, it’s a peaceful and enchanting space for a family day out.
Plan your visit - Woodstock Gardens
Bring a picnic and enjoy the sweeping views of the River Nore below.
3. Johnstown Castle Gardens, Co. Wexford
Ideal for: Peacocks (you can even feed them!), castle views & picnic-perfect lawns
With its grand Gothic castle, sprawling lawns and shimmering lakes, Johnstown Castle is like something out of a fairytale in summer. It's one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited as a family. The gardens are open, welcoming and ideal for little legs. There's a fab playground and a place to grab an ice-cream on a warm day. If you're able, I highly recommend doing the castle tour too, as the inside is just as stunning as it's surroundings.
Plan your visit - Johnstown Castle
There are picnic tables near the playground – perfect for a summer picnic.
4. National Botanic Gardens, Dublin
Ideal for: Flowers in full bloom & a quiet escape from the busy city
Even in busy Dublin, the Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful, educational escape for families. In summer, the gardens are bursting with vibrant flowers and buzzing bees, which children will love to see.
Plan your visit - Botanic Gardens Dublin
This is an ideal spot for snapping colourful summer family photos.
5. Glenbower Wood, Co. Cork
Ideal for: Fairy trail adventures, paddling in shallow streams & shaded walks
If you need a cool woodland escape from summer heat, Glenbower is perfect. Kids will love exploring its fairy doors, balancing on logs and walking across the little bridges. Look for butterflies dancing through the trees in this storybook-like woodland.
Located in the lovely Killeagh village – bring wellies or water shoes for splashy fun. There's a playground just up from the wood too, we always stop by there to leave the kids play after a wander in the woods.
Plan your visit - Glenbower Wood
6. Mount Usher Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Ideal for: Riverside rambles & floral wonders
In the height of summer, Mount Usher’s walkways are flanked with wildflowers and butterflies. The river offers a serene soundtrack for your stroll, and the gardens are beautifully maintained with a natural, relaxed charm.
Plan your visit - Mount Usher Gardens
The Avoca café is a must for a post-walk ice cream or coffee.
7. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Co. Roscommon
Ideal for: Families with mixed ages – adventure meets nature
With acres of woodland, lake views, bike hire, ziplining and more, Lough Key is a summer favourite. Even younger kids can enjoy the fairy walk, and there’s a great playground too.
Plan your visit - Lough Key
Bring scooters or bikes for kids to enjoy a ride on the tree-lined pathways.
8. Garnish Island Gardens, Co. Cork
Ideal for: A boat ride with views of seals and Mediterranean vibes on an Irish island
This is one of the most unique and beautiful summer days out you can have in Ireland. Hop on the ferry from Glengarriff, spot some seals on the way, and explore exotic gardens filled with palm trees and flowering pergolas. Read about our visit here and see some stunning views from this gorgeous island in Cork.
Plan your visit - Garnish Island
Go early in the day to beat the boat crowds and enjoy this island paradise in peace.
9. Carey’s Castle, Co. Waterford
Ideal for: Hidden ruins, shaded woodland walks & a touch of mystery
Tucked away in a quiet woodland near Clonmel, Carey's Castle feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. This off-the-beaten-path gem features the ruins of a small 19th-century castle, surrounded by leafy trees, mossy stones, and a peaceful stream. It’s a magical spot for kids to imagine knights and fairies while enjoying a relaxed summer stroll.
Pack a picnic and enjoy it beside the stream – it’s a lovely, tranquil setting.
Free to visit, just follow the forest trail from the nearby car park.
10. Castle Ward, Co. Down
Ideal for: Historic charm, lough views & adventurous trails
Castle Ward offers a truly unique summer day out for families. With its mix of classical and Gothic architecture, stunning grounds overlooking Strangford Lough, and a brilliant network of walking and cycling trails, it’s perfect for curious little explorers. There's even a Game of Thrones connection here for older kids or fans of the series!
Plan your visit - Castle Ward
Bring bikes or rent on-site – there’s lots of ground to cover, and the scenery is beautiful.
Summer Tips for Visiting Gardens & Forests with Kids
Go early to avoid the heat, the crowds and to get good parking. I always try to get out as early as I can with my boys, it allows us to discover these places at our own pace and often to have them all to ourselves for a little while.
Pack hats and apply SPF – Irish sun may surprise you and you can easily get burnt on days out.
Cooler bags work wonders for snacks and drinks. It's also a lot cheaper to pack a picnic of your own and enjoy it in beautiful surroundings, rather than going to cafés or restaurants.
Nature bingo or scavenger hunt sheets keep kids engaged. I always play a game with boys where we have to find one thing from nature for each colour.
There’s no better way to enjoy Ireland in the summer than by wandering through its many natural wonders. These gorgeous gardens and woodlands are not only beautiful, but they’re places where children can roam free safely, learn from nature and make special summertime memories.
Have you visited any of these? Let me know your favourite Irish garden or forest for a sunny family day out – I’m always looking for new places to explore with the boys.
For more inspiration for family days out, places to visit and travel across Ireland, check out my Ireland section for lots of ideas.
