5 Family Activities in Connemara

As well as being home to some of the country’s finest walks and hiking paths, Connemara is a popular tourist destination for family vacations. As a mother of two, I know how difficult it can be to plan activities that the whole family can enjoy.

There’s an abundance of family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed in this rugged region of the West of Ireland. To help make your visit to Connemara as enjoyable as possible, we’ve narrowed down our top 5 family-friendly things to do in Connemara that we enjoy with our children and know they will be a hit with your family too.

Delphi Resort

Enlighten your lust for life and awaken your senses by embracing Ireland's magnificent landscape and scenery at Delphi Resort. This 300-acre resort is located in the heart of the scenically breathtaking Delphi Valley, near Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway in Ireland. Lots of outdoor activities are on offer that children will enjoy. Situated just 15 minutes away from Leenane, Delphi is surrounded by magical scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Killary Sheep Farm

Killary Sheep Farm is a must-stop for a great day out for all the family. This is a traditional working mountain farm with approximately 200 ewes and lambs roaming freely in the mountain looking out on spectacular views of Killary Fjord, on the Wild Atlantic Way. There is something for everyone to enjoy with Irish sheep dog demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, sheep shearing using hand shears, turf cutting with traditional tools and even walking trails.

Kylemore Abbey

A magical 1,000-acre estate of woodland walks and a secret Victorian Walled Garden awaits your discovery at Kylemore Abbey. Children will love to discover the historic buildings and the people who have become part of Kylemore's story - a millionaire, a Duke, Indian princesses and schoolgirls from all over the world are all fascinating to learn about.

Allow your kids to become History Hunters, get a history hunter map and explore the estate answering questions and finding secrets as you go. Little ones will enjoy cooking up some fairy stews and playing in their Wild Play area close to the Garden Tea House. Don't forget to drop by and see the Kune Kune pigs, Gloria and Ken, and the adorable Connemara ponies and foals frolicking in the pony paddock.

A small play area in Mitchell's Café gives Mum and Dad time to take a breather with toys, colouring and storybooks to keep little ones amused.

Diamond Hill 

Part of the Wild Atlantic Way and surrounded by Connemara National Park, the Diamond Hill Trail is a figure-of-eight circuit. With two smaller trails that are perfect for small children, one allowing them to enjoy the woods and nature, the other bringing them by the horses and donkeys for entertainment.

Lower Diamond Hill Loop

This 2.9 km loop trail takes an average of 53 min to complete. If you have athletic/energetic kids above 5 years old the Lower Diamond Hill Loop is for you. The path is well-marked and easily accessible. Rising to moderate heights, Diamond Hill provides spectacular territorial views, especially of the surrounding Connemara coastline and islands, including Inishbofin island.

If the kids aren’t tired out enough from the hike enjoy the family-friendly playground in the centre. The playground features a variety of wooden equipment including see-saws, slides, chin-up bars, tunnels & playhouses. There are picnic tables with views of Diamond Hill and small woodlands are alongside the playground.

Killary Fjord Boat Tours

Step aboard for a 90-minute trip to enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking scenery on the Killary, Ireland's only fjord, with Killary Fjord Boat Tours.  The boat is accessible to all, including wheelchairs and pushchairs, in all weather and boat design, ensuring no sea sickness. With a cafe and full bar on board, you can enjoy a light lunch as you sail past spectacular landscapes from a unique vantage point. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which come up to accompany the boat in warmer weather.

If you and your family are still looking for more fun-filled activities, why not take a trip to Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre?  Here you can experience the history of the Irish wool industry in Connemara first-hand! See the process of how a sheep’s fleece is made into cloth in our Woolcraft Demonstrations. Technology has unfortunately made hand looms and spinning wheels redundant. However, at the Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre, we have brought that back to life in a celebration of truly handcrafted produce!