Things to Do with Kids in Clare

County Clare is a wonderful place to explore as a family, with plenty to keep little ones and grown-ups happily occupied. 

With sandy beaches, ancient castles, and days out in the Burren, there is always something new to discover. You can keep things active, take things slowly, or simply see where the day takes you. 

With Ennis as your base, many of the best things to do with kids in Clare are within easy reach of us here at Hotel Woodstock.

For a sweeter family adventure, Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory is well worth adding to your Burren itinerary. Children can discover how chocolate is made from bean to bar, peek into the working factory and, on a guided tour, learn more about the process before the all-important tasting. The café is a lovely spot to linger afterwards over hot chocolate and something homemade. You’ll find Hazel Mountain about 45 minutes from Hotel Woodstock, making it an easy addition to a family day exploring north Clare.

Around 40 minutes from Hotel Woodstock, Aillwee Burren Experience is a great family day out in the heart of the Burren.  Head underground on a guided cave tour to discover dramatic caverns, unusual limestone formations, an underground waterfall and ancient brown bear remains. Back above ground, children can see eagles, owls, hawks and other raptors at the Birds of Prey Centre. With plenty to fascinate curious young explorers, it’s an easy choice for families looking for adventure in County Clare.

For something a little different, a family alpaca experience offers a gentle way to enjoy the West Clare countryside. At The Flying Alpaca near Kilkee, families can meet these wonderfully curious animals, learn about their care and personalities, and take part in an alpaca walk. It’s particularly enjoyable for older children who like animals and hands-on experiences. The journey takes around an hour from Hotel Woodstock, so it pairs nicely with a day exploring Kilkee and the surrounding coast. Advance booking is recommended.

Around an hour from us at Hotel Woodstock, Loop Head Lighthouse is well worth the journey for its wild Atlantic views alone. Families can climb the lighthouse tower, explore the interactive exhibits in the Lightkeeper’s Cottage and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and seabirds along the coast. It’s particularly suited to children aged six and over who enjoy a little history and adventure. Open seasonally, usually from April to September, we recommend checking opening times before setting off.

A family visit to Knappogue Castle is a chance to step into one of Clare’s most atmospheric historic settings. Dating from the 15th century, the castle is particularly well known for its medieval banquets, where traditional music, storytelling and dinner create an entertaining introduction to Ireland’s past. It’s a good choice for families with older children who enjoy history brought to life rather than simply viewed behind glass. Better still, Knappogue is only around 25 minutes from us at Hotel Woodstock, near the village of Quin.

There’s a full day of exploring waiting at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, around half an hour from Hotel Woodstock. Children can climb through the rooms of the medieval castle before heading outdoors to discover traditional cottages, farmhouses and village shops spread across the Folk Park. Farm animals, play areas and the fairy trail add plenty of fun for younger visitors, while parents can enjoy the history and atmosphere along the way. It’s one of those Clare attractions where different generations can happily find something to enjoy together.

Step into Ireland’s ancient past at Craggaunowen, where history feels much more like an adventure than a lesson. Families can explore a reconstructed crannóg and ringfort, wander through the castle, meet native Irish animals and see the famous Brendan Boat used by explorer Tim Severin. With open-air trails and plenty for curious children to discover along the way, it’s a particularly enjoyable choice for families. Best of all, Craggaunowen is just under half an hour’s drive from Hotel Woodstock.

Animal lovers will have plenty to smile about at Moher Hill Farm, overlooking Liscannor Bay and around 40 minutes from Hotel Woodstock. Children can meet and feed a variety of farm animals before making the most of the go-karts, play areas, fairy trail and indoor activities. There’s plenty to do whatever the weather, which makes it especially handy for families travelling with younger children. With picnic areas and a coffee shop on site, it’s an easy-going family day out close to the Cliffs of Moher.

When the weather turns, Planet Entertainment Centre is an easy family option without travelling far. Just a short drive from us at Hotel Woodstock, this indoor activity centre in Ennis has ten-pin bowling, laser tag, soft play, arcade games and a 9D cinema all under one roof. With activities suited to both younger children and older kids, it’s especially handy for families looking for a fun rainy-day activity in Clare, or simply somewhere everyone can let off a little energy.

For a little friendly family competition, Kilnamona Pitch and Putt is a lovely local option just 8km from Hotel Woodstock. Set in the Clare countryside, the tree-lined course gives children and grown-ups a chance to enjoy a relaxed game together, whether they’re regular golfers or simply having a go for fun. It’s particularly well suited to families with older children looking for an easy outdoor activity close to Ennis, with no need to devote a full day to the outing.

For budding pilots, Atlantic Air Adventures and Shannon Aviation Museum make for a family day out with a difference, roughly 25 minutes from Hotel Woodstock. Children can get close to vintage aircraft, climb into cockpits and learn how flying works through interactive exhibits. The Aviation Discovery Tour adds a virtual flying lesson for children aged eight and over, while younger visitors can still enjoy exploring the museum. It’s a particularly good choice for families looking for an educational indoor activity that still feels like an adventure.

For families who prefer their days out with a little more adventure, Nevsail in Kilkee offers plenty of ways to get active. Try kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or rock climbing, with qualified instructors on hand to help beginners get started. The variety of activities makes it a particularly good choice for families with older children and teenagers who enjoy trying something new together. Kilkee is around an hour’s drive from Hotel Woodstock, so you can easily combine your adventure with time beside the sea.

If horse riding through the Burren sounds like your kind of family adventure, Mountain View Horse Riding Centre is a lovely one to add to the list. Set near Lisdoonvarna, around 45 minutes from Hotel Woodstock, the centre welcomes riders of different ages and experience levels on guided treks through woodland, quiet country roads and the limestone landscape. It’s particularly well suited to older children and teenagers, with spectacular views adding to the experience. We recommend booking your trek in advance.

For an easy family outing close to Ennis, Lees Road is a great place to stretch the legs and let the kids burn off some energy. Set across 134 acres of woodland and parkland, it has walking trails, playing pitches, an athletics track, skatepark and a playground that’s especially suited to younger children. There’s plenty of space for a kickabout, a family walk or simply some fresh air between bigger days out. Best of all, it’s only 3.2km from us at Hotel Woodstock.

After a day of castles, caves, beaches and family adventures, it’s lovely to have somewhere comfortable to come back to. From our peaceful setting just outside Ennis, Hotel Woodstock puts many of Clare’s best family attractions within easy reach. Back at the hotel, you can enjoy spacious family rooms, relaxed dining and our Leisure Club, complete with a heated pool. As a family-run hotel, we’re always happy to share a few local tips to help you make the most of your stay. Take a look at our latest family offers and start planning your Clare getaway.

What are the best things to do with kids in Clare?

There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Clare, from castles and caves to animal experiences, watersports and indoor activities for rainy days. Some of our local favourites include Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Aillwee Burren Experience, Moher Hill Farm, and Planet Entertainment Centre in Ennis. Take a look at our guide to the best things to do with kids in Clare for more ideas recommended by our local team.

Does Hotel Woodstock have a swimming pool for families?

Yes, our Woodstock Leisure Club has a 15-metre heated swimming pool where families can enjoy some time together during their stay. Towels are provided, and swimming hats are required. At present, there is no need to pre-book the pool.

Are there places to eat with children at Hotel Woodstock?

Yes. families can enjoy relaxed dining here at Hotel Woodstock, and our team is happy to help with dietary requirements when notified in advance. We recommend booking your preferred lunch or dinner time before your stay, particularly during busy family and school holiday periods.

Do you have family offers at Hotel Woodstock?

We regularly have family breaks and seasonal offers available for guests planning a stay in Clare. Booking directly with us also gives you access to our direct-booking benefits, including discounts for selected local attractions. Take a look at our latest family offers when planning your stay.