Your family holiday in the Northwest will be one to remember – with lots of adventure, history, wildlife and scenery around every corner! When it comes to planning a family break you’ll find the Northwest ticks all the boxes - there's plenty of quality accommodation to suit all budgets, exciting destinations to explore, and, of course, countless attractions and activities for all ages.
Day 1 - Donegal
Morning 1
In the morning, visit the family friendly Inish Adventures Water Park. This waterpark is great for families as it’s suitable for kids as young as 5. You can climb, slide, bounce and swim to your heart’s content!
Try the inflatable outdoor water assault course and discover a series of fantastic obstacles. This floating aqua park will have you splashing, sliding but most importantly - laughing on your family day out!
You will be able to try everything from taster sessions to half & full day trips and multi-activity days that can include kayaking along the Donegal Coastline, Gorge Walking, Sailing, Whitewater Rafting, Archery, Orienteering and many more!1
Afternoon 1
Wild Ireland is a wildlife sanctuary for rescued animals. Visitors can step back in time to an ancient woodland, inhabited by brown bears, wolves, lynx and wild boar.
Many wild birds inhabit Wild Ireland and the lakes are home to swans, geese, ducks and even an otter. There are lots of other animals for visitors to see, such as red foxes, crane, wild boar, deer, capercaillie, snowy owls, wildcats and barn owls. Children can take the fairy trail around the rainforest, listen to tales of ancient folklore, play in the play park and finish off with some treats from the Wild Ireland gift shop and coffee shop.
Just outside Letterkenny, Lurgybrack Open farm captures the essence and feel of an original working farm yet has a variety of both indoor and outdoor entertainment, for children and adults of all ages! You will enjoy an unforgettable, carefree, interactive experience where you can pet baby animals such as chicks, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, goats, sheep. donkeys and many more furry friends.
While the kids are burning off some energy in the outdoor or indoor playgrounds mums and dads can have a well-earned rest with a takeaway tea/coffee and a nice treat from the coffee shop, or families are welcome to bring a packed lunch and picnic in one of the allocated areas.
There is a great selection of family accommodation in Donegal to choose from. Base yourself in a seafront cottage, a luxurious hotel or B&B and everything in between! Check out accomodation options in Donegal here.
Day 2 - Derry
Morning 2
Following breakfast, a short drive will have you in The Walled City of Derry in no time. With city centre attractions plus fresh air and open spaces to explore, there’s bucket loads to do with the kids (big and small).
First up, discover the 400-year-old city walls, the kids will love exploring the 22 cannons that line the one-mile loop of the walls – many of which were used during the Siege of Derry. If walls could talk these ones would have some mighty stories to tell! There are plenty of tours on offer including a private family tour with Derrie Danders. Our tour guides are renowned for their passion, story-telling and good humour, so let them take you on a journey around the city to discover our history and heritage.
Afternoon 2
In the afternoon, it’s time for adventure. Whether you want to try out horse riding, boom boarding or adventure sports then we’ve got you covered! Head to one of our outdoor activity centres like Oakfire Adventures, located on the outskirts of the city and try your hand at zip trekking experience, a tree-trek adventure or paintballing in one of the most unique terrains of the Nort West. For smaller children, check out our soft play areas, or venture to the local swimming baths.
Evening 2
After a packed day exploring the Walled City, unwind with a film at one of our cinemas in the city. Check out Omniplex in Quayside Shopping Centre or Brunswick Movie Bowl and enjoy this impressive entertainment complex. Featuring a seven-screen cinema, 16 ten pin bowling lanes, soft play area, arcade games and more, there’s something to suit everybody!
There’s so much choice when it comes to choosing where to stay, with options available to suit every budget and taste. So, whether you want to stay in the heart of the city action, or somewhere a little quieter you can choose from international hotel brands, boutique designer hotels right through to the best B&Bs, guest houses, and self-catering accommodation in the country. Check out accomodation options here.
If you have more time.......
Touring the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal is a treat for all the family. Donegal was named as National Geographics “Coolest Place in the World” as a destination and it’s easy to see why:
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Enjoy playing by the sea, exploring castles, visiting our national park and weaving through our local communities. You might even be lucky enough to see a dolphin on a boat trip, or seals by the shoreline.
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In Donegal, you'll find some of the country's best blue flag beaches at places such as Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Shroove, Culdaff and Downings so be sure to pack a towel and a beach ball!
Located where The Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route, Derry is a great place to base yourself with easy access to iconic landmarks such as The Giants Causeway. While you’re here, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained too:
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Creggan Country Park offers a wide range of watersports including inflatable water assault course, aqua zorbing, aqua rollers, canoeing, kayaking, pier jump and raft building.
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Experience horse riding as nature intended at City of Derry Equestrian. From the moment you step on the traditional farm you will experience the joy of fresh air and wide open spaces as you ride along country lanes and winding country roads.
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Visit Ireland’s highest dedicated indoor climbing wall at Foyle Arena. It caters to beginners to experienced climbing, with a range of routes to suit all!
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Far and Wild is the leading eco-adventure company in the North West of Ireland offering a range of tours including City Paddle Boards, Freedom Cycles, Blades in the City, Boom Boards and much more.
