Family holidays are about making memories that last forever, and here in North Mayo, you’ll find ample opportunity to do just that. From beaches and forests to boat trips, playgrounds and adventure activities, North Mayo offers something for children of all ages.
Here are twelve great things to do with children in North Mayo that will stay long in the minds of adults and children long after you’ve left this beautiful corner of Ireland. There are also some great ideas for locals looking for family days out close to home.
1. Explore Belleek Woods and Discover the Fairy Trail
Belleek Woods, or Belleek Forest Park is one of the largest urban woodland areas in Europe. It is a children’s paradise! With thousands of trees to climb, ducks to feed (but be sure to not feed them bread!), trails to explore and rare red squirrels to spot, Belleek provides the perfect free family day out.
Marvel at the ornate monuments and race up and down the woodland paths or cycle alongside the River Moy while catching glimpses of the magnificent Belleek Castle -through the trees.
Children especially love the Belleek Woods Fairy Trail, where tiny fairy houses are tucked away among tree roots and branches, each reflecting the character of its miniature resident.
Belleek Woods is also home to a range of children’s outdoor activities with Tonnta Adventure. Their woodland camps, forest school sessions and seasonal kids programmes encourage children to explore nature through bushcraft, den building, nature crafts, outdoor games and woodland adventures, making Belleek an even more magical destination for young explorers.
While exploring, keep an eye out for the remains of the SS Crete Boom shipwreck on the River Moy. The old wreck has inspired many local tales of pirates, hidden treasure and adventure, capturing the imagination of young explorers.
Another great activity for the family whilst you are exploring Belleek is to visit the amazing Belleek Castle and avail of a castle tour. The highlight of the tour is Marshall Doran Collection at Belleek Castle, one of the finest collections of Jurassic fossils, Medieval Weapons, and Medieval armour in Ireland. Imagine standing in awe as you see these rare and precious artefacts up close. You’ll also get to see Grace O’Malley “The Pirate Queen’s” bed, the last wolf shot in Connaught, and other curiosities. A wonderful experience for all ages!
2. Surf the best waves in nearby Enniscrone or in beautiful Erris
Why not take the family and enjoy some amazing surf experiences with either 7th Wave Surf School in Enniscrone, Tonnta Adventure or Tonn Nua on Glosh beach in Erris.
The friendly, family-run 7th Wave Surf School caters for all ages and abilities and lets children and adults alike enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere in a great learning location. – In addition, Enniscrone‘s gentle waves make it perfect for beginners and it’s just a short 15 minute drive from Ballina. All instructors are fully ISA qualified, full insurance is provided and all equipment is included. Children can take part in a surf camp, take individual lessons, or the family can just hire gear and give it a go yourselves!
Tonn Nua Surf School, meaning New Wave in Gaelic, is based out of Glosh beach a breathtakingly stunning beach on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo, Ireland. It is only a 15-minute drive from Belmullet Town. Tonn Nua Surf School is the first and only dedicated Surf School in Erris Co. Mayo and during the months of July and August 5-day summer camps will be available to join. During the week the kids will learn all about surfing and water safety. As well as the Summer Camps, Declan also offers group lessons and rentals.
Tonnta Advenutre based in Enniscrone also provides family-friendly paddleboarding and coastal adventure experiences suitable for children, beginners and families. Their activities encourage confidence, teamwork and a love of the outdoors while allowing participants to explore West Sligo and North Mayo’s spectacular coastline from a completely different perspective.
3. Saddle up for a pony trek at Iceford Stables
Make memories on horseback! This beautiful equestrian centre – Iceford Stables, is located between Ballina and Enniscrone. Set in a stunning location, Aiden, Lizzy and their team offer lessons, treks, parties and pony camps for riders of all ages and experience. It is also yet another great experience for locals and visitors alike!
For people with additional needs: Shore Farm Pony Therapy which overlooks Killala Bay, caters specifically for people with additional needs who enjoy horse riding.
4. SUP ( Stand Up Paddling) in North Mayo
Mikee and his team at Harbour Sup offer group or individual SUP sessions from Enniscrone Pier and the Quay Ballina, and can cater for groups of up to 24 in a single session. Beginners welcome! In addition to this, all instructors are ASI qualified and hold water rescue, first aid and child protection in sport certification. HSS is a fully insured accredited school.
5. Hire a bike and explore!
Mayo North is blessed with beautiful coastline and quiet roads which are perfect for taking an adventure on two-wheels. Why not take in one of our cycling trails with the family?
In addition to this, why not cycle the scenic, off-road Monasteries of the Moy Greenway from Ballina to Killala. Guides available. Grown-ups can even hire an electric bike from Ballina Bike Hire, which will enable you to cover much more ground with great comfort! Alternatively, visit More to Life Adventures who also provide bike hire.
6. Take a swing for par at Enniscrone Pitch & Putt (down the road in Sligo)
Set in the natural valley of the Bellawaddy River, overlooking stunning Enniscrone Beach, the Enniscrone Pitch & Putt course has gained the reputation of being one of the very best in Ireland. Located only a ten minute drive from Ballina, this is a great experience for all of the family to enjoy.
All ages are welcome, no booking necessary and everything is provided. Special group rates are also available.
7. Hit the swings and roundabouts at one of our fabulous playgrounds
- Tom Ruane Park & Playgound, Ballina
Recently included as one of the best playgrounds in Ireland by the Irish Times. the playground at lovely Tom Ruane Park, Ballina is fully accessible and has some great equipment to test their physical limits. There are tennis and basketball courts alongside, and plenty of of parking. The park is located on the Sligo Road, close to St. Muredach’s College, and also the best part is admission is free.
- Ballina Sensory Park
Also located at Tom Ruane Park you will find the Ballina Sensory Park which provides a calm, inclusive and engaging environment for children of all abilities. Designed with accessibility and sensory experiences in mind, the park offers a welcoming space where families can relax, explore and enjoy outdoor play together.
Ballina has also gained national recognition as an Autism Friendly Town, becoming the first town in the west of Ireland to receive official Autism Friendly Town accreditation through AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity. Through community collaboration, training, sensory-friendly initiatives and inclusive public spaces, Ballina continues to lead the way in creating a welcoming environment where autistic individuals and their families can fully participate and enjoy everything the town has to offer.
- Enniscrone Playground and Crazy Golf
Enniscrone Playground and Crazy Golf, newly upgraded, offers secure fun for children of all ages. The playground has various equipment for kids including slides, swings along with go-carting on-site. There is a small admission fee. It also offers Crazy Golf at a fee of €3.
There are many more playgrounds in Mayo so be sure to check them out here.
- Ripples Play Centre Indoor Fun in Ballina
Located at the Twin Trees Hotel in Ballina, Ripples Play Centre is the perfect rainy-day destination. Featuring climbing frames, slides, tunnels, ball pits and dedicated toddler areas, Ripples provides hours of safe indoor entertainment for younger children.
Parents can relax nearby while children enjoy active play in a secure environment.
8. Enjoy the waterways and take a boat trip
From wildlife trips, to sea angling trips to a memorable days out on the spectacular Inishkea Islands, the River Moy and the North Mayo coast a number of options are available.
- Ballina & Killala Bay
Families visiting Ballina can enjoy a relaxing trip with Moy Estuary Charters on the River Moy and Killala Bay. Children will love spotting seals and seabirds while learning about the area’s rich maritime heritage and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
- Enniscrone & the North Mayo Coast
Departing from Enniscrone Pier, Sligo (15 minutes from Ballina) Enniscrone Boat Tours provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the Wild Atlantic coastline from a completely different perspective. Their family-friendly sea safaris often feature sightings of dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds. Along the way, visitors can admire some of the region’s most iconic coastal landmarks, including Dún Briste Sea Stack, the dramatic sea cliffs beneath Céide Fields and the beautiful waters of Killala Bay.
- The Mullet Peninsula & Inishkea Islands
One of the highlights of any visit to North Mayo is a trip to the remote Inishkea Islands off the west coast of the Mullet Peninsula. Rich in history and natural beauty, these uninhabited islands are home to rolling sand dunes, fertile machair grasslands, pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
A number of experienced operators including Blacksod Sea Safari, Wild West Boat Tours and Belmullet Boat Charters offer island trips, wildlife cruises, sea safaris and angling adventures, providing families with a unique opportunity to discover one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Please view our Inishkea Islands page for more information on these absolutely stunning islands and for details of all you need to know before going.
9. Family foraging is fun!
Denis at Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours runs regular foraging tours from Killala, Co. Mayo.
It’s a perfect family staycation activity, with miles of beaches to explore, fish to be spotted in clear crystal pools, sea plans to learn about, flora and fauna to marvel at you might also collect some cockles and mussels for dinner!
Suitable for all ages – bring wellies and suitable outdoor clothing.
10. Swimming and Splash Fun
- Waterpoint Aqua Park, Enniscrone
PLEASE NOTE: 30/05/2026: WATERPOINT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR A PERIO OF TIME FOR ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE
Located just down the road from Ballina, facilities at Waterpoint include a 65-metre flume water slide and a children’s pool, all of which make it the ideal fun destination for adults and children alike on a rainy day.
- Ballina Swimming Pool
Ballina town also has a super swimming pool which offers public swim sessions, and splash sessions with inflatables throughout the summer and indeed all year around. For full details of schedule and timetables please visit Mayo.ie here:
- Take a dip in Belmullet Tidal Pool
Located beside the sea in Belmullet, the Belmullet Tidal Pool provides a unique swimming experience for families.
Filled naturally by Atlantic tides, the pool offers calmer conditions for younger swimmers while still allowing families to enjoy the refreshing sea air and spectacular coastal scenery.
It is a favourite spot for both visitors and locals during the summer months.
11. Fun and Education for all of the family
For those looking for something different to entertain the family on a day out, Mayo never disappoints. From Céide Fields to the Wild Nephin National Park and Ballycroy Visitor Centre as well as many more there is something for all ages.
Céide Fields Visitor Centre
A little education as part of your family holiday in Mayo is easily covered with a trip to the superb, interactive and newly reopened Céide Fields. You can step back in time at the visitor centre, soak up the scenery from the panoramic viewing platform and you can also head off on a guided tour.
Information in the visitor centre is really well presented inside the building, with every age catered for and younger visitors encouraged to participated with presentations to suit. The new immersive room is also a very big hit with children and adults alike. Visit their website for all you need to know about the amazing Céide Fields.
(If you and your family have the time, if you check out the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, Foxford, you will even receive a free pass to the Céide Fields! A lovely collaboration, and getting in two great places at the same time!
- Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Wild Nephin National Park
Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Wild Nephin National Park are an amazing place to visit. The Ballycroy Visitor Centre is the main interpretative centre for Wild Nephin National Park, Ireland’s sixth National Park. As well as this, the visitor Centre houses a free exhibition on the National Park, a café and art gallery, and a 2km nature trail. A 10 minute drive south of the Visitor Centre is the 2km Claggan Mountain coastal trail. Also, the main looped walkways in the National Park are accessed on the eastern side of the National Park at the Letterkeen Trailhead (45 minutes drive from the Visitor Centre) which is north of Newport accessed via the Nephin Drive. Visit their website here for all you need to know.
- National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park
Just a short drive from North Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park offers a fantastic family-friendly day out in beautiful parkland surroundings. With Free admission, children can explore interactive exhibitions that bring Ireland’s rural past to life, from farming and traditional crafts to clothing, toys and everyday life in historic Ireland. The museum is bright, engaging and designed to be hands-on and accessible for all ages. Set within the stunning grounds of Turlough Park, families can also enjoy woodland walks, lakeside views and seasonal outdoor events, making it an ideal combination of culture and outdoor space, especially on wet-weather days.
12. Hit the beach…..and there really are some beautiful beaches here!
The beaches in North Mayo really are second to none. Whether you are looking for beautiful clean white sands for a leisurely picnic, a refreshing swim, fun with the family, a refreshing walk or an afternoon surf, the area’s unique and tranquil beaches won’t disappoint you. And sometimes, you’ll even have them all to yourself!
Check out our guide to eight of the best beaches in North Mayo (and one next door!)
This is just a blog post with a sample of some of the great things to do with children in North Mayo. Feel free to message us and let us know your recommendations!
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