Family holidays are about making memories that last forever, and here in North Mayo, you’ll find ample opportunity to make memories with little ones.
Here are just eleven 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 area. And there are some great ideas for locals here too!
1. Explore the trails in Belleek Forest Park
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 hills, or cycle the track by the river and peek through the trees at the magnificent Belleek Castle – just like Hogwarts!
2. Surf the best waves in nearby Enniscrone with 7th Wave Surf School
This friendly, family-run school caters for all ages and abilities and lets children and adults alike enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere in a great learning location. – 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!
3. Saddle up for a pony trek at Iceford Stables
Make memories on horseback!
Iceford Stables, between Ballina and Enniscrone offers lessons, treks, parties and pony camps for riders of all ages and experience.
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 Paddle) in North Mayo
Mikee and his team at Harbour Sup N Sail 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! All instructors are ASI qualified and hold water rescue, first aid and child protection in sport certification. HSS is a fully insured accredited school.
More To Life Adventures set off from multiple locations in the area and offer you the opportunity to paddleboard on some of North Mayo’s best locations including Killala, Ballina and Lough Conn. They and cater for all ages and abilities.
Simply Sup based on the stunning locations of Lough Conn and the river Moy in Ballina, provide you with a unique and personalised SUP experience. They offer private beginner lessons, improver sessions and SUP tours.
Wavesweeper Sea Adventures is a family run soft adventure company based in Belmullet, Co. Mayo. They offer activities including: Surfing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddle Boarding and many more on and off the water activities. They cater to families, groups, tour operators and schools.
5. Find your inner Harry Potter with falconry at Mount Falcon Estate
Children will love getting up close and personal with these magnificent birds of prey – barn owls, snowy owls, harris hawks, peregrine falcons – at Mount Falcon Estate, with the help of the resident Falconers.
Families can also take a Hawk Walk through the magical woodlands Estate and see a Harris hawk in its natural environment.
6. Hire a bike and explore!
Mayo North is blessed with beautiful coastline and quiet roads, perfect for taking an adventure on two-wheels. Why not take in one of our cycling trails with the family?
Or 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 Rachel’s Irish Adventures, which will enable you to cover much more ground with great comfort!
7. Take a swing for par at Enniscrone Pitch & Putt
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.
All ages are welcome, no booking necessary and everything is provided. Special group rates available.
8. Hit the swings and roundabouts at one of our fabulous playgrounds
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. Admission is free.
Enniscrone Playground and Crazy Golf, newly upgraded, offers secure fun for children of all ages, along with crazy golf and go-carting on-site. There is a small admission fee.
9. Enjoy the waterways and take a boat trip
A number of options are based out of Blacksod on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo offering boat trips to the beautiful deserted Inishkea Islands off the peninsula, nearby Achill Island and sea angling trips.
Geraghty Charters :
Mobile: +353 (0)86 2695851 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.geraghtycharters.com
Blacksod Sea Safari :
Mobile: +353 (0)83 0263100 | Email: [email protected] or [email protected] | Website: www.blacksodseasafari.ie
Belmullet Boat Charters :
Mobile: +353 (0) 86 83 65983 | Email: [email protected] | Website: belmulletboatcharters.wordpress.com
10. 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 and cockles and mussels to be collected for dinner!
Suitable for all ages – bring wellies and suitable outdoor clothing.
11. Make a splash at Waterpoint Aqua Park, Enniscrone
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.
Waterpoint also includes:
- Health suite comprising of a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room
- State of the art gym and refreshment area
- Professional Personal Trainers.
- Comprehensive timetable of fitness classes
- Water Inflatable for children and parties
- New play area and climbing wall perfect for parties!
