Family-friendly thido in Offaly
Looking for something to keep both the kids, and yourself, entertained this October mid-term break? Look no further, as we have rounded up some ideas here!
Find the fairies at Kinnitty Castle and Lough Boora!
A recent addition to the medieval Kinnitty Castle is its magical fairy trail. Follow the trail through the woodlands and see how many fairy homes you can find hidden amongst the trees. After your adventure, you can stop off at the Castle’s Antisocial Café for a tea or coffee, and a hot chocolate for the younger ones!
Approximately a 20-minute drive away, in Lough Boora Discovery Park, you’ll find another fairy trail, known as Fairy Avenue. Fairy Avenue is home to 14 fairies, with each bringing something unique to the park. There’s Teddy, Turry, Boo, Birdie, Cabhair, Slí, Mac, Ruby, Gill, Rocky, Tipper, Dannan, Little Tom, and Wanda.
Discover the fairies’ stories at Lough Boora, where you can also take a stroll along one of the five walking trails and explore the park’s sculptures and natural treasures.
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Halloween at Birr Castle Demesne
Home to the world’s largest telescope and 120 acres of parklands and gardens, Birr Castle Demesne also has a host of Halloween-inspired activities organised for the mid-term break.
There’s a Family Quest, Pumpkin Trail, a Gallery Challenge, the Solar Trail and the Red Tree Trail, with its stunning 65 trees in all their autumnal colours. There’ll also be a few more surprises along the way. Activities are ongoing until Sunday, 31st October and the grounds are open from 9am to 4:30pm each day of the Halloween mid-term break.
As well as a host of Halloween activities, families can explore the Science Centre and the Treehouse Adventure Playground, and enjoy refreshments at the Courtyard Café.
General admission tickets are available online, daily activities will be allocated on a first-come basis. See birrcastle.com for full details.
Spooky happenings in Tullamore!
On Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th, a special Halloween event will take place in Lloyd’s Town Park in Tullamore. This free event, titled ‘Puca Spooka’, promises lots of fun and scares for all the family.
There will be a Halloween trail, old-time storytelling, a street theatre, spectacular lights, atmospheric sounds, a pumpkin patch and a fancy dress kids’ disco. The family-friendly event will run from 3pm until 8.30pm, and the play equipment of Lloyd Town Park will be closed and pedestrian access limited from Thursday, October 28th.
Don your spookiest costumes!
Meet and greet alpacas
Located outside the village of Ballinagar, about eight miles from Tullamore, Hilltop Farm Alpacas is a family-run farm and home to some of the friendliest alpacas! Spending quality time with these lovely animals is sure to put a smile on your face. And it’s a unique way to spend a day during the mid-term break.
If you are planning a visit, make sure to book in advance. You can email hilltopfarmalpacas@gmail.com or call (087) 962 7428. Check out their website hilltopfarmalpacas.com for more details.
Go on a Viking tour!
For the ultimate adventure, step back 1,200 years and join the Vikings on a replica Viking ship. This cruise travels along the River Shannon to Lough Ree, or down river to the monastic site of Clonmacnoise.
On the Clonmacnoise Cruise, expect to discover local history and information about monastic life, while the Lough Ree cruise shares tales of Viking treasures. Prices vary depending on the cruise you choose, and the end of the sailing season is Halloween, so now is the perfect time to set forth on a voyage. Check out the website vikingtoursireland.ie for booking details.