TAKE a look at the five best playgrounds near beaches for a fun free family day out this summer.
With temperatures reaching 27C across the country this week, there are lots of fantastic spots to visit with kids that won’t cost you a cent.
There are some top playgrounds you can visit with kids for free this summer[/caption]
They are all located nearby stunning beaches[/caption]
Up first is Ardgillan Castle Demesne, situated in North County Dublin on an elevated coastline between Balbriggan and Skerries.
Ardgillan Castle playground
The spectacular 194-acre parkland with stunning gardens is only 32 kilometres north of Dublin city.
It is perfect for an enchanting adventure or a magical family day out surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes and rich history.
The state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy, from cradle swings for the very young to a large climbing net for older children (under 12).
The playground is set in an elevated location overlooking the Irish Sea and is easily accessed from the main car park through a woodland walk, which is very close by.
Balbriggan Beach is an ideal walking spot that’s just minutes away, and visitors can enjoy views of the Martello Tower, Bremore Castle, and an 18th-century Lighthouse.
Skerries’ picturesque harbour, is also close by, with cosy cafes and friendly bars all act as magnets for people enjoying this seaside fishing town.
Up next is Skerries Mill playground – located just a 43 minute drive from Dublin city centre, and is also reachable by public transport.
Skerries Mill playground
It was opened in 2021, and has been a huge hit with both locals and tourists.
And it’s just 3 minutes from Skerries beach, which makes it the perfect addition to a day out.
The natural playground is right beside windmills and overlooks the river, offering a stunning view – especially during the summer.
It caters to kids of all ages and abilities, so all children can experience the fun.
What’s more, the beautiful Killiney Hill Park that overlooks both Dalkey and Killiney villages in Dublin is another top spot to visit.
Killiney Hill Park
The wooden playground caters to kids of all ages and abilities, so all children can join in the fun.
Young ones will get their energy pumping on the multiple climbing structures.
The swings cater for both little kids and older ones while the he giant-sized see-saw will keep everyone busy – big and small.
Adventurers will love the enchanting climbing castle with a fun slide.
The gorgeous wooden knight merry-go-round is perfect for small children.
There are views of Dublin in all directions and it’s just a 16-minute walk from Killiney DART station along with a six minute drive from the stunning Killiney Beach.
Malahide Castle Playground in Co Dublin is another must-visit for families this summer.
Malahide Castle Playground
Located just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre, it’s the perfect destination for a fun and easy day trip as the weather gets warmer.
With wide open spaces, stunning grounds, and a fantastic playground, it’s an ideal spot for families – and it’s open all year round.
One of the standout features is the large wooden play structure inspired by a castle theme, complete with towers, bridges and slides and a zipline.
Here, kids can climb, swing, and slide while parents relax nearby and take in the stunning views of the castle grounds.
And just a short drive away is the stunning seaside town of Malahide, which offers plenty to explore after a visit to the playground.
The nearby Malahide Beach is another favourite for families, with its long stretches of sand, gentle waves and beautiful coastal views.
And lastly, St Anne’s Park in Clontarf, Co Dublin, boasts a themed playground with swings, slides and wooden towers that is designed to entertain the children.
St Anne’s Park
For children, they can opt for colourful wooden play equipment facilitating pretend play such as train, horse & cart, tractor, plane and animals.
There are also multi-play units with slides suitable for children above 2 years old, some springers, several climbing structures and a few traditional swings, including a baby swing.
And the best thing is that there’s always something newly developed in the park, including the newly established wobbly crocodile and the Viking ship for the young visitors.
But do not fret, older children can opt for the long zip wire and a giant spider web that encourages them to climb to the top – giving them an incredible view of the park.
For adults, they can take a lovely stroll to the ornamental pond or to the lovely rose gardens – a perfect break from the kids with your partner.
If you are planning to do a little exploration in the area, try venturing to the majestic North Bull Island, which boasts a mile-long stretch of sandy beach.
It takes about ten minutes to reach from the park’s entrance to the sandy beach, making it an ideal destination for a day trip during the summer.
A fun family day out doesn’t have to break the bank[/caption]
Malahide Castle playground makes for a fantastic family day out[/caption]
St Anne’s Park is home to stunning rose gardens[/caption]
