FILLING those long summer holiday days can seem like an overwhelming task – and that’s before you face into the costs.
But there are plenty of ways to plan fun activities for the whole family without breaking the bank, and being savvy with annual passes could mean mega savings.
Admission prices to some of Ireland’s top attractions can prove eye-watering, but availing of annual passes for spots you will make use of frequently is among the simplest ways to cut costs.
Dublin Zoo and Emerald Park fans can bag big savings, while a €90 OPW family pass grants you unlimited access to 90 epic sites.
Here’s our ultimate guide to making the most out of the summer holidays without blowing the budget.
KILRUDDERY HOUSE, WICKLOW
Kilruddery House in Bray, Co Wicklow, offers visitors the chance to wander a magnificent 800-acre estate – with the added option of popping by the beach afterwards.
Kilruddery also offers a world-renowned 17th century garden, flowering woodland, cut flower gardens, a natural amphitheatre area, long ponds and a walled garden – so there’s plenty to explore across a fun day out.
During the garden’s open season, visitors can avail of a house tour of the 17th-century home, which was remodelled and extended in 1820 in the Elizabethan style.
The stunning estate back to 1534, when Sir William Brabazon of Leicestershire secured the ownership of the Abbey of St Thomas, whose lands included Kilruddery.
There’s loads of activities on offer for children at Kilruddery, including weekly craft workshops, a treetop adventure park and a guided walking tour of the estate plus there’s a farmers’ market every Saturday
There are three 12-month memberships on offer for families:
- Bronze €80 Killruddery membership – one guest allowed along with the member
- Silver €100 Killruddery membership – three guests allowed along with the member
- Gold €120 Killruddery membership – five guests allowed along with the member
Children under four-years-old go free when accompanied by an adult.
Members can also avail themselves of free and discounted events in the annual event programme.
DUBLIN ZOO
One of Ireland’s top family attractions is home to more than 400 animals – and it’s always a big hit with visitors.
Dublin Zoo offers activities for everyone in the family to enjoy with exciting science shows and interactive experiments happening daily.
Plus there’s always new additions to see – like the Zoorassic Trail, featuring over 40 types of animatronic dinosaurs, such as a Brachiosaurus that’s 65 feet high.
The zoo is home to animals from right across the world from Asia to America to Africa, plus a family farm and the popular Sea Lion Cove.
The Dublin Zoo annual pass pays for itself in three visits and offers unlimited adventures at the zoo for a year plus early-bird access to seasonal events.
But annual pass-holders also get free entry to the popular Fota Wildlife Park in Cork and one visit a year to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire and Paignton Zoo in Devon – all included in the price of their Dublin Zoo membership.
A family pass to Dublin Zoo costs €245 -working out at €4.70 per week – and allows you to visit the Zoo with one of the following combinations:
- Pass-holder + three adults
- Pass-holder + two adults + two children
- Pass-holder + one adult + four children
- Pass-holder + six children
Or you can get an individual pass for €175 that allows you to enter Dublin Zoo with one of the following combinations:
- Pass-holder + one adult
- Pass-holder + two children
OPW HERITAGE CARD
The OPW Heritage Card gives you unlimited access to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
And with over 90 places to visit, it’s perfect for family days out all year round.
Some of the top spots include Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Farmleigh, Iveagh Gardens and the Blasket Centre.
The Office of Public Works said: “From ancient monuments to monastic hideaways, imposing castles to revolutionary battlegrounds, Ireland’s heritage has something to offer everyone.
“Follow in the footsteps of thousands of voyagers on a journey into Ireland’s epic past.”
A family pass is priced at just €90, working out at just €1.70 per week.
You can also opt for an adult card which costs €40 or a child/student pass which is just €10.
AIRFIELD ESTATE
Airfield Estate is another brilliant day out for adults and kids of all ages.
The capital’s only working farm and gardens are located just minutes from Dundrum Town Centre.
And there are plenty of animals to see, with sheep, pigs, goats and chickens all living on the grounds.
Children will love watching cows being milked or helping to collect eggs during their visit.
And a family pass for €170 – €3.20 per week – allows unlimited visits throughout the year.
Airfield bosses said: “As an Airfield Estate Annual Membership, you’ll have the freedom to explore everything we have to offer – as often as you like!
“Whether it’s hands-on activities for the kids, peaceful walks through our stunning gardens, or seasonal events and workshops, there’s always something new to discover.
“We’re dedicated to making every visit special, and we’re constantly improving to ensure you and your family have the best experience every time you come back.”
EMERALD PARK
Thrillseekers will love Emerald Park in Ashbourne, Co Meath.
Visitors can ride two top-class rollercoasters, take a walk on the wild side at Lemur Woods or check out new land Tír na nÓg – an ancient ruin full of mythical adventures and secret passages.
The legendary Cú Chulainn Coaster, Ireland’s first and Europe’s biggest wooden roller coaster, will get your heart racing with big drops.
For young kids, there are also attractions such as Nissan Driving School, petting farms and Dino Dash that will keep them entertained.
There are also shows on the Emerald Park schedule every day, including The Show by Robert Fossett and a 5D Cinema experience, ideal for rainy days.
Yearly membership prices start from €130 – working out €2.50 per week – and are only valid during the advertised park opening times.
People can select one of the following passes:
- One person all access membership – €130
- Two person all access membership – €260
- Three person all access membership – €380
- Four person all access membership – €500
- Five person all access membership – €620
- Six person all access membership – €730
One recent visitor said: “I’ve been a frequent visitor here over the last six or seven years and I have to say, our most recent visit on Sunday May 4 was the best yet.
“There were minimal waiting times for rides, the longest we waited was 20 minutes.
“The kids had a great time, getting off the ride and going straight back on it again.
“They went on all rides they wanted numerous times.”
FINGAL HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP
This amazing membership grants you access to the top three attractions in North Dublin.
One of the attractions included is the popular Malahide Castle & Gardens – a magnificent medieval castle with an 800-year heritage, with landscaped grounds and botanical gardens.
Visitors can tour a castle and travel through 800 years of history or step into a world of wonder at the Butterfly House, surrounded by lush tropical plants and home to hundreds of exotic butterflies.
Families can wander into a world of enchantment on the magical fairy trail, uncover hidden fairy houses, and discover whimsical creatures and surprises you face at every turn.
Another attraction included in the membership is the wonderful Newbridge House & Farm in the heart of Donabate.
Visitors can step back in time and discover the captivating history of the house during the three centuries of Irish history while exploring the traditional and rare breeds of Irish animals at the farm.
And they will have the opportunity to feed and pet the stunning animals by booking the farm tour.
And the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide is also included in the membership, where visitors can step into a world of miniature railways and rich railway history.
There are fantastic guided tours where people can uncover the life and legacy of Cyril Fry and his meticulous craftsmanship for the train models.
The family membership is priced at €150 and grants access to three attractions for two adults and up to three children.
There’s also memberships for an adult for just €80, students and seniors for just €60 and joint seniors for €90.
DREAM POINT EXPERIENCE
Dream Point Experience at the Dublin Docklands is a brand new attraction, located near Dublin’s 3Arena, easily accessed via the Red Luas line.
From the moment visitors step through the doors, they’re transported into a magical world where imagination takes flight and joy is contagious.
There are five rooms to explore, including the ball pit where visitors can dive into a sea of 250,000 sparkling pearl-coloured balls or the inflatable room where they can touch giant 10-foot inflatables that light up with magical colours.
They offer an exclusive membership for frequent visitors, which offers special perks such as early access to new experiences and seasonal events.
There are three memberships for 12 months that any type of family can opt for:
- Dream Explorer Membership €177.45 – two standard entry tickets per month (weekday only)
- Dream Creator Membership €313.95 – four standard tickets (valid any day)
- Dream Weaver Membership €397.95 – unlimited weekday visits for up to six people (excludes weekends & public holidays)
Each member gets a free cookie and ice cream per visit, while parents are eligible for discounts for retail and cafe space.
A visitor said: “It was a wonderful experience! Our little one loved all of the interactive lights and sounds. There’s plenty of rooms and each one is so unique.
“The staff were so friendly and we could take the buggy around easily, which was a big help. We will certainly be returning for more fun!”
And if that’s not the whole summer covered, check out our guide to the best six days out for the whole family for under a tenner – plus where kids eat for free.
