Best picnic spots around Ireland for families

reusable snack bags — essential picnic kit

Reusable sandwich and snack bags

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Where are the best places to picnic in Ireland with the kids?

Well, pretty much anywhere in Ireland by the sea, by rivers, lakes, forests or playgrounds count as great places to picnic. But we’ve put together a list of some of the more iconic picnic spots around the country that are extra great for kids because they have a cool story about them or they have an amazing waterfall, a playground or most importantly … a coffee shop!

Here’s my list of the best picnic spots we’ve visited with our kids in Ireland.

Wicklow Picnic Spots for families

Yes, I am biased as I live in this beautiful county! But here are some of my favourite picnic spots in Co. Wicklow.

Glendalough

Glendalough is stunning. It’s full of history, natural beauty, lakes, walks for all levels and crucially, lots of picnic benches and open grass areas for laying out a blanket or kicking a ball. The kids might (or might not) love the old graveyard and the round tower. There is a coffee van and various fast food vans in the car parks as well as a hotel for food in case you forget the picnic! It gets very crowded at weekends and during the summer so come early or you’ll be queueing for hours to get into the carparks.

Powerscourt Waterfall

A great day out for the family. My kids always loved splashing about in the river at the base of this mighty waterfall or spending hours in the large and well-equipped playground. Plenty of space for picnics and a small kiosk if you weren’t bothered to pack your own grub! There is a charge to get in to the waterfall.

Avondale Forest Park

The kids will love the unique wooden treetop walkway and giant slide at beautiful Avondale in the heart of County Wicklow like mine did. Parents will love the scenery, cafe and playground where the kids can blow off steam after the excitement of the longest slide in Ireland! Plenty of space for picnics here. There is a charge for the carpark and a charge to go down the slide. Again, avoid peak times as the queue for the slide can be quite long (I know as I’ve stood in that queue!).

Dublin Picnic Spots for Families

Marley Park

One of our favourite parks in Dublin. It has a well-trodden path around the park that’s perfect for buggies and bikes. There’s not one but 2 playgrounds in this park - we call the main playground the ‘super-duper playground’ and the kids could literally hang out here all day. Plenty of picnic tables in this playground. If you want to get away from the excitement of the playground, there is ample green space to lay out your blanket. And a couple of spots for coffee for the adults. Entrance to the park is free!

Iveagh Gardens

This city centre hidden gem is a great escape from the to-ing and fro-ing of the city. The kids will love rolling down the embankments while you set out the sandwiches on the blanket. Lots of little nooks and crannies in this oasis in the city that will keep the kids amused. A great place to meet with family members who work in the city.

Wexford Picnic Spots for Families

Curracloe Beach

This stunner of a beach is beloved by families, teenagers, old age pensioners and film makers alike. It was the setting for 2 different movies - Saving Private Ryan in 1997 and the more recent Brooklyn in 2016. But also, it provides a picnic spot to thousands every year during the short (!) summer in Ireland. Bring your wind breaker and pack your thermos of tea/coffee as well as the sandwiches. No Irish childhood is complete without a literal ‘sand’wich at the beach!

Johnstown Castle and Estate

Only 10 minutes drive from Wexford town, this neo-gothic castle offers lots for all the family to enjoy. We had a great day out here with the kids when they were younger. Tours of the castle, a calendar of events, a playground, gardens and lakes and lots of room for picnics - sure you won’t want to leave at all! Yes - I do remember a tantrum or two when it was time to go home …!

Donegal Picnic Spots for Families

Ards Forest Park

We visited this park recently and were blown away by the scenery and beauty of this place. It has it all going on - salt water lakes, beaches, sand dunes, salt water marshes and woodland. And the all important playground of course. It’s pretty deserted generally - it is Donegal after all! But get this place on a fine day like we did and you’ll be in awe. Picnic wherever you like! Free to enter

Glenveagh National Park

This place … We’ve been going to Donegal for years with the kids but it’s only been recently that we made a trip to this national park. Our first trip included rented bikes, sightings of deer, amazing views of the lake and the castle and tea and cake in the tearoom. This place is beautiful, interesting and well worth the visit. If the kids don’t want to make the long walk into the castle (it’s all flat but I think it’s about 3km) there is also a bus that drives up and down. Eat your picnic in the castke grounds or in the wilderness along the way.

Clare Picnic Spots for Families

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher

The kids will be fascinated by the landscape of The Burren - unlike anything else in Ireland. That should keep them amused for 5 minutes at least! Let them hop from rock to rock. See can they find (but not pick!) some of the rare flowers that The Burren is famous for. Eat your picnic surrounded by the weird stones! Then take a trip to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Not sure this is a great spot for picnicing as it can get very windy but worth visiting if you’re in the area.

Antrim Picnic Spots for Families

The Giant’s Causeway

Well this is one of the coolest places to have a picnic in all of Ireland surely! The kids will love the cool rocks and the legend of Fionn MacCumhail as they’re munching on their sambos. Hopping from rock to rock was a big hit with our kids. And the stunning view of the sea kept the adults happy. No playground needed here! Fingers crossed for a fine day or you’ll be eating the sandwiches in the car!