Ireland is packed with outdoor adventures, but locals know the real magic lives just beyond the biggest attractions. This ultimate Ireland outdoor activities bucket list isn’t about ticking off the Cliffs of Moher or Killarney National Park. It’s for adventurous families who want fresh air, real movement, and memorable experiences, right on their doorstep!
Check out the Zipit blog for all the activities we think should top your bucket list, including our very own forest adventure parks in Ireland…
Fly Through the Treetops at Zipit
While most outdoor activities see your feet firmly planted on the ground, at Zipit, we take adventure to new heights. Swing, climb, and zipline your way through the trees of some of Ireland’s most beautiful forests! We have locations across the country, including Dublin, Cork, Roscommon, and Wicklow.
Better yet, our courses are suitable for all ages. We have multiple circuits advancing in difficulty, meaning everyone from age seven and up can try their hand at our variety of aerial challenges! Our Djouce Park course also has a special ropes course just for juniors from age three, so no one needs to feel left out. It’s an easy way to turn a regular weekend into something unforgettable! Read our 5 Tips for an Epic Family Day Out at Zipit to start your adventure.
Paddling the Lough Derg Blueway
The Lough Derg Blueway is one of Ireland’s most underrated outdoor adventures. Stretching across 160 kilometres of calm waters and sheltered bays, it’s ideal for families looking to try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even water biking!The Blueway offers gentle conditions that are perfect for beginners and younger paddlers, with numerous trails to choose from. And if you don’t feel like getting wet, you can go cycling or walking along the shoreline for a peaceful, scenic excursion out in nature. And come rain or shine, these are the kinds of Outdoor Activities in Ireland You Can Enjoy All Year Round!
Dolphin Watching Along the Clare Coast
In the Shannon Estuary on the Clare Coast, you’ll find a resident group of bottlenose dolphins that numbers in the hundreds! They are Ireland’s only known resident dolphins and are considered genetically discrete, making seeing them a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
See these dolphins up close on a boat cruise, which takes you right to the pod, where you’ll watch them swim and jump through the waters. This is a thrilling and enlightening experience for the whole family, as you encounter Ireland’s beautiful wildlife and learn about these remarkable creatures.
Surfing the Wild Atlantic Waves in Donegal
Donegal is Ireland’s surf capital, and it’s an ideal destination for families who want some rip-roaring fun. Beaches like Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, and Marble Hill offer consistent waves and wide sandy shores, perfect for both beginners and experienced wave riders.
For a special family day out, sign up for a surf lesson, suit up, and hit the water! You’ll have a whale of a time rolling through the waves, or just watching the kids try to stand on their boards from shore. It’s also an Unforgettable Birthday Party Idea in Ireland for Active Kids and Teens!
Hiking the Howth Cliff Walk
You don’t need to travel far for one of Ireland’s best outdoor activities. Just outside Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk offers sweeping sea views, rugged cliffs, and a number of routes varying in distance and difficulty. It’s a great introduction to hiking for kids who are ready for something a bit more challenging, and with island and lighthouse views, you’ll feel like adventurers at the edge of the world.
Exploring the Burren National Park
Although it’s located right near the famed Cliffs of Moher, the Burren National Park is criminally underrated. Rugged, open, and utterly distinct, this limestone landscape is dotted with a rare mix of plants, ancient tombs, and hidden paths. Kids can run wild here, clambering over the rocks and spotting unusual flowers. Adults will be equally pleased here by the sheer beauty of this place!
Have the Ultimate Ireland Bucket List Adventure with Zipit
When you join Zipit for our aerial adventures, you can expect three solid hours of heart-pumping excitement. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Since our courses are located in some of Ireland’s most stunning forests, you and the family can continue exploring for a full day spent in the great outdoors. To secure your spot at our courses, you can book your tickets online in advance. And if you have any questions about any of our parks, just get in touch with our team!
