Family Fun
plenty of things to do Indoor and Outdoor for family fun in BantryBantry has plenty to offer families whether you are just visiting for the day or spending your precious family holiday with us here in the heart of West Cork. Many activities are within walking distance of the town and others are only a short car journey away, so no need for long treks and squabbles in the back seat. If you holiday in Bantry, there will be plenty of things to do to keep everyone happy, whether that’s an easy trip to the playground, a picnic on the beach or a more adventurous day pony-trekking.
Our location along the Wild Atlantic Way means you are ideally based to reach a number of other sight-seeing locations for a lovely day trip, then return back to Bantry to recharge those batteries. With family friendly restaurants, outdoor play areas and indoor entertainment, Bantry is the ideal choice for your family holiday in West Cork. We also have family friendly events on throughout the year in Bantry, find our more here.
Family Fun in Bantry
Beach fun in Bantry
Bantry Beach is a safe harbour beach within walking distance of the town. It is the starting point for the Bantry Blueway marked kayaking route and the Beicín Loop Walk.
Take a picnic to the beach or nearby amenity area, hire a kayak or stroll along the rail-enclosed walkway to enjoy views out over the harbour and Bantry Bay beyond. The walkway is buggy friendly. The beach is located past the Supervalu supermarket towards the Railway Pier.
Parking is very limited near the beach, so park along the roadside or in the public car park next to the Supervalu supermarket and walk to the beach from there. There are a number of other beaches within easy reach of Bantry, read about these here.
Horse Riding in Bantry
Why not enjoy a fun day out horse-riding or pony trekking in Bantry?
Bantry offers lots of options for happy hackers, competitive riders and those that just love to be around horses.
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Children's Playground
Bantry has a large community playground located next to the Bantry Blues GAA park on Glengarriff Road, before Lidl supermarket.
It includes a basket swing, slides and a wheelchair friendly merri-go-round, so plenty of fun for all the family.
Take a Boat Trip or Hire a Kayak
Great family fun to be had on a boat trip in the safe harbour of Bantry with Bantry Bay Boat Hire. Choose from a Sea Safari around Whiddy Island in search of dolphins or enjoy a guided self-drive boat tour in the bay. Hire a kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board and discover the designated Bantry Blueway.
Find out more here
A Fishing Trip or Marine Wildlife Tour
Bantry Bay Charters offers a great day out for families, groups, couples and individuals. Enjoy family fun mackerel fishing, scenic and historical coastal cruises, or an alternative customised ‘Day on the Bay’. Watch out for dolpins, seals and other marine life in Bantry Bay on a fun-filled trip aboard the Deep Star.
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Peace Park & Multi Use Games Area
Within walking distance of the town on Glengarriff Road, you will find the Bantry Peace Park.
Enjoy this community garden with it’s walkways, picnic tables and wild flowers. The park is buggy friendly and make sure to take a ball to play in the multi-use games area within the park. Find out more here.
Movie Time
On those rainy days, there’s nothing better than a good movie to entertain everyone. Cinemax in Bantry has all the new releases and offers discounts for birthday parties and groups.
Find out more here
Indoor Leisure Centres
We are lucky to have two indoor leisure centres in Bantry. Both are part of established local hotels and are open to the general public.
Find out more here
Bantry House & Gardens
Bantry House & Gardens is within walking distance of the town and has plenty of space for exploring and fun. Check out the garden maze, the 100 steps and historic canons overlooking Bantry Bay.
Find out more here
Whiddy Island
Whiddy Island is a great family day out and one of the three islands in Bantry Bay. Hunt for crabs, cycle or walk around the island or watch the world go by from the shoreline while enjoying refreshments from the only pub on the island, Bank House.
Find out more here
Glengarriff Nature Reserve
Walk in the beautiful woods of nearby Glengarriff Nature Reserve. Bring a picnic, skim stones from the riverbank and race each other to find another hiding place. Buggy friendly in parts.
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The Bamboo Park
The Bamboo Park is a unique garden filled with different bamboo types and exotic garden plants. Great fun to walk the trails and enjoy some stunning views over Bantry Bay.
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The Ewe Gardens
Fun-filled day out for all the family in this interactive sculpture garden. Play chess using stones, spy the hidden dinosaur in the trees and locate all the hidden treasures along the way.
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Bantry Market
Bantry Market is held every Friday and the largest market is the first Friday of every month. It is a great day out for all the family as you browse the stalls of food, craft, clothing, bric-á-brac, animals and so much more.
Find out more here
The Kealkill Parklands
Explore the old ruin of Carriganass castle, a magical fairy garden and woodland trail in Kealkill Parklands.
Let the children free to run, hide in the bamboo tunnel or behind the trees in this enclosed parkland area. Picnic tables by the castle and in the parklands. The pathways have gravel so semi-buggy friendly.
Find out more here
The Blue Pool & Fairy Garden
The Blue Pool is a beautfuil harbour within walking distance of nearby Glengarriff with many trails and walkways through the woodlands.
With a magical fairy garden and a fun rope swing, it is a lovely place to walk and take in the views out over Bantry Bay. Pedestrian access is beside Quills in the centre of the village. It is buggy friendly down to the pier.
Find out more here
Gougane Barra
In the 6th century, legend has it that St. Finbarr, patron saint of Cork, was led by an angel to the source of the River Lee in Gougane Barra. Here, he founded a monastery and today, the tiny oratory built on an island is surely one of Ireland’s most photographed. Explore Gougane Barra Forest Park nearby, bring a picnic and enjoy this breath-taking and magical place.
Find out more here
Bantry Library
Bantry Library provides an extensive range of books, audio books, CDs and musical instruments for rental. Frequently holds events for adults and children throughout the year.
Find out more here
Festivals & Events
Plenty of family friendly festivals and events held in Bantry throughout the year.
Looking for somewhere to stay?
Bantry Hotels
Hotels with family rooms, outdoor spaces to run around and swimming pools for family splash time.
Camping & Caravans
Park up, re-charge and refuel or simply pitch your tent and enjoy marshmallows on the fire.
Bantry Self-Catering Accommodation
Plenty of space to relax and enjoy a home away from home.