Ireland (Co Mayo) tips with kids?

[WhoHidTheCoffee]

We’re off to Co Mayo in Ireland at the end of July. Just wondering if anyone has been and has any tips for Ireland with kids? (DC are 8 and 3.) We’re mainly going to visit family near Belmullet but are obviously looking to explore the coast and anything inland that’s worth a visit. Flying in and out of Knock. Never been to Ireland before so would welcome any tips!

The Céide Fields - an archaeological site on the north coast of Mayo is great - to think what those early settlers must have endured - but wouldn't be of great interest to a 3 year old but the 8 year old might be interested.
It's done really well, fabulous scenery, awesome.
Westport would be family friendly.

Thank you! Would welcome any other suggestions, and also of anything on the way between Belmullet and Knock Airport, maybe Ballina kind of way? Is Ballina worth a visit?

Not been for a few years but have friends in Galway. The beaches are amazing - Louisburgh and all up and down that coastline. Westport really good, as is Galway city. We went to the Aran Islands - you can fly but we got the boat from Rossaveal and stayed over. Knock was an eye opener - it’s like Holy Blackpool for catholics! (I can say that as I am one!). Get your kids to try red lemonade - you get the choice of red or white in pubs - I prefer the red.

Westport is lovely, the grounds of Westport House is great for kids. West of Ireland can be wet at best of times and end of July not looking great so raingear and wellies important!

Belleek Woods in Ballina are lovely for an explore. There are fairy houses and ducks and it was a hit with my kids. There is also a good playground on the far side of the river (the enniscrone side of town).

Enniscrone Beach is good too in any weather as its very long.

The Greenway cycle path- particularly from Achill to Mullraney (you can hire bikes in Mullraney at the back of the hotel).

This is a great boat tour of the Killary Harbour...

https://killaryfjord.ie/

Mayo is a large county. That's even by Irish standards.

Comparing it to places in England, it's a bit bigger than Norfolk and has a population that is lower than any London Borough. So bear this in mind when you are thinking about what to do. There's countryside, there's coast, there are historical sites, there's more countryside and more coast. I don't know what I would especially take a 3 year old to.

Belmullet is peripheral. Find out what the relatives do!

If it was me and I didn't know anywhere I'd check out:

Nephin National Park (there's a visitor centre and a lot of park)

Ballina. Spot the Welcome Joe Biden signs and US flags that are still very much up. There's a Dunnes one side of the car park and a Lidl the other.

Castlebar. I like it as town. National Museum - Country Life site very close. If you are into 1798 history (and what 3-year old would be) it is on a Humbert trail. Remember to start at Killala.

Surviving Big Houses etc. that survived, contain something to see and have grounds: Westport, Belleek, Enniscoe (Heritage Centre there).

Ceide Fields. I can get mildly exited about field systems but have a late Primary aged child who has learned to humour me.

Beaches. Too many to choose from, but go when it's not raining.

I love Mayo. I'd be going for me though.

Thanks, everyone - some great ideas here. Yes, @MMBaranova , I got the sense from Google Maps that what doesn’t look “that far” was likely to take at least an hour.

I am not holding out high hopes for the relatives suggesting stuff as I don’t think they go far - they are mostly elderly and the main people we’re going to see retired out there. So I’d like to have a few things in the back of my mind if DC1 is antsy and needs to burn off some energy or needs a change of scenery. DC2 is fairly flexible and will generally go with the flow. I’m just praying for some dry days! The scenery looks amazing.

@PaulieCashews , Belleek Woods sound lovely! Was thinking we’d do something on the way back to the airport to burn off some steam - that sounds ideal for DC2.

Oh, meant to also say the Craicnet board would be a good place to post also

Keen beach in Achill is stunning as most of Achill is.
It's where the locals will tell you that Ireland is a small island off the coast of Achill 😀

Belmullet is a long way from most places but there are amazing beaches and great walks. Enniscrone beach is great for kids and there is a park and crazy golf behind the beach. Keel beach on Achill also has a funfair. Even if it’s raining there will still be people on the beach. Grounds of Westport house is great for kids but is 81km away. Google maps says it is 1 hour 15 mins but I would say it’s longer to drive it than that but it is the place grandchildren love. Castlebar has a cinema. Make sure you bring wellies and waterproofs so you can get outside whatever the weather

Belmullet is a lovely spot in a beautiful area. Hopefully the weather will improve. There is an outdoor saltwater pool in Belmullet. They allow the water in from the sea , but its so safe to swim in. If you're lucky with the weather your dc will love that.
If you're 8 year old has any interest in history there is a country life museum in Ballina and a famine museum in Castlebar.

Bally castle has the Dun briste sea stack and is on an amazing coastal drive from Belmullet. pop into Mary's Bakery or Junes cafe for a scone.
Belmullet has a boat charter you can go out to Clare Island and on the way see Dolphins.
Your kids might be too small but The Escape Room in Westport is fantastic you would both love it as parents and your kids could' help ' soo fun
Crossmolina has nephin mountain- fab scenery and The Old Post Office cafe - fab food and a roof deck with Nephin views.you will probably be passing through Crossmolina on way to Belmullet.
There is v few cost free options here.bring wet gear and walk the beaches.The scenery and little coves are fab .

hello I am from outside Westport it is a fantastic small town. i'm not sure what to say as Bellmullet is a long drive and I always find if the weathers good you don't want to be stuck in the car.
not sure if your budget woukd run to it but there are a lot of very family friendly hotels and maybe a couple of nights in a westport one would be a nice idea? they often have great deals. There is a nice cruise from the Quay at westport you can see seals etc. Westport house is lovely as others have said. the beaches are exceptional and Old head between westport and louisburgh is really nice for small children. the other big beaches you can rent wetsuits and surfboards or even have a lesson . there's a surf school in louisburgh.
There is also croagh patrick to climb too much for the smallest child but my kids were around 7 when they started climbing.
look up the races at balinrobe they sometimes have day meetings and it's a lovely day out.
there are lots of stables around that will do some one off lessons for kids if that's something you're interested in.
i saw that there's recently been an old railway line converted to cycle on with special buggies for 4 people might be fun that's at Kiltimagh
Moore Hall is a lovely place on a lough with it's a ruined mansion but lovely walks there
as others have said it all takes ages to get anywhere but my kids just loved feeding donkeys and eating taytos in pubs!!
you'll have a fantastic time and v happy to provide any other info if that's helpful

Thank you! I agree about not wanting to spend all day in the car - I had thought Belmullet was quite remote. So useful to have it confirmed I’m not missing anything.

If it was just us and no other considerations, we’d probably stay elsewhere - but the main purpose is to visit family so we’re tied. Given the duration, I’m not up for taking us elsewhere for a night or two (especially as the AurBnB is costing an arm or a leg). Think we will focus on waterproofs and wellies!

Check out wave sweeper sports on f book.they do soft adventure play for kids in Belmullet and summer camps which might be fun for your two.i love the drive from crossmolina to Belmullet its like driving through Norway and then you reach the Sea

@Radyward, thank you! That’s a great tip. Will take a look.

I am really looking forward to this, just praying for dry days!