Family Activities in Mayo

Enjoy an action-packed family break in Mayo and stay with us at the Great National Hotel Ballina! Our stunning 4-star hotel is ideally located close to an array of local attractions and activities to keep your family entertained while staying with us. Relax, unwind and enjoy some family quality time while exploring the very best of Mayo.

Waterpoint Aqua Park

Just 15 minutes from our hotel, this indoor waterpark has a 65-metre flume slide, large kids swimming pool, outdoor children’s playground and three all-weather Astro pitches. Also included is a health suite comprising of a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Paddle and Pedal

Feeling adventurous? Paddle and Pedal, located 10 minutes from Great National Hotel Ballina, offer kayaking tours from as little as €35. Cycle the Moy Greenway between Ballina and Killala or choose a self-guided tour where you set your own map and explore the outdoors yourself. They are rated number one on TripAdvisor for Outdoor Activities in the area.

Harbour Sup n Sail

Harbour Sup n Sail, based in Ballina, is Ireland’s number one dedicated ASI accredited SUP school. They offer tuition with hire and adventure tours for all ages. Harbour Sup n Sail offers group or individual SUP (Stand Up Paddle) sessions from their world-class location, the Quay Ballina and has a large range of beginner-friendly equipment. They cater for groups of up to 24 people in a single session. All their instructors are ASI qualified and Harbour Sup n Sail is a fully insured accredited school.

Horseback Riding

Have you ever been horseback riding?  Experience it at the Iceford Horse Riding Stables, which is 10 minutes from Great National Hotel Ballina. Whether it’s your first time on a horse or you are an experienced jockey, the activities available offer an exhilarating day out for all. For beginners, there are a choice of lessons and children camps. For the more experienced rider, enjoy a two-hour ride along the golden sands of Enniscrone Beach.

Tails of Belleek Woods

Belleek Woods is one of the largest urban woodland areas in Europe. Belleek Woods is a children’s paradise with thousands of trees to climb, trails to explore and rare red squirrels to spot!

Westport House Pirate Adventure Park

With a hub of family activities around, Westport House Pirate Adventure Park has something for all ages.  For the brave, take a spin on the Cannonball Run slide, Pirates Swinging Ship and Pirates Plunge log flume ride. For anyone younger, take a ride on the Westport House Express miniature railway. A fun day out for all!

National Museum of Country Life

A little education as part of your family holiday in Mayo is easily covered by a trip to the superb National Museum of Country Life, just a short drive away. In the modern exhibition galleries, immerse yourself in objects, rare archive photography and films that explore Ireland’s rural past and an almost vanished but recent way of life. Next to this, visit the Victorian Gothic mansion overlooking gardens, parkland and woodland.

Gruane Pet Farm and Play Centre

Graune Pet Farm is the ideal location for family fun days catering for all ages. The farm itself has a wide range of animals to view while the indoor play centre provides hours of fun for the kids. The farm is located in Ballyhaunis, about 45 minutes from Ballina.

Family Foraging

Denis at Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours runs regular foraging tours from Killala and it is a perfect family staycation activity, with miles of beaches to explore, fish to be spotted in clear crystal pools, sea plants to learn about, flora and fauna to marvel at and cockles and mussels to be collected for dinner! Suitable for all ages – bring wellies and suitable outdoor clothing.

Hennigan’s Heritage Centre

In nearby Swinford, Hennigan Heritage Centre is another fascinating way to learn about rural life in Mayo through the years. The centre is based around the preserved cottage of the Hennigan family who lived there from the 1870s to 1970.