The gardens at Fota House are truly a hidden gem here in Cork and one of my favourite family fun activities in Cork. They are beautifully preserved (cared for by the OPW) and offer adventure, escape and tranquillity around almost every corner. There are many walkways and trails to discover and you could spend hours lost in amongst the trees, languishing in the open areas or exploring the formal and Victorian walled gardens. All of this is free and there is only a charge of €3 for the car park.
Family Fun Activities in Cork
However, should you wish to add a bit more fun to your day you can buy one of their trail packs for €4 each. They have two to suit both young and older children. We had great fun following the map as children always love map reading and leading the way. While our three were running along, working out which way to go at each juncture, stopping to find little titbits and clues as per the instructions, Craig and I wandered along at our own pace, chatting and enjoying the surroundings. Pure Bliss!!!
We stopped on route at the giant’s chairs for a picnic before continuing along the trail and discovering the Victorian walled gardens, the shed with old tools and the formal gardens. The children were extremely curious and enjoyed the few hours we spent wandering along. I really do think it was the nature trail and activity pack that added that element of structure and fun to our afternoon.
We spent the next hour rolling down the grass hills, playing ball and generally chilling out in the open area just behind the house. As family fun activities in Cork go this one got big thumbs up from me and I am looking forward to trying out their house tour as I believe they have one geared towards children coming shortly!
Trabolgan Day Passes
Lucky for us we live only a half an hour from Trabolgan and so we can make regular day trips with the kids. Trabolgan was one of my own favourite spots as a kid and I love to watch the kid’s excitement when we head down there now. Trabolgan day passes are great value as you get a full day of fun so get down early and plan it out beforehand!
Trabolgan Holiday Village is located on over 140 acres of woodland beside the sea, 30 mins from Cork city and operates as a holiday camp or day visitor attraction.
Family Things to Do at Trabolgan
We normally start at the playground so kids can have a run around and I a coffee. One word of advice take a good look at the activities timetable for the day at this stage as there may be shows that you want to see and some of the activities have specific time slots. I prefer to organise our swimming around the shows as the kids will be starving after swimming and you can get lunch into them while watching a show.
There is a glass roof over the main outdoor area and the main stage is under this so if you get a fine day like we did last week it is was perfect to sit outside and relax while actually enjoying a picnic while being entertained.
Our next port of call is normally the swimming pool and with the waves and slide we normally pass away an hour or two here. The water was actually quite warm last week and I was pleasantly surprised with the renovations in this area. There is new flooring running throughout the changing area and a new seated area for those who wishing to sit this one out.
After our picnics we head back to the playground for a walk out towards the water area. However, last week I stumbled across the duck pond which has been developed into a nature area. It is a gorgeous spot to sit with a prompt board to encourage children to search the surroundings for little titbits of nature. I am glad to see Trabolgan making use of their gorgeous natural setting more.
The sports centre houses a jungle gym (admission included in the day pass) and a coffee shop for more hours of fun and it is here you can buy tickets to any of the TAS activities. You can also use your day pass for these instead of the swimming pool but to be honest we would not do these everytime as there is so much without having to include them.
Places to Eat in Trabolgan
At this stage we would head back down for another show as they are normally getting quite tired. A great way to end the day is Sally O’Hara’s Restaurant in the main square so I don’t have to cook when we get home and I know they will be starving after going all day so they will eat a belly full. Along with the main menu a carvery is available which is brilliant for the kids. There is a family special at the moment of €45 for two adults and two kids. I have never been disappointed with the food here and they have excellent coeliac choices. The staff are extremely friendly and always so accommodating.
Other dining options are Costa Coffee for a quick snack or Big Als@Casey’s Fast Food so there is something for everyone!
Downsides
I am delighted with the renovations they are doing every year but I hope they might add new shower cubicles some time soon as I am not too fond with the open showers!
Final Thoughts
At the moment the Trabolgan day passes are €12 per person/ €50 for a family pass which is outstanding value as you can have one of the main activities which are swimming, crazy golf, birds of prey, TAS (Trabolgan Adventure Sports). Follow Trabolgan on facebook and keep an eye on their website as there are always doing offers on Trabolgan day passes. Click here for more.
What the Kids Said about Trabolgan
“Next time we go we are staying so we can do more stuff”
When looking for inspiration for Indoor Treasure Hunt Ideas you simply make clues about ordinary indoor objects. Since your home may have more than one of some of these objects, the kids may have to check out more than one location before they find the next clue. That makes the game last longer, gives them more exercise and adds to the fun. We have prepared some ready made clues for you or use as inspiration to create your own.
I have four legs, but I don’t have feet.
I come in handy when it’s time to eat. – Kitchen or dining table
My job is to put an end to sleep,
Which I do with music, a buzz or a beep. – Alarm clock
For fast heating or cooking, I am tops.
And, oh, that good smell when my popcorn pops! – Microwave
Flour and sugar and coffee and tea,
I keep these handy but hard to see. – Kitchen canisters
I can take you to places you’ve never seen,
But first type your password in on my screen. – Computer
I’m loaded and unloaded, but I’m not a truck.
Having a helper like me is a great piece of luck. – Dishwasher
I rain on you when you need a scrub.
I’m very much like my friend the tub. – Shower
I make it possible to have fresh food.
Everyone agrees, I’m one cool dude. – Fridge
Watching your favorites is lots of fun.
But don’t watch too much! Kids need to run. – TV
I never get angry but I do get hot.
I’m the perfect place for a pan or a pot. – Cooker
It’s my job to give all your clothes a tumble,
Which I do while making a bit of a rumble. – Tumble Dryer
I have a handle and also a lock.
Visitors and delivery men may give me a knock. – Front Door
I’m one part chair and one part bed.
Up with your feet and down with your head. – Recliner
I take your clothes for quite a spin.
But first they get wet. That’s how I begin. – Washing Machine
I’m filled with feathers or other soft fluff.
To sleep without me can be quite tough. – Pillow
Turn me on and I’ll give you a light.
I’m used some in the daytime but mostly at night. – Light Switch
A story, they say, can take you away,
But a book still needs a place to stay. – Book Shelf
I have drawers and also a nice flat top.
For homework I’m helpful — Keep working. Don’t stop! – Desk
I’m hungry! I’m hungry! Please feed me a slice.
I’ll spit it back out all brown and nice. – Toaster
I’m not a selfie, but I do show faces.
Find me in bathrooms and a few other places. – Mirror
Adults like it when they first wake
And at other times when they need a break. – kettle/Coffee Machine
Most every day, you step on me.
All I require is a bend of your knee. – Stairs
I’m paper, but I’m not used for writing a letter.
The spot by your potty suits me much better! – Toilet Paper
I have hands but no arms and also a face.
And my hands always move at the same steady pace. – Clock
The more I dry, the wetter I get.
A little one can be used for soaking up sweat. – Towel
I’m never wicked, but I do have a wick.
I come in all sizes, from skinny to thick. – Candle
Make one set of clues for every player, each clue leading to the next one and, finally, to the treasure. Seal them in envelopes marked with a clue number (i.e., 2/7, or “two of seven”); this will help the treasure hunters keep track. Whoever solves the clues first and finds the treasure is the winner. You don’t have to go mad with a prize, simply an IOU for a movie(another of the rainy day activities for kids), maybe a cache of coins (regular or chocolate) or my favourite, no chores today/free pass for dishwasher duties are all cause for more fun in your home. You could also have your kids play as a team to solve the clues—and uncover the treasure—together. This works better when you have younger ones or if they have been fighting earlier…..
Indoor Treasure Hunt Ideas for Younger Kids
If you kids are too young to read you can create another type of treasure hunt by taking pictures of odd nooks and crannies or objects as above in your home. Print out the pictures and place them as you would any other clues.
Seaside Foraging with Sea Synergy
Seaside foraging is an age old fun activity and something that I love as the children are outdoors and learning but best of all my children love it more so much so we went out on a drizzling August day and by the end of the session the rain down poured but I had to still drag them off the beach kicking and screaming as they did not want it to end!
Sea Synergy based in Waterville in Kerry offer sea activities including foraging all along the South Kerry coast and a morning foraging is a great way to spend some time with the kids. We met Lucy, a marine biologist Sea Synergy on Glanleam Beach in Valentia Island and she brought us on a little adventure!
Lucy first introduced us to a number of items she has collected over the years including shells and marine wildlife bones before we all took to the shoreline looking for items washed up from the sea. Marine life can be found in so many places including along the walls, on the rocks, under rocks and in rock pools as well before you even go to the sea. Lucy also provided fishing nets for a spot of fishing and Saoirse picked a crab out of the water causing for great excitement.
The children were in their element learning about all the items we discovered and even did not notice the drizzle of rain that began a little while into our adventure. We got great ideas and tips from Lucy for our own expeditions but found this session very good as we got so much information from Lucy on our travels and she knew just where to look for things we would never find.
Sea synergy run workshops from Waterville and are also hoping to do the same from Valentia in the summer. I for one would travel just to attend these workshops as it encourages a great interest in exploring and the great outdoors in already curious minds! Sea Synergy will also come out to locations of your choosing for small groups or families t so you can enjoy a spot of foraging. They offer a huge range of services so make sure you check out their page.
Blackberry Picking
Foraging for blackberries is such a fun and uplifting experience for kids to enjoy while encouraging children to set a life-long interest in nature and natural un-processed foods. Look out for blackberries growing on bramble bushes in woodland and hedgerows. (Avoid picking any next to roadsides though – they’ll be polluted by traffic fumes).
With blackberry picking, it’s all about timing keep an eye out from the end of August but do not wait too late and miss out to Jack Frost. My advice is to get picking as soon as possible to ensure a quality yield. There are superstitions around picking berries after the end of September. It is said that they are then to be left for the fairies, (or the Púca). This coincides with the fact that the berries tend to be mouldy and quite unappetising by that stage.
Blackberries are bursting full off berry goodness, being mineral rich and high in magnesium and potassium. They are an excellent source of dietary fibre and it is said that some varieties have more dietary fibre, weight for weight, than wholemeal bread. They are a good source of Vitamin C, so feasting on blackberries is a pleasurable way to build up resistance to winter colds and flus.
Once you have collected your bounty its time to go home and have fun making jams, smoothies, blackberry crumble or just freeze a few so you can continue to enjoy their flavour throughout the winter. All in all you can get more than just a few hours of fun from your day out and best of all, you don’t need your wallet to cash in on the yields.
Quick and Easy Recipe for Blackberry Jam
Place 1kg of sugar, 1kg of blackberries and juice and zest of one lemon in a large pot.
Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring until all the sugar dissolves.
Cook the jamfor approximately 15 minutes or until it reaches 105˚C on a sugar thermometer.
A Beach Trek in Caherdaniel
Eagle Rock Equestrian is one of Ireland’s best known, oldest established equestrian centres and is located in the stunning surroundings of Derrynane National Historic Park. There are a number of routes available including a beach trek, woodland trek and mountain Trek. We choose to try out the beach trek as the beaches in this area are just gorgeous.
The equestrian centre is very easy to find and was only a 40 minute trip along the most breathtaking coastline from our base in Valentia. The base itself is a beautiful listed building and a ten minute trek to the beach itself. As we prepared for our trek a more experienced group of riders on a two hour trek were returning and most of these riders seemed to be regular tourists who were very impressed with Caroline Donnelly’s service so much so that they were eager to book further treks which was difficult as they were so busy.
As novices to the horse riding world our tutors were very helpful and took alot of time to ensure the children were at ease on their saddles before heading off onto the road to make the short trek to the beach. The beach was the perfect safe enviornment for the children to enjoy this age old activity and offered plenty of areas to explore such as the sand dunes and streams to cross making for a very exciting ride.
Some treks can be a walk from A to B with pleasant scenary but what we experienced was a trek with a difference with the most breathtaking views in a comfortable and safe enviornment.
The trek itself was approx 1 hour which was just enough to tire everyone out and costs €30.00 per person in a group or you can also get a 30 minute ride out for children from €15.00.
There is something very special about the relationship between horse and man, its a magical activity and such a fun things to do with the kids in Kerry!
Cara Motorhomes, Campervans Ireland
Cara Motorhomes
We associate campervans with holidays in France and not so much Ireland but this misconception is fast changing and campervans are becoming a popular choice for families wishing to explore this great country. Now when I mentioned campervans to a few friends they raised concerns such as space and having to drive it everywhere but I can assure you that the campervans of today are very spacious and so convenient. Cara Motorhomes offer modern and spacious campervans that are no more than a couple of years old. Each of their campervans houses all the mod cons one would expect for an enjoyable family holiday and plenty of storage for the endless paraphernalia required for any family break. You can take the bikes, toys, hiking gear, plenty of clothes for all eventualities and even the kitchen sink (if one is not enough) and I bet you will have room to spare.
The staffs at Cara Motorhomes are very friendly and offered great advice and tips for us novices. All we had to do was turn up with our suitcases and a grocery shop and they had everything else we needed for the next few days. To say I was impressed with our new home was an understatement as my own house has never been so spotless and pristine and I would challenge any hotel to beat it in that department. It was well laid out and fitted so much into such a small space without feeling cramped even offering plenty of segregated spaces to enjoy.
The children were mesmerised by what seemed like a little playhouse on wheels and were full of excitement for their journey ahead. Once on the road I soon forgot all concerns I had about been over crowded as the campervans offer oodles of space and comfort for not only mum and dad on the journey but also the children who were belted into seats at the kitchen table where they had their snacks and played with their toys. This was a most relaxing spin and rarely were the words “are we there yet” uttered.
Our journey took us from Limerick to Westport in luxurious style. What I liked the most is that we could pull in at any stage for a snack or a spot of lunch and the children could stretch their legs or have a toilet break before we headed off again. Some may say that you have the bring the campervan everywhere with you when you are travelling around but I thought that was a great advantage with small kids in tow as everything was on hand and did not have to be packed or unpacked and there was no searching for restaurants at the last minute as meals and snacks could be prepared at the side of the road when required, not to mention a luxurious toilet always on hand.
We had all the facilities we needed included a toilet that you could eat your dinner off, shower, cooking and washing facilities and we had gas and water if we were parked up off a campsite and needed to cook. On one occasion during our trip we took off once we were up and before breakfast to get to our destination early and enjoyed our breakfast once we had arrived, cleaned ourselves up and headed off from here!
Our destination was Westport House and the trip did not take us too much longer than a car. Once we arrived at our campsite we were hooked up in no time as we had been given an in depth briefing on our campervan before we set off that day. The campervan was cleverly laid out with our double bed coming down from the roof and we even had a television to enjoy once the kids had nodded off or even a cheeky glass of wine on our outdoor table and chairs provided. Many parents sat out of an evening and enjoyed a chat while the children were in blissful slumber which you cannot do in a hotel or a lot of holiday homes.
Each morning it took just a few minutes to organise ourselves again before we were set up for the day but no more than you would do when tidying up a hotel room or holiday home and in fact the campervan was so neat and organised that there was little if no cleaning most of the time. We just got the kids in the habit of putting things back in their place once they were finished with them.
Westport House is very conveniently located close to Westport town so we often walked into town and had a shop on site which meant we did not have to pack up if we ran out of milk but just throw the bike in the back where you could fit an army tank and if you need to run out for something use that! We never found it inconvenient and we would not always be the most organised. We explored the beautiful countryside around Westport and Mayo for a few days but I was sorry that we had not planned a longer trip, may be along The Wild Atlantic way as I found it to the easiest way to travel and holiday with children while covering a large area of ground.
We met some families on our journey that were travelling from Mayo through Galway and onto Clare over two and three weeks in the campervans and without one I don’t think you could do such a trip lugging all the gear and going from place to place. Every few days the children of these families had the opportunities to explore new surroundings and make new friends in the many caravan and camping sites doted along the way which I must say are fast coming up to European standards. Once you get bored of a place you can move on or if you are pleasantly surprised why not stay longer. Most sites can be booked that day or a day in advance. Some mums suggested that they used the facilities on site when they were good and if they were not 100% they always had the fall back of the shower and toilet on the campervan.
I would certainly recommend a campervan as one of the best ways to discover the dramatic beauty and adventure that Ireland can offer you and your family to create memories that will cherish for many years to come. Take it to the beach for a day, explore the rugged parklands and woodlands or just park it up and head off for a cycle on our every growing greenway routes. Campervans Ireland is fast becoming two words associated with one another. A campervan is no more expensive than other family options but there is a large deposit which I can appreciate as it ensures that the standards of these fabulous vehicles are keep to a very high standard. Cara Motorhomes will offer a drop off and collection service in most of the main cities of Ireland and are very flexible in their dealings so why not give their team a call and find out more …
The Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway with Clew Bay Cycles
No trip to Westport would be complete without a cycle along the World Class Great Western Greenway (Westport – Achill) which is a 42km traffic free cycling facility and primarily follows the line of the famous Great Western Midlands Railway, which closed in 1937. The route offers gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the West of Ireland. We always try to tie in some cycling on our holidays as our children love to cycle and more so with us.
We contacted Clew Bay Bike Hire and found them very helpful as obviously we would not cycle 42km during our short trip so they advised us of the best route for our family. They recommended that we drive to the town of Newport and collect our bikes here. Then we cycled the 18km to Mulranny. The journey took us approx. 3 to 4 hours as we stop for plenty of rests, snacks and chats on the way. It was a very safe route as you were only close to the road at the start for approx 1km. After this we were travelling through open farm lands often sharing the path with the sheep doted across this landscape. The scenery was breath-taking and even though it was not the warmest day of the year it was so refreshing cycling through the open countryside. The children were relaxed and enjoyed the freedom as they could come to no harm. There are a couple of cafes that you can stop at for refreshments or lunch and at one of these stops we spoke to a family that were doing our route in reverse and both ways. They felt that the reverse journey was easier and more downhill.
We rented two adult and two children’s bikes from Clew Bay Bike hire and I must say that they took safety very seriously and checked the children more than once to see if they had the right bikes for their size. They offered us plenty of family solutions including carriers, toddler trailers, family bike units and children’s bikes that attach to adult bikes. Our children are keen cyclists and regularly cycle long journeys so we were confident that the four single bikes would do but there is a gradient hill as you get closer to Mulranny and they did tire at this point so I felt that we could have done with a child’s bike attach to our bikes as let’s face it, it is 18 km and can be hilly at times.
Once we arrived at Mulranny we were met by the team of Clew Bay Bike Hire who took our bikes from here so we could avail of their pickup service to be brought back to Newport. This pick-up service is all part of the service and was a welcome reprieve for two tired soldiers (and mum) who have a short nap on the journey home. There are shorter or longer routes along the greenway which Clew Bay Bike Hire have stations doted all along. You could bring your own bikes and then the greenway would be free but often it is easier to rent the bikes once you arrive at our destination as there only so much you can get into the boot. Clew Bay Bike Hire have many packages to choose from and offer excellent family discounts so you can have a great day out for all the family that will not cost you your shirt and best of all you will all get plenty of exercise!!! To see their packages check out the link below: https://easypeazyfamilybreaks.com/activities/bike-hire-westportclew-bay-cycles/
Westport House
Westport House is one of Ireland’s best known and loved family attractions and Westport itself is one of the top destinations for families in search of adrenaline and action packed holiday in Ireland so where better to enjoy our latest break but you guessed it, Westport House. Westport House offers top of the range camping, caravan and campervan facilities right in the heart of their vast and adventurous pirate park. With our campervan fromCara Motorhomes in tow we found our pitch in a very spacious and clean camp site.
The campervans and caravans are in one site while the tents are in another. I must say from the outset we could see that the site was extremely clean and well kept. The toilet and washing facilities were some of the best I have seen so far and the site is well laid out so you never have to travel too far to the facilities but the best of all is that there is a large sand pit in the centre of the site offering the little ones plenty of entertainment while you relax. They also have bell tent options for those of you who have not invested in a tent yet or wish to enjoy the great outdoors without any of the hard work. We were booked in for three days which included a two day pass to the Pirate Adventure Park. There are plenty of packages to choose from which include most of the rides and you may extra for some of the bigger rides such as zorbing and archery.
On our first evening after a long spin we were glad to just hook up the campervan and stroll down to the pirate park to Gracy’s Gastro Bar just a few minutes away from the campsite. It is located in again some of the gorgeous historical work buildings of the original estate and not only offers an extensive Italian menu but also the most delicious stone baked pizzas cooked in the centre of the restaurant. It was the most perfect restaurant for families.
Picture this, seating outdoors under a canopy (as well as indoors) opening on to a large playground and grasslands for the little ones to explore while they wait for their kiddies meal from an extensive children’s menu with options to suit all needs including delicious healthy ones. Once our meal was over and as the evening became darker and colder we moved upstairs to an indoor play centre to run off the last of their summer energy to ensure a good night sleep for us all. What more could you ask of any family dining experience.
After enjoying a nice glass of wine and beautiful meal we walked back to our campervan and settled in for a good nice sleep. I was very impressed by the lack of noise once darkness was drawing in and was only woken in the morning to the sounds of the sheep in the adjacent field. It is clear that this camp site is very family friendly and offers the perfect solitude to sleeping children. There is nothing worse than a camp site where our sleep is broken by other late night or early morning guests.
Westport House is also open to day visitors but if you are coming for a day make sure you have a full day or even plan two days so you can enjoy the full experience. So the park is made up of a couple of sections. You can explore the main house with its many rooms displaying life as it was in a prominent manor house and even the children loved it as there was plenty for them to see and enjoy also. There is a quaint little café in the original kitchens where you can take a break and soak up the surroundings.
Outside, the park offers rides for young and old including Cannonball Run slide, Pirates Swinging Ship and Pirates Plunge log flume ride, Swan Pedal Boats on the lake and much more. The best part of all is that the rides will excite all ages and offers loads of opportunities for families to enjoy together. Most of these rides we took part as a family something that excites our kids the most. Even the large slides are open to families and we had a family tournament on one of these many slides. There is so much more including karting, bouncy castles, the train express and indoor soft play centres. We had great fun paddling the swan pedal boats on the lake to the rear of the house and this called for plenty of teamwork, the ultimate family challenge……
There is plenty to keep you entertained before you move onto the extra activities on site and these can be easily avoided if you don’t want to be saying no which I taught was quite clever. We started with zorbing which can be done wet or drive. The wet option is a lot easier and again we jumped into the zorbs as a family. This was the ultimate adrenaline ride and even though we were drowned at the end we would have done it again and again. Zorbing starts at €18 or €39 for three. You can team the zorbing up with the zip wire for a combo ticket starting at €20.00. The zip wire is well worth a go, even though it is from a scaringly large height. After a shaky start we could not get back up fast enough for our second go.
Some of the other extra activities on site included archery, tag archery and a sky challenge. We tried out the sky challenge on our second day. Starting at 3 meters in the air we worked our away around 26 different elements over 3 different levels taking you closer to the sky each time. When I say “we”, I mean Craig and the children as I chickened out after the first level. Thomas managed the first two while Saoirse and Craig completed all three.
Elements include; Steps in the Sky, Heebie Jeebie, Postman’s Walk & Swinging Bridge to name a few. The course finished with the Skyline, an adrenaline filled ride through the trees. And if that’s not enough we had to come down via a free fall jump to the ground.
Thankfully, there is a stairs for the less adventurous. The staffs were amazing here and encouraged the children all the way offering plenty of support. This activity takes an hour and you will need a rest once you are back on the ground.
The Sky Challenge starts at €18. We found archery great fun for the adults but I would recommend that this is an activity for older children with mum and dad but be warned, it can get quite competitive.
I would certainly suggest adding in one or two of the activities with your park tickets as they offer amazing adrenaline fuelled experiences which you are unlikely to experience that often. They were exceptionally organised and very good value.
All the activities encouraged children big and small to take a chance and come out of their comfort zone developing their confidence and improving their self-esteem.
The location of Westport House could not be more convenient as it is just a five minute drive and a 15 minute stroll from Westport town while situated in the park’s rich historical surroundings, enchanting forests and the action-packed adventure activities and attractions.
The gates open out in the centre of the large town of Westport. We choose to walk out to the town on our second evening for a bite to eat in one of the many family friendly restaurants in this beautiful town, The Milltimes Restaurant. There are plenty of little shops to catch your eye and we stopped off in some of the lovely bakeries to pick up fresh bread and treats to bring back to our campervan. We found Westport House to be an ideal base to explore Westport and many other locations beyond.
After a long day off exploring Westport House offered the perfect oasis for a family to unwind. You could just stay on site and enjoy all the park has to offer if you would never feel the need to go any further also. Westport House is well worth a visit either for a day or a fun relaxing break even so much so we are planning another trip to Westport this year as we did not get a chance to explore all that was on offer around this wonderful area and I don’t think we could tire of such an actioned packed park. To find out more click here!
Rollerjam
Things to do on a wet day with the kids in Cork – Rollerjam
When we went along to Rollerjam in Cork it was a wet and miserable day and we did not have much form for going outside but as soon as we arrived at Supernova in Ballincollig where it is based we were super excited. I did not realise how big this place was or how much there was to do here for children of all ages. There is an indoor playcentre, pampering parties, indoor cafe and upstairs the rollerskating ring and laser tag. We were here to do the laser tag and while we had two very excited girls we had one reluctant boy who had not used rollerskate before but he was going to give it a go anyway. So with a slow start we were on our way. It is the perfect place for beginners as if they fall they will not hurt themselves and unlike ice-skating there was no fear of more experienced skaters knocking you over. It was the perfect thing to do on a wet day with the kids.
With the disco lights flashing and the music playing you just want to dance and before long the girls were doing the macerena led by a staff member and learning how to skate backwards.
Saoirse and Shanea won lightup wristbands for their efforts at the macerena which went down a treat. There were two very friendly staff members on the floor at all times there to help out or show you a few moves.
After a slow start for Thomas he soon got the hang of it and was flying around the floor on his own even taking part in a dance or two. He is on Saoirse’s roller blades since he got home and has developed his confidence to go outside so it is perfect for that.
One activity that all the children loved was the limbo game.
It is €14 for 2 Adult, €10 for 2 Children or €21.50 Family Pass (4 persons) so it is reasonably priced as there is no limit to how long you can stay. However, it is fairly energetic so you may have to take a break at the cafe on the ringside. The boots are provided but we did see some children with their own roller skates (no roller blades though). It is only open from Thursday to Sunday so double check the times before you head off. There was a great atmosphere and it was very enjoyable to see the more experienced skaters wizzing and dancing around. We also saw plenty of parties going on and I must say it would be a fun place to have your birthday party.
