Family Friendly Activities

Ireland's Top Laser Tag Arena for Kids' Parties & Group Events

Are you ready for an exhilarating outdoor adventure that combines the thrill of combat with the safety and cleanliness you’ve been searching for? Look no further! LaserWars brings you the most advanced lasertag system, based on the proven military technology of MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System).

If you’ve ever enjoyed the excitement of paintball or airsoft, prepare to be blown away by LaserWars. We’ve taken the best elements of those games and eliminated their downsides. Safety is our top priority, which is why LaserWars is completely harmless and clean. Say goodbye to the need for goggles, masks, or overalls. Our game is played with lightweight weapons for everyone, including women and children, as well as full-size replicas for the “big kids” who want the most authentic experience.

Discover ‘live’ dinosaurs at the new ‘Jurassic Newpark’ farm and adventure trail at the Newpark Hotel Kilkenny.

‘Jurassic Newpark’ will feature an interactive walk-through experience with life-sized robotic dinosaurs that move and roar. Prehistoric species on display will include Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Velociraptor, and dinosaur eggs, making it the ultimate experience for any Dino fan!

Tickets include access to all areas! Jurassic Newpark, Wildlife Farm, Fairy Trail & Adventure Trail.

Hotel Residents can visit the park complimentary throughout their stay.

Take a guided boat tour of Kilkenny in a traditional Irish Open-Boat on the historic river Nore as it flows through the city. Learn of the often unspoken and local history that the river holds. Witness the wildlife that thrive in the urban environment and that have shared the waterways with man for thousands of years. See Kilkenny as both invaders and settlers did, entering the city by boat. Be sure to bring your camera as you'll have the opportunity to capture some very unique views of Kilkenny including a rarely viewed angle of the Castle, as seen from river level.  

The guides are friendly, entertaining and possess a love for the job they do. You'll find the boat trips relaxing, informative and most of all memorable. To get a feel of what to expect, have a look at this fantastic video.

For more information, see BoatTrips.ie

The former St Mary’s Church has been converted into a modern museum, and is a venue for select events and exhibitions. Designed to enrich the cultural life of the city and provide a new international standard attraction for visitors the museum has several functions: as the starting point for understanding Kilkenny’s medieval history, to display Kilkenny’s Civic Treasures and replicas of some of Ossory High Crosses and to provide a space for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

The 13th century St Mary’s church and graveyard is the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland. As the starting point of the ‘Medieval Mile’ trail, it brings to life Kilkenny’s history as Ireland’s premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny’s civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city’s historic role in Ireland.

Kilkenny’s 800-year story is told with a contemporary twist within the new museum. The customer experience contains a long colourful interactive table similar to a giant iPad, an elongated plasma TV screen and projected imagery onto a giant wall allowing visitors to get immersed in the rich history with the aid of modern technology.

Visitors to the museum will come face to face with the physical remains of people who walked the streets of Kilkenny centuries ago, and will discover how forensic analysis has revealed many of their secrets in the brand new cutting-edge exhibition 3 Lives, 3 Deaths, One Life Unlived.

The wonderful, welcoming Museum Guides and Assistants cannot wait to help you safely experience the Medieval Mile Museum, and tell you their wonderful stories…

For your health and safety the Team at the Museum have introduced set entry times and designed a new Interactive Audio Tour which can be downloaded directly to your device.

Available for Exclusive Hire

-Indoor Event Space : 150 guests 

-Outdoor Event Space : 50 guests 

-Minimum Group Numbers: 10 guests

-Gala Dining: 80 guest capacity for seated banquet on mix of long and round tables.

-Stage area for presentations and entertainment.

-We can recommend suppliers for outside catering and provision of av facilities and tech support.  

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we provide a unique cultural Irish experience for visitors. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, we give guests an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture, by attempting our most ancient sport, hurling. Hurling is a game steeped in tradition and history, played with a passion and intensity that is unmatched in any other sport.

You would be mad to visit Ireland and not try our unique and national sport. You will discover the history of hurling and how in 2023 it is still the fastest field game in the world. This is all done inside  a Hurling team's dressing room in Kilkenny City, giving you that up-close, intense matchday experience. Once you are up-to-date on the basics of the game, we take you on to the 'field of dreams' to try a few skills for yourself. This will be an unforgettable experience that will always be remembered long into the future. We give everyone an opportunity to take a shot at the goalposts, and score like the Kilkenny Cats so often do.

We have had visitors from many different nationalities and backgrounds fall in love with Hurling and the culture it creates in Ireland. Visitors from Canada, USA and Australia even promising to join a GAA Club when they return home, it is never too late to try new things and why not the sport that is at the heart of Irish culture and community.

Our other location is halfway between Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel in the picturesque village of Freshford. Here customers will receive an exciting and culturally immersive introduction to our native sport before making their way to the local hurling field next door. Check us out on TripAdvisor to see reviews from past visitors.

Kiltorcan Raceway is one of Ireland's best go-kart circuit's and is known to be challenging, exhilarating and fun, while still being an extremely safe track.

So whether you are coming as an individual, group of friends, on a corporate team building day or that all important fun filled hen or stag party the team at Kiltorcan Raceway will make sure your time here is packed with excitement and fun while ensuring your safety at all times.

If you are new to go-kart racing or are an experienced driver our state of the art kart's paired with our outdoor super smooth 1000 metre, all weather, floodlit go-kart track will offer you the buzz of a lifetime.

At KBowl you can experience state of the art computerized scoring systems while relaxing on leather sofas enjoying a selection of refreshments. Ten Pin Bowling is a family activity that can be enjoyed by all ages from children as young as 3 years of age.  We now serve food. Why not have some pizza and chips with your bowling, kids meals and much more.

Always popular is the KZone area with air hockey and more. All lanes are fully accessible to wheelchair users and are fitted with side bumpers to ensure the best chance of a STRIKE every time!!

Don't forget we offer a 10% discount on 1 hour of bowling to visitors who show their hotel or B&B card/keycard/key

BUNDLES

Kilkenny Cycling Tours offers you the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites around Kilkenny including Kilkenny Castle, The Kilkenny Design Centre, Shee Alms House, The Tholsel, St. Mary’s Church, Rothe House & Gardens, The Courthouse (Grace’s Castle), St. Francis’ Abbey, The Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral.

Experience Irish hospitality while having an enjoyable easy-paced cycling around the medieval capital of Ireland with photo opportunities and historical information provided at each destination.

The National Reptile Zoo is Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo! They give you the unique opportunity to come face to face with some of the world’s most amazing animals – including giant pythons, monitor lizards, snapping turtles, tortoise, alligators, tarantulas and more!

They pride themselves on providing a hands-on, interactive experience for every visitor through their hourly Animal Encounters, it’s an experience not to be missed!

ADMISSION

Adult (18+): €15
Child (4-17): €12.50
Student/OAP: €13.50
Family of 3: €40.00
Additional Persons (to a maximum of 8): €4

Available for Exclusive Hire

-Café Capacity : 40 pax

-Indoor Event Space: Can vary as there is standing space

-Outdoor Event Space:  4 picnic benches on the front lawn of the zoo

-Minimum Group Capacity: 10 pax

Welcome to Nore Valley Park Pet Farm!

Embark on a delightful adventure at our pet farm nestled by the picturesque Nore river. Whether you're yearning for a nostalgic trip to the past or seeking a fresh adventure, our farm promises fun-filled memories for all ages!

Step into our enchanting world as you meet our friendly animals. From playful lambs to adorable baby bunnies, there's no shortage of furry friends to cuddle and adore. Have a hands-on experience like no other as you bottle-feed our adorable lambs or goat kids, or marvel at the sight of newly-hatched chicks. It's a heart-warming activity the whole family will
cherish!

Ready for some excitement? Hop aboard our pedal go-karts or tractor and trailer ride for an exhilarating spin around the farm. Challenge your friends to a round of crazy golf or engage in a thrilling game of giant chess. The possibilities for fun are endless! Let the little ones unleash their energy in our outdoor playground, indoor sandpit or wander through our scenic 3km river walk and nature trail. Don't forget to pack a picnic and unwind in our inviting picnic area.

When it's time to recharge, swing by our shop for a well-deserved break. Treat yourself to a cup of tea or coffee paired with delicious home-baked goods, hot food and snacks, the perfect ending to a perfect day on the farm. So why wait? Come join us at Nore Valley Park Pet Farm and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. There's never been a better time to experience the magic of farm life!

The Playstation offers a fun, spacious, safe and clean children's entertainment play centre in Kilkenny. We have facilities for toddlers and children off all ages. Come and join us for plenty of fun - & coffee and treats for the adults!

From life drawing to action-packed paintballing on canvas, Art it offers something to suit everyone. Children can join art and craft classes on weekends, art camps in summer, and they can take advantage of the popular “drop in “ service where parents can leave children in a safe, creative environment to get crafty for an hour or two, painting, decorating and decopatching paper macce' pieces, glassware, pottery, T-Shirts and jewellery, while parents tour Kilkenny or shop.

Art It is for all ages, so parents can have great fun here too spending family time together!

Castlecomer Discovery Park offers an exciting range of activities around the estate including tree top walks, climbing walls, boating, adventure playgrounds, orienteering and most recently Ireland’s longest zip wire and high ropes challenge. At the hub of the site, there is the Irish Mining Museum, a purpose-built cafe, craft village, and spaces for educational activities.

Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 80 acres of natural woodland and lakes. It opened to the public in 2007 to commemorate the coal-mining heritage following the closure of the local mines in 1969. It aims to develop rural tourism, generate local employment and regenerate the town.

Purchase an annual car parking pass to make the most of their walking trails and see the area in all its beauty throughout the seasons!

New for 2025!

Operation Minefall
Uncover a buried secret. Solve the mystery. Save the future. Step into the shadows of Castlecomer’s mining past in this AR-enhanced investigation. As a W.I.S.E. agent, you’ll solve riddles and uncover buried clues. Using an iPad as your guide, navigate through the museum’s rooms and piece together a long-lost antidote. Stopping a mind-controlling element once mined in Castlecomer from falling into the wrong hands. Time is running out—can you uncover the truth?

Ages 10+ (younger with adult assistance)
Interactive puzzles and hands-on discovery
Think fast, work together and rewrite history!
Will you dig up the truth… or be left in the dark? 

Junior Play Area Pass
You can now purchase a Junior Play Area Pass for €48. This pass includes 4 sessions with, your 5 th session free, on our Junior Woodland Adventure course and Bouncing Nets. Perfect for frequent visitors.