Things to do with kids in County Laois
Laois is a quiet county that rewards families who like space: the Slieve Bloom mountains, the Rock of Dunamase's free-to-climb ruins and Emo Court's parkland — low-cost days with room to breathe.
Ideas here work for families in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix.
Popular with families in County Laois: Rock of Dunamase, Emo Court and parklands, Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole).
Toddlers & preschoolers (2–4) in County Laois
Short, sensory and close to a toilet and a snack. Buggy access matters more than distance.
Rock of Dunamase
OutdoorsFreeFree ruined castle on a rocky hill with wide views — children of every age love scrambling over real ruins (supervise little ones on the slopes).
Emo Court and parklands
OutdoorsFreeFree lakeside parkland around a grand house — flat walks, ancient trees and plenty of picnic spots.
Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole)
OutdoorsFreeWaymarked forest and river loops from short buggy-friendly stretches to proper hill walks for teens.
Portlaoise town and leisure facilities
IndoorsThe county town covers the indoor basics — swimming, library and cafés for a rainy day.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Young children (5–7) in County Laois
Big enough for playgrounds and trails, still happiest with a clear task and a bit of story.
Rock of Dunamase
OutdoorsFreeFree ruined castle on a rocky hill with wide views — children of every age love scrambling over real ruins (supervise little ones on the slopes).
Emo Court and parklands
OutdoorsFreeFree lakeside parkland around a grand house — flat walks, ancient trees and plenty of picnic spots.
Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole)
OutdoorsFreeWaymarked forest and river loops from short buggy-friendly stretches to proper hill walks for teens.
Portlaoise town and leisure facilities
IndoorsThe county town covers the indoor basics — swimming, library and cafés for a rainy day.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Older children (8–11) in County Laois
Ready to lead the map, take on a challenge and be given real responsibility.
Rock of Dunamase
OutdoorsFreeFree ruined castle on a rocky hill with wide views — children of every age love scrambling over real ruins (supervise little ones on the slopes).
Emo Court and parklands
OutdoorsFreeFree lakeside parkland around a grand house — flat walks, ancient trees and plenty of picnic spots.
Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole)
OutdoorsFreeWaymarked forest and river loops from short buggy-friendly stretches to proper hill walks for teens.
Portlaoise town and leisure facilities
IndoorsThe county town covers the indoor basics — swimming, library and cafés for a rainy day.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Teens (12–15) in County Laois
Give them a role that isn't babysitting — photography, navigation, or a proper physical challenge.
Rock of Dunamase
OutdoorsFreeFree ruined castle on a rocky hill with wide views — children of every age love scrambling over real ruins (supervise little ones on the slopes).
Emo Court and parklands
OutdoorsFreeFree lakeside parkland around a grand house — flat walks, ancient trees and plenty of picnic spots.
Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole)
OutdoorsFreeWaymarked forest and river loops from short buggy-friendly stretches to proper hill walks for teens.
Portlaoise town and leisure facilities
IndoorsThe county town covers the indoor basics — swimming, library and cafés for a rainy day.
Activity ideas that work for this age here
- Pizza production line — Everyone gets a station — dough squashing, sauce spreading, topping design — and dinner sorted at the end.
- Cardboard city — Build a whole town from boxes — towers, roads, a river of blue paper.
- Garden obstacle course — Cushions, hoops and a stopwatch — the classic that works for every age at once.
Free things to do in County Laois
- Rock of Dunamase — Free ruined castle on a rocky hill with wide views — children of every age love scrambling over real ruins (supervise little ones on the slopes).
- Emo Court and parklands — Free lakeside parkland around a grand house — flat walks, ancient trees and plenty of picnic spots.
- Slieve Bloom trails (Glenbarrow or Clamhole) — Waymarked forest and river loops from short buggy-friendly stretches to proper hill walks for teens.
Rainy day in County Laois?
Head into Portlaoise for a swim or soft play; the ruins and forests are very exposed in wet weather.
Getting there
Portlaoise is on the Dublin–Cork rail line and just off the M7; the Rock of Dunamase and Slieve Bloom trailheads have free parking.
Nearby areas
Planning for two very different ages?
Tell the matcher your children's ages and it finds activities where each one has a real job — plus check the partner directory for family discounts near County Laois, and the party planning FAQ if there's a birthday coming.
Find activities for your ages