School Tours

Listings on this page are free of charge. If you offer school tours to groups of primary school aged pupils, please use the form on the Contact Page to let me know and a link to your site will be added to this list.

Seomra Ranga does not maintain any of the web sites provided as links so it assumes no responsibility for their contents, nor does any link constitute an endorsement of any other site, its sponsor or its contents. These links are just suggestions of websites that teachers may wish to visit to complement their classroom teaching. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual teacher or school to determine whether the links provided are suitable for children to visit.

Countrywide

• Just 4 Fun Kids Camp – multi-activity tours in six locations around the country
• Cliste – directory website for school tours all over the country
• Zipit Forest Adventure – school tours available in Roscommon, Dublin, Cork
• Your Days Out – suggestions and ideas for school tours nationwide
• Exploration Dome – get the mobile planetarium to visit your school for shows and films
• NST – Group travel specialists, will make all of the arrangements
• Family Fun – ideas for fun activities and places to visit throughout the country
• School Days – links to school tours from the School Days website
• Day Out – look through the “groups” section for ideas for school tours
• Fun Days – not exactly geared towards school tours, but teachers may get some ideas for school tours here
• School Tours Ireland – searchable database of tours in Ireland
• Bus Éireann – some local tours available, bus hire also available
• Leisureplex – complexes at Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Coolock, Stillorgan and Cork – bowling, Q-Zar, Pompeii Paints among other activities
• Let’s Go – Activity school tours in centres throughout the country

International

• Saffron Travel

Antrim

• Ulster Museum, Belfast
• Sentry Hill, Newtownabbey – take a tour round the 19th century farmhouse
• Belfast Zoo
• Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn – leisure swimming pool and water rides
• W5 Interactive Discovery Centre, Odyssey, Belfast – recognised Discover Primary Science Centre
• Giants Causeway Visitor Centre, Bushmills

Armagh

• Armagh County Museum

Cavan

• Cavan Museum, Ballyjamesduff – guided tours available

Clare

• Clare Paintball – packages available for senior pupils
• Ballymorris Pottery – hands-on pottery making and tour
• Doolin 2 Aran Ferries – take a ferry trip to the Aran Islands or on a cruise around the Cliffs of Moher
• Fishing for Kids – introduce pupils to fishing on a day course in Ballina, Killaloe
• Imeco Farm – renewable energy workshops and tours
• The Michael Cusack Centre– school tours to honour the founder of the GAA
• Nevsail Water Sports, Kilkee Beach – choose from a wide range of water sports eg. kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing etc.
• The Burren Centre, Kilfenora – experience “A Walk Through Time”, the multi-dimensional exhibition detailing the story of the Burren
• Irish Seed Savers, Capparoe, Scariff – registered Discover Primary Science Centre, Eco-Tour for primary schools with links to SESE and SPHE curricula
• Discover Dolphins, Kilrush – 2 hour boat trip on the Shannon Estuary dolphin watching
• Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare – explore the caves, potholes, underground lakes and streams beneath the surface of the Burren
• Glór Music Centre, Ennis
• Clare Museum, Ennis – featuring The Riches of Clare – guided tours for school groups available

Cork

• Sam Maguire School Tour – choose different attractions to visit
• West Cork Secret – activity tour packages available
• Blackrock Castle Observatory – an accredited Discover Centre for the Discover Primary Science and Maths programme
• Cork City Gaol – this is open all year round for school tours combined with the Radio Museum Experience
• Lifetime Lab – based at the old Cork Waterworks, this offers a Discover Primary Science tour or a one hour school tour
• Bantry House – Historic Queen Anne house overlooking Bantry Bay and the Italianate gardens
• Trabolgan Holiday Village, Midleton – lots of activities to choose from for a day visit
• Kartworld Adventure Centre, Watergrasshill – karting, archery, laser clays and other activities
• Cobh, The Queenstown Story – multimedia exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh
• Russagh Mill Adventure Centre, Skibbereen – residential and day trips for schools available
• The Dinocafe, Castletownroche, Mallow – dinosaur exhibition
• Blarney Castle, Co. Cork – home of the Blarney Stone
• Millstreet Country Park – Millstreet, Co. Cork (approved centre for Discover Primary Science Programme)
• Fota Wildlife Park
• Cork Pops Orchestra

Donegal

• Lifford Courthouse – experience 19th century prison life during this tour
• Inishowen Maritime Museum – featuring maritime exhibits and a planetarium. Group rates available
• Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Letterkenny – residential and day courses available

Down

• Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Hollywood – experience life in Ulster in the early 20th century
• Exploris, The Northern Ireland Aquarium, Portaferry – guided tour of aquarium and seal sanctuary
• Blue Lough Adventure Centre, Castlewellan – outdoor sports and adventure activities

Dublin

• Astropark – school tours available in Tallaght and Coolock
• 1916 Freedom Tour – visit the key locations of the Rising in a military truck
• The Little Museum of Dublin – free “I Love Dublin” classes daily for pupils
• Footie – based in Tallaght, this combines soccer with golf!
• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum – school tours linked to the curriculum available
• The National Wax Museum Plus – school tours and teacher goes free with every group
• Butlers Chocolate Experience: tour the chocolate factory to see how chocolates are made
• Rediscovery Centre – accredited discovery centre for Discover Primary Science and Maths
• Go Kids Go – activity centre based in Blanchardstown near the M50
• Xtreme Adventure Centre – Balbriggan-based centre for an activity-based tour
• Wooly Ward’s Farm – Mobile Animal Theatre and Farm: visit the farm or have the farm visit you
• The Irish House Party Music Educational Workshop – interactive Irish music workshop linked to curriculum objectives, based in Merchants’ Arch
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral – book a free tour of the Cathedral and download classroom resources
• National Print Museum – based in Haddington Road, Dublin 4, educational tours designed specifically for primary schools for just €2 per pupil
• Hugh Lane Gallery– €25 for a school tour is good value. Sketching tours and workshops also available
• Dublinia – explore the world of the Vikings and medieval Dublin
• Airfield House and Farm – based in Dundrum, this is an approved Discover Primary Science Centre
• Viking Splash – take a tour of Dublin by land and water in the amphibious “Duks”.
• Croke Park Stadium – GAA Museum and stadium tour
• Fort Lucan – outdoor adventure centre
• Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital, Kilmainham – specialised tour an/or gallery talk available for primary schools
• National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin – special tours and talks for primary schools available
• Dublin Castle – guided tours available
• Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park – school tours available by arrangement on Thursdays and Fridays from mid March to December
• Dublin Writers’ Museum, Parnell Square – guided tours available
• National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown – indoor pool and water park with many slides and water adventures
• The Chocolate Warehouse, Walkinstown – two hour workshop showing where chocolate comes from, which includes making your own chocolate to take home
• Kylemore Indoor Karting
• Skerries Watermill and Windmills
• Newbridge House and Traditional Farm
• Malahide Castle – 12th century home of the Talbot family, also home of the Fry Model Railway collection
• Irish City Tours – sightseeing tours of Dublin, Wicklow and Galway that can be tailor-made to suit schools
• Liffey Voyage – Sight-seeing cruises on Dublin’s River Liffey
• Number 29 – Dublin Georgian House Museum, school tours available
• Dublin Zoo
• Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of Ireland
• The Ark – Cultural Centre for Children

Fermanagh

• Lough Melvin Holiday Centre, Garrison – residential and day activity centre

Galway

• Burren Nature Sanctuary – school tours available
• Slieve Aughty Centre – horse-riding, farm, nature hunt etc.
• Corrib Princess – guided cruises and tours of River Corrib
• Pure Skill – sample 10 different sports in an indoor arena during a school tour
• Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park, Loughrea – nature trail around the farm, indoor and outdoor play areas
• Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland, Salthill – activities from a guided tour to “Be a Marine Scientist for a Day” available
• Glengowla Mines, Oughterard – guided tours of the silver and lead mines available
• City Limits Entertainment Centre – special packages available, choose from activities such as bowling, climbing wall, go-karting etc.
• Hip Kidz, Briarhill – sports and activity centre
• Leisureland, Salthill – swimming pool with waterslide and outdoor amusement park
• Dartfield Horse Museum, Kilreekil, Loughrea – specific programmes for primary schools
• Athenry Heritage Centre – interactive exhibits and audio-visual presentations on a medieval theme
• Brigit’s Garden, Roscahill, Co. Galway – specific programmes geared towards covering certain strands in the SESE curriculum
• Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Co. Galway – restored castle from the 16th century
• Killary Cruises – Sight-seeing cruises on Killary Fjord, Connemara, Galway
• Baboró – International Arts Festival for Children, Galway
• Delphi Adventure Centre – outdoor sports centre

Kerry

• Gortbrack Organic Farm – farm tour, nature trail, treasure hunt etc. for school groups
• Muckross House – period house, gardens and traditional farm
• Toby World – indoor entertainment centre which also caters for school tours
• Seafari Cruises, Kenmare – cruises specifically for primary schools available
• Dingle Oceanworld, Dingle – guided tour of the aquarium available
• Crag Cave, Castleisland, Co. Kerry – guided tour of the cave and there’s also an indoor adventure centre for children
• Aqua Dome, Tralee, Co. Kerry – one of Ireland’s largest indoor water parks
• The Skellig Experience, Valentia Island – exhibition area and tour

Kildare

• Base Entertainment Centre Celbridge – bowling, soft play and other activities
• Lullymore Heritage Park – guided educational tours as well as Discover Primary Science tours available
• Steam Museum and Walled Garden, Lodge Park, Straffan, Co. Kildare
• Irish National Stud – Tully, Kildare (approved centre for Discover Primary Science Programme)

Kilkenny

• Nore Valley Park – pet farm
• Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny – A registered Discover Science Centre under the Discover Primary Science Programme – also includes “Footprints in Coal” an interactive multimedia exhibition

Laois

• Roll ‘n Bowl, Portlaoise – bowling, ice-skating, play centre

Leitrim

• Carrick Cineplex – offers private screenings for school groups all year round, by prior arrangement
• The Organic Centre, Rossinver
• Swan Island, Corrawellen – animal farm and activities
• Lough Allen Education Centre, Drumshanbo – outdoor activity centre

Limerick

• Ballymorris Pottery – hands on pottery making and tour
• Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre – four sample tours specifically for primary school offered
• The Georgian House and Garden, Pery Square – fully restored Georgian building and garden includes the Carrol Collection of family heirlooms and military memorabilia
• Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Co. Limerick – tells the story of pre-Celtic settlers who farmed and lived in the area
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, King John’s Castle, Craggaunowen, Co. Limerick – special events for primary school children
• The Hunt Museum, Limerick – has specially devised tours, activities and workshops geared towards primary school children

Louth

• Dundalk Museum – guided tours of the permanent exhibition available
• Carlingford Adventure Centre – water sports and outdoor activities

Mayo

• Graune Pet Farm and Play Centre – based in Ballyhaunis, school tours are offered
• Commons Clay Cafe – a chance for pupils to make some pottery
• Horizon Adventure and Education Centre, Westport – residential activity centre
• Tumble Jungle, Ballina – jungle-themed playcentre
• Westport House and Country Park, Co. Mayo – house, animal and bird park and children’s playground among the attractions
• National Museum of Ireland – Museum of Country Life, Castlebar
• Mayo Leisure Point, Castlebar – bowling, quasar and Nokeys

Meath

• Puddenhill Activity Centre, Garristown, Ashbourne – activities include karting, children’s play centre and animal farm

Monaghan

• Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre, Rockcorry – water sports and outdoor activities

Offaly

• Ballindoolin House and Gardens, Edenderry, Co. Offaly – guided Nature Tours and Heritage Tours for primary school pupils
• Birr Castle Demesne, Co. Offaly – Discover Primary Science Tour

Roscommon

• Lough Key Boats – boat trips for school groups along Lough Key
• Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Boyle – Canopy Walkway, Moylurg Tower, Sunken Garden, Boda Burg and Adventure Playground among the attractions. Group rates available
• Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk – specific guided tours for primary schools focusing on our Celtic past
• Arigna Mining Experience – tour about the history of the coal mines and explores energy themes – past, present and future
• King House Interpretive Galleries and Museum, Boyle
• Strokestown House – 18th century house, gardens and famine museum

Sligo

• Eagles Flying, Irish Raptor Research Centre, Ballymote – free-flying demonstrations of birds of prey
• Waterpoint Aqua Leisure Centre, Enniscrone – swimming pool and slide, playground and astro turf pitch
• Lissadell Estate – house and gardens
• Gillighan’s World, Knocknashee
• Sligo Folk Park
• The Model – Arts Centre and home of the Niland collection

Tyrone

• Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh – experience the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th century
• Todds Leap, Ballygawley – outdoor adventure centre

Waterford

• Splashworld – swimming pool
• Lismore Castle, Gardens and Art Gallery, Co. Waterford – tours available between April and September

Westmeath

• Kingdom of Sports – school sports tour combined with other activities available
• Tullynally House and Gardens, Castlepollard
• Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Mullingar
• Glendeer Pet Farm, Athlone

Wexford

• Bricks 4 Kidz – Lego-based play activities
• Duncannon Fort – museum, gallery and historic tour
• Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford – 9000 years of Irish History, primary school tours available
• Newtownbarry House, Gardens and Gallery, Bunclody, Co. Wexford
• Dunbrody, Ireland’s Historic Emigrant Ship, Co. Wexford – interactive exhibition and tour re-enacts life on the original Dunbrody that carried emigrants to the US and Canada between 1845 and 1870
• Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford – guided tours available from March to October

Wicklow

• CP Adventures – water and land based adventure tours, based in Blessington and Dublin
• Hidden Valley Holiday Park – half day or full day tours featuring outdoor pursuits
• Greenan Farm Museum and Maze – based in Rathdrum, age-specific tours available for schools, with tours that can be arranged to last from 2½ to 4 hours
• Avon Rí Activity Centre – school tours available Monday – Thursday
• The Adventure Agency – active adventure tours with activities including rock climbing, abseiling, hill walking and a mountain challenge
• Zoom Adventure Play – indoor adventure, play and party centre
• Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, Wicklow Town – experience prison life in the 18th century, primary school tours available
• National Sea Life, Bray, Co. Wicklow – experience marine and fresh water creatures up close, includes Ireland’s largest collection of sharks
• Kippure Education and Adventure Centre – as well as adventure activities also provides Eco-Adventure days