The Twelve is the ideal spot for a family getaway this summer, with a beautiful setting in Barna village, we welcome 4 legged friends in our Dog Friendly hotel- they get their own menus and tend to LOVE the nearby beach! We have come up with a list of some great entertainment for families this summer all within close proximity to us.
Top 12 Child-Friendly Attractions in Barna, Galway & Connemara
(Including budget-friendly and free options)
Barna Woods & Cappagh Park (Free) – Barna/Galway (approx 2 Minute Drive)
Great For: Forest walks, fairy trails, bike rides, picnics
Wander ancient woodland trails just outside Barna. Kids love the winding paths, bridges, and wildlife, plus there’s a great playground and football area nearby in Cappagh Park. Entry is free
Salthill Prom & Blackrock Diving Tower (Free) – Galway City (approx 5 Minute Drive)
Great For: Scooting, sea breezes, and brave jumps
Walk or scoot along the famous prom, throw stones into the sea, and watch (or join!) the thrill-seekers jumping off Blackrock Diving Tower into Galway Bay. Safe, sociable, and always a laugh. Entry is Free
Wild Atlantic Way Beaches (Free) – Dogs Bay, Silverstrand, Coral Strand (approx 2 Minute Drive)
Great For: Sandcastle building, shell hunting, swimming
Beaches like Dogs Bay (Roundstone) and #4 ranked beach in Ireland Silverstrand (very close to us) are safe and shallow for kids. Coral Strand in Carraroe is a rare coral beach and perfect for a coastal treasure hunt. Entry is Free
Brigit’s Garden – Roscahill, Galway (approx 15 Minute Drive)
Great For: Celtic myths, nature trails, fairy forts
An enchanting nature park where kids can explore willow tunnels, climb fairy towers, and learn about Celtic festivals. There's a natural playground, storytelling events, and peaceful gardens. Also home to Irelands Largest Sundial! Kids will love exploring these gardens and Crannogs and the gift shop and coffee shop are a huge hit too!
Entry from just €7. (discounts available for our guests)
Glengowla Mines & Family Farm – Oughterard (approx 25 Minute Drive)
Great For: Underground tours, sheepdog shows, gold panning
Tour a real 19th-century silver mine, then meet farm animals, see sheepdogs in action, and even pan for gold. Hands-on and educational without feeling like a classroom.
The Aquarium (Atlantaquaria) – Salthill (approx 5 Minute Drive)
Great For: Touch tanks, native sea life, rainy days
Ireland’s largest native species aquarium with touch pools, feeding sessions, and ocean exhibits. Interactive and compact enough for little legs — perfect for a wet-weather option. Family Pass approx €45, Check the site
Connemara National Park (Free) – Letterfrack (approx 1 Hour Drive)
Great For: Bug hunts, gentle walks, outdoor picnics
Start at the visitor centre, then explore the bog boardwalks, wildlife trails, and mini playground. A family-friendly hike to Diamond Hill is doable with kids as there are 3 levels! Entry is Free
Killary Sheep Farm – Leenane (approx 1 Hour Drive)
🐑 Great For: Sheepdog demos, bottle-feeding lambs, turf-cutting
Kids love watching collies herd sheep on steep hills, feeding baby animals, and learning about traditional farming life — even trying their hand at turf cutting! Family Entry from €40
Turoe Pet Farm & Inflatable City – Loughrea, East Galway (approx 40 Minute Drive)
Great For: Petting zoos, indoor play, slides galore
A classic Irish day out — pet lambs, goats, and rabbits, and bounce wild in the indoor inflatable city (Europes Biggest giant bouncy castles) Ball Pits, Soft Play and covered Playgrounds. Hours of fun Guaranteed. Great all-weather choice. Family Entry approx €47
Kite-Surfing & Wind Watching with “Paddy in the Elements” (Free to Watch) – Rusheen Bay, Barna ( approx 2 Minute Drive)
Great For: Watching daredevils, flying kites, feeling the wind
While younger kids might not kite-surf, watching Paddy and the crew surf the skies is thrilling. Bring your own kite and join the action from dry land at Rusheen Bay — loads of open space to run and play. Free to watch, contact for pricing
Wildlands Adventure Park – Moycullen (approx 10 Minute Drive)
A premier adventure destination offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Highlights include the Zip 'n' Trek aerial courses, Celtic Challenge Rooms (think Crystal Maze with an Irish twist), Baile Beag miniature play village, climbing walls, archery, and forest trails and a new Net Adventure (think giant trampolines in teh sky! Soft play for smallies too. Activities all priced Separately and must be booked in advance, Check site,
Loughwell Farm Park – Moycullen (10-15 Minute Drive)
A delightful farm experience where children can interact with animals like ponies, pigs, goats, and alpacas. The park features extensive indoor and outdoor play areas, including bouncy castles, obstacle courses, sandpits, and a straw bale maze. It's an ideal spot for a full day of fun, regardless of the weather. Check Site for prices
Westside Community Arts Festival- Westside (10 Minute Drive)
The Westside Arts Festival 2025 will run from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th July, offering a vibrant programme of free creative events and activities for all ages. This year’s theme, ‘Seeking diamonds in the sky,’ invites joyful curiosity and reflection on both beauty and resilience. Inspired by lullabies, pop culture, and science, it explores carbon’s dual role in climate and creativity. The festival will highlight community responses to environmental challenges through art, discussion, and imagination. With the final Programme of Events nearly complete, Westside is set to shine once again—celebrating strength, connection, and hope in a changing world All Events Free
Leisureland-Salthill (5 Minute Drive)
An Iconic public swimming pool in Salthill, Leisureland has fun for the water lovers! At certain times of the day they have a large inflatable obstacle course for the thrill seeking kids! There's a shallow baby pool and don't forget the water slide! Outside there are amusements depending on the time of year, if there are thrills to be sought! Family Pass from €26