When I was a kid, I spent most of my time outside. Climbing trees, jumping over puddles, and making up adventures with my friends was just part of everyday life.
Now, as an adult, I still love that feeling of excitement and fresh air—and adventure centres are the perfect way to find it again.
Ireland is full of amazing spots where we can climb, run, jump, and explore just like when we were little. In this article, I’ll share 10 Adventure Centres in Ireland that bring back that childhood joy (with a bit more safety gear this time!). Let’s go have some fun!
1. Fota Adventure
Media Credit: fotaislandadventure
Website: http://fotaadventure.com/
Address: Foaty, Fota Island, Co. Cork, T45 HX62
Contact Details: +353 21 465 2004
Price Range: Packages start at €75
Fota Adventure is a great place to let loose and have fun outdoors. It’s set in the beautiful Fota Island Resort in Cork, and it covers 22 acres of forest.
The centre is full of exciting things to do for families, birthday groups, teams, and anyone who loves a bit of adventure!
It’s all about being outside and trying something new. There are obstacle courses, archery, axe throwing, and a fun puzzle room called Cabin Fever. Everything is led by friendly instructors who keep things safe, fun, and full of laughs.
This place is especially popular for kids’ birthday parties, especially for ages 6 to 10. The obstacle courses and games are just the right mix of fun and challenge—even when it rains! In fact, the rain makes it even better!
Pro Tip:
Summer camps at Fota Adventure are incredibly popular and tend to fill up quickly—especially during peak weeks. If your kids want tob go (or go again), it’s best to book early so you don’t miss out.
2. Squirrel’s Scramble
Media Credit: squirrelsscramble
Website: https://www.squirrelsscramble.ie/
Address: Squirrel’s Scramble,, Killruddery,, Southern Cross Road,, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Contact Details: +353 85 264 3670
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
If you’re looking for outdoor fun that gets your heart pumping, Squirrel’s Scramble in Bray, County Wicklow is a great place to go. Set in the lovely woods of the Killruddery Estate, this tree-top adventure park lets you clip into a harness and climb up into the trees really high!
There are over 50 obstacles and more than 20 zip lines, so there’s no shortage of ways to swing, climb, and wobble your way through the trees. The course is split into six levels, starting easy and getting harder as you go—perfect for kids, grown-ups, and anyone pretending not to be scared of heights.
Families will love coming here! Birthday parties, school trips, summer camps, and even stag or hen groups can have a great time in the trees. Work groups can come too, and there’s even an option to add archery to make it a full day of outdoor fun.
Pro Tip:
Use the toilet before you put on your gear—especially for kids. The toilets are at the café nearby, and if someone needs to go during the course, they’ll have to take off their harness. It’s much easier to go first so you don’t have to stop the fun.
3. Derg Isle Adventure Centre
Media Credit: dergisle
Website: https://dergisle.com/
Address: R352, Carrowmore, Scarriff, Co. Clare, V94 V8C2
Contact Details: +353 87 125 4365
For those who want a fun day outside in East Clare, Derg Isle Adventure Centre is a great place to visit. It’s right by the water, where the Scariff River meets Lough Derg, and there’s lots to do on land and on the lake.
There’s kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and there’s even an option to rent a boat to explore the lake. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to enjoy the quiet water and views.
For those who like land activities, there’s a climbing wall, archery, and a fun obstacle course like the one on Ireland’s Fittest Family.
The instructors are really friendly and helpful, and they make sure everyone feels safe and has a good time. It’s a great spot for families, school trips, sports teams, or work groups. They even have birthday party packages and summer camps!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and extra shoes. The water activities can get you wet, and the obstacle course might be muddy, especially if it’s been raining!
4. Killary Adventure Company
Media Credit: killaryadventurecompany
Website: https://killaryadventure.com/
Address: Killary Adventure Co, Derrynacleigh, Leenaun, Co. Galway, H91 PY61
Contact Details: +353 95 43411
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
If you’re looking for adventure in Connemara, Killary Adventure Company is the place to be. Located in Leenane, County Galway, this adventure center has lots of outdoor activities, all with amazing views of Killary Harbour fjord.
One of the best things about this place is the fun activities. For those who enjoy being on the water, there’s kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the fjord. For something more exciting, the high ropes and ziplining give an adrenaline rush!
Families and groups can have fun on the giant paddle boards or work together in the Turf Challenge, a fun obstacle course.
Besides the activities, the views are amazing, and the friendly staff are always ready to share their knowledge. And if you just want to relax, the peaceful surroundings are perfect for unwinding!
Pro Tip:
Check out the accommodations at Killary! The rooms are clean but basic, more like a hostel than a hotel. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, so bring your own toiletries if you can!
5. Alive Outside Adventure Centre
Media Credit: aliveoutside_ireland
Website: http://www.aliveoutside.ie/
Address: Garden House, Southern Cross Rd, Kilruddery Demesne West, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 W9F2
Contact Details: +353 1 214 7355
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6:30 PM
If you want a fun day outside with lots of running, jumping, and mud, Alive Outside in County Wicklow is a great place to go. It’s in the lovely Killruddery Estate, not far from Dublin, and it’s perfect for kids, families, schools, even sports teams!
The most exciting part is the HELL & BACK obstacle course. We got to crawl, climb, and splash through mud. It’s not too hard, but it does make you work!
There are also other fun things to try, like laser tag, teamwork games, and a warrior course with four adventure zones.
Lots of people come here for birthday parties, school trips, and company team outings. Finally, the staff are very nice and help you through everything. They make sure everyone is safe and having a good time!
Pro Tip:
Wear old clothes that can get muddy, and bring a full change of clothes, including shoes. The obstacle course has water, dirt, and lots of fun, so you will get messy. It’s also a good idea to bring a towel, some wipes, and a plastic bag for your dirty clothes.
6. Oysterhaven Activity Centre
Media Credit: oysterhavencentre
Website: https://www.oysterhaven.com/
Address: Oysterhaven, Co. Cork, P17 AX62
Contact Details: +353 21 477 0738
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 8 PM; Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Sunday – Closed
For outdoor fun by the water, Oysterhaven Activity Centre near Kinsale is a brilliant place to spend the day. Set in a beautiful bay on Ireland’s south coast, this family-run centre has been helping people get out on the water since 1981.
Just five miles from Kinsale and not far from Cork Airport, it’s easy to get to—and even easier to enjoy. There’s loads to try here, from kayaking and windsurfing to simply splashing around.
Kids can join summer camps packed with fun activities like beach combing, mud courses, and sailing, while grown-ups can book evening lessons or rent gear for their own adventure.
A favourite is the Jungle Quest course, where we got to paddle out on the water and then take on a land obstacle course—its great for active families!
This place is also great for birthday parties, school groups, and anyone who loves fresh air and water fun. The instructors are friendly and know their stuff, and the vibe is all about having fun while learning something new.
Pro Tip:
There are some basic facilities at the centre, but it’s a good idea to bring your own food. Kids (and adults) are bound to get hungry, so having snacks or a packed lunch makes the day easier and keeps everyone happy and full!
7. Dunmore Adventure
Media Credit: dunmoreadventure
Website: https://www.dunmoreadventure.com/
Address: The Harbour, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
Contact Details: +353 51 383 783
Operating Hours: Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM; Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Located in the village of Dunmore East, Dunmore East Adventure Centre is a great place to spend a day outdoors! This adventure centre has been welcoming visitors for over 30 years, and it’s easy to see why.
The centre is right by the water and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. The biggest highlight is the Wibit Wipeout, Ireland’s largest inflatable aquapark. It’s full of water slides and obstacle courses and when it comes to wiping people out, it doesn’t disappoint!
For those into water sports, there’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing. There are also fun land activities like rock climbing, archery, and caving. For something more relaxing, try the Sea Safari—a boat tour that takes you along the coastline while you spot birds and enjoy the views.
When you’re done with all the fun, you can grab a coffee and a snack at the Splash Café, which overlooks the sea. The centre also has a shop where you can pick up watersports gear or even some souvenirs to remember your visit.
Pro Tip:
Don’t let the weather stop you! Many activities continue rain or shine, and the centre is well-prepared with covered areas, indoor café seating, and roomy changing facilities—so you can stay comfortable and enjoy the day, whatever the weather.
8. Zipit Forest Adventures
Media Credit: zipitdublin
Website: http://www.zipit.ie/
Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16
Contact Details: +353 51 858 008
Operating Hours: Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Thursday – 3 to 5:30 PM; Monday to Wednesday – Closed
If you want to get away from your busy day and try something exciting, Zipit Forest Adventures is a great choice. This fun treetop park has three beautiful locations in Ireland—Tibradden Wood in Dublin, Lough Key in Roscommon, and Farran Park in Cork!
The Zipit experience tases you up into the trees. There are high ropes and ziplines set between the trees, with color-coded courses for different levels. Some parts are easy, while others are more difficult.
You might climb a rope ladder, walk on a shaky bridge, or glide through the air on a zipline. Sounds complicated, but it’s really not–people aged 7 and up can do the courses!
Safety felt very clear here too. We got helmets, harnesses, and full instructions before heading up. The staff were friendly and knew exactly what they were doing. It was good to know we were in safe hands!
Pro Tip:
Gloves are a good idea because they protect your hands while climbing ropes and using the zip lins. You can bring your own from home, or if you forget, you can easily rent a pair at the check-in desk for a couple of euros.
9. Shannon River Adventure
Media Credit: shannonriveradventure
Website: https://www.shannonriveradventure.com/
Address: Shannon River Adventure, Drumman More, Roosky, Co. Roscommon, N41 X902
Contact Details: +353 71 963 8300
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
For those who want a fun day outside with fresh air, water, and lots of laughs, Shannon River Adventure in Rooskey, County Roscommon is a great place to go. It’s right beside Lough Bofin on the River Shannon, and it’s full of fun things to do for kids, teens, and adults!
Adrenaline junkies can jump off the pier. Those who want to be one with nature will enjoy going down the mudslide or paddling a kayak on the water. There’s also a climbing wall, some archery, and even treasure hunts!
This place is perfect for school trips, summer camps, or days out with friends. For families, it’s a great option for a daytrip, or an overnight stay in cool tents near the water.
The staff are kind and helpful, and everything’s made to be safe and fun. The best part? No phones at camp! That means everyone can enjoy nature and take a real break from screens.
Pro Tip:
After all the fun, stop by the café for a warm drink, snack, or ice cream. It’s a great place for parents to take a break while the kids keep having fun, or to warm up after being in the cold water.
10. Ballyhass Mallow
Media Credit: ballyhass_adventures
Website: https://www.ballyhass.ie/
Address: ACTIVITY CENTRE, Ballyhass, Ballyhass Lakes, Co. Cork, P51 N990
Contact Details: +353 22 27773
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Friday, Tuesday – 9 AM to 9 PM
For an unforgettable adventure in Ireland, Ballyhass Adventure Centre is one of the best places to go. It’s located in an old quarry just outside Cecilstown, Mallow and it’s great for ages!
The wakeboarding at the cable park is great, and the zipline over the lake gives an amazing view. But for those who really just want to cool off minus the thrills, the aquapark is a must!
The inflatable obstacle course on the water is also really fun but it will really challenge your balance and strength, so get ready to get wiped out and get some huge laughs out of it.
For those who want to stay dry but still enjoy a challenge, high ropes or rock climbing is a great option. And if you’re with friends or family, enjoy a game of axe throwing!
Pro Tip:
Before you try any activity—especially water ones like wakeboarding or the aquapark—make sure to listen carefully to the staff! Follow their directions, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure about something.