Have you ever felt a bit intimidated by bowling alleys? I know I have!
Those shiny lanes and heavy balls can be a bit daunting from a distance. But let me tell you, after one awesome night out with friends, bowling quickly became one of my go-to activities for a great time.
How about shaking things up and swapping the typical bar scene for fun, laughter, and friendly competition? I’ve got the lowdown on the ten best bowling alleys in Ireland.
Discover them here and prepare for cosmic bowling, tasty food, and guaranteed good times – even if your bowling skills could use a little practice! Let’s make some memories!
1. Activate Waterford
Website: http://www.activatewaterford.ie/
Address: Williamstown House, Williamstown Rd, Ardkeen, Waterford, Ireland
Contact details: +35351325097
Operating hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Activate Waterford has a state-of-the-art, 6-lane bowling alley featuring interactive touch-screen consoles and various game options for all ages. It also offers a rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, inflatable soccer arena, and soft play area.
Visitors can also unwind at the on-site cafe and pizzeria while their children enjoy the activities. With its diverse options, Activate Waterford caters to all age groups and ensures families a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Pro tip:
While bowling is a highlight, don’t miss out on trying some other activities at Activate Waterford. The rock climbing wall is a great challenge for all ages, and the mini-golf course is perfect for a little friendly competition.
2. Arena 7 Entertainment Complex
Website: http://www.arena7.ie/
Address: 1 – 4, Ballyraine Industrial Estate, 4 Iona Rd, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 VRC8, Ireland
Contact details: +353749128853
Operating hours: 10 AM–11 PM
Arena 7 Entertainment Complex is a versatile family fun center offering a range of entertainment options for all ages. From ten state-of-the-art bowling lanes to a soft play area for children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For those seeking more excitement, Arena 7 features a thrilling Laser Quest arena and a stylish Strikes Bar & Restaurant for adults to unwind. Visitors can grab a quick bite at the on-site fast food diner at the Wood Berry Grill Bar & Restaurant.
Pro tip:
A must-do is definitely to try the Laser Quest arena. It’s a fantastic way to get active, laugh, and create lasting memories with your group.
3. Bowling Buddies
Website: https://bowlingbuddiestralee.com/
Address: Unit 2, Manor East, Mile Height Retail Park, Co. Kerry, V92 TW13, Ireland
Contact details: +353667197007
Operating hours: 1–10 PM
Bowling Buddies is a fun family entertainment center known for its main attraction, ten-pin bowling. The center’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its provision of lane bumpers, lightweight bowling balls for children, and ramps for people with disabilities.
Bowling Buddies also features arcade games, pool tables, and a soft play area for young children. Additionally, visitors can enjoy various food and drinks at the on-site café, making it the perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends.
Pro tip:
Every Friday and Saturday night, Bowling Buddies offers cosmic bowling. The lights are turned down low, and the lanes are lit with black lights.
4. Rock ‘n’ Bowl
Website: http://www.rocknbowl.ie/
Address: Lynn Rd, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
Contact details: +353449333300
Operating hours: 10 AM–9 PM
Rock n’ Bowl is a unique entertainment center with state-of-the-art bowling lanes and a 22,500-square-foot space catering to all ages. The facility features Jungle Joe’s Soft Play area for little ones, a thrilling go-kart track, and an American-style pool table.
Rock n’ Bowl also offers Teddy Mountain, where visitors can design and build their stuffed companions. This commitment to family entertainment sets Rock n’ Bowl apart, offering something for everyone and ensuring a memorable visit for all.
Pro tip:
Embrace your inner child and take a ride on the go-kart track. It’s a guaranteed adrenaline rush, perfect for unleashing your competitive spirit or simply having a blast with friends and family.
5. Bray Bowl Family Entertainment Centre
Website: http://www.braybowl.ie/
Address: Queensborough Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 E6X4, Ireland
Contact details: +35312864455
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Bray Bowl Family Entertainment Centre in County Wicklow offers various activities, including bowling, laser tag, pool, and arcade games. The venue is beside Bray Dart Station and offers free underground parking for visitors.
Bray Bowl provides facilities for birthday parties and corporate gatherings. It hosts special BYOB (Bring Your Beverage) nights every Friday and Saturday for adults over 18, featuring bowling, pool, table tennis, and retro video games.
Pro tip:
For a memorable experience, gather your group and head to Bray Bowl for a BYOB night. Don’t forget to indulge in their mouthwatering pizzas from Lane 13 while battling it out on the bowling lanes or reliving childhood classics in the retro arcade.
6. Leisure Max
Website: https://leisuremax.ie/
Address: Sinnottstown Ln, Sinnottstown, Drinagh, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Contact details: +353539122900
Operating hours: 0 AM–10 PM
Leisure Max offers 12 lanes of ten-pin bowling and a massive indoor adventure playground for kids. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as an adventure tower with zip lines, abseiling, laser tag, and zorbing soccer.
When it’s time to take a break, guests can refuel at the American-style diner, which serves tasty food at reasonable prices. Leisure Max offers various activities and amenities for a fun-filled day for all ages and interests.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their exciting escape rooms! Three different themed challenges are a fantastic way to test your problem-solving skills and work together as a team for a truly memorable experience.
7. GR8 Entertainment
Website: https://www.gr8entertainment.ie/
Address: Moraghy Business Park, Monaghan Rd, Moraghy, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Contact details: +353429749955
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
GR8 Entertainment offers a wide range of entertainment options suitable for all ages. From a 10-pin bowling alley to a 10,000-square-foot soft-play area, they provide diverse activities to entertain everyone for hours.
GR8 Entertainment features golf simulators, arcade games, and video game challenges. They also have a dedicated dining area with special food and drink offers, making it a convenient one-stop destination for fun and refreshments.
Pro tip:
Take some time to explore the different areas, whether you’re mastering a challenging video game, conquering the climbing frame in soft play, or testing your swing on the golf simulator.
8. Leisureplex
Website: http://www.leisureplex.ie/
Address: 1 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, Ireland
Contact details: +353214505155
Operating hours: 12–10 PM
Leisureplex offers a wide range of activities for all ages under one roof. The combination of bowling alleys, Quasar laser games, and kids’ play areas makes it an ideal destination for a fun day or night out.
Leisureplex provides a diverse selection of food and beverages to ensure visitors’ complete and enjoyable experience. While you’re at Leisureplex, be sure to try out their Quasar laser tag game. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to exercise.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on visiting Leisureplex with a group of friends or family, I recommend booking your lane in advance. This will help you avoid waiting for a lane to open up.
9. KBowl Kilkenny
Website: https://kbowlkk.ie/
Address: Unit 51, Macdonagh Shopping Centre, Hebron Rd, Highhays, Kilkenny, R95 Y232, Ireland
Contact details: +353567788200
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
KBowl Kilkenny offers state-of-the-art bowling lanes with comfortable seating and a computerized scoring system. It also features a dedicated play area where young children can safely enjoy themselves while parents enjoy bowling or arcade games.
The KZone arcade provides a modern gaming experience with various classic and contemporary games for all ages and interests, including air hockey, virtual racing, and classic redemption games.
Pro tip:
After conquering the lanes or mastering the arcade, don’t forget to refuel at the on-site cafe. They offer a delicious selection of pizzas, chips, chicken nuggets, and other refreshments to energize you throughout your KBowl adventure.
10. Diamond Bowl
Website: http://www.wicklowbowl.ie/
Address: Dublin Rd, Bollarney North, Wicklow, Ireland
Contact details: +35340462209
Operating hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Diamond Bowl features a state-of-the-art bowling alley, a dedicated “Quasar Laser Tag” arena for thrilling laser battles, and axe-throwing lanes for those seeking a more traditional challenge.
Diamond Bowl also houses “The Range,” a section filled with arcade games, perfect for friendly competitions and winning tickets for prizes. Visitors can unwind at “The Diamond Café,” which serves delicious food and drinks to energize everyone.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss “The Diamond Room.” This private function space is perfect for hosting birthday parties, corporate events, or even a fun night out with a larger group. It features dedicated bowling lanes, comfortable seating, and the option to cater food and drinks.