Family Fun

Ireland’s Ancient East

Explore Ireland’s Ancient East during your stay in The Killeshin Hotel. With the Rock of Dunamaise, Emo Court and Lullymore Heritage Park all within easy driving distance, The Killeshin Hotel provides the perfect base for your Ancient East adventures!

https://www.thekilleshin.com/irelandsancienteast/ 

Peoples Park, Portlaoise

There are a number of recreational parks in the town of Portlaoise; the people’s park on the Timahoe Road is without question the best. Easily accessible from the hotel the park has a car park at the entrance and is surrounded by an idyllic stream and bridges. Bring a picnic and relax at the outdoor eating area, feed the ducks and swans in the large pond, partake in some light exercise in the outdoor gym, follow the fairy trail through the woods and try and find all their little houses and let the kids burn off some energy at the play area with swings, zip line, slides see saw, roundabouts and sand pit

Distance: 5km

Roll’n’Bowl, Portlaoise

Located in Portlaoise town, entertain the young ones with a range of activities all under 1 roof. With 3 soft play areas, arcade area, bowling, build a bear centre, crazy golf, and indoor roller skating and snack area

Distance: 4km

http://www.bowlingireland.com/

Lullymore Heritage Park

Multi award winning park on 60 acres of parkland with lots to do for kids of all ages.

Distance: 50km from hotel

http://www.lullymoreheritagepark.com

Castlecomber Discovery Park

Exciting range of recreational, team-building and educational activities. Ireland’s longest over-water zipline and new Advanced High Ropes Course opened April 2016 adding to the existing Tree-Top Adventure Walk, Boating, Elf & Fairy Village and more. A whole day of fantastic activities to be experienced for visitors of all ages so come see for yourself!

Distance: 30km

http://www.discoverypark.ie

Lough Boora Discovery Park

For centuries Lough Boora has given humans shelter, warmth and a unique contact with the forces of the natural world. History, ancient and modern, is around you and under your feet when you visit Lough Boora.

http://www.loughboora.com/

Distance : 52km

Barrow Way Bike Hire

With Barrow Way Bike Hire you can explore the beautiful hidden gems of the Midlands at at leisurely pace on our quality hybrid, mountain and electric bikes. Barrow Way Bike Hire follows the ancient towpath along the stunning Grand Canal and River Barrow. Barrow Way Bike Hire bikes come equipped with helmet, lock, pump and puncture repair kit. Collection and delivery (at your accommodation or hire directly from the base at Vicarstown).

www.barrowwaybikes.ie

Distance : 17km

Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails

This is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designed for use by mountain bikes on waymarked circular routes. The routes are graded blue (moderate) and red (difficult/severe). This is the first phase of an extensive trail system being built in the Slieve Blooms. When complete, there will be more than 80kms of trails ranging from blue to black grade trails, complete with full trailhead facilities at Baunreagh and visitor services in Kinnitty village. The trails will cover a vast swathe of Coillte’s forests from Offaly to Laois and back.

https://www.coillte.ie/site/slieve-bloom-mtb-trails-laois/

Distance: 30km

Barrowline Cruisers

An award-winning family run narrowboat & barge hire business based on the Grand Canal at Vicarstown, Co. Laois. Our well equipped base is ideally located to allow you explore the full extent of both the Grand Canal and River Barrow.

https://www.barrowline.ie/

SOLAS Eco Garden Centre

Only 17km away is SOLAS Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington,  it includes an indoor 22,000 sq. ft. garden shop and a 4 acre outdoor area constructed from recycled 40ft containers featuring a  food court, a retractable roof greenhouse and 40ft Light tower  Each Saturday morning from 10am – 2pm it hosts one of the largest and best farmers’ market in Ireland and runs regular gardening and craft courses for adults and children. See the Events section of their website for more.

Distance: 17km