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Find some great swimming spots in the mid-lands without making the long drive to the coast on Summer days!
Summer in Ireland can be a little bit of a wash out but when temperatures exceed 20 degrees then the whole country makes the most of it! Although Ireland has some stunning beaches, people living in the midlands may not be able to make the long drive. Here's some of the best watering holes for families to take a dip without making the long drive!
Mullingar, Westmeath
Lough Ennel (Lilliputt)
When the sun shines in Ireland on those rare occasions, head to Lilly Putt for a fun family day out where you'll find a swimming lake with a jetty, kayaking, pitch and putt, sand pits and trails. There is also a cafe/shop with toilets. The water is clear and shallow, about 3.5 feet deep until closer to the middle of the lake. Learn More.....
Athlone, Westmeath
Hodson Bay: Outdoor Water Park
Come rain, hail or shine, Baysports in Hodson Bay offer the latest in the evolution of water fun in Ireland: inflatable island with its own jungles, towers, trampolines, slides, water based obstacle courses and even a castle. Learn more....
Collinstown, Westmeath
'The Cut', Lough Lene
With its clear and shallow waters, 'The Cut' is a recognised Blue Flag favourite among families plus there are life guards on duty at peak times. You'll find plenty of parking, picnic tables and toilet facilities to make an enjoyable summer's day for everyone. Learn More....
Glendalough, Wicklow
Clara Lara
Clara Lara is a unique outdoor adventure Park, a couple of kilometers from Glendalough, dedicated to providing healthy and creative fun for families and groups of children. 30 acres of beautiful countryside in the Avonmore River valley with tree houses, Tarzan swings, rope bridges, rowing boats, water slides, rafts, canoes, junior go-carts, B.B.Q.s, mini golf, picnic areas, a restaurant and lots more. Learn more here.
Clonaslee, Laois
Glenbarrow Waterfalls
Nestled high in the Slieve Bloom mountains, the trail leading up to Glenbarrow Waterfalls is located near a car park, accessible for young families although strollers may come in to difficulty the closer you get to the falls. There is a picnic area overlooking very shallow pools of water gently flowing over flat rock, perfect for toddlers to splash around in and a beautiful waterfall is just upstream from the naturally formed paddle pools. Learn More.....
Lough Derg, Tipperary
Dromineer Shore
Visit the small beach area at Dromineer Shore, the perfect place for swimming. There are small piers for the kids to jump off safely and the waters are shallow. There are plenty of benches, picnic areas and parking so you can have a whole family outing during the Summer months. Learn More....
Don't forget to check out our School Summer Holidays section for more!
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