FUN DAY TRIPS FROM COUNTY MEATH

During holiday periods and at weekends, it can be great fun to get in the car and go and explore a little further afield than your usual haunts. Make a day trip out of it by leaving early and packing a picnic or some snacks to bring with you. I always keep a handy bag in the car boot too - packed with a change of clothes, wellies, rain jackets, sun cream and a first aid kid (although hopefully you'll have no need of the latter!)

Here are some tried and tested suggestions for interesting day trips and places to visit, all within handy striking distance of County Meath.  Please note that some are only open seasonally, so do check details in advance.

* Situated near Mullingar, Belvedere House, Gardens & Park is top of the kids' list when it comes to fun places to go.  This fascinating Georgian Estate is open seven days a week all year round.  It features a varied calendar of events including Narnia at Christmas and family events at Easter and Halloween, as well as interesting series of lectures, markets, workshops and one-off events.  Belvedere House is a fully restored Georgian Villa that is situated in 160 acres of lakeside parkland, punctuated by numerous follies including the famous Jealous Wall.  There are playgrounds dotted throughout the grounds, a walled garden and both lakeside and wooded walks.  It's recommended that you factor in three hours for a visit in order to see everything, but you could easily spend most of the day exploring all that is on offer.  The Courtyard Cafe offers a reviving cup of tea after a long hike! Phone (044) 9349060 or visit the website here.

* If your youngsters are mad about animals, then they should appreciate a trip to the Farm Safari in Ballinea, near Mullingar.  This unusal attraction offers you the opportunity to see many rare, endangered and exotic species of wildlife living free range in grassland and secluded wooded areas, alongside herds of deer.  Species to be found at Farm Safari include Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer, sheep, Shetland ponies, donkeys, waterfowl, the rare and endangered Jacob Sheep, two Scottish Highland bulls called Harry and Henry, as well as exotic animals like llamas, emus and camels. Farm Safari takes visitors out in a bus or a specialised covered trailer, depending on group size and weather.  These educational tours are packed with interesting facts about the animals, as well as the chance have hands-on interaction with them.  Walk along the discovery trail and catch a glimpse of native wildlife or enjoy a picnic in the fresh are.  Farm Safari is wheelchair friendly.  Please note that advance booking is essential.  Phone Greg on (086) 836 4766 for enquiries or to make a booking or find out more information here.

* Staying in Westmeath, the county also boasts another fabulous house and garden in the shape of TullynallyCastle and Gardens, which has been home to the Pakenhan family since the 17th century.  The castle, which is still lived in by the family today, has been the home to the Earls of Longford for more than 350 years.  Built in the 17th century, the house was designed as a Georgian mansion, and later, as a Gothic revival castle.  Groups can pre-book guided tours of the Castle's unique collection of furniture and pictures, the Victorian kitchen and laundries, and the gardens.  However, it's the gardens which will fascinate younger visitors.  They are are made up of numerous smaller gardens and ponds such as the Woodland Garden, the River Sham, the Flower Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Swan Pool, and the Grotto Path.  The Pakenham family are very welcoming to their guests and there is also tearooms and a craft shop in the Castle courtyard.  There is a free Adventure Trail guide handed out to all children, which gives you great ideas on what to look out for on your walk.  Located just outside Castlepollard on the Granard Road, Tullynally is open from 2pm to 6pm daily between May and August.  Phone 044 9661159 or visit the website here.

* Take a hike around Dun a Ri - a fabulous forest park in County Cavan.  There are walking trails, historic buildings, viewing points, and (the most popular attraction with smallies) a wishing well - as well as picnic and toilet facilities. There is a great diversity of wildlife to be found at Dun a Ri.  The Cabra river is home to otters, mink, trout and even salmon, in season.  The park is home to a large variety of insect and invertebrate life which provide food for the resident pipistrelle and long-eared bats.  The forest is home to the fox, badger, stoat, red and grey squirrel, hedgehog, rabbit, rat and mice.  The duck pond and lake have several visitors, as well as resident populations of ducks and moorhens.  A wide variety of birds including warblers, finches, tits, jays and pigeons inhabit the woods and open areas.  Dun a Ri is located 2km from Kingscourt, on the R179. You can map it here.

* Moving to County Kildare, one visitor attraction that children love to return to again and again is Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, which is located on a mineral island in the Bog of Allen.  The Park is a leading destination for families, school tours, birthday parties and tourists, and and also for the seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Easter and Halloween.  The great mix of fun, leisure and education ensure that there is something to entertain and interest visitors of all ages.  New to the Park for 2010 are the Pet Farm, the Discover Science Trail and the new Coffee shop. The Park features a wide variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities. Ramble through the woodland and gardens, take a relaxing trip on the Lullymore train and explore the wonder of the  natural environment and heritage.  For younger visitors, there is the Funky Forest Indoor Play Centre, the quality outdoor playground, 18-hole Crazy Golf and a large football pitch.  There is no time limit on visits, so make a day of it!  Families do not need to book in advance. Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is located four miles outside Rathangan. Phone 045 870238 or read more information here.

* If your kids are fascinated by mazes (mine are!), then another Kildare family attraction that is well worth a visit at some point is The Millennium Maze, which is located in Ballinafagh Farm, Prosperous, near Naas.  The Maze was grown to mark the Millennium and it is designed in the shape of a St. Brigid's Cross.  The fully grown hedge maze covers approximately one acre with more than 1.5 miles of paths, with hedges over six feet high.  Other activities include: crazy golf, sandpit, and a pets' corner with donkeys, goats, hens, rabbits, etc.  The shop and a large picnic area make a great base for those too tired to explore.  Ballinafagh Farm offers a great day out for school tours, birthday parties or other family outings.  It is open weekends in May and September from 12pm to 6pm, and daily in June, July and August from 12 noon to 6pm.   For Bookings and enquiries, phone 045 868151 or find further details and directions here.