As parents we know how expensive it can be to entertain the kids, so we put together a list of free things to do in Louth with children that are lots of fun!

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Some of our ideas for free things to do in Louth may involve a car journey, but half the fun is visiting a new area! Pick a different town or village or area to explore, compile a list of interesting places to visit beforehand and then have fun!

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Free Things to Do in Louth With Kids

Ravensdale Forest

One of our favourite activities is to just get out and about for a long walk or a hike up a hill or a meander through a woods or forest – it’s bound to put some colour in your cheeks! Bring a flask of hot chocolate and some snacks to keep the kids going.

Ravensdale Loop at Ravensdale is an hour long trail going past the river, bridges, large trees, standing stones and old coach roads. Start at the car park and leave on the left hand side (looking up the hill) and follow the trail up hill for approximately 400m where you join an old forest road and cross a bridge and follow the forest road to the next junction.

Veer right and follow the forest road. Just below you, are the Ravensdale standing stones, well worth a detour for 10 to 15 minutes. Returning to the route, the trail drops down right following an old forest track, switch backing as it drops down to the valley bottom. Near the county road, the trail turns right and follows the river, crossing it by a footbridge, and returns you back to the car park.

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Townley Hall

We like going on the Belnumber Wood Nature Trail, one of the Trails at Townley Hall. The trail starts in the first car park where there are also picnic benches and follows the famous King William’s Glen up towards Tullyallen. One side of the walk bounds the Townley Hall golf club and the other the public road and takes you through the narrow wood that is also known as Belnumber Wood.

Walk Part of the Táin Way

Catch part of The Táin Way at Carlingford. The Táin Way is a looped 40km National Waymarked Way starting and finishing in Carlingford.

Four kilometres of the route goes through Slieve Foye Woods, and the walk offers spectacular views down to Carlingford and across the lough to the Mourne Mountains.

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Festivals and Events

Keep an eye on our monthly round-up of what’s on around the country to find free family events worth visiting. From festivals to family fun days, you never know what will pop up in your area!

Clogherhead

You don’t have to wait for the sun to come out, why not head to the beach with coats, hats and wellies and take a walk on the shore. Bring fishing nets and explore rock pools. Bear in mind that the kids will want to get wet, so perhaps bring towels and a change of clothes, even if you don’t plan on swimming!

The long pier and castle ruins at Clogherhead are one of our favourite places to explore and one of the best free things to do in Louth.

Local Libraries

Make sure to check out your local library and find out what classes and events that they run throughout the year. Your local library branch is a wonderful – and free – resource for families.

Many of the branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs, games and activities sessions and so on.

Not to mention the fact that there is free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs! For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library to your local branch?

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Louth Playgrounds

There are some great playgrounds throughout the Wee County. It’s an activity that is both free and good fun! Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks or a picnic lunch.

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Droichead Arts Centre

Arts centres such as the Droichead Arts Centre have interesting programmes of events, so keep an eye on their schedules. Some exhibitions and activities are free of charge.

County Museum Dundalk

Another great place to visit is the County Museum Dundalk, which has a fascinating programme of events all year around – some of them aimed at Junior – and free admission!

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Lead image © Tourism Ireland