Killruddery house: the perfect place for a family day out

Visiting Killruddery House with kids: what to expect and why we believe it is the perfect family day out near Dublin.

If you ask a local mum where to go for a family day out near Dublin, chances are she will answer ‘Killruddery House’!

Located in Country Wicklow, a short drive shout of Dublin city center, Killruddery House is a historical home and estate that is now open to be public and equipped to welcome families with kids to enjoy and make the most of tier fabulous space.

They offer a selection of workshops and events (not just for kids) but you can also just show up and let the kids play in their beautiful sandpit playground, run around their lawns and munch away in their pretty cafe.

We usually go to Killruddery with the kids and the grandparents and make a day out of it. This is all you need to know to plan the perfect day there!

Things to do in Killruddery with kids

The easiest way to think of Kilruddery estate is to see is as divided into two parts.

One, on the right, has the walled gardens, the picnic area and access to the farm, while the one to the left of the entrance has the formal gardens, tearoom and house.

This distinction doesn’t exist on paper and your ticket will allow access to the whole of the estate (organized tours of the house and of the gardens aside) but I find it useful so you can choose where to go depending on your party.

Visiting the Killruddery orchard and farm

If you are visiting Killruddery house and gardens with kids, the most interesting parts of the estate are the orchard and the farm, where seasonal events take place (see below).

The orchard is quaint and beautiful: apple trees, tall flowers and free roaming chickens make you feel like you are walking in a beautiful secret garden, in a fairy tale land out of time.

Secluded from the formal and elegant gardens at the other end of the property, this area of the estate seems designed for kids.

They can run around and play safely here, have a picnic in the designated areas or on the grass and they can play in the large and well-equipped sandpit.

Play in the amazing Killruddery sandpit playground

Killruddery doesn’t have a traditional playground with climbing frames but something better: a massive sandpit!

You may think that this doesn’t sound that great but actually, it is: the Killrudderey sandpit is amazing and kids can spend ages in it without getting bored.

It has sand of, course, but it is also equipped by large black tires organized like the back of a dragon snake that kids can climb onto!

This sandy box is indeed lovely and the proof that you really don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to keep the kids happy.

Visit the Killruddery House formal gardens and the cafe

You access to the formal part of the garden turning left right after the ticket area.

This area is beautiful and immaculately kept and walking across the gates makes you feel like you stepped into the gardens of a grand European castle.

High hedges, fountains, statues and beautiful woodland surround the stunning Kilruddery house. 

The orangerie, built in the same fashion as London’s Crystal Palace,  stands out with its glass domes adding that touch of elegance glass and steel buildings embody so well.

This part of the garden is probably the most beautiful in terms of sheer aesthetic and its good for kids to run around.

The kids form slight slopes so while they do have to pay attention not to fall face first, there is a lot of space for them to burn energy and feel free.

One thing my two like here is the massive fountain with the water lilies: we usually spend a bit of time trying to spot life inside!

The best part of this area of Killruddery for us, however, is the cafe. They have tables outside and a nice choice of cakes, quiches and snacks.

Depending where you sit, you may be able to keep an eye on the kids as they play and you take a break: not bad!

Participate in a seasonal event

Killuddery is very active in organizing family events and during the main festivities, they go the extra mile and offer full on days out to suit all ages.

Lately, we have attended their Halloween weekend and had a fantastic time. For the day, the orchard had been transformed into a pumpkin patch and kids could choose their own pumpkin and draw scary faces on them with markers and pens.

Then, they would bring their creation to a master carver and their Jack o’ lantern would come to life!

In less than half an hour, easily filled with the nice burger from the nearby stand and finger-licking ice cream, we had our own pumpkin professionally carved and were ready to decorate our house.

If you are interested in finding things to do with kids in Killruddery, check out their website for current events

Go Zip Lining at Squirrel Scramble

On the grounds of Killruddery, just outside the main entrance and separate from the house and gardens, there is a ziplining tree adventure open to children and adults alike: Squirrel Scramble

It is open to all ages but kids must be accompanied by an adult and very little ones may find it too difficult (little Miss E  had no intention of trying!). However, it was an amazing experience for my 7-year-old!

I did it with him and while I cannot say I am personally looking forward to being up on a tree again (I do not like heights) I do see why this is fun so it is something I do recommend to try!

The ziplining course has four different levels and the simpler one is not too challenging. If you’ve never done it let me tell you, it is tiring but it is also fun.

Mr M found the ziplining the best part of all and had more difficulties balancing on ropes. For me, it was the opposite: balancing was OK but voluntarily throw myself off a tree, even with a harness, did not come so natural!

Still, we did it and Mr M asked if we could do it every time we go. At 16 euro per person, I don’t think we can do it every time, but it is a great way to spend the day and we are sure to do it again!

Killruddery House: practical info to get there, parking, etc

Kilruddery House is in Bray, in Co Wicklow, about  20 minutes by car South of Dublin. The House is well indicated from the main road and there is a large, free car park just in front of the main entrance.

Squirrel scramble is just outside the main house (and runs independently from it) so you pass their course before getting to the main reception.

Tickets are for an all day entrance.

The estate is child and stroller friendly and it has toilet facilities and a cafe.

What to carry on a day out in Killruddery

You do not need much for a day at Killruddery however, you are outside here so a bit if equipment can be useful!

As well as your changing bag must-have, I find it useful to have an extra change of clothes for after the sandpit and also some snacks or even lunch for fussy eaters.

My very own very fussy eater could not find anything she liked in the cafe beside cake and while I believe this is down to her rather than the selection, it happened!

So I feel if you have a ‘discerning eater’ in the family and you are hoping for a full meal for them, you would find this good to know.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of Killruddery House and it gave you a good idea on where to go weekend with the kids.