Over the June Bank Holiday we decided to visit the kids grandparents last minute. We are aiming to go up to Sligo at least twice a year. It’s nice for the kids to have a change of scenery and explore the town they were born in.
We aren’t always the luckiest when we visit because most of the time it is raining. I think we should probably look at starting to go over the Summer and hoping for a little bit of sunshine. Whenever we do spend time there, we are trying to make the most out of it, even when it is raining and windy.
A walk in the forest
At this stage it is a tradition to go for a big family walk in Hazelwood. It would be unacceptable if we didn’t go to be honest. Hazelwood is a place that is very special to hubby and I. It is where we had our first date when we met over ten years ago. I find it important to share this place with my kids and make it special to them, too. Matthew’s two favourite things to do, is chasing the ducks and spotting the signs when walking through the forest.
The signs are numbered and explain the forestry. He just likes seeing all the numbers to be honest. We do skip a good few of the numbers each time as we never manage to go the long walk but it is a good way to catch a bit of fresh air. As it is shielded with the trees around, there is no problem to go on a bad day, even when it is drizzling a little bit. The view onto Lough Gill is incredible, too. Years ago hubby and I did a boats tour from Park’s Castle. They still offer this. I’d love to row a boat with just the four of us one day. It’s very peaceful and calm.
A stroll on the beach with some ice cream
I love the beach and the water and so do the kids. During the Summer Matthew always asks to go to the beach. Where we live now, it has to be a day out kind of thing if we were to head to the beach because it could take a good forty minutes to travel to one. Strandhill, however, is very close. Literally a ten minute drive from Sligo town. Mammy Johnstons has the best home made ice cream you got to try. A year ago or so they renovated the place. So there are more options now other than ice cream. They have expanded to the back so you can enjoy some cake and coffee for example or just simply warm up after a breezy walk on the beach.
As well as going for a walk by the water, in Strandhill we love going through the dunes by the caravan park as well. Great for a little hide and seek game for the kids.
Burn off some energy at Five Star Fun
If it all fails and the weather doesn’t improve at all, there is still the play centre. We have been going to Five Start Fun in Grange for years. It is such a good play centre and Matthew even celebrated his fourth birthday there with all his friends back then. The cafe is amazing, too. The food is fresh. Parents can relax with a cup of coffee or tea while the kids burn off some energy. Like any other play centre, the soft play is divided into the baby section, the toddler section and the older kids. We experienced them all over the last five to six years. The admission is €8 for children aged three and older, under three is €4 and pre walkers is free of charge.
