Family Friendly Things to Do in Laois: Your Easter 2026 Guide

Family Friendly Easter Experiences In Laois

Planning an Easter family break in Ireland? Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and get back outside as nature unfurls.

When you’re staying in a cosy hobbit house at Glamping Under The Stars, there are plenty of family friendly Easter activities to keep everyone entertained.

From bottle-feeding lambs to steam train adventures, here is your Guide to Family Friendly Easter Breaks in Laois for 2026.

Image shows Ski chalet hobbit house at Glamping Under The Stars, Co. Laois in the background (a purple frontage with white wooden door and a purple wooden heart on it). In the foreground are two boxed Easter Eggs, and s'mores ingredients (chocolate digestives, marshmallows and broken easter egg chocolate spilling towards the camera.

Easter Fun On The Glampsite

Baby Animals Due to Arrive…

Our resident Dexter cows are due to calve around Easter time. While we can’t absolutely guarantee they’ll arrive on time, the pretty mother cows are getting bigger by the day, and we’re hopeful for some wobbling calves in the paddocks soon.

Keep an eye out for our sheep too – it’s nearly lambing season, and there’s nothing quite like seeing new lambs find their feet.

Easter Egg Hunt

You don’t need to leave the glampsite for a great time. The glampsite is perfect for a DIY Easter Egg Hunt. There’s plenty of safe space for kids to run around, and the nooks of the hobbit houses make the perfect easter egg hiding spots.

Easter Campfire Treats

Ever tried Easter Egg S’mores? There’s something eggstra special (sorry!) about toasting marshmallows at the campfire, then sandwiching it between chocolate egg & the biscuit of your choice (we like to use chocolate digestives, but rich tea, gingernuts and even stroop waffles work well for an indulgent Easter treat).

Child's hands (with blue nail varnish inexpertly applied!) hold a s'more made from two halves of a digestive biscuit, toasted marshmallow, and a generous piece of easter egg chocolate, at Glamping Under The Stars, Co. Laois, Ireland

Easter BBQ Tip

For a real seasonal feast, try Rosemary & Garlic Lamb Skewers on the BBQ. It’s a quick, delicious way to enjoy a traditional Easter Sunday dinner with a twist in the great outdoors.

Easter  Stargazing

Easter is a great time to try a spot of stargazing. The skies still get dark relatively early, (so not too late for smallies), and the night skies tend to be clear – giving a great view of the heavens.

Look up with the naked eye, or, for a stellar view, bring a set of binoculars. You’d be surprised how much details you can see of the starry sky and the craters on the moon.

For more info on what to look out for, see our Beginner’s Stargazing Guide.

Little girl kneels on grass to pat a newborn kid goat at Castleview Open Farm, near Glamping Under The Stars in Co. Laois, Ireland.

Easter Family Days Out 

Castle View Open Farm

Just a short drive away, Castleview Open Farm is a top choice for Easter family outing in Laois. It’s famous for its friendly atmosphere and hands-on animal experiences.

For Easter 2026, you can join the Easter Egg Hunt in the Fairy Garden, meet the Easter Bunny, feed the baby lambs, and get your face painted too.

Castleview offers a wide range of family friendly activities, from meeting the animals (including alpacas and giant rabbits), miniature golf, mini-maze, indoor play areas, and a family friendly café onsite.

A small red steam engine is puffing steam from a black funnel. The driver is visible wearing a navy blue uniform and cap. Some passengers are just visible in the first open sided carriage behind him.

Stradbally Woodland Railway

Hop aboard a vintage steam train for a trip through the forest at Stradbally Woodland Railway. Located on the grounds of Stradbally Hall, (where the Electric Picnic is held), it’s a novel & nostalgic journey that’s a hit with all ages.

Enjoy a hot drink or snack from the Steamin’ Brews Café beside the platform, or bring a picnic and watch the trains come and go.

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Open Easter Sunday & Monday
Image shows glass counters with handmade chocolates on display. There are shelves behind with glass jars of chocolates & sweets inside them.

    The Chocolate Cafe

    Temptation Chocolate Café, Abbeyleix

    Easter in Laois is not complete without a visit to the ‘Willy Wonka Sisters’ of Laois. Twin sisters, Kate & Ruth O’Hara, run a beautiful chocolate café & patisserie in Abbeyleix.

    Try their famous Hot Chocolate Menu, and afterwards, let the kids burn off the sugar at the Abbeyleix Playground just up the steps from the café.

    • Open Thursdays – Mondays
    • Located at Lower Car Park, Abbeyleix Heritage House

      Bluebell Hunting

      Coming Soon: Bluebell Season in Laois

      As we move through April, keep your eyes peeled for a purple haze on the forest floor. Bluebell season is just around the corner!

      While the peak usually hits in late April or early May, the early blooms often start appearing during the Easter holidays. If you want to know the best secret spots to find these magical carpets of blue, check out our dedicated guide: Bluebells in Laois

      Natural path through the bluebells & woodland at Knockatrina Wood, Durrow, Co. Laois, near Glamping Under The Stars

      Book Your Easter 2026 Family Break

      Ready to make some memories?

      Join us for a unique Easter family break in Ireland where the stars are bright and the campfires glow.

      Book a glamping stay at Glamping Under The Stars.

      Find out more about Family Friendly Activities at Glamping Under The Stars.

       

      Image shows a Dad in jeans and a flowery shirt cooking on the BBQ. Three little girls wearing summer dresses and shorts in pastel colours watch on with interest.

      Easter 2026 in Laois – Frequently Asked Questions

      When is Easter 2026 in Ireland?

      Easter Sunday falls on Sunday 5 April 2026. The Easter Bank Holiday weekend runs from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026, making it an ideal time for a family Easter break in Laois.

      Is Glamping Under The Stars suitable for a family Easter break?

      Yes. Glamping Under The Stars is designed for families looking for a relaxed, outdoor Easter break in Ireland. With safe open space, farm animals, campfires and nearby family attractions, it’s an ideal base for an Easter holiday in Laois.

      Will there be baby animals at Easter?

      Spring is calving and lambing season on the farm. While we cannot guarantee exact arrival dates, Easter is a wonderful time to visit if you would like to see newborn calves and lambs in the paddocks.

      Do you organise an Easter Egg Hunt on-site?

      We do not run a formal organised Easter Egg Hunt. However, the glampsite is perfect for creating your own DIY Easter Egg Hunt, with plenty of safe space and fun hiding spots around the hobbit houses.

      Can we have a campfire during our Easter stay?

      Yes, campfires are permitted subject to weather conditions and standard safety guidelines. Many families enjoy roasting marshmallows and making Easter treats around the fire in the evening.

      Can we cook Easter dinner at the glampsite?

      Yes. There are gas powered BBQ facilities in a covered BBQ area, making it easy to prepare a relaxed Easter Sunday meal outdoors.

      What family-friendly attractions are open in Laois over Easter?

      Several popular attractions near Glamping Under The Stars operate during the Easter weekend, including Castleview Open Farm, Stradbally Woodland Railway and local cafés in Abbeyleix. We recommend checking directly with each venue for updated Easter 2026 opening times and event details.

      Is Easter a good time to see bluebells in Laois?

      Bluebell season in Laois typically peaks in late April or early May, but early blooms often appear during the Easter holidays. Woodland walks during your stay may reward you with the first signs of bluebell season.

      Should we book early for Easter 2026?

      Yes. Easter weekend is one of the most popular times for a family break in Laois. Early booking is strongly recommended to secure your preferred dates and accommodation.

       

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