Family-friendly Activities near Sleepzone - The Burren
The Cliffs of Moher & Visitor Centre (left) - Stand over 200m above the Atlantic at the Cliffs of Moher or for a unique perspective, cruise the 8km shoreline alongside them - www.cliffsofmoher.ie, www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com.
Aillwee Caves (including Birds of Prey centre) - explore the dramatic underworld of the Ailwee Caves, formerly home to the bears that roamed the Irish countryside...are there any still in there? (www.aillweecave.ie)
Dunguaire Castle (right) - built in the 1500’s and open to visitors from April through October. 
Doolin Caves – guided tours 80ft underground! See www.doolincave.ie
Lahinch Surf school - for summer schools from ages 6-16, see www.lahinchsurfschool.com. Gromits (that's children in surfer lingo!) aged 6-9 years are welcome in the summer months, children aged 9-12 years accompanied by an adult can practise their skills in the winter months and teenagers from 13+ years can ride the waves all year.
Aloha Surf School (Fanore) - The beautiful Fanore Beach with all it's space, solitude and uncrowded surf provides the ideal location for those wanting to learn to surf. Aloha Surf School is an Irish Surfing Association Level 2 Approved Surf School. They offer professional surfing instruction for people of all ages and abilities. No experience necessary and all equipment is provided (www.surfschool.tv)
Scariff Orchards (apple-picking) - The Irish Seed Savers Association is a charity set up to preserve the agricultural bio-diversity of Ireland. They collect, conserve and grow fruit, grains and vegetables. It is their intention to grow, research and develop varieties as well as preserving them in a "seed bank", and to educate the public in the importance of their work and encourage gardeners to grow the seeds. Spend a relaxing afternoon in the gardens at Scariff with a picnic and walk through the heritage orchards and gardens amongst the rare potatoes and diverse mix of vegetables, taste the soft fruits and become a part of a living heritage (www.irishseedsavers.ie)
Walking in The Burren – See a complete list of all national way-marked routes in The Burren on www.walkireland.ie or enjoy a guided tour – see www.burrenbeo.com
Horse-riding - ask for more information at Reception at Sleepzone - The Burren
Cycling – with West Ireland Cycling, www.westirelandcycling.com
Poulnabrone Dolmen – visit the 5,000 year old megalithic tomb, one of over 70 in the Burren region. Could this be the ‘bed of Diairmuid and Gráinne’ - tragic lovers from ancient Irish mythology? See a full list of monuments on www.burrenbeo.com
Aran Islands - Take a short ferry trip from the coast of Co. Clare to the smallest and most remote of the Aran Islands, Inisheer (www.doolinferry.com)
Doolin Pitch & Putt - the 18-hole course opens at 10am each day, and has left and right-handed clubs available for both children and adults. The Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Ocean are the backdrop to the course; there is a small shop and plenty of parking (www.doolinpitchandputt.com)
Family-friendly Activities near Sleepzone Connemara
Beaches - swim on Lettergesh, Glassilaun or one of the many other beautiful beaches on the Renvyle Peninsula and throughout Connemara.
Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre - the park spans some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands, and some of the mountains within the perimeter are among the famous Twelve Bens. The visitor centre includes a restaurant and outdoor picnic area (www.connemaranationalpark.ie).
Cruise on Killary fjord - travel onboard a luxury catamaran, listen as the guide tells fascinating stories about submarines hiding on the fjord during World War 2 and watch out for the school of dolphins that will swim along with the boat! Sailings are March to October, and tickets are availablae at Reception in Sleepzone Connemara (www.killarycruises.com)
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden and Gothic Church - former home of the Benedictine Order and with a history spanning over 1,500 years, the Abbey has operated as a girls boarding school since the 1920's, 
although this will cease when the last pupils leave school in the Summer of 2010 (www.kylemoreabbey.com)
Scuba-diving (from 12 years old) - The purpose-built all-weather adventure dive centre and the unique location are ideal for everyone from beginners to fully qualified divers (www.scubadivewest.com) Special Offer: Scuba Dive Connemara – stay at Sleepzone Connemara and discover scuba diving: avail of a 10% 
discount off the Discover Scuba Diving Programme with Scuba Dive West. This programme is designed for beginners, and all equipment is provided. Ideal for families (with children age 12+), you can enjoy an afternoon of scuba diving in an area rich in marine life without the need for previous experience, having your own equipment, or the cost of a full-length certification course. Please contact Sleepzone Head Office to book – info@sleepzone.ie
Ocean & Country Visitor Centre and Museum (including glass-bottom boat tour) - with over 200 exhibits, a seaside nature trail and Ireland's only glass-bottom boat tours! The guided boat tour is in a scenic and protected harbour which is home to a large variety of sea birds, grey seals, dolphins and porpoises. Lower tides are best for under water viewing - please enquire beforehand. See www.discoverireland.com for more information.
Leenane Sheep & Wool Centre - enjoy the exhibits and demonstrations indoors or take a stroll among the friendly sheep in the fields surrounding the centre! Shop at your leisure for gifts and souvenirs, or choose from the delicious home-made fare from the centre’s kitchen (www.sheepandwoolcentre.com)
Killary Adventure Centre - for children from 8 years old, and teenagers (www.killaryadventure.com)
Visit Inishbofin Island - off the western coast of Connemara (www.inisbofin.com)
Family-friendly Activities near Sleepzone Galway City
The Aran Islands - Located off the southern coast of Connemara, in the centre of Galway Bay. Discounted ferry tickets available at Sleepzone Reception desks.
The Aran Islands offer visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the country. While the Southwest coast of the island battles with the Atlantic, the Northeast coast offers smooth passage for visitors between the mainland at Rossaveal and the islands. The islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breath-taking scenery, ecclesiastical ruins from early Christian times, medieval castles, cliffs, prehistoric stone forts, sandy beaches, clean air, unique flora and fauna and a rich folklore that the islanders are proud to recount. Children can enjoy travelling to the islands by passenger ferry (all year with Aran Island Ferries, www.aranislandferries.com or airplane (Aer Arann, www.aerarann.com), a pony & trap ride, playing on the sandy beaches and learning about ancient civilisations that lived on the islands long ago...
Ireland’s National Aquarium – Galway Atlantaquaria
Talks throughout the day during summer on variety of topics including Fin Whale, Touch Pool, Fresh water Fish Feeding etc. Staff on hand at all times to answer questions and show you around if you wish- free of charge. Open seven days a week for the Spring and Summer. If you are visiting from October to February, double-check opening hours for Mondays and Tuesdays, when essential maintenance of the Aquarium may take place. See www.nationalaquarium.ie for opening times and admission fees.
Hurling & Gaelic Football – Pearse Stadium, Salthill
GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) sports are indigenous to Ireland and include Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. Galway City and County have active GAA clubs, with regular games that are open to the public, usually for only a minimal fee. These games can sometimes be extremely popular with the home crowd, and it would be wise to book tickets beforehand, just in case. See Galway GAA (www.galwaygaa.ie)
Galway Market – Saturday & Sunday mornings, all year
Located in the very heart of medieval Galway, beside St. Nicholas’s Collegiate Church, the market offers artisan foods (olives, pasta, seafood, sushi, falafel, baba ganush), crafts (clothing, furniture) music, activity and colour! (Saturday morning attracts the best variety of stall-holders)
Brigit’s Garden - Brigit's Garden is a not for profit organisation and a registered charity, established with a passion for nature and the environment (www.brigitsgarden.ie)
Leisureland, Salthill - Leisureland is a modern, family based entertainment facility, with universal appeal to people of all ages and walks of life. Leisureland has a large pool area with 3 pools, restaurant, shops and outdoor amusement park. It is situated on Irelands longest seaside promenade with breathtaking views over Galway Bay (www.leisureland.ie)
City Limits (Oranmore) - an emporium of indoor adventure for all ages. From activities in ‘Zero Limits’ which demands physical and mental strength, to the fully themed Amazonia Restaurant which offers steaks, pizzas, desserts and cocktails (www.citylimits.ie)
Monkey Business (Knocknacarra) - Children's Indoor Play Centre with slides, ballpools, bouncy castles, painting corner, climbing frames, baby/toddler area, soft-play equipment and disco room! + 353 (0) 91 580 956
Turoe Pet Farm – petting farm, indoor and outdoor play areas, picnic areas, located in the village of Loughrea (www.turoepetfarm.com)
Cinemas – The Eye Cinema (www.eyecinema.ie), Omniplex Galway City (www.omniplex.ie)