From a Guinness World Record holder to the world’s tallest floating waterslide, here are ten of the best waterparks in Ireland.
With the increasing popularity of water sports, it is no surprise that the Emerald Isle is home to numerous aqua parks catering to all ages and fitness levels.
So, whether thrill-seeking or simply looking to enhance your skills, there are plenty of options to choose from.
IB4UD’s top 4 fun facts about waterparks
- The first-ever water slide was created in 1923 by Herbert Sellner, an entrepreneur from Minnesota, USA.
- The first modern water park, Wet ‘n Wild, was opened in Florida in 1977. It introduced the idea of multiple water slides and attractions in one park.
- The world’s tallest water slide, “Verrückt,” is located in Kansas City, USA. It measures approximately 168 feet in height, making it taller than Niagara Falls.
- Longford Forest Subtropical Swimming Paradise is the largest indoor waterpark in Ireland.
10. Funtasia Waterpark, Co. Louth – a thrill-seeker’s playground
One of the biggest indoor aqua parks in Ireland, Funtasia Waterpark boasts more than 200 water-based activities, including the adrenaline-fuelled ‘The Super Bowl’ and gravity-defying ‘The Boomerang’ waterslides.
The park also provides a play area for younger visitors alongside a toddler section and a family-friendly Jacuzzi.
Address: Donore Road Industrial Estate, Unit 1 & 2, Funtasia Theme Parks, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 EVH6, Ireland
RELATED: 5 Things To Do With Kids in Drogheda, County Louth
9. Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park, Co. Antrim – Northern Ireland’s premier indoor water attraction
The largest indoor waterpark in Northern Ireland, this facility possesses three high-speed slides (Abyss, Torrent, and Vortex) – one of which is Ireland’s first vertical drop slide – alongside the North’s first and only surf simulator.
It also offers an adventure play area for younger children and the ‘Little Lagoon’ for babies and toddlers.
Address: 132 Andersonstown Rd, Belfast BT11 9BY
READ ALSO: Top 10 best things to do in Ireland with kids, ranked
8. Clara Lara Funpark, Co. Wicklow – ideal for 12 and under
High up in the Wicklow Hills lies Clara Lara Funpark, an outdoor adventure facility set in 30 acres of woodland in the Avonmore River valley.
Activities include canoeing, zip-lining, row boating, swings, rafts, and water slides like the Aqua Shuttle.
Address: The Vale of Clara, Knockrath, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
READ ALSO: 10 BEST things to do in WICKLOW, Ireland (for 2023)
7. Harbour Splash Aqua Park, Co. Dublin – Dublin’s first inflatable waterpark
Located at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, this inflatable obstacle course consists of water slides, trampolines, and climbing frames ideal for people of various skill levels.
One of the best waterparks in Ireland, Harbour Splash Aqua Park is a great day out for all and would give the best waterparks in Portugal a run for their money.
Address: The Stella, Old Pier, Coal Harbour Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
READ ALSO: DUBLIN WITH KIDS: 10 best things to do in (family guide)
6. Splash Valley Aqua Park, Co. Wicklow – a literal hidden gem
One of Ireland’s newest inflatable waterparks, this site is tucked away in Rathdrum’s Hidden Valley Holiday Park.
Included within the 21,500 sq ft (2,000 sq m) site is a 360-degree viewing platform plus over 30 obstacles, including inflatable climbing frames, slides, and swings.
Address: Lower Main St, Glasnarget North, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, A67 CX62, Ireland
RELATED: The 4 Best Outdoor Aqua Parks in Ireland
5. West Coast Aqua Park, Co. Clare – for an epic adventure
Kilrush’s five-island inflatable waterpark invites visitors to test their skills by sliding, bouncing, and climbing their way through various obstacles.
The sister site to Killaloe’s West Lake Aqua Park, a trip to either would provide the perfect group outing.
Address: Creek Lodge, The Marina, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland
READ ALSO: 10 best things to do in Clare, Ireland (2023)
4. Splash NI, Co. Derry – it’s in the name
At Northern Ireland’s newest inflatable waterpark, visitors can try their hand at various obstacles floating atop the 12-acre freshwater lake.
Nestled away with stunning natural views of the surrounding countryside, Splash NI is arguably one of the best waterparks in Ireland.
Address: Maghadone Rd, Magherafelt BT45 7SW
READ ALSO: Top 10 things to do in Derry, Ireland
3. The Lake Kilrea Aqua Waterpark, Co. Derry – for adrenaline junkies
This 80,000 sq ft (7,500 sq m) outdoor adventure and aqua park in Coleraine is home to the world’s tallest floating slide (‘The Beast’).
From kayaking to canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding to pedalos, and zip-lining to open water swimming, The Lake Kilrea Aqua Waterpark has it all.
Address: 69B Bridge St, Kilrea, Coleraine BT51 5RR
2. Baysports Waterpark, Co. Westmeath – award-winning aqua park
Home to the Guinness World Record’s tallest inflatable waterslide, activities here include pedal boats, lake tours, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
This unique site also has sections dedicated to Irish landmarks and mythology, such as Athlone Castle, The Isle of Saints and Scholars, and Tír na nÓg, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Athlone.
Address: Hodson Bay, Barry More, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 KH72, Ireland
READ MORE: Our guide to the best things to do in Athlone on a rainy day.
1. Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park, Co. Down – all-round family fun
Situated ten minutes from Belfast City Centre, this top tier water sports facility offers a range of activities to suit all from kayaking and canoeing to stand-up paddleboarding and aqua rugby.
Undoubtedly one of the best waterparks in Ireland, it is the Emerald Isle’s only full-size cable park where visitors can attempt kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and tubing with glamping options on site.
Address: Knockbracken Reservoir, 1 Mealough Rd, Carryduff, Belfast BT8 8GB
READ ALSO: The 10 best theme parks in Ireland for a fun adventure
Your questions answered about waterparks in Ireland
If you still want to know more about waterparks in Ireland, worry not! In the section below, we’ve answered some of our readers most common questions about this topic online.
Does Ireland have a water park?
Ireland does have waterparks however, many of them are outdoor and feature floating attractions on loughs.
What is the largest waterslide in Ireland?
The tallest waterslide in Ireland is called ‘The Beast’ and can be found at Lake Kilrea Waterpark.
Does Ireland have indoor waterparks?
Ireland does have some indoor waterparks, such as Funtasia Waterpark, Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park and Waterworld Bundoran.
