Tayto Park is Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, and if you’re looking for a hotel near Tayto Park, Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross is within driving distance. Located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Tayto Park has over one hundred attractions and a variety of activities, guaranteeing an exhilarating and fun-filled family day out. There is certainly something for all ages, from young to old. There’s so much to do and see in Tayto Park for kids and adults! Here are some of our favourite attractions;
Tayto Crisp Factory Tour
In the Tayto crisp factory, you can see and learn more about how Ireland’s favourite and iconic crisps are made. Get the inside on what goes into making Tayto crisps so delicious. But if you want to see the factory in action be aware that it is not in operation on Sunday or Bank Holiday Mondays and has limited production on Saturday. Brand new this year is the Ice Valley, allowing you to travel back in time and experience a display of the ice age animals. It is an educating and thrilling experience.
Wooden Rollercoaster
For all thrill-seekers, the Cu Chulainn rollercoaster is sure to get your adrenaline flowing. It’s Ireland’s first and Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion. Or why not try out the Rotator which travels 31 meters up into the sky and rotates a full three hundred and sixty degrees – definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Zoo & Bird Show
The park also offers a zoo where you can see many different kinds of animals including tigers, bison, meerkats, otters, reptiles, birds and lots more. There are enough animals to keep you entertained for a few hours. In particular, if you go to Tayto Park you HAVE to go and see the World of Raptors bird show. Visitors sit in an open-air arena whilst the Tayto park rangers talk us through the beautiful birds that they take care of featuring the world’s largest eagles and vultures.
Other Rides in Tayto Park
One of the latest additions to Tayto Park is the Flight School. An airport themed ride that is gently paced but an exciting ride for youngsters, reaching up to speeds of 46Kph. You can even get your own Tayto flight school pilot license afterwards! Another favourite is the Viking Voyage water ride. With a Viking village, 5 replica Viking ships and 20 life-size Vikings, this really fun and wet adventure shouldn’t be missed, especially in summer.
There is much more to discover and fun activities in Tayto Park such as the crispy creek mining company, dinosaurs alive, vortex tunnel, climbing wall and playground.
With so many things to see and do, Tayto Park is the perfect place to spend a few hours or combine this with a picnic and you have the perfect family day out. That being said, you may want to book a hotel near tayto park for some much needed rest after a day of thrill seeking!