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This page lists free toys in Ireland along with books, games and family freebies – from toy libraries and swap schemes to community giveaways and kid-friendly events. It’s a handy starting point if you’re looking for free kids’ activities or free things to do with children anywhere in Ireland. Everything here has a genuinely free way to take part at the time we list it.
Tip: use the “Toys & family” filter on the homepage to see every card linked to this category.
Whether it's a local swap shop, a LEGO club, or a baby bank in your county, help us keep this directory growing.
Submit a ListingBaby banks are local projects that help families with essentials like nappies and clothing. Most are run by volunteers or charities.
| Service Name | Area | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Baby Bank | Dublin | Essentials & Buggies | View → |
| Community Connect | National | National Charity | View → |
| SVP Toy Appeals | 32 Counties | Seasonal Support | View → |
This page is a curated list of resources found across Ireland. YoureGrand.ie does not verify the status or safety of any items or services listed. We recommend you always check for the CE Safety Mark on toys and consult the CCPC Recalls List. If you find a listing that is no longer active, please let us know via the footer link.
Baby banks are local projects that help families with essentials like nappies and clothing. Most are run by volunteers or charities.
| Service Name | Area | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Baby Bank | Dublin | Essentials & Buggies | View → |
| Community Connect | National | National Charity | View → |
| SVP Toy Appeals | 32 Counties | Seasonal Support | View → |
Below are examples of the kinds of free toys, kids’ clubs and family activities you’ll find around Ireland – handy inspiration when you’re stuck for free things to do with kids.
Many libraries and community centres now lend out toys, puzzles and games in the same way as books. Some also keep a “play box” on site with blocks, cars, dolls and more that kids can use while you’re there.
Cafés, youth spaces and libraries often host free board game meetups where families can drop in, learn new games and play for a few hours. Some provide everything, others encourage you to bring your favourites.
Weekly storytime sessions, rhyme time or baby book clubs are usually completely free. They’re a lovely way to build a routine, meet other parents and give your little one a playful hour out of the house.
From LEGO clubs to seasonal craft sessions, many family hubs, arts centres and libraries host free creative afternoons where everything is provided – glue sticks, paints, bricks and all.
Councils nationwide have invested in new playgrounds, skate parks and bike pump tracks. Pair them with a free nature trail or picnic, and you’ve got an entire afternoon’s entertainment for nothing.
Youth services often run free clubs or trial sessions where kids can try different sports, music or games. They’re a great way to see what they enjoy before committing to a paid season.
As well as free playgroups and storytime sessions, there are a handful of projects that help with free baby essentials like clothes, nappies and prams for families who are under pressure. These are usually aimed at parents in financial difficulty, so there may be a short referral process, but the items themselves are provided free of charge.
Community Connect is Ireland’s national baby bank charity. It supports pregnant people and parents of babies and young children with free practical essentials – from nappies and baby wipes to clothing, blankets, buggies and other equipment – all donated and passed on to families who need them most.
A volunteer-led baby bank in Waterford, offering material support such as pre-loved baby clothes, blankets, equipment and other essentials to parents and carers who are struggling with the cost of a new arrival.
Let’s Match Mums is an Irish-founded community that connects local parents who have baby and kids’ clothes, toys and equipment to pass on with mums who need them – especially refugee mums and families under pressure. You sign up, and they match you with a nearby mum whose children are a few sizes behind yours, so good-quality clothes and baby gear get a new home instead of going to waste.
Several library services around Ireland now lend out sensory toys and games to support children with additional needs – things like balance boards, fidget toys, tactile games and visual aids. You borrow them just like books, try them at home and see what works for your child before you decide whether to buy anything yourself.
Many public libraries and family resource centres run completely free parent and toddler groups – usually a mix of stories, songs and open play with toys. They’re ideal if you want to get out of the house, let your little one play with different toys and meet other parents without spending anything.
For everyday free baby groups, keep an eye out for baby and toddler storytime, rhyme time and parent & baby meetups in your local library or family resource centre – we list as many of these as we can under the Toys & family category on the main freebies feed.
Not every group or baby freebie will be listed here yet. A few quick tricks can help you uncover even more free toys and baby items near where you live:
The aim is to make it easier to say “yes” to days out and playtime, even when money is tight. If you know about a great free baby or toy project that isn’t listed yet, you can always suggest it via the contact page.
Use these shortcuts to jump straight into family-friendly freebies in your area. Each link opens the main list with the Toys & family filter applied for that county.
Dublin Cork Galway Limerick Waterford Wicklow Kerry Kildare Meath Louth Clare Donegal Mayo Offaly Wexford Kilkenny Carlow Tipperary Westmeath Laois Roscommon Monaghan Cavan Sligo Leitrim Longford
Everything on YoureGrand.ie is meant to be genuinely free at the time of listing – no subscription traps, no surprise charges. Some organisers may ask you to book a free ticket or bring your own snacks, but the activity itself should have no entry cost.
It depends on the event. Storytime and drop-in play sessions are often first-come, first-served. Craft workshops, LEGO clubs or special seasonal events tend to require online booking as spots are limited. Always click through to the organiser’s page to see the latest info.
Many library and community events welcome siblings of different ages, but some activities will be aimed at a specific age group (for example, 0–3 or 7–12). Check the age guidance on the organiser’s page – if you’re not sure, it’s usually fine to contact them and ask before you go.
New freebies and events are added to YoureGrand.ie regularly. We try to prioritise evergreen options such as playgrounds, toy libraries and recurring clubs, and remove anything that has clearly ended. If you spot an outdated listing, there’s a contact link in the footer where you can let us know.
Always double-check dates, times and locations on the organiser’s own site or social media before travelling – things can change at short notice.
