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Home Things To Do Our Pick of What's On and Things to Do with Kids this...
Are you searching for things to do near you? Do you want to do something special at the weekend? Or have a midweek treat with the kids? We take the hard work out of entertaining the family with our pick of what's on and things to do with kids in Ireland for the coming months, from family fun days, to festivals, to days out.
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Round Up of July 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Monday July 1st to Sunday July 7th
Summer Lab at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
FIZZ, POP, BANG – their summer lab is OPEN! The Cool Planet in Wicklow will be running a range of workshops for all ages including our gooey Slime Lab, our explosive Stomp-Rocket workshops & more!! So-much-fun & a great way to keep your little scientists entertained for the summer holidays!
Monday 2nd July & Monday 9th July, 11am to 12pm – Stomp Rocket Workshop
Friday 5th July & Friday 12th July, 11am to 1.30pm – Combined Stomp Rocket & Slime Lab Workshop
Saturday 6th July & Saturday 13th July 11am to 12pm & 2pm to 3pm – Slime Lab
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment!
Muckno Mania Festival, Castleblaney, Monaghan
Thursday July 4th to Sunday July 7th – The annual Muckno Mania Festival takes place July 4th – 7th 2019. We are just waiting on the full program of events but fun will be guaranteed for all the family as they celebrate 21 years of this local festival.
Knitting & Crochet Circle: Summer Knits, NMI Country Life, Mayo
Friday 5th & 19th July – 11am – 1pm – Ages 7+ – Drop in Activity
Join the museum knitters this summer and work on your knitting and crochet skills. Start a new project or get help finishing an old one! Exchange ideas and tips. Learn a new skill for life. Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Galway International Food & Craft Festival, Salthill
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July – The Galway International Food and Craft Festival will showcase the unique diversity that the west of Ireland has to offer, from artisan restaurants, organic and fresh food producers to international cuisine. Twenty of the most talented chefs in the country will give demos including Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen and Kevin Dundon.
There will be something for the entire family with live music and a free dedicated kids zone full of great activities for children of all ages.
Traidphicnic, Spiddeal
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July – Traidphicnic takes place in An Spidéal 5th-7th July 2019 with community arts, crafts, sessions, walks and talks, offering something for everyone. It is a family friendly event, bring your own picnic, sun and midge cream, thermals and raincoat!
Free Kids Entertainment at Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin
Sat July 6th, 1pm to 5pm – The Summer event programme kicks off with Carnival time at Jervis. There's kids' music and entertainment all day! Spin the wheel to see if you've won a prize and try your hand at the VR game.
Prehistory Mysteries – Humans and the Natural World, NMI Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday 6th July 1.30pm – 3.30pm – All Ages – Drop in Activity – Pop in and have a chat with our Museum Educators who will have an array of replica artefacts and raw materials, which you can pick up and examine. Discover how humans cleverly used antler, wood, and clay in centuries past – long before there was plastic! No booking required. Located in Museum galleries, Prehistoric Ireland exhibition, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Pop-Up Talk: Puffins! NMI Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday July 6th, 12pm & 2pm – As part of our Sustainable Summer series, join Museum Educator & Zoologist Emma Murphy in the Irish Room for a 15 minute pop-up talk on Ireland's favourite colourful seabird, the Atlantic Puffin. Learn about their threats and how you can help!
No booking required. Please follow directional signage to the puffins on the ground floor. Wheelchair accessible. Audience: All Ages
Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, Sligo
Saturday July 6th to Saturday July 13th – In Sligo, Cairde is a week of music, dance, theatre, children events, visual art, spoken word, street art and spectacle, Park Fest and more… taking place July 6th to 13th.
Atmosphere Balloons, Kites & Flight, Dublin
Sunday July 7th, 1pm to 5pm – This free dlr event takes place at Newtownsmith, Dún Laoghaire and is themed around balloon, kites & flight. There will be kite flying competitions, workshops, a Planetarium, inflatables, beach games and more.
Monday July 8th to Sunday July 14th
Treasures of the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Wednesday 10th July 11am – 11.45am – Ages 7+ – Take a tour of the iconic treasures in the National Museum, including the 'Tara' Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. No booking required, places allocated on a first come first served basis. Wheelchair accessible.
Hands on History: Child's Play, NMI Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Thursday 11th July 3pm – 4pm – Families – Drop in to discover objects from the Museum's handling collection relating to childhood and play! Join our Museum educators in an engaging handling session for all ages.No booking required.
Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular, Dublin
Friday July 12th to Sunday July 14th – Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular is going to be even bigger, better and more spectacular than ever as it takes to Dublin's Merrion Square this July.
Featuring some of the best street theatre performers around, and with a host of exciting events, fantastic exhibitions and absorbing interactive workshops, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. And it is completely free to visit.
Free Bat Conservation Training at Birr Castle, Offaly
Friday 12th July, 8.30pm – Meet Bat Conservation Ireland at the Pavilion at Birr Castle for free bat conservation training. All are welcome and no pre-booking is required.
Saturday July 13th, 1pm to 5pm – FREE Kids Zumba featuring Elite DC, Dublin's Premier Dance Crew. Learn a Zumba routine and see Elite DC perform at every show.
True or False Tour! NMI Archeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday 13th July 1.30pm – 2.15pm – Families with children 6+ – Take the true or false challenge at the National Museum! Join our tour to explore the archaeology of the Vikings in Ireland, but listen closely, because at the end of each stop you'll have to figure out if a statement is true or false, using your new archaeology knowledge!
Booking required, please email: [email protected] or call 016486 334. Not wheelchair accessible.
Pop-Up Talk: Peregrine Falcons, NMI Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday 13th July 2019, 12pm & 2pm – As part of our Sustainable Summer series, join Museum Educator & Zoologist Geraldine Breen in the Irish Room for a 15 minute pop-up talk on peregrine falcons, and how museum collections helped scientists save this extraordinary bird from extinction.
No booking required. Please follow directional signage to the bird of prey cabinet on the ground floor. Wheelchair accessible. Audience: All Ages
Monday July 15th to Sunday July 21st
Galway International Arts Festival, Galway
Monday July 15th to Sunday July 28th – See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival this July. Showcasing street performers music and theatre, there are events for all ages, and surprises around every corner. This is a great time to visit Galway.
Become a Planet Champion, NMI Country Life, Mayo
Tuesdays, 16 July to 6 August 2019, 10am to 1pm – Ages 10+ – Workshop
Join Declan Holmes of Science Ireland for a new and exciting summer series of workshops. Become a Planet Champion over four weeks as you learn about the importance of the environment and what you can do to protect it. Each week will focus on a different theme. In week one, learn about climate change and how we can play a part in fixing it. Week two is all about renewable energy and making a wind turbine. In week three, the focus is on reusing, repairing and recycling. Participants will also learn how to make cool science toys from things we used to throw away. Week four will explore biodiversity and why we need bees and bugs. Complete all four days in this workshop series to become a Planet Champion and receive a goodie bag!
These workshops run each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Places are limited and booking is essential. This workshop costs €40 per participant. Please telephone (094) 90 31751 or book now by email. For email bookings, please include your name and contact telephone number.
ROCKETS: All Budding Engineers and Scientists NMI Country Life, Mayo
Tuesdays 16 July to 6 August 2019 – 1pm to 3pm – Ages 10+ – Workshop
The museum is delighted to announce a new summer workshop exploring space and rockets. Join Declan Holmes of Science Ireland for a fun and exciting session all about our travels in space and the rockets we use to get there.
This workshop starts on Tuesday, July 16, and will be repeated each Tuesday afternoon until August 6. Places are limited so booking is essential. The cost is €10 per child. Please telephone (094) 90 31751 or book now by email. For email bookings, please include your name and contact telephone number.
Summer Public Tours at NMI Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Wednesday 17th, 24th & 31st July from 11am – 11.45am – Join an introductory tour to learn about the history of Collins Barracks, from the 1700s to the present day and its transition from Barracks to Museum, taking in some of the highlights from the Museum's military history or decorative arts exhibitions. Admission free, places allocated on a first- come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
Ships Ahoy! Log boats and Longships, NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Wednesday 17th July – 1.30pm – 3.30pm – Families with children 6+ – Drop in Activity – Call into the Kildare Room to learn about the biggest artefact in the Museum– the Lurgan dug-out canoe, created from a massive oak tree during the Bronze Age, 4,000 years ago! Chat with Museum Educators about other ancient boats on display in
the Museum, then make your own nautical pop-up card!
No booking required, located in the Kildare Room, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Inspectorium: SustainABILITY, NMI Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July – 11am-1pm – How can we make more sustainable choices? Drop into the Wonder Cabinet at the Discovery Zone to play our sustainability games and learn how to make a healthier planet. No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible.
Munster Fleadh at glór Ennis
Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st July – glór play host to a number of top festival trad musicians as part of the annual Munster Fleadh including:
Thursday 18th July, 8pm – Clare Youth Trad Orchestra
Friday 19th July, 8pm – Shaskeen Céilí Band
Saturday 20th July, 8pm – Martin Hayes & The Tulla Céilí Band
Sunday 21st July, 8pm – The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Festival of Curiosity, Dublin
Thursday 18th July to Sunday 21st July – From free events to family friendly workshops, shows & events the 2019 Festival of Curiosity takes place in various venues around Dublin. Check out the full line up and enjoy a fun filled weekend of curious fun with a host of not to be missed shows! Highlights include:
Family science show Gastronaut Live!
Voyages to the moon through vertical dance with Aerial Cirque
World Explorers Family Stage with curious creatures
Digging for Dinosaurs
Under the Ocean
Bubble Science Family Show
Cardboard Carnival
Adventure science
Inventors and makers
Indoor forest
Moonshot with Rick O'Shea and former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman and much much more!
A Fun Summer Workshop All About Robots NMI Country Life, Mayo
Thursdays 18 July to 08 August 2019 – 1pm to 3pm – Ages 10+ – Workshop
We are learning about robots this summer at the museum! Join Declan Holmes from Science Ireland for a fun and exciting workshop to learn not only about the robots we are building today but those of the future too.
This workshop starts on Thursday, July 18, and will be repeated each Thursday afternoon until August 8. Places are limited so booking is essential. The cost is €10 per child. Please telephone (094) 90 31751 or book now by email. For email bookings, please include your name and contact telephone number.
Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular, Cork
Saturday July 20th & Sunday July 21st – Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular is going to be even bigger, better and more spectacular than ever as it takes to Cork's Fitzgerald Park, Cork City, this July.
Boyle Arts Festival, Roscommon
Friday July 19th to Sunday July 28th – The Boyle Arts Festival is a celebration of music, arts and culture and takes place in the beautiful town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon from July 19th to 28th. Children can avail of workshops and families can enjoy music, theatre and visual arts.
50th Anniversary Celebrations of Apollo Moon Landing, Birr Castle Offaly
Saturday 20th July, from 8pm to 11.30pm – Join in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Apollo Moon Landing with a StarBQ! followed by a showing of the moon landing and some star gazing in the shadow of the Great Telescope. Guided tours of the science center with the story of the Great Telescope, will also take place throughout the evening.
Numbers will be limited, pre-booking required. Suitable for all ages.
Mosaic Workshop With Mosaics At The Mill at glór Ennis
Saturday 20th July, 10am to 5pm – Visual artist Aidan Byrne leads a one day mosaic workshop designed for those who have previous experience with mosaic and those with no experience. Each participant produces their own mosaic to take home and enjoy.
Saturday July 20th, 1pm to 5pm – We request your magical presence for a magical afternoon full of fun at our Witches & Wizards Show. This free show is a ticketed event so get your wands at the ready and book your place today!
International Year of the Salmon: Fishy Fun, NMI Natural History Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday 20th July, 10am-4pm – Drop into the Natural History Museum for some fishy fun and celebrate International Year of the Salmon! Visit the fantastic collection of fish species on display and learn about how Ireland's most iconic fish species, salmon, is facing its biggest challenge yet. Join one of the hands-on activities and grab a microscope to see what creepy crawlies live in our rivers and lakes. See up close historical fishing equipment and discover how we have been catching fish for the last seven thousand years.
No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible. This event is organised in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Tour: Recent Finds and New Displays at NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday 20th July – 2.30pm – 3.30pm – Ages 8+ – Tour – Come and see some of the newly displayed artefacts at the Museum including the Prosperous Crozier from Kildare and the four gold Bronze Age Rings found in Donegal, June 2018. Throughout the tour, learn more about some of the more recent research and developments in the field of archaeology. No booking required, places allocated on a first come first served basis. Meet at Reception. Not Wheelchair accessible.
That Beats Banagher Festival 2019, Offaly
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July – Focused around the river Shannon, That Beats Banagher Festival promises a fun events for families to enjoy. These include workshops, food & craft market, live music, firewroks, zorbing, Canadian canoeing & Galway Community Circus will be in town too!
FAMFEST Fun Family Festival, Wicklow
Sunday July 21st, 1pm to 6pm – Enjoy a fun family festival of music, games and entertainment at the Abbey Grounds, Wicklow Town and July 21st.
Free Teddy Bear's Picnic, Blackrock Park, Dublin
Sunday 21st July, 1pm to 5pm – Enjoy a free afternoon of family fun at Blackrock Park, Dublin. Pack a picnic and bring along your favourite teddy bear and enjoy music, fun, games, inflatables, face painting and, if you teddy bear needs some special attention, they can visit the Teddy Bears Clinic for a check up!
Monday July 22nd to Sunday July 28th
Ballet Ireland Summer Camp – Let's Dance at glór Ennis
Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July – 11am – 1pm for ages 12+ & 2pm to 6pm for ages 6 to 11 – No previous ballet experience is needed to take part in this wonderful Ballet Ireland summer camp.
The week long programme involves a daily ballet class, rehearsals and the opportunity to experience what makes a ballet; choreography, music, mime, drama, prop making and costumes.
Students will spend the week creating their very own ballet which they will perform to their family and friends at the end of the camp.
Weight to Go! Make your own Viking Weight, NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Wednesday 24th July 1.30pm – 3.30pm – Families with children 6+ – Drop in Activity – Did you know that before there were coins in Ireland, the Vikings used to trade in silver? Visit the Museum to learn about the weighing scales and decorated lead weights the Vikings used to figure out how much silver they had, discover who the Vikings were trading with, then make your own weight to take home! No booking required. Located in Learning Resource Room, First Floor. Not wheelchair accessible.
Inspectorium: It's a Plankton Eat Plankton World, NMI Natural History Merrion Square, Dublin
Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th July 11am – 1pm – What do plankton eat, and what uses plankton as a food source? As part of our Sustainable Summer series, join us at our Wonder Cabinet to inspect real plankton under our microscope and make your own marine food web! Learn how these delicate food webs can be upset, and how sustainability can save species and whole ecosystems!
No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible.
Tour – Kingship and Sacrifice: The Bog Bodies, NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Friday 26th July 12pm – 12.45pm – Ages 12+ – Tour – Examine Iron Age finds from Ireland's wetlands including bog butter and learn about the discovery of the 2,000-year-old bog bodies, which are of international scientific significance. No booking required. Places allocated on a first come first served basis, meet at Reception. Wheelchair accessible.
Outdoor Theatre at Belvedere House & Gardens, Westmeath
The Secret Garden, Friday July 26th from 6pm
Saturday July 27th, 1pm to 5pm – Jack Wise comes to Jervis with his incredible show. Laugh till you cry and marvel at the skill and excitement of Jack Wise's unique magic show! With mesmerising card tricks and amazing mind games, the kids will leave Jervis Shopping Centre dazzled!
Precious Gifts and Where to Find Them, NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday 27th July 1.30-pm – 3.30pm – Families with children 6+ – Drop in Activity – Archaeologists often find precious objects under the ground. Is everything found at the same depth? Call into the museum to find out; create a special bookmark, decorate it with precious objects and decide if they should be close to the surface, or deep underground!
No booking required. Located in the Kildare Room, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Meet The Crafters NMI Country Life, Mayo
Saturday 27th July 2019, 11:30am – 1pm – All Ages – Come along to the next open crafting session by the talented Connacht Textile Crafters, taking place from 11.30am to 1pm, on Saturday, July 27. The crafters meet six times a year at the museum and demonstrate a range of skills at these open crafting sessions. In July, the focus is on advanced embroidery skills and the use of beads and sequins as embellishments. The Connacht Textile Crafters are a friendly and talented group who work in a range of textile crafts, using both traditional and contemporary techniques. Be sure to pop in and see some of their work. This is a free drop-in activity with no booking required.
Pop-Up Talk: Basking Sharks, NMI Natural History, Merrion Square Dublin
Saturday 27th July, 12pm & 2pm – As part of our Sustainable Summer series, join Museum Educator & Zoologist Emma Murphy in the Irish Room for this 15 minute pop-up talk on the largest of our native sharks. Learn more about the dangers facing this critically endangered gentle giant and how you can help! No booking required. Please follow directional signage to the basking shark on the ground floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Take the nature trail tour at Turlough Park, NMI Country Life, Mayo
Sunday 28th July 2019, 2pm to 3pm – Ages 5+ – Family Event – Enjoy a family nature trail through the historic and beautiful grounds of Turlough Park on Sunday, July 28, from 2 to 3pm. Join zoologist Catherine McGuinness to explore plenty of nature surprises in the grounds. Highlights will include a rookery, the location of an old badger set and a host of wildlife species that live around the gardens and woodland.
This is a free family workshop but booking is essential. Telephone (094) 90 31751 or book now by email. For email bookings, please include your name and contact telephone number.
Outdoor Theatre at Powerscourt Gardens, Wicklow
Treasure Island, Sunday 28th July from 1.30pm
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours with Brian Lohan – Croke Park, Dublin
Sunday 28th July, 10am – The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series takes place in Croke Park on selected weekends in June, July & August. The tours give fans an unforgettable opportunity to hear memories and anecdotes first hand from their GAA heroes. On July 28th join Brian Lohan a four time All Star who was a mainstay on the Clare team for over a decade. for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park.
Off The Street Food Fest, Letterkenny
Saturday July 27th & Sunday July 28th – The Off The Street Food Fest takes place in Letterkenny on 27th & 28th July, showcasing the best of Donegal Food, street-food style. There are cookery demos from some of Ireland's best chefs, along with music, food quiz, bake off and more.
Monday July 29th to Sunday August 4th
Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Laois
Sunday July 28th to Monday August 5th – The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a fun family event for young and old, with over 300 scarecrows to see around the village, in many different designs and themes. There's plenty more on offer too including live music, craft workshops, country market, adult, teen and children's entertainment, and scarecrow treasure hunt.
Galway Races Summer Festival
Monday July 29th to Sunday August 4th – The annual Galway Races Summer Festival is on from July 29th to August 4th 2019. Why not get the girls together and head off to Ladies Day on August 1st?
Prehistory Mysteries- Precious Pots, NMI Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin
Wednesday 31st July 1.30pm – 3.30pm – All Ages – Drop in Activity – Pop in and have a chat with our Museum Educators who will have some beautiful examples of replica pots from the Stone and Bronze Ages. Handle the replica pots, ask our educators questions and discover how people in the past achieved beautiful decoration and incredible shapes using their bare hands and even their fingernails! No booking required. Located in the Prehistoric Ireland exhibition, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible
Inspectorium: Rewild Your Garden! NMI Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Wednesday 31st July, 11am-1pm – Make your garden the best wildlife haven it can be for our challenged Irish birds, mammals & insects. Drop into the Wonder Cabinet and create something for your own wildlife garden, and get tips on how to bring nature home! No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible.
Outdoor Theatre at Fota House Arboretum & Gardens, Cork
The Secret Garden, Tuesday August 1st from 5.30pm
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, Waterford
Wednesday August 2nd to Friday August 4th – The 2019 Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has an exciting programme of street performances including theatre, parade and music planned for this year. And specially for kids, Garter Lane Arts Centre presents SprÓg Childrens Festival, during Spraoi Weekend, with workshops all week and over the Spraoi festival weekend. Many events are free, so pre-booking is essential.
August 2019 Events & Things To Do for Families
Monday August 5th to Sunday August 11th
Thursday day August 8th to Sunday August 18th – In August the city of Kilkenny will come to life with visual art, classical music, theatre and dance, jazz, world & traditional Irish music, literature, film, indie music, craft, children's and street events for the Kilkenny Arts Festival taking place from 8th – 18th August 2019.
Taste of Cavan 2019, Cavan
Friday August 9th & Saturday August 10th – Taste of Cavan 2019 takes place August 9th & 10th in the Cavan Equestrian Centre with over 100 stalls of artisan food and craft producers from Cavan and the surrounding areas and lots of fun family entertainment.
Crinniú na mBád 2019, Kinvara
Friday August 9th to Sunday August 11th – Crinniú na mBád 2019, the annual Galway Hooker Gathering and race, takes place in Kinvara on August 9th to 11th 2019.
Playstival 2019
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August 2019, 9am to 6pm daily – Now in its second year, our favourite children's festival Playstival celebrates play & discovery, fun & excitement, live music & great food at Airfield Estate, Dublin.
Families will enjoy a two day 100% interactive and 'screen free' summer festival with themed 'play universes' and activities for children to immerse themselves in. Playstival offers an unforgettable day of pure fun, with over fifteen activity areas and three themed play universes designed to foster the imagination and inspire creation while having lots of fun. Some of the highlights include:
The Market, a farm to table experience for all budding young chefs
The Construction Site with hard hats, diggers & tractors for 'on the job' learning!W5's
Science & Discovery Hub
Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Masters Zone
Johnny Magory's Explorer's Storyland
Sport Against Racism Ireland family sports day
Playchella Music Stage with live bands and DJ
A world street food market and so much more!
This hands-on festival is the must attend event of the summer!
To see the full line up and buy tickets visit playstival.ie
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Superhero & Princess Training Day at Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny
Saturday August 10th – Nore Valley Farm Park in Kilkenny host their annual Superhero & Princess Day on August 10th 2019. Are you strong like Superman or agile like Wonder Woman? Can you swing like Spider Man or run like The Flash? Test your skills at our Superhero Training Centre, where you will prove your superhero abilities and gain an Official Superhero ID card.
Nore Valley Farm Park is open to visitors all summer long with a pet farm, playground, maze, crazy golf, climbing frames, go-karts and more to enjoy. And for those not living in Kilkenny, check out the family friendly accommodation & campsite.
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours with Eamon McGee – Croke Park, Dublin
Saturday 10th August, 11am – The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series takes place in Croke Park on selected weekends in June, July & August. The tours give fans an unforgettable opportunity to hear memories and anecdotes first hand from their GAA heroes. On August 10th join Eamon McGee a key part of the Donegal team that won an All-Ireland senior title in 2012 for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park.
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours with Kieran Donaghy – Croke Park, Dublin
Sunday 11th August, 10am – The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series takes place in Croke Park on selected weekends in June, July & August. The tours give fans an unforgettable opportunity to hear memories and anecdotes first hand from their GAA heroes. On August 11th join Kieran Donaghy a 4 time All-Ireland winner with the Kingdom (Kerry), and a 3 time All Star, for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park.
Monday August 12th to Sunday August 18th
Family Rocket Launch at Birr Castle, Offaly
Wednesday 15th August, 11am & 3pm – Learn the science behind how rockets work and design and build your very own family rocket. These will be launched to the International Space Station and you can see whose rocket goes the furthest!
Numbers will be limited, pre-booking required. Suitable for families with children aged 7+.
Cappamore Agricultural Show, Limerick
Saturday August 17th – The Cappamore Agricultural Show takes place in Cappamore, Limerick on August 17th 2019. It showcases the best of the region with cookery, crafts, competitions, displays and more. And offers a fun day out for all ages.
National Heritage Week 2019
Saturday August 17th to Tuesday August 27th – National Heritage Week 2019 has fun events for families and children nationwide from August 17th to 27th 2019
Annie The Musical, dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin
Dates from Tuesday 20th to Sunday 25th August, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (selected dates) – Join the Mill Youth Musical Theatre Company as they tell the story of brave young Annie, forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage.
Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with Oliver Warbucks, billionaire!
Packed full of music and dance, families and kids of all ages will enjoy this heartwarming tale. Book your tickets now.
Wild Child Day at Birr Castle, Offaly
Tuesday 21st August 10am to 7pm – Birr Castle are asking wild children everywhere to join them to show their 'wild side' and reconnect with nature in the great outdoors.
There will be discovery sessions, creative art, fun with butterfly nets and pond dipping nets and a chance to learn more about all the animals that live around us.
Book your wild child day now!
Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival
Thursday August 22nd to Sunday August 25th – Waterford Walls is an international street art festival running 22 – 25 August 2019 that transforms Waterford City into an open-air gallery. It's a free family day out with kids' workshops, live music, art trails, panel discussions, art jams & more!
Bat Walk and Talk at Birr Castle, Offaly
Saturday 24th August, 9.15pm to 11pm – Meet at the science centre at Birr Castle Gardens and celebrate International Bat Day with a walk and a talk.
Learn how to identify Ireland's different bat species, how they hunt and where they live. Bring along your torch and get your bat detector and see how many bats you can spot along the way!
Suitable for ages 8+. Book Now.
Protect Our Planet with SSE Airtiricity at Dublin Zoo
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August – SSE Airtricity, proud Sustainability Partner of Dublin Zoo, is inviting visitors to the Protect Our Planet Weekend taking place on the weekend June 15th & 16th.
Everyone visiting Dublin Zoo for the 2 day weekend events will be guided through fun and interactive tasks and activities, including taking part in a mini worm excavation, building your very own 'Bug Hotel', and exploring SSE Airtricity's Eco Explorer Trail. Plus, there will be plenty of exclusive prizes to be won, face painters and much more.
Be sure to download the SSE Airtricity's Eco Explorer App before you visit for extra fun. The Eco Explorers App is available to download free from iTunes and Google Play Store.
Did you know you can get 20% off day passes to Dublin Zoo with SSE Reward? You can also get free tea or coffee during your visit and save on reusable bamboo cup! Find out more about SSE Reward.
Limerick Show Family Festival
Sunday August 25th – Celebrating 90 years, the Limerick Show Family Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday August 25th. You can enjoy competitions, food, stalls selling all sorts of goodies, family fun with a kids zone and the Limerick dog show.
Monday August 26th to Sunday September 1st
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours with Joe & Aaron Kernan – Croke Park, Dublin
Saturday 31st August, 2pm – The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series takes place in Croke Park on selected weekends in June, July & August. The tours give fans an unforgettable opportunity to hear memories and anecdotes first hand from their GAA heroes. On August 31st join Joe and Aaron Kernan, Armagh, for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park.
September 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships 2019 at Birr Castle, Offaly
Saturday 22nd to Friday 27th September (weather permitting) – The 49th Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships will take place at Birr Castle. You will catch a glimpse of these majestic hot air balloons as they take off from Birr Castle Gardens daily at 7.30am and 6pm. The event is weather dependent, so do check before you travel.
Book your tickets now.
Round Up of June 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Check out – Fun Family Events for Bank Holidays In Ireland
Monday May 27th to Sunday June 2nd
This IS Rocket Science Stomp-Rocket Workshop at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
Saturday June 1st, Sunday June 2nd & Monday June 3rd, 11am & 1pm – Girls & Boys will LOVE designing & making their own 'Stomp-Rockets' that can shoot 50m into the sky! So-much-fun!
Age 6-12 | 1hr | €10pp
Book Early to Avoid disappointment.
bloom in the Park 2019
Photo by Chris Bellew / Fennell Photographybudding bl
Thursday May 30th to Monday June 3rd 2019 – bloom, Ireland's annual garden festival which takes place at the Phoenix Park is one of the top family friendly events in Ireland, with kids going free, and plenty of activities, food and garden fun for all ages. It takes place 30th May – 3rd June 2019, it's the 13th year of the popular festival and promises to be even bigger and better.
Official Opening of 45ft Accessible Pirate Ship at Hook Head, Wexford
Image from Just Fun Playtowers Facebook page
Saturday 1st June – Just Fun Playtowers officially opens their fully accessible 45ft Pirate Ship at Hook Lighthouse on June 1st. With loads of fun pirate themed accessories the everyone can enjoy, this is just another great reason to visit Hook Lighthouse.
Free Events at Kilkenny Castle Park
Saturday June 1st & Sunday June 2nd – The Medieval Tales of Reynard the Fox Storytelling sessions with music and fun take place at 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm.
Steam Train Rides in Laois
Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd June – Stradbally Steam Train Rides take place at Stradbally in Co. Laois on Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd June. Enjoy a trip behind an authentic Steam Engine along the 1km line around the Woodland of Stradbally Hall.
Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally
Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd June 2019 – The 22nd Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally takes place on Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd June 2019 at Innishannon Village, Cork with Steam Engines, Cars, Tractors, Fire Engines and Vintage Farm Machinery, Rural Crafts & Lots More.
Bikefest Killarney
Friday 31st May to Monday 3rd June – If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, Bikefest takes place in Killarney over the June Bank Holiday weekend from 31st May to 3rd June. Now in it's 13th year it attracts national and international visitors who come to see bikes of all shapes and sizes, ride the twisting routes along the wild atlantic way and listen to some great free live music.
K-Fest Arts Festival, Kerry
Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June – The K-Fest Arts Festival takes place from May 31st to June 2nd in Killorglin, Co Kerry.
Monday June 3rd to Sunday June 9th
Seafest 2019, Cork
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th June – SeaFest 2019 takes place in Cork this year, when Cork Harbour will be transformed into an 'open air sea world' and will be 'awash with free family-friendly activities, entertainment and attractions both on and off the water' for the three-day festival.
The three-day festival will cover all things marine – from seafood cookery to science, exploring the ships that transport us to discovering the creatures of the deep. Foodies can get tips from seafood cookery experts and sample some tasty bites.
Knitting & Crochet Circle: Summer Knits at NMI Country Life – Mayo
Friday 7th June, 11am – 1pm – Join the Museum knitters this summer and work on your knitting and crochet skills. Start a new project or get help finishing an old one! Exchange ideas and tips. Learn a new skill for life.
Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Event Type: Drop-in Activity
Topic: Country Life
Audience: Adults & Children 7+
UCD Festival, Dublin
Saturday 8th June, 12pm to 6pm – The UCD Festival is a free one day event open to the public with loads of events to discover more about innovations in science, technology and engineering. Creativity, research and innovation are the order of the day and there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Saturday 8th June – Storytelling for children with Helena Byrne at 2pm for children ages 3 to 6 years and 3.30pm for children aged 7 to 11years at the Parade Tower.
Explore The Wildlife Trail at Irish National Stud, Kildare
Sunday 9th June, 1pm to 2pm – Explore the Wildlife Trail at the Irish National Stud in Kidare with expert, Michael Jacob. Visitors will learn more about and examine natural habitats and the importance of the environment in a fun and interactive way. The walk includes some foraging for plants.
The trail is free with your entry ticket. Booking is required by email ([email protected]) as spaces are limited.
Irish Artists and the Great War 1914-18 at NMI Country Life – Mayo
Sunday 9th June, 2pm to 3pm – Dr. Marie Bourke, cultural historian and former Keeper/Head of Education of the National Gallery of Ireland, will give an illustrated talk exploring the work of Irish artists during WWI. These include William Orpen, John Lavery, and Harry Clarke whose Roll of Honour recorded the men in Irish regiments and Irishmen in British regiments who were killed in the Great War.
Booking required.
Event Type: Talk
Audience: Adults & Children 12+
Monday June 10th to Sunday June 16th
Right Here Right Now Children's Rally, Dublin
Friday 14th June from 11am – As part of the Right Here Right Now Children's Festival organised by The Ark, children from around the country are invited to join a Children's Rally at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar where they can get on their soapbox and tell everyone what is on their mind!
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June – SSE Airtricity, proud Sustainability Partner of Dublin Zoo, is inviting visitors to the Protect Our Planet Weekend taking place on the weekend June 15th & 16th.
The Far Flung Trio presents Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev at glór Ennis
Saturday 15th June, 12pm & 2pm – Peter and the Wolf is full of enchanting melodies and rich textures, topped off with Prokofiev's colourful orchestration. This much-loved gem is a universally familiar tale, suitable for children but also a sophisticated piece of music that will appeal to any age. The tale of Peter will be narrated by the Trio while playing.
Including an educational introduction to the music and the instruments, (violin, accordion and double-bass), and a post-show Q&A.
Cost: Free of charge but ticketed. Please pre-book.
Duration: 45 mins Suitable for all ages
The Breadwinner at glór Ennis
Saturday 15th June, at 4pm – When 11-year-old Parvana's father is taken by the Taliban, she and her family find it difficult to survive without a man in the house. Women are forbidden from going anywhere unaccompanied, which means access to food or even trying to enquire about their father's whereabouts is impossible. Parvana decides to cut her hair and pass herself off as a boy, so that she can become the family's new breadwinner.
Cost: Free of charge but ticketed. 94 minutes duration, 12A. Please pre-book.
Cruinniú na nÓg: Art Workshop at National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Saturday 15th June, 2pm to 4pm – What would happen if artefacts in the Museum came to life? Let your imagination go and develop your artistic skills in this fun workshop creating animations of Museum objects!
Cruinniú na nÓg Family Tour – Off the Cuff? Clothes through the Ages at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Dublin
Saturday 15th June, 2pm to 2.45pm – To celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg, take this special tour of the Museum galleries to find out about clothes in the past! What did people make their clothes from hundreds of years ago? Can clothes tell us anything about the people who made and wore them? Uncover the answers to these questions and more and handle some of our replica artefacts relating to clothing on this special family tour. Ages 7+
Cruinnui na nOg events at Strokestown Park, House, Gardens & Famine Museum, Roscommon
Saturday 15th June, 11am to 5.30pm – There are a number of fun events taking place at Strokestown House for Cruinnui na nOg:
11am-1pm Gymboree, ages 0-4 – An enthusiastic entertainer will lead children in play and song through musical games and instruments, movement, and dance.
2-3pm Danielle's Storytime ages 5-8 – Professional storyteller Danielle Allison will transport children to places near and far with stories that are funny, serious, wise and interactive.
2-4pm Jack Flash Juggling Workshop, ages 9-12 – Have a ball at this juggling workshop. Watch, then learn, juggling skills and presentation. Everyone gets involved and everyone will be able to learn at least one trick.
3-4pm Theatre Workshop, ages 13+ – Why not try your hand at acting? Whether or not you have performed before, this Roscommon County Youth Theatre workshop could be the thing for you.
4-5pm Jack Flash Juggling Show, all ages – This is a juggling show with the 'wow' factor that will keep the whole family entertained.
4.30-5.30pm Board Game Making Workshop, ages 13+ – Like playing board games? Well, how about creating your own? This fun and interactive workshop will show you how to create your very own board game.
Cruinniú na nÓg Family Day at Corkagh Park with ReCreate, Dublin
Saturday 15th June, 12pm to 5pm – ReCreate invites you and your family to Corkagh Park for a Creative Family Day. Join them between 12-5pm for a fun filled afternoon of making and creating. To celebrate the national day of creativity and culture for children and young people, the ReCreate team will bring an array of creative activities to this beautiful green space.
Be curious and inventive together with materials such as wool, plastics, fabric and foil and celebrate ReCreate's first Family Fun Day for Cruinniú na nÓg 2019. Catering for all ages, a range of activities will be available, and the children's creations can be taken home as a memory of Cruinniú na nÓg 2019.
Music Circle at NMI Country Life – Mayo
Saturday 15th June, 2pm to 4.30pm – Dust down that fiddle, polish that whistle and join the Music Circle to practice, share, play tunes and songs.
No booking required.
Beetles, Bugs & Bumblebees at NMI Country Life – Mayo
Sunday 16th June, 2pm to 4pm – Ever wondered what insects live in your garden? Join Dr Karina Dingerkus to find out, and to learn about the amazing creatures that live on our grounds and why they are so important. Afterwards join artist Veronika Straberger to make and decorate your very own Bug Hotel.
Event Type: Family Event
Audience: Families with Children 7+
Monday June 17th to Sunday June 23rd
Pride and Prejudice at Round Tower Clondalkin, Dublin
Thursday 20th June, 6pm doors open, show starts at 7pm – Pack a picnic rug and invite friends and family to enjoy an evening of theatre under the stars! Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Pride and Prejudice at Round Tower Clondalkin.
The audience will be taken back in time to meet Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of this tale by Jane Austen and the very frustrating Mr Darcy as their story unfolds before you.
Tickets are selling fast to book yours today!
Outdoor Theatre, A Midsummer Night's Dream at St Endas Park, Dublin
Dates from Thursday 20th to Saturday 29th June, 7.30pm – dlr Mill Theatre in association with Balally Players present A Midsummer Night's Dream in the walled garden at St Endas Park in Rathfarnham. Gates open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Pack a picnic and a rug to enjoy this outdoor theatre event.
Friday 21st June, 11am to 1pm – Join the Museum knitters this summer and work on your knitting and crochet skills. Start a new project or get help finishing an old one! Exchange ideas and tips. Learn a new skill for life. Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Bia Lover Festival of Food, Athenry, Galway
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June – The annual Bia Lover Festival of Food & Drink takes place in the centre of Athenry, beside the Clarin River and with the beautifully restored Athenry Castle as a backdrop.
Cookery demonstrations featuring local produce and cook-off competitions will add to the experience. With live music, arts trails, face-painting, balloon artists, stilt-walkers and more, there will be something to entertain young and old.
Summer is Coming! Summer Solstice Tour at NMI Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday 22nd June, 2.30pm to 3.15pm – To celebrate the Summer Solstice, join in our special tour to discover how some archaeological monuments in Ireland, such as the Hill of Tara and ancient tombs are linked to celestial events. Take a close look at artefacts connected to solar symbols including the Bronze Age Lunulae and Sun Discs.
Booking required, contact [email protected] or call 01 6486332. Meet at the Reception. Wheelchair accessible.
Event Type: Tour
Topic: Archaeology
Audience: Ages 8+
The Stoneybatter Festival at NMI – Collins Barracks, Dublin
Sunday 23rd June, 2.30pm to 4.30pm – At Collins Barracks they are joining in this fun-filled festival, now in its third year, which unites the local community and showcases everything this great part of Dublin has to offer! This year celebrates the art of street and landscape photography, with the exhibition Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ireland as the inspiration. On Sunday 23rd June there is a family workshop with artist Seliena Coyle who will work with participants to make Pinhole Cameras and take photographs in and around the Museum.
Admission free, booking required.
Topic: Decorative Arts
Audience: All Ages
The Stoneybatter Festival takes place from Friday June 21st to Sunday June 23rd
Fairy Trails & Tales at Bunratty Castle, Clare
Sunday 23rd June, 12pm to 5pm – Bunratty Castle celebrate the launch of their new Fairy Trails Experience with storytelling, garden games, kiddies disco, family yoga, face-painting and a bouncy castle.
BikeFest 2019, Dublin
Sunday June 23rd, 1pm to 5pm – To celebrate National Bike Week, BikeFest takes place in Cabinteely Park, Dublin. Entry is free and there will be loads of Bike/Cycle themed events, workshops and fun. Including a cycle stunt show from Ben Savage's Savage Skills riders. To make the event even more fun and eco friendly, you can cycle The Treasure Trails to the event where parts of the dlr cycle network to Cabinteely Park will have a series of clues hidden along the way with the chance for those following the trails to win prizes .
Flavours of South Dublin Food Festival
Sunday 23rd June, 11am to 6pm – Head to Rathfarnham for a free, fun family day out and enjoy fabulous food, entertainment and tours of the Castle at the Flavours of South Dublin Food Festival.
Belvedere House & Gardens, Westmeath
A Midsummer Nights Dream, Wednesday June 26th from 6pm
The Three Little Pigs at dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin
Saturday 29th June, 12pm & 2pm – Enjoy The Three Little Pigs presented by puppeteer, Miriam Lambert. This interactive puppet show tells the story of how Mummy pig encourages her piglets to dream big and follow their hears and make lives for themselves. See how they get on and how they cope when they meet the very hungry big bad wolf!
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours with Martin Storey – Croke Park, Dublin
Saturday 29th June, 2pm – The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series takes place in Croke Park on selected weekends in June, July & August. The tours give fans an unforgettable opportunity to hear memories and anecdotes first hand from their GAA heroes. On June 29th join Martin Storey who captained Wexford to All-Ireland victory in 1996 for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park.
Games Design Workshops, Galway
Saturday 29th June, 8.30am to 1.30pm (girls only), 2.30pm to 7.30pm (girls & boys) – Baboró in association with Romero Games are delighted to invite girls and boys aged 10 to 12 years who are interested in designing their own games, to attend a fun games design workshop.
During the workshop, attendees will focus on the four pillars of games: design, art, code and audio. The workshops take place at The Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway City and cost €20 per child.
Book your place today. Early booking advised, as places are limited.
Funfest Family Festival at Tayto Park, Meath
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June 2019, 10am to 9.30pm – Visitors to Funfest at Tayto Park will enjoy unlimited access to all the attractions and family entertainment including puppet juggling, pirate and bubble shows, dance workshops, food stalls and amazing Irish and international music and dance acts across 2 stages.
Brilliant Brooches at NMI Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Sunday 30th June, 2pm to 4pm – There are some beautiful brooches to be seen at the Museum, from the famous 'Tara' Brooch of early Christian times, to brooches worn by Viking women, and even brooches given as love tokens in medieval times. Drop in to the Museum to see the beautiful pins and brooches discovered in 2016 and displayed in the new 'Dressed to Impress' exhibit, learn about the people who made these brooches, then make your own brooch to take home!
No booking required. Located in the Learning Resource Room, First Floor. Not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Family Tour – An Introduction to NMI – Collins Barracks, Dublin
Sunday 30th June, 3pm to 4pm – Join an introductory tour to learn about the history of Collins Barracks, from the 1700s to the present day and its transition from Barracks to Museum, taking in some of the highlights from the Museum's military history or decorative arts exhibitions.
Admission free, places allocated on a first come basis 15 minutes before tour starts. Suitable for families.
Derby Festival Celebrations at Irish National Stud, Kildare
Sunday 30th June, 10am to 2pm – Celebrate the highlight of the racing calendar, Derby Day at the Irish National Stud & Gardens. Prince & Bertie will be giving all the little ones free pony rides, there will be face painting, workshops and loads of fun for the family throughout the day.
Free Family Day at The Clondalkin Round Tower, Dublin
Sunday 30th June, 10am to 2pm – Enjoy free family fun at the Round Tower in Clondalkin with music, food and fun for all, it is sure to be a popular day out.
National Sandcastle Competition, Bettystown Beach, Meath
Sunday 30th June, 10am to 4.30pm – The 17th annual National Sandcastle Competition takes place on Bettystown Beach in Meath. There will be a sand sculpture competition and sandcastle competition and fun for all the family.
Flavours of Fingal, Dublin
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June – The Flavours of Fingal County Show is a two-day event jam packed with events, combining the sights and sounds of an agricultural show with an unforgettable food and family fun experience all taking place within the historic walled garden of Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, County Dublin.
There is plenty for kids to do with bouncy castles, face painting, archaeological digs, cycle obstacle courses, kids golf and lots more. Just a stone's throw from city life, the two-day event offers real value for money, unbeatable food and the ultimate farming experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Taste of Wicklow
Friday 28th to Sunday 30th June – The Taste of Wicklow is a celebration of food, music, and culture taking place in the picturesque Abbey Grounds. You can sample staples of the local cuisine including seafood from The Fishman or craft beer from the Wicklow Brewery, and you can expect more far-flung tastes such as the Korean Burrito.
There are sets from DJs and local musicians as well as popular cover bands belting out the music of UB40 and Bob Marley. And there will be outdoor cinema on Friday the 28th of June showing The Greatest Showman.
End of Term Steam Train Rides, Laois
Round Up of May 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Monday April 29th to Sunday May 5th
Riverfest 2019
Friday 3rd to Monday 6th May 2019 – The award winning Riverfest Limerick is set to return for the May Bank Holiday, Friday 3rd to Monday 6th May 2019, offering a dazzling array of free activities to amuse families of all ages. Highlights of the festival will include:
Riverfest Fireworks & Aerial Spectacle – A special new addition to Riverfest! Aerial circus performers, Fidget Feet, have joined forces with Classic Effects to create a spectacular aerial and fireworks display for the premiere of Sky Dance at Riverfest!
Riverfestival village in Arthur's Quay Park
Ireland's largest BBQ cook-off
Free tours of one of Ireland's Navy Vessels
Regeneron Great Limerick Run
Best of all most of the activities are completely free to keep you and your family entertained. There's just so much activity for all ages it promises to be one excellent weekend to soak up Limerick City. Events take place from May 3rd to 6th 2019.
Slime Factory at Nore Valley Park
Saturday 4th and Monday 6th May – Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny is opening its doors to slime fans everywhere. Slime is the latest craze among kids, with endless viral videos online of kids playing with different types of slime. Well, now your kids can get off the internet and get stuck into some good wholesome fun, making their own slime right here at the farm! We will provide all you will need, and will be on hand to guide you through the process.
Tickets include farm entry.
Tulip Festival at Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Wicklow
Friday May 3rd to Monday May 6th, during opening hours – Enjoy the final weekend of the Annual Tulip Festival at Powerscourt this May bank holiday weekend. With over 14,000 to see in the borders, walled garden and throughout the grounds.
Seasonal Activity Sheet- Summer Sun at National Museum of Ireland, Natural History!
Wednesday May 1st to Friday May 31st, during opening hours – For some animals, it is warm all year long, depending on where they live – follow the Summer Sun trail to find out more! Copies of this activity sheet trail are available in the Reception Area and in the Irish Room. Don't forget your pencil! Partially wheelchair accessible.
Topic: Natural History
Audience: Families
May the 4th Be With You Festival on the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal & Kerry
Friday May 3rd to Sunday May 5th – A must for all Star Wars fans, events will take place across the Innisowen Peninsula in Donegal & the Iveragh Peninsula & Ballyferriter in Kerry. Events include death star footie skills & target practice, Jedi cadets academy, fireworks display, star gazing at the Planetarium Donegal, Yoda yoga, Star Wars adventure trail, workshops, movie screenings, children's storytelling and much more.
Mini-Greenhouse Family Workshops at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
Saturday May 4th, Sunday May 5th & Monday May 6th, 11am & 1pm – This bank holiday design and create a mini-greenhouse with your kids at the Cool Planet Experience, to gobble up all the CO2. Inspired by Eric Carle's story 'The Tiny Seed,' kids will learn about the carbon cycle through the secret life of plants!
Price: €10 per child (Adults go free + Complimentary tea/coffee)
This workshop has been designed specifically to include our youngest planeteers (3+)!
Dog Show and Family Fun Day at Birr Castle & Gardens, Offaly
5th May – Enjoy all things canine during the annual dog show and family fun day at Birr Castle and Gardens. Castle Tours take place daily from Monday to Saturday at Birr Castle and can be booked in advance.
The Brickx Club LEGO Workshops, Westmeath
Saturday May 4th, 12pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm – The Brickx Club offer all inclusive workshops for children in various locations in Westmeath. On May 4th there are 2 workshops at Carlstown Kinnegad GAA Club House. Each workshops lasts 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years.
Sunday May 19th,12pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm – The Brickx Club offer all inclusive workshops for children in various locations in Westmeath. On April 28th there are 2 workshops at Athlone Regional Sports Centre. Each workshops lasts 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years.
Coolest Projects 2019, RDS Dublin
Sunday May 5th 2019, 9.45am to 5.45pm – A free family fun day with technology workshops, talks and entertainment for kids and parents who love technology. Young people can enter projects they have created and share them with others to inspire them to do that same.
Train Rides with Stradbally Woodland Railway
Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May – Stradbally Woodland Railway, Ireland's oldest established Heritage Railway will be doing steam railway rides for the May Bank Holiday on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May.
Monday May 6th to Sunday May 12th
Weaning Workshop at Bella Baby Store Dundrum, Dublin
Friday 10th May, 11am to 12pm – To celebrate National Weaning Week, the Bella Baby Store in Dundrum town centre are hosting a weening workshop with guest speakers Ollwyn Moran, founder of COGNIKIDS and nutrition coach, TV chef and cookbook author, Sophie Morris who also founded Kooky Dough. Participants will receive goodie bags and there will be spot prizes on the day too.
The Hanami Celebration Festival at Irish National Stud & Gardens
May 11th & 12th, 12pm to 4pm – Enjoy the Hanami Celebration Festival at the Irish National Stud & Gardens with face-painting, origami workshops, Japanese archery demonstration, taiko drumming performances and guided tours of the Japanese Gardens.
The Speks Family Show at The Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Sunday May 12th, 2pm – The Speks present a lively show with sing-along songs set to acoustic Irish music that will have kids and adults dancing around, singing and clapping! They will be at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway on May 12th and have been described as "Riverdance for kids", suitable for all ages from 2 to 92! The show is about a magical island set off the coast of Clare where everyone wears glasses!
Book your tickets today!
Junior Explorer Tours at Croke Park
Saturday May 11th & May 18th from 10.30am – Cluasóg is back at the GAA Museum in Croke Park from February 22nd to May 18th to bring you on a family friendly junior explorer tour in the home of GAA.
Go behind-the-scenes and learn fun facts about the GAA and Croke Park. During the Stadium Tour, your intrepid little explorers will get to visit the team dressing rooms and warm-up area and run out pitch-side through the players' tunnel – a highlight for any GAA fan or aspiring young star!
Back at the GAA Museum, children will receive their Junior Explorer Passport so they can follow clues throughout the Museum and discover some of the museum's most famous exhibits including the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups along the way. If the group find all the clues, all younger visitors will receive a special Junior Explorer badge and sticker pack!
Another highlight for many boys and girls (and mums and dads!) is the museum's Interactive Games Zone, where the future (and past) All-Stars can test their own hurling and football skills. Who's the fastest in the family? Find out by measuring the speed of your strike as you hit a sliotar down the hurling alley or test your goal scoring ability with a family and friends football challenge!
Junior Explorer Tours are recommended for all family members but will be of particular interest for children of 8 years of age and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tours will depart from the GAA Museum at 10.30am and will continue on Saturday mornings (subject to GAA fixtures) until May 18th.
Autism Awareness Day at Tayto Park, Meath
Sunday 12th May – Tayto Park are creating an autism friendly environment to offer parents and children with autism to enjoy the facilities and attractions. There will be no music, hand dryers will be turned off and queues will be kept to a minimum throughout the day.
Monday May 13th to Sunday May 19th
Alliance Française's Comic Book Festival, Dublin
Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th May – The French Library at Alliance Française will host their annual Comic Book Festival which includes a series fo events including a meet & greet with leading cartoonists Jacques Ferrandez & Eoin Coveney, live readings, creative workshops, book air, exhibition and film screening. All events are FREE but must be booked in advance.
Oranmore Arts Festival 2019, Galway
Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May – The 2nd annual Oranmore Arts Festival promises fun events for all ages with music, art, literature, film, theatre, dance, circus skills and workshops. Many events are free and the festival aims to bring the community together in a fun way to enjoy all that is unique about the area.
Drawing Day Workshop at NMI Collins Barracks, Dublin
Saturday May 18th, 2pm to 3.30pm – Drawing Day 2019 workshop for ages 12+ at National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks with Sarah Bowie on Saturday 18th May 2 – 3.30 pm Join illustrator Sarah Bowie at the Museum to celebrate National Drawing Day. Discover stories from the Museum's collection, and using the oldest and most effective form of storytelling, Narrative Art to share them! Learn how to craft your own narrative through this interactive workshop. Booking Required. Sarah Bowie is a cartoonist, illustrator, and co-founder of The Comics Lab and of Ireland's first Graphic Short Story Prize in partnership with The Irish Times. Audience: Ages 12+
Megalithic Big Draw NMI Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Saturday May 18th from 2.30pm to 4.30pm – Megalithic Big Draw takes place at National Museum of Ireland Archaeology.Take part in the Big Draw and decorate the giant paper with megalithic and cave art at the Museum! Learn all about the different designs used by people in the Stone Age to decorate prehistoric tombs in Ireland and create your own hand-print cave art. No booking required. Located in the Learning Resource Room, First Floor. Not wheelchair accessible. Families All Ages
Sunday May 19th, 12pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm – The Brickx Club offer all inclusive workshops for children in various locations in Westmeath. On April 28th there are 2 workshops at Athlone Regional Sports Centre. Each workshops lasts 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years.
HOW? Free STEM Event, Dublin
Sunday May 19th, 1pm to 5pm – How? the annual Science & Technology event takes place at Shanganagh Park, Shankill, Dublin and will have free STEM workshops and events for families throughout the day. Run by dlr events, all workshops are on a first come first served basis with each one being repeated 4 times during the day.
World Bee Day Celebrations at Phoenix Park, Dublin
Monday 20th May, 10am to 4pm – You are invited to go along and see the bees at work in the observation hive at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. You can sample honey from the centre's bees and there will also be a talk on bees at 11am in the Victorian walled garden.
The Emperor and The Nightingale at glór, Ennis
Wednesday May 22nd & Thursday May 23rd, 7.30pm – The Dinan School of Ballet will entertain all the family with a show based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Emperor and The Nightingale. With beautiful costumes, music and a range of dance styles, this show is suitable for all ages to enjoy.
Mini-Greenhouse Grandchild/Grandparent Workshops at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
Wednesday May 22nd & Wednesday May 29th, 4pm – 5pm – Celebrate Bealtaine at the Cool Planet Experience with your grandchildren & create a mini-greenhouse to gobble up all the CO2. Inspired by Eric Carle's story 'The Tiny Seed', kids will learn about the carbon cycle through the secret life of plants!
Price: €10 per child
– (Grandparents go free + Complimentary tea/coffee)
This workshop has been designed specifically to include the youngest planeteers (3+)!"
Free Woodland Walk & Talk at NMI Country Life, Mayo
Saturday May 25th, 2.30pm to 3.30pm – Take A Walk in the Woods at National Museum of Ireland Country Life. Join a member of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Ballycroy Education Team for a walk around the grounds of Turlough Park. Discover what creatures live in the shadows of our woods, on the banks of the river and in the depths of the man-made lake. Booking required.
Adults & Children 5+
Tom Thumb at Civic Theatre, Dublin
Friday May 24th & Saturday May 25th, Friday 10.30am & 3.30pm & Saturday, 12pm & 2pm – Presented by Lyngo Theatre and suitable for ages 3+, this classic tale of Tom Thumb is Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table in a playful and fascinating show full of Lyngo's magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Come and join tiny Tom on his very big adventure!
Battle For the Bay, Dollymount Strand, Dublin 3
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May, 10am to 6pm daily – The annual Battle For The Bay event incoporates;
Kitesurfing & standup paddle boarding compeitions
Bio diversity village
FlyeFit fitness village
Landyachting
Fun fair
This is a free event open to everyone.
Movies on the Lawn at Malahide Castle & Gardens, Dublin
Saturday May 25th, 2.30pm to 4.30pm & 7.30pm – Pack a picnic and your deck chairs and enjoy Finding Nemo on the lawn at Malahide Castle from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. And for teens & adults, enjoy A Star is Born from 7.30pm. Book in advance to secure your spot!
Book some family time this Easter at The Clonakilty Park Hotel in stunning West Cork. At rates from just €63 pps for B&B you can also enjoy many on-site activities including:
Supervised indoor playzone with slides, ball pool and climbing frames
Teen Room with all the latest tech gadgets and a pool and air hockey table.
20m Swimming Pool & toddler pool
Pirate Ship Playground
Daily kids camps with inflatable slide
Evening entertainment including a kiddies disco
Easter Sunday Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny!
Onsite 3 screen cinema and high ropes adventure centre with ziplines & climbing wall.
Book Your Family Stay
Round Up of April 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Monday April 1st to Sunday April 7th
Knitting & Crochet Circle: Spring Patterns at National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Mayo
Friday April 5th, 11am to 1pm – Update your style for Spring. Join the group to work on your knitting and crochet skills, swap patterns and get advice. Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Celebrate National Tree Week at Belvedere House & Gardens, Westmeath
Saturday, April 6th, 2pm to 4pm – Enjoy a guided walk around Belvedere House Gardens with Diarmuid McAree to celebrate National Tree Week 2019. This is a FREE event and you should meet at the visitor centre at 2pm.
War of the Buttons at glór, Ennis
Saturday April 6th, 12.30pm & 2.30pm – Welcome to a tale of squabbles, scuffles…and buttons! George grows grapes. Bessie grows cabbages. One loves the sun. One loves the rain. A petty squabble grows and grows and grows into… the war of the buttons!
Told through an energetic mix of music, puppetry, clowning, movement and sign language, French company Compagnie Animotion's distinctive non-verbal vocabulary creates a show accessible to deaf, hearing and international audiences.
Cost: €8/€6 Child/€25 Family 4 Suitable for ages 3-11 Duration 50 mins
Sat April 6th 3.30pm-4.15pm – Compagnie Animotion will present an accompanying Children's Workshop exploring Sign Language, Mime and Physical Expression. Suitable for ages 3 -11, €5 per child (Free accompanying adult)
Arnotts Family Fun Day, Dublin
Sunday April 7th, 11am to 4pm – Arnotts are hosting a family fun day in The Gallery on the 2nd level with fashion shows, workshops, activities and entertainment for all ages.
Monday April 8th to Sunday April 14th
Family Trad Session Series with Eoin O'Neill and Friends at glór, Ennis
Saturday April 13th, 2pm – Award winning musician Eoin O'Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene for this monthly family trad series. Eoin has lived in Clare for the past 30 years and has been an integral part of the traditional music landscape in the county. In 2015 Eoin was the winner of the MÓRglór award for Outstanding Contribution to Traditional Music in County Clare and he is famous for his informal music sessions and classes in many venues throughout the county.
Cost: Free of Charge
Sensory Fun with Friends Easter Family Fun Day at Tymon Park, Dublin
Saturday April 13th, 11am, 12pm & 1pm – Enjoy a Sensory Easter Family Fun Day at Tymon Park near the Tallaght Entrance with Sensory Fun With Friends. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, Pet Farm and Train (which operates every 10mins from 11am to 2pm and costs €2 per person). There will be 3 sessions. Members are €12 per child and non members €15 per child with an adult/carer free.
Breakthrough Dance Company presents Dance Fusion 2019 at glór, Ennis
Sunday April 14th, 2:30pm & 7.30pm & Monday April 15th, 7.30pm & Tuesday April 16th, 7.30pm – Join the students and company members of BreakThrough Dance Company as they take you on a journey through dance, song and drama inspired by movies from all genres and eras! Sit back and enjoy a wonderful evening's entertainment suitable for all the family to enjoy!
Cost: Tickets €15/€12 conc.
Sunday April 14th, 3pm to 3.45pm – Take a tour of the iconic treasures in the National Museum, including the 'Tara' Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. No booking required, places allocated on a first come first served basis. Wheelchair accessible.
Easter Hunts at Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny
April 13th & 19th 2019 – The Nore Valley Park Easter Egg Hunt is one of their longest-running annual events – and definitely the most popular! Hunt far and wide around the farm for hidden eggs, and claim your sweets and chocolates as a reward! The Easter Egg Hunts will take place on dates between April 13th & 19th 2019.
Easter Egg Hunts at Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford
Saturday April 13th to Monday April 22nd – Johnstown Castle are having their annual Easter Egg Hunts from Saturday April 13th to Monday April 22nd. Participants in the Easter Egg Trail which takes place around the gardens have a choice of a mini or mega trail! The cost is €4 per trail and can be paid on the day, no need to book.
This Easter you can also enjoy half price admission to Johnstown over the Easter Holidays from Saturday April 13th to Monday April 22nd. Adults are just €4.50, Seniors €3.50, Children €2 and a family ticket is just €12.
Monday April 15th to Sunday April 21st
Cool Planet Experience – Hunt for Renewable Energy Easter Experience
Cool Planet Experience is an interactive Climate Change Experience for families at Powerscourt. This Easter at Cool Planet, the hunt for renewable energy is on!
Monday April 15th to Friday April 26th, 11am & 1pm – Kids will love this Easter workshop where their challenge is to design & make their very own solar-powered Bunny-Bot.
Your creative innovators will have great fun seeing how these jittery-jumpy bunnies generate electricity from light – energy transfer (younger kids) & engineering design (older kids)! And whose BOT will win the bunny-dash at the end of the workshop for an Easter treat? Book your places now to find out!
Easter Workshops last 1hour 15 minutes and cost €20pp. They are suitable for children aged 7-14 years. (Kids bring their bunny-BOT away with them. All materials supplied.)
Add a 90 minute tour of the ground-breaking Cool Planet Experience for before, or after the workshop – Cost: €5.50 (child), €9.50 (adult), €27 (family)
Easter Events at Birr Castle, Offaly
April 13th to 28th 2019 – For anyone interested in nature, discovery and adventure, Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre has a real treat in store this Easter break. They will have their Birr Castle Easter Family Quest which is an alternative to the traditional Easter Egg Hunt and will take young, and maybe not so young, explorers on a journey through time, from great engineering feats to wildlife discoveries, and many more highlights in between. Once the young explorers complete the quest they return to the playground kiosk for their Easter treat.
This Easter Birr Castle will also host:
13th to 28th April – Easter Quest with face painting & treats!
16th to 19th April – Easter Camps for 8 to 12 year olds (must be pre-booked)
21st April – Easter Egg Hunt with a Twist where you will meet not only the Easter Bunny but Henny Penny, Larry the Lamb, Quackers the Duck and the Mad Hatter! Pre-booking required for the Easter Egg Hunt
23rd to 25th April – Science Workshops (must be pre-booked)
Breakthrough Dance Company presents Dance Fusion 2019
Monday April 15th, 7.30pm & Tuesday April 16th, 7.30pm – Join the students and company members of BreakThrough Dance Company as they take you on a journey through dance, song and drama inspired by movies from all genres and eras! Sit back and enjoy a wonderful evening's entertainment suitable for all the family to enjoy!
Brilliant Brooches at National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Tuesday April 16th, 11.30am to 1.30pm – There are some beautiful brooches to be seen at the Museum, from the famous 'Tara' Brooch of Early Christian times, to brooches worn by Viking women, and even brooches given as love tokens in medieval times. Drop into the Museum to see the beautiful pins and brooches discovered in 2016 and displayed n the new 'Dressed to Impress' exhibit, learn about the people who made these brooches, then make your own brooch to take home! No booking required. Located in the Kildare Room, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Weight-to-Go! Make your own Viking Weight at National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
Thursday April 18th, 11.30am to 1.30pm – Did you know that before there were coins in Ireland, the Vikings used to trade in silver? Drop into the Museum to learn about the weighing scales and decorated lead weights the Vikings used to figure out how much silver they had, discover who the Vikings were trading with, then make your own weight to take home! No booking required. Located in Learning Resource Room, First Floor. Not wheelchair accessible.
Brick Flicks Stop Motion Workshop by Create School at glór, Ennis
Thursday April 18th, 10:30am & 2.00pm & Friday April 19th, 10.30am & 2.00pm – What if your favourite LEGO Minifigure came to life and defeated a foe, sailed the high seas, flew through the sky and saved the day? We can show you how to make that happen by using the magical art of stop motion animation.
Working with like-minded young animators, participants will create short films and learn some of the basic skills of stop motion or master existing ones. Bring along your favourite mini figures to star in your film!
As there will be a mixture of ages and collaboration is essential we ask everybody to respect the minimum age policy.
Cost: 10.30am – 1pm or 2 – 4.30pm €40 for 2 Days
Suitable for ages 8 – 12 (THE EASTER CAMP IS SOLD OUT NOW)
Easter Fun at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Roscommon
There will be heaps of Easter fun at Lough Key this year including:
Monday April 15th, 11am to 12pm – Craft class for kids. €10 per child. Maximum of 16 kids.
Thursday April 18th, 10am to 12pm – Flower arranging class for kids. €15 per child. Maximum of 10 kids.
Friday April 19th, 11am to 12pm – Craft class for kids. €10 per child. Maximum of 16 kids.
Saturday April 20th, 9.30am – Easter Park Run
Saturday April 20th, 11am to 1pm – Science workshop for kids. €16 per child or 2 for €30
Sunday April 21st – 2pm to 4pm – FREE Face painting, Egg Hunt in Boda Borg for players all day, look out for Cecil and the Lough Key Easter Bunny who will be handing out Easter Eggs in the afternoon
Monday April 22nd – 2pm to 4pm – FREE Face painting & entertainment including a magic show, balloon modelling, music, dancing & singing. Egg Hunt in Boda Borg for players all day, look out for Cecil and the Lough Key Easter Bunny who will be handing out Easter Eggs in the afternoon.
Easter at Strokestown Park House & Gardens, Roscommon
April 17th to April 21st 2019, 11am to 4pm daily – Celebrate Easter at Strokestown Park with their Easter Egg Hunts which are self guided mega or mini trails around the Victorian walled garden and woodland walk. Families will search through the clues in the nooks and crannies of the garden and woodlands to receive the chocolate egg treasure. Be sure to visit the Spring Lambs too. Cost is €5 per child for the trails and can be paid for on the day, no advance booking required.
Have a Cracker of an Easter at Croke Park
April 18th to 22nd 2019 – Hatch a plan to go to the Croke Park this Easter break where you can enjoy taking part in an eggstra special Easter Egg Hunt! Each participant will have a load of fun as they follow clues around the stadium. They will have to be eggstra vigilant and listen carefully if they want to complete the hunt and earn themselves a delicious Cadbury's Easter egg at then end of the hunt.
Tickets should be booked in advance and ticket prices include a guided tour of the stadium, participation in the Easter Egg Hunt and a chocolate egg and a visit to the GAA Museum.
Also on Saturdays in March, April & May from 10.30am, for anyone with early risers in the family, the GAA Junior Explorer Tour is the perfect way to spend your Saturday morning!
Irish National Stud Easter Fun, Kildare
April 19th to 22nd 2019 – The Irish National Stud & Gardens have daily family activities running over the Easter Break from April 19th to 22nd 2019. There will be Pony Rides, face painting, magic shows, craft workshops and a Petting Zoo with Farmyard in your Schoolyard. Children can visit the playground, discover fairies & folklore on the Fairy Trail and come and see the new baby foals with a guided tour of the stud and gardens included in the ticket price.
Easter at Fota House – Dorothy's Easter Trail, Cork
April 19th & 20th, 10am to 4pm daily – Fota House & Gardens are open for the season from mid March with Bakestone Café serving treats for the whole family. This Easter be sure to come along and enjoy Dorothy's Easter Trail on April 19th & 20th.
The magnificent Arboretum is the setting for Dorothy's Trail, which will bring the history and beauty of Fota alive for everyone. Amongst the trees and wildlife, follow the woodland path, leading you to your very own Easter treat!
The self-guided Easter Trail follows in the footsteps of the young Dorothy Bell, Fota's former owner, as she explores her imagination in the gardens. At the finish, claim your yummy chocolate egg, kindly sponsored by Cadbury's. Come along for an EGG-citing day out for all the family, suitable for all ages!
Once your little ones have enjoyed their experience, why not make a day of it and enjoy the stunning gardens with a picnic, or enjoy some delicious food at Bakestone Café?! Featuring food tents and vintage swing boats and carousel from the 1950s and a fantastic 1970s ice-cream van. Tickets are €8 per child, adults go FREE!
Trail runs Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend, from 10am to 4pm daily, walk-ins welcome!
Donal Vaughan Science Magic at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum
Saturday, April 20th, 12pm & 2pm – Enjoy the award winning Irish comedian and scientist, Donal Vaughan at the dlr Mill Theatre with his popular family show combining magic, comedy and science. Using only things you can find around the house, Donal will wow audiences with vomiting unicorns, dragons breath and even a rocket launcher!
Earth Day: Protect our Species Super Sketch at National Museum of Ireland Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday April 20th, 11am to 1pm – Drop into the Museum to find your favourite animal and join the super sketch at the Dead Zoo. See up close some super species from the handling collection and learn about why species are endangered and how science can help protect our species! No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meet Bees Up Close at McD's Garden Centre Loughrea, Galway
Easter Saturday April 20th, 12pm-3pm – With Irish bee numbers in decline it is vitally important to try and help. Head along to McD's Garden Centre Loughrea on Easter Saturday and learn more by meeting the native Irish black bees of Oakwood Farm in their travelling beehive. Meet the beekeepers and have the opportunity to learn about how the colony of bees work.
There will also be trained horticulturists on hand to tell you about what plants are great for pollination and more at this FREE event.
Easter Steam Trains at Stradbally
Stradbally Woodland Railway are running steam trains for Easter on Easter Sunday and Monday April 21st and 22nd. Trains will be operating from 12-4pm both days with tickets priced at only €3 for children, €7 for adults with under 5s going free. Tickets are sold on the day at the platform and are valid for as many trips as you like. The train is fully wheelchair accessible so passengers can enjoy the lush, green forests from the unique perspective of a steam train.
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, Dublin
Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th from 10.30am to 1pm & 2pm to 4.30pm – Join Cadbury in Merrion Square, Dublin on April 19th & 20th for a Cadbury Easter Egg hunt in support of Barnardos. Every eggsplorer will receive a Cadbury easter egg and there will be eggciting entertainment for all the family throughout the 2 day event.
Easter Events at Belvedere House, Westmeath
Saturday April 20th to Monday April 22nd – Belvedere House in Westmeath will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunts Treasure Trail where families will enjoy taking a journey to meet Mr & Mrs Bunny and completing tasks, games and having fun along the way to find their Easter eggs! Book your time-slot today.
Saturday April 20th at 8pm – Enjoy a free Bat Walk with Bat Conservation Ireland at Belvedere House & Gardens. The Bat Walk begins with an illustrated talk on Bats, dispelling all of the myths and detailing just how marvellous these tiny mammals really are. The talk is followed by a guided bat walk with the use of Bat Boxes around Belvedere parkland. These allow you to hear the bats hunt and communicate with each other.
Important Note: Walk is weather permitting (bats are far too sensible to be out in the wet or cold!). Wear warm clothing sensible footwear and bring a small torch.
Admission is free with donations on the night to Bat Conservation Ireland.
Easter Egg Mania at National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Mayo
Sunday April 21st, 1.30pm to 3.30pm – Lots of Easter Eggs are hidden around the grounds of Turlough Park House. Can you find the secret hiding places and take home some eggs of your own? Booking Required.
NMI Collins Barracks Dublin, Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday April 21st, 2pm to 4pm – Take this egg-straordinary trail through the Museum's exhibitions and test your knowledge to find the Museum's golden egg. Complete the trail to receive an egg-cellent edible reward! Pick up your free Trail at Museum reception. No booking required.
Easter at Powerscourt House & Gardens, Wicklow
At Powerscourt on Sunday April 21st & Monday April 22nd, 2pm to 4pm – Come and meet all your favourite farmyard animals and enjoy the beautiful setting of Powerscourt Garden Pavilion over the Easter bank holiday weekend with a trip to Powerscourt.
The lovely people from Stonebrook Farm will be there with their cutest and furriest of animals this Easter Sunday and bank holiday Monday. There will be lambs, rabbits, chicks, guinea pigs, hamsters, tortoises and a little goat.
Children are allowed to pet the animals, bottle feed the pet lambs, hold baby chicks and ducklings etc. This is a free event and no booking is required.
Sunday April 21st – This Easter Sunday you can enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at Leisureplex Zoo Playland in all 5 Dublin venues and post your selfie with the Leisureplex Easter Bunny on Facebook and tag Leisureplex to be in with a chance of winning a €50 TGI Friday Voucher and a game of bowling for all the family.
Leisureplex, the fun family entertainment centres with bowling, quasar and more in Blanchardstown, Charlestown, Coolock, Tallaght and Stillorgan in Dublin and Leisureplex Cork, are open from 10am until late daily for Easter fun.
Check out what our family testers thought about Quasar at Leisureplex!
Monday April 22nd to Sunday April 28th
Egg and Spoon an Interactive Show for Under 5's at dlr Mill Theatre
Monday, April 22nd, 2pm & 4pm – Lyngo Theatre presents Egg and Spoon an interactive show for under 5's at the dlr Mill Theatre. It is a show about the seasons where all the children can take part.
Egg in the Sky at National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Mayo
Tuesday April 23rd, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 2pm to 3pm – Can you build a great big tower that's stable enough to hold an egg or build a vessel to launch an egg in flight without it cracking? A fun and exciting, hands-on science and engineering workshop brought to you by the team from Toodlelou. Booking required.
We've gone all Horse and Donkey! National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Turlough Park, Mayo
Wednesday April 24th, 11am to 4pm – Join some of the members of local donkey welfare groups including Irish Donkey Welfare Organisation, who will all explain about Ireland's much-loved donkey. Colman Coogan with his two beautiful Shire horses Ned & Ted, will explain the history of Shires in Ireland and show some of the tack and equipment traditionally used by these massive workhorses. Also joined by master farrier Mark Hester and straw crafter Pat Broderick who will demonstrate their skills on the day. No booking required.
Inspectorium: If (shark) teeth could talk! National Museum of Ireland Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Thursday April 25th, 11am to 1pm – How many teeth does a shark have in its lifetime and just how big can they get? Drop into the Discovery Zone to learn all about sharks and inspect some of the handling collection up close. No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible.
Free Teen Make Up Event with Ellie Kelly at Jervis Centre, Dublin
Saturday, April 27th, 1pm to 5pm – Hop in to Jervis Shopping Centre to chat to make-up artist and social media influencer Ellie Kelly, see some gorgeous make-up demos and be in with a chance to win an amazing prize.
Accio Adventure! Harry Potter Day at Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny
Saturday, April 27th, 11am to 4pm – Join in the wizarding fun at Castlecomer Discovery Park this Easter. With a Harry Potter Themed Discovery Trail, Quidditch games, owls and a wand making workshop to name but a few Harry Potter fans and muggles aged 6 to 12 will most appreciate this day.
Family Tour: Proclaiming a Republic at National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Sunday April 28th, 3pm to 4pm – On the 103rd anniversary of the Rising, why not join a family-friendly tour of Proclaiming a Republic: The 1916 Rising exhibition. Explore some of the highlights of the Museum's extensive Easter Week collection. Admission free, places allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
Sunday April 28th, 12pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm – The Brickx Club offer all inclusive workshops for children in various locations in Westmeath. On April 28th there are 2 workshops at the Mullingar Charity Variety Group Studio. Each workshops lasts 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years.
March 2019 Events for Families
Events from Monday February 25th to Sunday March 3rd 2019
Romeo & Juliet at dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin
Monday February 25th to Friday March 1st, 10am & 1.30pm – An abridged version of Romeo & Juliet perfect for junior cycle students to experience their first live version of Shakespeare.
The play will also run on:
March 4th to 8th 2019
March 11th to 15th 2019
Battle of the Forces, Malahide Castle & Gardens, Dublin
Saturday, March 2nd from 12pm to 4pm – The Battle of the Forces takes place this Saturday, March 2nd at Malahide Castle and Gardens. Teams from the Dublin Fire Brigade, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and An Garda Siochana are going head to head in a sports tournament challenge all in aid of Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
All are welcome to come along and cheer on the teams and see who comes out on top!! There will also be a number of the emergency vehicles on display to the public for families to view up close and to take photos of.
Saturday March 2nd from 10.30am (and every Saturday, subject to GAA fixtures, until May 18th 2019) – Cluasóg is back at the GAA Museum in Croke Park from February 22nd to May 18th to bring you on a family friendly junior explorer tour in the home of GAA.
Junior Woodland Adventure Course, Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd March – The junior woodland adventure course for under 7's is open this weekend at Castlecomer Discovery Park along with the bouncing nets, archery and ax throwing! Sounds like a fun day out!
Engineering Our Future Free Family Fun Day at NUI Galway
Saturday, March 2nd, 10am to 4pm – NUI Galway invite all would be engineers to come along to the Alice Perry Engineering Building at NUI Galway from 10am on March 2nd for a FREE Family Fun Day to celebrate Engineers Week. There will workshops, engineering shows, science, movies and hands on activities to inspire all ages.
Engineers Week with Bricks 4 Kidz – National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Castlebar, Mayo
Sunday, March 3rd, 1.30pm – 4.30pm – Explore our collections in a very different way. Join the Bricks 4 Kidz team to celebrate Engineers Week and discover the engineering behind some of our artefacts using LEGO©. No booking required. All ages welcome.
Meet the Engineers at the Old Cork Waterworks
Sunday March 3rd – The Old Waterworks in Cork have the Romans coming for a FREE fun family day do discover how engineering helped create the Roman empires. There will be hands on workshops and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Events from Monday March 4th to Sunday March 10th 2019
First Cut Youth Film Festival Cork
Wednesday, March 6th to Saturday March 9th – The First Cut Youth Film Festival takes place at the Mall Arts Center & The Regal Cinema in Youghal, Co Cork. The festival is now in its 10th year and celebrates and showcases the work of young film makers aged from 12 to 24.
Thursday, March 7th – Today is World Book Day and there are a host of activities taking place throughout the country in libraries & schools. You can also stream audio books for FREE up to March 31st with everything from picture books to teen fiction on offer.
Killarney Mountain Festival
Friday, March 8th to Sunday March 10th – The annual Killarney Mountain Festival takes place from March 8th to 10th and has varied range of activities for every age group including a family treasure hunt, music, walks, hikes, mountain bikes and runs, mountain rescue search dogs, films, food stalls and much more.
Inspectorium: Record Breakers! National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin 2
Saturday, March 9th, 11am – 1pm – What animal has the largest appetite or best sense of smell? Drop into the Discovery Zone to find out more and see up close some animal record breakers from the handling collection! No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible. All ages welcome.
Free Creative Workshop at Alliance Française French Library, Dublin
Saturday March 9th, 11am – As part of the Festival de la Francophonie in Ireland The French Library at Alliance Française will host French children's book illustrator Marc Majewski for a bilingual French/English creative workshop. Suitable for children aged 6+ you will learn how to make a pop up card. Admission is free but you must book your place.
Family Engineers Week Event at Birr Castle, Offaly
Saturday March 9th, 12pm to 1.30pm – Birr Castle will have a Family Engineers Week Event entitled Float Your Boat. Families will get to build a variety of boats and test their speed, tracking and weight limits before racing their final boat against other boats on the outdoor pond.
Pre-Booking Essential.
Bilingual Tour: Turas Dearbhú na Poblachta: Éirí Amach 1916 – National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Sunday, March 10th, 3pm – 4pm – Glac páirt linn i Seachtain na Gaeilge, ar an turas dátheangach don taispeántas Dearbhú na Poblachta: Éirí Amach 1916, le treoir an Mhusaem, staraí Déaglán Ó Brádaigh. Ní gá aon áirithintí, déanfaimid leithroinnt d'áiteanna cúig nóiméad déag sula dtosaíonn an turas. Fáilte roimh chách.
Take part in Seachtain na Gaeilge, by joining Museum guide Declan Brady on a bilingual tour of Proclaiming a Republic: The 1916 Rising exhibition. No booking required, places allocated 15minutes before tour starts. All Ages welcome.
Designer Dojo Workshop, Cork
Sunday, March 10th, 10am to 1pm – This Designer Dojo workshop teaches children about 3D printing, modelling and virtual environments. The workshop takes place at The Webworkhouse, 8 Winthrop Street, Cork. Free but you much register for tickets.
Events from Monday March 11th to Sunday March 17th 2019
Check out our List of Essentials for Going to the St Patrick's Day Parade & Round Up of Events in Ireland for St Patrick's Weekend
Céilí at Belvedere House, Westmeath
Saturday march 16th 2pm to 4pm – Join the team at Belvedere House for a fun Céilí for families to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
The Trail of St. Patrick and the Saints of Ireland National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Dublin 2
Sunday March 17th During Museum Opening Hours – To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, drop by the Museum and join in our special trail! Follow St. Patrick's trail through the museum and discover all about the Patron Saint of Ireland; the myths, the legends and the objects. Find out more about the many other saints associated to Ireland. No booking required, trails will be available at the reception area of the Museum. Partially wheelchair accessible. Don't forget to bring your pencil! Ages 8+
Slime Lab for St Patrick's Weekend at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
March 17th & 18th 2019 at 11am, 1pm & 3pm – Whatever the weather this St Paddy's weekend – the kids will love the Cool Planet Experience's GREEN Slime Labs. They will pop, play & stretch green slime to discover how to use these types of materials to save the planet (think edible water bottles)! The workshop is designed to make learning about climate action & sustainability interactive & really fun.
Workshops should be booked in advance. Each workshop lasts 90 minutes and are suitable for ages 6 to 14 years.
St Patrick's Weekend Trails at Fota House & Gardens, Cork
Saturday 16th to Monday 18th March, 10.30am to 3.30pm – If you are in the Cork area this St. Patrick's weekend be sure to take a trip to Fota House & Gardens for a bilingual self-guided family St. Patrick's Trail / Slí Phádraig. Pick up your map, solve the clues and come back to the house for your treat. Fun for all the family! Adults go free and a child's ticket is just €5 and includes a treat.
My Fair Lady at dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin
Tuesday March 19th to Saturday March 23rd at 8pm nightly – Glencullen Dundrum MDS present My Fair Lady for audiences to enjoy a musical night out.
Rock Your Socks! For Wold Down Syndrome Day
Thursday March 21st 2019 – Word Down Syndrome day falls on the 21st of the 3rd month annually to represent the three copies of chromosome 21, which is Down Syndrome.
To celebrate and raise awareness the Down Syndrome Centre Cork are inviting work places, schools, creches, groups etc to don their best, brightest and down right awful funky socks and wear them with pride on March 21st.
Why socks? At first, it is strange to comprehend how wearing a pair of coloured, mismatched socks could possibly be related to something like Down Syndrome. The trend, however, has gripped people all over the world, who sport odd-coloured socks on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). It also highlights that no matter what it looks like it's purpose is the same! No matter the appearance, colour or pattern it keeps your tootsies warm! Essentially showing we are all more alike than different And, on a more scientific note, chromosomes are said to resemble socks when examined under a microscope.
The Down Syndrome Centre Cork was set up by parents in Cork who wanted to give their children not only what they need in terms of services but what they deserve. It is a Centre for the whole and extended family providing new and expectant parents with support. We receive NO funding from the government and rely 100% on donations and fundraising..
SO ANY money raised 2€ 20€ 200€ it doesn't matter – IT WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED
If you or your Team would like to take in part in our fundraiser, please contact us at the DSCC [email protected] and we will forward some posters to you.
In the event you take part, we would love to see photos of your funky socks which can be uploaded to our page using #rockyoursocks #wdsd19 #worlddownsyndromeday and invite all your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
Falconry & Flacons at NMI Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
Saturday, March 23rd, 10am to 12.30pm – Drop in and meet falconers Ellen Hagen and Hilary White and see a real live falcon display and learn about different birds of prey living in Ireland. This is a free event and no booking is required. However, as it is due to take place outside the museum it is weather dependent.
A History of Falconry in Ireland and Norway National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Dublin 2
Saturday, March 23rd, 2.30pm – 3.30pm – Falconers Ellen Hagen from the Museum of Archaeology at the University of Stavanger, Norway, and Hilary White of the Irish Hawking Club will explain the archaeological and historical evidence for falconry in Norway and Ireland, from medieval to modern times.
Booking required, please email: [email protected] or call 016486334. Located in the Kildare Room, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible. Ages 7+.
Free Native Scientist Workshop – Alliance Française Dublin
Saturday, March 23rd, 11am – The Native Scientist Workshop is an opportunity for children who speak French at home to learn about science and meet role models in the field. They will meet 5 French speaking researchers from Trinity College and University College Dublin and learn about biology, chemistry, neuroscience, physiotherapy and computer science. The workshop will take place at Alliance Française and is free but must be booked in advance.
Woolly's Quest at Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd March – Branar Theatre Company tell the epic story of Woolly, the bravest of all sheep! The bilingual (english/irish) show combines music, puppetry, songs and storytelling and is suitable for kids aged 4+. It takes place at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway at 10am & 12pm on the 21st & 22nd and 3pm on the 23rd.
Blue Planet Live in Concert at 3 Arena Dublin
Sunday March 24th – See the Blue Planet Live in Concert at 3 Arena Dublin. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra along with conductor Matthew Freeman will provide live music to stunning graphics from the award winning Blue Planet ll series form the BBC.
Navan Fire Station Open Day, Meath
Sunday, March 24th, 12pm to approx 3pm – Come and visit the Navan Fire Station on their open day and get to see real fire engines up close and maybe even get to use the hoses! A fun day out for all ages, but especially if you have a fire engine fan in the house!
Events from Monday March 25th to Sunday March 31st 2019
dlr Mill Theatre – Romeo and Juliet
Monday February 25th to Friday March 15th – Show time: 10am and 1.30pm (various dates) – This abridged version is an ideal opportunity to expose Junior Cycle students to their first live Shakespeare experience. Directed by Geoff O'Keeffe for MILL PRODUCTIONS Throughout the year the venue also offers you and your pupils (at all levels) the opportunity to really engage with your chosen text by offering Drama Workshops to bring these texts to life. Workshops are led by experienced facilitators and designed to engage the student creatively by exploring characters, themes and language of your chosen text. Mill Productions has produced 2 Shakespeare plays every year for many years – including Macbeth in 2018, King Lear 2017 and Hamlet 2016
BOOK YOUR CLASS IN TODAY! €12.50 per student, 1 teacher per 20 students goes free. 20% deposit required to secure booking. Full payment due 2 weeks before performance date. Contact [email protected] or call our Box Office on 012969340
Create Your Own Typo-Poem at The French Library at Alliance Française, Dublin
Tuesday March 26th, 6.30pm to 9pm – Step into the photo booth for poetry at the French Library at Alliance Française in Dublin. Type in your poem and wait for it to be printed. This is a free event and there will be other word related workshops and games taking place during the evening.
Save on Entry to Cool Planet Experience
To celebrate their 1st Birthday, Cool Planet Experience in Wicklow are offering 20% of all tour tickets booked up to March 31st 2019 when you use promo code – WeAre1 at the online checkout. The discount applies to all tour dates up to December 31st 2019 so long as they are booked by March 31st 2019 and include the promo code.
dlr Mill Theatre – Mountains to Sea Book Festival 2019 Beag Bideach
Thursday March 28th 2019 – Show time: 11AM in the STUDIO
– Tá grá ag Nína dá deartháir, Jimí, ach, uaireanta cuireann sé isteach uirthi. Go háirithe nuair atá sí ag iarraidh a bheith ag spraoi lena cairde, na babóga. Ba bhreá le Nína bheith bídeach ionas go bhféadfadh sí dul chun cónaithe lena cairde, na bábóg. Nach mbeadh an saol i dteach bábóige, gan Jimí, go hiontach ar fad?! Seans anseo do ghach einne buaileadh leis an tÚdar Sadhbh Devlin. This event is for school groups (Suitable for age 4+) Duration 60 minutes.
dlr Mill Theatre Knights and Bikes
Friday March 29th 2019 – Show time: 11AM in the STUDIO
– Welcome to the sleepy Cornish island of Penfurzy, where nothing exciting ever happens. Or does it? We join Demelza and her new best friend in the whole world, Nessa, as they explore the island and uncover the mysteries of the Penfurzy Knights. Gabrielle Kent introduces her new mystery novel for ages 7+. Featuring Chopper bikes, medieval pickled heads and boom boxes, Gabrielle will read and discuss themes behind the book, as well as the use of stories in video games.
Gabrielle Kent is the author of the Alfie Bloom mystery series and Knights and Bikes (Knights Of), which is based on a video game of the same name. She teaches computer game technology at Teeside University. – This event is for school groups (Suitable for age 7+) Duration 60 minutes.
Kids Gardening Class at Powerscourt, Wicklow
Saturday March 30th, 10am to 11am – Enjoy a kids gardening class with your child and pot up some flowers to take home. Gardening in an excellent way to spend time together and spark an interest in the environment and learn where food comes from. This class is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years accompanied by an adult. This cost is €10 per child and adults go free.
The Snow Queen Ballet at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum
Saturday March 30th, 5.30pm – Darcy Dance present the Snow Queen Ballet, a story about a young girl who goes on a journey to rescue her friend from the cold-hearted Snow Queen. The 2nd half of the show will be a number of dance numbers from well known musicals. The show is suitable for all ages.
Mums Go Free at Explorium, Dublin
Sunday, March 31st – Explorium National Sport & Science Centre in Dublin combines fun science and sport for those aged 8+ is offering Mums free entry this Mothers Day.
February 2019 Events for Families
Events from Monday January 28th to Sunday February 3rd 2019
Spring Knitting at NMI Country Life
Saturday 2nd February 11am to 1pm – Knitting & Crochet Circle: Springtime Patterns. Update your style for Spring. Join the group to work on your knitting and crochet skills, swap patterns and get advice. Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Power, Prayer & Pattens – Life in Medieval Ireland at NMI Archaeology
Saturday 2nd February 1pm to 1.45pm – Tour: Power, Prayer and Pattens- Life in Medieval Ireland. To celebrate St. Brigid's day, take a tour of our Medieval Ireland exhibition with a special emphasis on archaeological evidence from the lives of women. Join Museum Educator Annie Birney to discover how the themes of power, work and prayer dominated the lives of people living in the Middle Ages and learn more about artefacts associated with women like shrine of St. Brigid's shoe. No booking required. Places allocated on a first come basis. Not wheelchair accessible.
Venue: Kildare Street (Archaeology)
St. Brigit's Cross Making Workshop at Brigit's Garden Galway
Saturday 2nd February – Celebrate the start of Spring at Brigit's Garden, Galway with a family friendly Brigit's Cross making workshop. You will have everything you need to create you very own traditional Brigit's Cross and lean all about St Brigit, including Brigit's Cloak. Afterwards you can explore the Discovery Trail and enjoy a bite to eat in the Garden Café.
Sunday 3rd February – Join Down to Earth Forest School to celebrate Brigit's Weekend and the start of Spring in Esker Woods. The family will get to sit around the Imbolc fire and make traditional natural crafts and is suitable for all ages. Booking essential.
Events from Monday February 4th to Sunday February 10th 2019
Spring Term & Feb Mid Term Break French Classes for All Ages in Dublin
Spring Term Dates: 4 February– 8 June 2019 – French Language Courses for Toddlers, Children and Teens Spring Term.
Information & Booking : www.alliance-francaise.ie/courses.htm
Mid-Term Break French Camps
Children – Monday 18 to Friday 22 February – 9.30am to 1.00pm (17,5 hours)
4-6 years old: €199 – Book here
7-10 years old: €199 – Book here
Teenagers – Monday 18 to Friday 22 February – 1pm to 4pm (15 hours)
Junior Cert: €179 – Book here
Leaving Cert: €179 – Book here
dlr Mill Theatre – Hidden Strength Speaker Series Girls With Grit: Find Your Hidden Strength
Tuesday February 5th 2019- Show time: 10.30am – This speaker event is for secondary school age girls where Trish Patterson and Lisa Jacob will share their experiences with young girls and teach how to overcome fear, how to be your best and how to achieve more than you ever thought was possible.
Trish grew up on the most remote inhabited island in the world- Tristan de Cunha. She has served in Afghanistan twice with the British Army, led over 5000 people across the world in business, and has competed for the army at nordic skiing and rugby. She has completed 100km ultramarathon runs, finishing the Serpent Trail over 2 hours ahead of the next female. She is now stay at home mum to her two twin girls.
Lisa played hockey for the Irish senior women's team from 2006-2014. During this time she also played semi-professionally in Holland, and then moved to rugby 7s where she became part of the Irish squad. Once finished over a decade in international team sport, she then completed the Race Around Ireland, a 2,200km non-stop cycling ultramarathon race with her partner Nikki, setting a still unbeaten record of 88 hrs 25 mins in the female pair category, raising €30,000 for mental health charity SOS. Lisa has also worked as the hockey analyst for RTE in their coverage of the Rio Olympics and Women's World Cup.
Trish and Lisa want to inspire the next generation of young women and give them the strategies they have used to survive and succeed in their own endeavours.
dlr Mill Theatre – Developing Hidden Strength in Young People
Tuesday February 5th 2019 Show time: 7.15pm – This speaker event with Trish Patterson and Lisa Jacob will have 2 main aims. 1) To teach young people how to persevere in challenge, how to deal with fear, how to become their best, and how to achieve more than they think they can. 2) The second aims is to resource parents, teachers and coaches to get more from their children, students or athletes, and support them to navigate challenges and setbacks to become more flexible, resilient, decisive and confident.
Lisa and Trish will discuss their incredible array of experiences- playing internationally in 4 sports, completing 100km running and 2,200km cycling ultra-marathons, raising €30,000 for charity, scaling mountains over 6,000m in elevation, serving in Afghanistan twice, working in TV sports analysis, and leading 5,000 people globally as Head of International Security and People in a leading defense company.
FOR GROUP BOOKINGS PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY – [email protected] / 012969340. For more information see www.hidden-strength.com
Parenting Masterclass with Parenting Coach Val Mulally, Carlow
Val Mullally from Koemba Parenting is a parenting expert, coach and author and is passionate about empowering people to create happier, healthier and more meaningful relationships. The parenting masterclass will finish with a Q&A.
Tuesday 5th February at Bagenalstown Library at 11am
Wednesday 6th February at Borris Library at 11am
Thursday 7th February at Carlow Libruary at 11am
CAMP Project: Building a Bendy National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Castlebar, Mayo
Thursday February 7th from 12pm – 1pm – As part of the Travellers' Journey CAMP arts project, artist Gianna Tomasso and members of the Tipperary Traveller Horse Owners' Association, will demonstrate the construction of a traditional Shelter Tent or 'Bendy', on the grounds of Turlough Park House. Discover the different materials and construction techniques that went into this mainstay of traditional Traveller Camp. No booking required. All ages welcome.
Free Family Trad Session with Eoin O Neill at glór, Ennis
Saturday February 9th at 2pm – Join Eoin O Neil for a free, fun family trad session in the foyer of glór, Ennis, Co Clare. These monthly sessions are a fun way for the whole family to get together and enjoy trad music. They are free and open to all members of the family so bring along your instrument of choice, tune up and join in!
Trad sessions take place monthly and will be on March 17th & April 13th too.
Family Tours – An Introduction to Collins Barracks
Sunday 10th February 3-4pm and Friday 24th February 3pm-4pm – Join an introductory tour to learn about the history of Collins Barracks, from the 1700s to the present day and its transition from Barracks to Museum, taking in some of the highlights from the Museum's military history or decorative arts exhibitions. Families. Admission free. No booking required, places allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
Spring Festival Fair, Dublin
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th February 11am – The Spring Fair returns to the chq Building, Dublin to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year. This free, family friendly festival has a full line up of events including; workshops, demonstrations, stalls, fairground rides, face painting and much more.
See the full festival program here.
Events from Monday February 11th to Sunday February 17th 2019
Check out what is on in Ireland for February Mid-term Break
Parenting Talk with Val Mullally, Meath
Tuesday 12th February at Ashbourne Library at 7pm join parenting expert, coach and author Val Mullally from Koemba Parenting for a parenting talk followed by a Q&A session.
Performing Arts Festival – PERFORM at the RDS
Friday February 15th to Sunday February 17th 2019 – Perform is Ireland's first Performing Arts Festival and takes place in the RDS, Dublin from February 15th to 17th 2019. There will be over 170 workshops, masterclasses and seminars from stars of screen, stage, internet and music and performers from around Ireland will entertain and take part in competitions throughout the weekend. PERFORM is a non-profit organisation and all profits will be used for scholarships and bursaries.
Jurassic Skies: Open Day – National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Sunday February 17th 2019 1pm – 4pm – Dinosaurs are taking over Collins Barracks for a special open day! Drop-in on the day to visit the temporary exhibition, Jurassic Skies, and meet with scientists, artists and storytellers to discover more about when dinosaurs took to the air. Activities on the day include a hands-on look at real dinosaur fossils, bird feathers and bones. No booking required. All ages welcome.
Slime Lab Workshops at Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow
February 17th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th 2019 – 12pm & 2pm – This February mid-term, your kids can don their lab coat, goggles & get stuck into the strange & squishy world of slime! This kids' workshop is designed to make learning about climate action & sustainability an interactive & lasting experience for all ages.
Kids will take a closer look at environmental science (think slime, goo, jelly balls & seaweed!).
They will play, pop & stretch their self-made slime to discover how we can use these unusual materials to save the planet (think edible water bottles & sustainable packaging)!
Workshops suitable for Ages 6-14 and each workshop lasts 1hour and 15mins and costs €15 per child. Booking essential.
Add a tour of the Cool Planet ground-breaking exhibition for €5.50 (child), €9.50 (adult). Book 1hr before, or after your slime workshop.
Feb Mid Term Break French Classes for All Ages in Dublin
dlr Mill Theatre – Great Expectations
Tuesday February 19th to Saturday February 23rd 2019 – Show time: 8pm
– Balally Players Theatre Co. presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Adapted by Jo Clifford . Directed by Brian Molloy. A beautifully simple adaptation of one of Dickens's best-loved novels, bringing it thrillingly to life for the stage.
When the orphan Pip meets the convict Magwitch in a graveyard and is forced to help him escape, his life takes a series of unexpected turns. Invited to the house of the mysterious
Miss Havisham, he falls in love with her adopted daughter, the beautiful but cold-hearted
Estella. Then the generosity of an unknown benefactor sends him to London to become a gentleman. But the truth behind his change of fortune, once revealed, is not what Pip expects…
Made to Measure? – National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin 2
Thursday, February 21st 2019 12pm & 2pm – Are you the height of a beaver? Are you as long as a moose? Join zoologist Catherine McGuinness to learn how we measure animals and guess their sizes. You might be surprised by your animal height! No booking required, places limited and allocated on a first-come basis 15minutes before tour starts. Not wheelchair accessible. All ages welcome.
The French Library's Escape Game, Alliance Francaise, Dublin
Friday February 22nd at 5.30pm – The French library is being haunted by a French speaking ghost and staff need your help to lift the curse! You have 60 minutes to solve puzzles using clues and hints and escape from the library. The surprise it that the Escape game is in French only! Come along if you dare!
Fairy Day at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare
Friday 22nd February 12pm to 3pm – For anyone with a fairy fan in the house, the 22nd season ticket holder event at Irish National Stud, celebrates the return of the fairy trail to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, which is home to 20 residents this year. There will be lots of fun activities including face painting, magic show and much more. The kids can make the day even more magical by dressing up in their favourite fairy costume. Please note places are limited and booking is required via email on [email protected].
Prehistory Mysteries! Humans and the Natural World – National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Dublin 2
Saturday, February 23rd, 2.30pm – 4.30pm – Pop into the Museum and have a chat with our Museum Educators who will have an array of replica artefacts and raw materials, which you can pick up and examine. Discover how humans cleverly used antler, wood, and clay in centuries past – long before there was plastic! No booking required. Located in the Prehistoric Ireland exhibition, Ground Floor. Wheelchair accessible. All ages welcome.
Sunday February 24th – 10.30am to 5.30pm – Brick World are hosting a Lego Exhibition at the Charleville Centre in Tullamore. All welcome to come along and see some amazing displays of Lego and get your hands on all new Lego sets for 2019.
Round Up of January 2019 Events & Things to Do for Families
Check out Where to go Ice Skating in Dublin & Around Ireland & Sensory Shows, Pantos & Places to Visit Santa & Round Up of the Best Pantos for a Family Trip to the Theatre
Events from Monday December 31st 2018 to Sunday January 6th 2019
Monday December 31st 2019 – NYF Dublin is back for 2018/2019. This special New Years Eve Festival sees the area around the Custom House come to life with music, lights and a New Year countdown. This year ring in the New Year on December 31st with Gavin James.
Discovery Zone at NMI Natural History
Wednesday January 2nd 2019 11am to 1pm – Inspetorium: Skullduggery drop in activity at NMI Natural History, Merrion Square. When a scientist discovers a new fossil, how can it tell what that animal eats? Drop into the Discovery Zone to inspect different animal skulls from the handling collection and learn how to tell what it eats by looking at its teeth! No booking required but there may be short waiting time. Wheelchair accessible.
Family Fun at NMI Archaeology, Kildare Street
Thursday January 3rd 2019 2pm to 4pm – Mini Medieval Architects – Make Your Own Tower House! Tower Houses were built all around the Irish landscape in Medieval Ireland and can still be seen today. They were the defended homes of lords and ladies. Drop in to the National Museum of Ireland to handle replicas of the objects that were used in these homes, from pottery to shoes, and explore the architecture of these castles as you make your own Tower House! No booking required. Located in Kildare Room, ground floor. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday January 5th 2019 11.30am to 1.30pm – Paper Puzzle drop in activity for ages 6+. Solve our puzzle and help us to piece together some archaeological objects from the Museum's collection including the Ardagh Chalice and the Loughnashade Trumpet by piecing the paper 'fragments' together! No booking required. Located in the Learning Resource Room. Not Wheelchair accessible.
Slime Lab at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon
Thursday January 3rd & Friday January 4th 11.30am to 12.30 pm – Planet Science Kidz are back at the Moylorg Room in Lough Key Forest & Activity Park for fun Slime Lab Workshops for children.
Pre-booking essential call 071 9673122 or email [email protected]
Storytelling & The Armagh Rhymers at NMI Collins Barracks
Sunday January 6th 2019 – Enjoy Family Storytime for Little Christmas from 2.15pm to 4.14pm and The Armagh Rhymers from 3pm to 4pm at NMI Collins Barracks. Join renowned storyteller Nuala Hayes in the Museum's Out of Storage Gallery to hear stories and tales that reflect this special day in January, Nollaig na mBan, or Little Christmas and the coming of the Three Wise Men. Nuala's stories will include Cailleachaí Sliabh na mBan – The Fairy Hill's on Fire, The Three Gifts and a story from Norway called The Devil's Handmill. No booking required, places allocated on a first-come basis.
06/01/2019 – 06/01/2019 3 – 4pm
Join the Armagh Rhymers, one of Ireland's most celebrated folk theatre ensembles, for their traditional seasonal performance at Collins Barracks. Take part in this annual tradition and see them sing, act, make music, dance, tell stories and act the clown, dressed in costume and beautifully crafted masks of flax, willow and straw. This January they will once again give voice to a tradition that dates back to 2,500 years. Suitable for all ages. No Booking required, places allocated on a first come basis.
Sunday January 6th 2019 – See Bosco and Cinderella at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre at 2pm.
Events from Monday January 7th to Sunday January 13th 2019
BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2019
Wednesday January 9th to Saturday 12th – The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2019 takes place at the RDS in Dublin from January 9th to 12th.
NMI Collins Barracks Museum Tours
Sunday January 13th 2019 – 3pm to 4pm – Family Tour of Collins Barracks. Join an introductory tour to learn about the history of Collins Barracks, from the 1700s to the present day and its transition from Barracks to Museum, taking in some of the highlights from the Museum's military history or decorative arts exhibitions. Admission free, places allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
Events from Monday January 14th to Sunday January 20th 2019
Music & Knitting at NMI Country Life Turlough Park
Friday January 18th 11am to 1pm – Knitting & Crochet Circle: A Woolly Winter. Have you made a resolution to try something different for the New Year? Come along to our Knitting & Crochet Circle for some help, advice and a good auld yarn. Beginners welcome. No booking required.
Saturday January 19th 2pm to 4pm – Music Circle. Dust down that fiddle, polish that whistle and join the music circle to practice, share, play tunes and songs. No booking required.
Behind the Scenes at NMI Natural History
Saturday January 19th 12pm & 2pm – Meet Museum Educator, Geraldine Breen, and discover the science and stories behind the collections on display during this free public highlights tour of the Museum of Natural History. No booking required, places limited and allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts. Not wheelchair accessible.
A Decade of Conflict at NMI Collins Barracks
Sunday January 20th 3pm to 4pm – 1913 – 1923 A Decade of Conflict. Join Museum guide Diarmuid Bolger in a tour which will explore the decade of conflict in Irish history from 1913 – 1923, with a special focus on the First Dáil in January 1919, marking the centenary and the new temporary exhibition on display at Collins Barracks. Admission free, places allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
Treasures of the National Museum of Archaeology
Sunday January 20th 3pm to 3.45pm – Public Tour: Treasures of the National Museum. Take a tour of the iconic treasures in the National Museum, including the 'Tara' Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Irish Sign Language Interpretation will be provided for this tour. Booking required, please email [email protected] or call 01 6486 334. Wheelchair accessible.
Events from Monday January 21st to Sunday January 27th 2019
dlr Mill Theatre – Bosco's Garden And Cinderella
Saturday January 26th 2019 – Show times: 12PM and 2PM
– Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls.
After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you'll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the story of Cinderella through this completely interactive live experience.
Free Family Trad Events at The Ark
Friday January 25th to Sunday January 27th – As part of TradFest 2019, The Ark in Temple Bar have a host of free Trad sessions and workshops for families to enjoy. You can give trad a try, experience a variety of different crafts and listen to trad sessions. No pre-booking required, places limited and given on a first come basis.
Make a St Brigid's Cross at NMI Country Life, Mayo
Sunday January 27th 2pm to 4pm – Make a St. Brigid's Cross. Join the members of the Education team to learn more about the history, customs and traditions around St. Brigid's Day and make your very own St. Brigid's Cross. No booking required.
Tour of Eileen Gray Exhibition NMI Collins Barracks
Sunday January 27th 3pm to 4pm – Tour of the Eileen Gray exhibition. Join a public tour of the Eileen Gray gallery, exploring one of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. No booking required, places allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts.
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