Here are some tips for things to do and see with the kids this week and what is on this week all over Ireland. We also regularly have regional guides for what to do with the kids this week in Dublin, The South East, The East Coast, The West, The Southwest and The Northwest.
Some are free, some are ticketed, some are weather dependant but hopefully all are full of family fun and are family friendly and child friendly. Please note that dates, times and events may change so do check with the organisers directly. Booking may also be necessary to avoid disappointment.
Get ready for next week as well with the hundreds of Heritage Week events here.
Hugh Lane Gallery – July and August
The Hugh Lane Gallery has enjoyable art workshops for children, teenagers and families. Workshops exploring the collection for children aged 3 – 12 take place regularly at the Gallery. The programme includes workshops on Thursdays in August, week long summer art camps’ in July on the themes of art and drama, music and poetry as well as sketching workshops on Sundays in June from 3 – 4pm for 7 year olds and over. (01 661 5133).
Dublin City Libraries Events
Every summer, Dublin City Public Libraries delivers a themed programme of events for children, throughout their 21 branch libraries. The workshops cater for all age groups. Admission to all events is free but booking is essential.
Cabinteely House, Cabinteely Park
Cabinteely House will be open on Wednesdays & Sundays from July 16th to the 31st August. Travel back in time to experience a bygone era with the ghosts of Earl Nugent and his sarcastic gardener, Postule from the eighteenth century at Cabinteely House. Hear how the Earl lived, socialised, travelled, was painted by Gainsborough, married rich widows and died. A guided tour of the house and Living History performances will be included every hour from 1pm to 4pm in association with Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre. There is a great payground which has activities for all ages even older kids just down the hill in the park which is great for picnics as well.
Dinosaurs Alive at Funtasia, Bettystown
This is a presentation of a multi-sensory, dynamic and interactive environment that includes some of the world's largest and most advanced animatronic dinosaurs.
Kids can get up close with roaring, standing, moving animatronic dinosaurs, the largest of which stands 24ft high and 70ft long. Come see this incredible exhibition on its first ever visit to Europe.
Bear Essentials in Bawnboy - From the 18th to the 21st of August 10am - 12.30pm
Bear Essentials in Bawnboy, Co.Cavan is hosting a summer school in Traditional Teddy Bear Design in Ireland. Boys & girls age 6 to 16 get to design and hand make their own Mohair teddy bear including accessories. Enrolment is essential so call 049 9523461.
Festival of World Cultures - Fri 22nd – Sun 24th August
The Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures is Ireland’s leading intercultural festival. It is a dazzling weekend of internationally renowned acts and local talent including music, film, circus, theatre, dance, club nights, markets, exhibitions, workshops and children’s activities.
Family events will centre around the People's Park World Of Enchantment on both
Saturday 23 August 2008 - Sunday 24 August 2008 - 12.30pm - 5.30pm on the People's Park Stage. The World of Enchantment will cast a spell in the People’s Park with fairies, goblins, curious creatures, magical characters and captivating stories from the four corners of the globe to fascinate and intrigue. Enjoy a mix of world music performances on the music stage, create amazing accessories & costumes in free workshops and be transported from the Philippines, Poland and around the world, through a host of magical puppet shows. Follow the Fairy Tree Trail and listen to traditional stories from across Africa, encounter world and otherworld walkabout characters and enjoy global dance, comic performances, face painting, a picnic area and market stalls.
The performance area will featuring dance, music, puppetry and comedy. There will be workshops to create a carnival costume, an enchanted headdress and design a shoe inspired by world shoe designs. Learn about Concern’s anti-child labour campaign through the enchanting world of storytelling and kite flying. Fly to five continents with The Magic Map an interactive puppet performance and workshop for younger children by Monkeyshine Theatre. Teatr Groteska from Krakow in Poland present their show A Tale of the Krakow Shoemaker and the Dragon and storytelling will feature stories from around Africa. The Picnic Area will allow you to sample food from around the globe while enjoying an enchanted world go by. On the Sunday of the Festival Polish Street Theatre Company Arlekin pays a visit to the Park with a spectacular street performance piece.
Parade, Sun 4.45pm
As the Carnival of Colour parade weaves its way along the Coast Road let your senses be bombarded with a truly multi-cultural blend of music, performance, energy and colour; featuring live music, dramatic costumes, stilt walkers, dancers, performers and a host of colourful characters.
Traditional dances of Donegal at Oideas Geal, Gleann Cholm Cille, Donegal – 16th – 23rd August
Tuition by a leading instructor in Irish traditional dances such as the Mazurka, Shoe the Donkey, the Peeler and the Goat. (074 973 0248).
Birr Vintage Week - 15th - 22nd August, 2008
Birr's Vintage Week is about much more than classic cars, with numerous family activities, a funfair and a colourful parade adding to the fun. The parade of vintage cars runs the gamut from Rolls Royces to engines, horses and carriages and the first tractors. Other activities include costume competitions, historical walking tours, film nights, free daily children's events, the Ormond Flying Club's annual fly-in, vintage and modern sports events and a photography competition. There's also a donkey derby and barman's race, live music and a spectacular fireworks display to round it off.
Gael Force West Adventure Race and Festival at Westport and region, Mayo - 22nd - 24th - August
Geal Force 6 Adventure Race for Novice and Gael Force 12 Adventure for Practiced. Festival of activities for all. (098 28324)
Tuam Arts Festival at Tuam, Galway - 22nd - 31st August
Now in its 6th year Earwig! Arts present local, national and international acts. (091 797 918).
Fleadh Cheoil na nEireann at Tullamore, Offaly 17th - 24 August
World's largest festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance. More than a 1/4 million people are expected to attend.
Tralee Races at Ballybeggan Park, Tralee, Kerry - 19th - 23rd August
Rose of Tralee festival of racing. (0 66 712 6490)
Bansha Festival at Bansha, Tipperary - 21th - 24th August
Family oriented festival, street events, sporting events and a family fun day. Highlights include free open-air concert on Sunday afternoon. (0 87 6101 628)
The 14th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival at Dunmore East, Waterford - 21st - 24th August
Ireland's largest free music festival with a line up of international and Irish Bluegrass acts. (0 51 850748).
Limerick Show at the Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell - 23rd - 24th August
Cattle, horses, ponies, sheep, dog show, show jumping, trade stands and family entertainment. (0 61 355 298).