Ireland's Online Resource for Parents & Teachers
Events Calendar
| Below are a range of events happening around the country suitable for Parents and/or Families | ||
 | | |
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
Connaught | |
Free on first Wednesdays  | ON THE FIRST Wednesday of every month, various heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works that normally charge admission throw their doors open for free. So it won’t cost you anything to bring the family to the State Apartments in Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Charles Fort in Kinsale, Co Cork; Athenry Castle in Co Galway; Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) and Trim Castle in Co Meath and the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary – to name just a few. Start: 05/06 Admission: FREE www.heritageireland.ie Various Locations |
Exhibition: The Irish & France 1689-2012 - Three Centuries of Military Relations  | This exhibition shows Irish and French military cooperation since the 17th century, from the "Wild Geese" to the First World War to Samuel Beckett's time in the French resistance. The exhibition will run from June to September 2013. All ages Start: 11/06 End: 30/06 Times: During Opening Hours Admission: FREE www.museum.ie Phone: 094 9031751 National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Mayo |
Dublin County | |
Visit Áras an Uachtaráin  | Áras an Uachtaráin is open Saturdays only. Free admission tickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on the day. Group and/or advance booking is not permitted. Opening times:
Summer (Sat only) 10.15am-4pm
Winter (Sat only) 10.30am-3.30pm
Start: 06/04 End: 01/06 www.phoenixpark.ie/visitorcentre/ Phoenix Park Dublin |
Take a Trip! @ The Ark  | Check-in for this relaxed, self-guided Saturday activity for children and parents. Choose a suitcase packed with inspiration on an adventurous travel destination, then use the instructions and materials provided to make your own piece of art in response. Ages 4-12 & participating adult
Tickets €6 per child, no advance booking. Every Sat from 20 APR – 8 JUN Start: 20/04 End: 08/06 Times: 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.30pm Admission: €6 per child www.ark.ie e: boxoffice@ark.ie Phone: 01 6707788 The Ark, 11 Eustace Street, Templebar Dublin |
| Music & Film workshops LIGHTS, CAMERA, MUSIC!  | Come to The Ark and create your own musical soundtracks inspired by silent cartoons, early film comedies, science fiction movies and more. You don’t need any previous musical experience to take part - just pack your imagination and your ability to make some noise!
Choose from a selection of workshops for 2-12 year olds Start: 02/05 End: 29/06 Admission: €11/€8 conc www.ark.ie e: boxoffice@ark.ie Phone: 01 6707788 The Ark, 11 Eustace Street, Templebar Dublin |
Wish Upon a Tree Workshops @ The Ark  | Join artist Jo May to create a special hand-made offering for The Ark’s wishing tree using textiles, paper, wire and a variety of mixed materials. Bank Holiday Mondays 6 MAY & 3 JUN Ages 5–7 Start: 06/05 End: 03/06 Times: 10.30am & 12.30pm Admission: €11/€8 conc www.ark.ie e: boxoffice@ark.ie Phone: 01 6707788 The Ark, 11 Eustace Street, Templebar Dublin |
Shackleton Exhibition  | The Exhibition tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 who were trapped in the ice of the Antarctic at the start of their attempt to cross the continent in 1914. It is an excellent educational exhibit for children of all ages from 7 to 18+ as it teaches aspects of history, geography, science, maths, leadership and navigation. Open 7 days a week, Group bookings call 01-236-0544. Start: 10/05 End: 30/09 Times: 11am to 6pm every day Admission: €5 for adult, €3 for children www.shackletonexhibition.com e: joreilly@shackletonexhibition.com Phone: 01-2360544 The Ferry Terminal Building, Dun Laoghaire Dublin |
 | The Just 4 Kids Show is an all-encompassing show for kids aged 4 to 14...and their parents too. Families can enjoy an educational and fun day out. There will be many stands for browsing, seminars from experts on such topics as bullying, parenting, health and many more. A huge free Fun Zone led by Let's Go is sure to entertain the kids or they can attend of the workshops. Start: 25/05 End: 26/05 Times: 10 - 8 / 10 - 6 www.just4kidsshow.ie RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin |
Family events at Dublin Writers Festival  | Celebrate literature with an impressive family and children’s programme offering a range of readings, workshops and participatory events at the Dublin Writers Festival. There are plenty of events for children at the week-end, with a choice of indoor and outdoor workshops. Graphic Fiction Workshop @ Fighting Words 10:30am / Bye-Bye Baby Brother with Sheena Dempsey @ The Ark 11:00am / Drop-In Book Clinic @ Cultural Box, Temple Bar 12:00 – 4.00 pm / Story Pod Decoration with Adrienne Geoghegan @ Culture Box, Temple Bar 12:00 pm.... and many more! Start: 25/05 End: 26/05 Admission: FREE www.dublinwritersfestival.com e: boxoffice@dublinwritersfestival.com Phone: 01 6707788 Templebar, Dublin |
Draíocht Family day: CREATEability  | These are unique family days for children with special needs between the age of 8-13 years and their families. Facilitated by Draíocht’s artists, families work together to create art in a hands-on way, focusing on different themes and exploring various artworks in the galleries. If you are unsure if this day is suitable for your family please contact Sarah on 01 8098029 Start: 27/05 Times: 4 - 5pm Admission: FREE www.draiocht.ie Phone: 01 8098029 Draíocht Galleries, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15 |
Family Activity Area: Barracks Tales  | If Collins Barracks could talk, what stories could it tell you? Discover the history behind the clock, the changes Clarke Square has seen and what a soldier's life was like in the Barracks more than 100 years ago… Activities are free and materials are provided. No booking required. Drop-in Activity Families. Start: 01/06 End: 30/06 Times: During Opening Hours Admission: FREE www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin |
Family First Saturday's  | Hear some of the myths and mysteries of the Vikings in this special narrated story, by a real Viking Lady. Running from 11am-3pm Start: 01/06 End: 01/06 Times: 11am-3pm Admission: Adult: €7.50, Child: €500 www.dublinia.ie e: marketing@dublinia.ie Phone: 01 6794611 Dublinia, St. Michaels Hill, Christchrch |
Public Tour: The Top Ten!  | Explore 7,000 years of Irish history through 10 exciting artefacts, including a gold lunula, the 'Tara' Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice!
€2 euro fee at the Museum shop. 16 yrs or under free. Tour .No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. All ages Start: 01/06 Times: 3.30-4.30pm Admission: €2 www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin |
European Space Expo  | The European Space Expo is an exciting, interactive exhibition visiting Dublin in June. The spectacular Space Expo dome will be open to the public from June 4th – 9th. Free Admission!
Inside the dome visitors will get to experience the wonders of space through interactive exhibits and will learn how space science can benefit us all.
A team of dedicated mediators will take you on a fun-filled tour of the dome and answer all of your questions.
Every day we will host a series of short Soap-Box Talks given by talented scientists and communicators from all over Ireland. Start: 04/06 End: 09/06 Admission: FREE www.spaceexpo.ie Trinity College, Dublin 2 |
Free on first Wednesdays  | ON THE FIRST Wednesday of every month, various heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works that normally charge admission throw their doors open for free. So it won’t cost you anything to bring the family to the State Apartments in Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Charles Fort in Kinsale, Co Cork; Athenry Castle in Co Galway; Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) and Trim Castle in Co Meath and the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary – to name just a few. Start: 05/06 Admission: FREE www.heritageireland.ie Various Locations |
Family Tour: Monsters of the Deep  | Have you ever noticed all the weird fish in the Museum? Did you know they were all caught in Irish waters?! Join this tour to find out more! No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. Tour. Families Start: 08/06 Times: 3 - 4pm Admission: Free www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6777444 National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion St., Dublin 2 |
| Family Fun Day National Print Museum .jpg) | Join in the fun at the National Print Museum's Family Fun Day. The Museum will be a hive of activity with printing demonstrations, face painting, mini children's workshops and self-guided arts and crafts activities at our Education area. So don a hat and apron and become a mini printer for the day! Start: 09/06 Times: 12 – 4 Admission: FREE www.nationalprintmuseum.ie Phone: 01 6603770 Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4 |
Hands on History  | A chance to explore some of the artefacts from the Museum's collection of objects for handling with Museum educators - a fascinating drop in handling session for all ages. Drop-in Activity. No booking required. All Ages Start: 09/06 Times: 3 - 4pm Admission: FREE www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin |
Workshop My Museum: Become a Junior Scribe!  | Join artist and illustrator Aoife Patterson to explore the decoration of ancient Irish manuscripts, practice writing like an Early Christian monk and make your own illuminated art to take home! No booking required. 15 places, first come basis. Meet at reception. Not wheelchair accessible. Ages 7-12 Start: 09/06 Times: 3 - 4pm Admission: FREE www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin |
| Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies Part of LIGHTS, CAMERA, MUSIC! at The Ark  | These international travelling folksters present their joyful cabaret of sing-a-long choruses and music populated by pirates, lizards, cracks in the wall, hummingbirds and Basque cyclists, in a performance that will also feature beautiful animations. Come in your most colourful wellies for a foot-stomping time! Start: 16/06 Times: 3pm Admission: €12/€9 - €40 for 4 tickets www.ark.ie e: boxoffice@ark.ie Phone: 01 6707788 The Ark, 11 Eustace Street, Templebar Dublin |
Family Tour: My Favourite Animal  | What's your favourite animal? Have a look at some on this activity trail tour and then draw your favourite- or make up a new animal! No booking required, wheelchair accessible. Tour. Families with children 4-8 years Start: 22/06 Times: 3 - 4pm Admission: Free www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6777444 National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion St., Dublin 2 |
Paper Puzzle!  | Help us to restore some archaeological objects like the Ardagh Chalice by piecing the paper 'fragments' together!
Located in the Learning Resource Room, first floor. No booking required. Drop-in Activity. Not wheelchair accessible. All ages Start: 23/06 Times: 2 - 3.30pm www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin |
| Make a Mosaic! | The Ancient Romans decorated their floors with mosaics-beautiful patterns made of small pieces of colourful, cut stone. Learn more about this ancient craft and be inspired by the mosaic floor of the National Museum building to create your own mosaic to take home!
Located in the Learning Resource Room, first floor. No booking required. Drop-in Activity. Not wheelchair accessible. Ages 6-12 Start: 29/06 Times: 2 - 3.30pm www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6486332 National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin |
| Summer Activity Sheet- Summer Sun | Summer is here and the sun has come out to play, so why not drop in to the museum and try our new Summer Activity Trail. Copies of this activity sheet trail are available at the stand in the Irish Room. Don't forget your pencil! Drop-in Activity. Families Start: 29/06 End: 31/07 Times: All Day Admission: Free www.museum.ie Phone: 01 6777444 National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion St., Dublin 2 |
Family day: Make a Snake  | Come along and learn how to make a wriggling, worming snake with our artists. Using cardboard, string, paper and pasta shapes. You can make a friendly or fierce one - just as long as it doesn’t bite! No booking necessary – just drop in at any stage / Dress for Mess/ Unless otherwise stated these activities are designed for children from 5-10 years Start: 06/07 Times: 12-3PM Admission: FREE www.draiocht.ie Phone: 01 8852610 Draíocht Galleries, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15 |
Family First Saturday's  | Want to make you very own Viking warrior head pencil topper?
Artzone host an art activity with fully qualified art teachers.
Workshops running every 45 minutes from 11am-2.45pm Start: 06/07 End: 06/07 Times: 11am-2.45pm Admission: Adult: €7.50, Child: €500 www.dublinia.ie e: marketing@dublinia.ie Phone: 01 6794611 Dublinia, St. Michaels Hill, Christchrch |
Children's Bookmaking Workshop .jpg) | Using traditional and modern methods and materials children will handcraft their own mini hardback book which they will decorate and personalise with fun craft materials such as feathers, sequins, ribbon and fancy paper! Suitable for ages 8-12. (Max 10 people) Start: 09/07 Times: 2:30 - 4pm Admission: €10 www.nationalprintmuseum.ie Phone: 01 6603770 Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4 |
| Children's Printmaking Workshop | Using safe styrofoam sheets, children will carve out their own personally designed images to create their very own prints. Suitable for ages 6-12. (Max 8 people) Start: 10/07 Times: 2:30 - 4pm Admission: €12.50 www.nationalprintmuseum.ie Phone: 01 6603770 Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4 |
Leinster (outside Dublin) | |
| Anger management and Strategies for managing and preventing out of control behaviours (meltdowns)  | Dorothy Armstrong will host an evening that is aimed at parents, teachers and those who work with children with conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder or those with anger issues . It will cover the following issues: - The reasons/triggers for the anger/meltdown - Developmental levels, how conflict is resolved and the anger response - The toolbox of strategies for managing anger - Building competence Naas Library 7pm Tuesday 21st May Leixlip Library 7pm Thursday 23rd May Kildare Library 7pmThursday 30th May Start: 21/05 End: 30/05 Times: 7pm - 8:30pm www.kildare.ie/library e: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie Phone: 01 6060050 Leixlip Library, Captains Hill, Leixlip Kildare |
Tatts 2013  | Ireland’s premier International Three Day Event, returns this June Bank Holiday weekend in Ratoath Co. Meath. Tatts is one of the top family friendly events this summer that also offers real value for money.
The popular family event combines the highest standards of equestrian Eventing with all the thrills and spills of a classic country fair. With a hound parade, novelty dog shows, free vintage swing boats, and Victorian style carnival rides, “Tatts 2013” offers everything you would expect from a traditional country fair. Start: 30/05 End: 02/06 Admission: €5 for adult entry while under 12’s go FREE www.tattshorsetrials.ie Tattersalls, Ratoath, Co. Meath |
Free on first Wednesdays  | ON THE FIRST Wednesday of every month, various heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works that normally charge admission throw their doors open for free. So it won’t cost you anything to bring the family to the State Apartments in Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Charles Fort in Kinsale, Co Cork; Athenry Castle in Co Galway; Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) and Trim Castle in Co Meath and the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary – to name just a few. Start: 05/06 Admission: FREE www.heritageireland.ie Various Locations |
Groove Music Festival  | Kids’ are set to have lots of fun at Groove Music Festival - Groove Music Festival, taking place in the magnificent Killruddery Estate on July 6th & 7th 2013, are delighted to announce the details of their children’s area for the weekend.
Groove looks set to be ideal for parents bringing their children to their first festival experience. With a musical line up to entertain all music fans and now with the addition of plenty of activities to keep the younger members of the Groove audience busy, all the family can enjoy the festival. Start: 06/07 End: 07/07 Admission: €59pp for a day ticket and €99pp for a weekend pass groovefestival.ie Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co Wicklow |
Munster | |
Listowel Writers’ Week / Children’s Festival  | Listowel Writers’ Week is delighted to present its biggest Children’s Festival to date with colourful, fun-filled events and workshops for young people of all ages, plus the launch of a new education programme for schools.
Starring in this year’s line-up will be Sarah Webb, who will step back into the age of Jane Austen and host a dress-up mother & daughter afternoon. Darren Shan, one of the country’s best known children’s authors will be in the Fossett’s Circus Big Top as part of a Ghosties and Vampires Day, which will include a special effects makeup workshop along with ghost story-telling. Start: 29/05 End: 02/06 www.writersweek.ie Phone: (0) 68 21074 Listowel Kerry |
Free on first Wednesdays  | ON THE FIRST Wednesday of every month, various heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works that normally charge admission throw their doors open for free. So it won’t cost you anything to bring the family to the State Apartments in Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Charles Fort in Kinsale, Co Cork; Athenry Castle in Co Galway; Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) and Trim Castle in Co Meath and the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary – to name just a few. Start: 05/06 Admission: FREE www.heritageireland.ie Various Locations |
First Fridays at the Castle  | Blackrock Castle Observatory and Cork Astronomy Club hosts open nights on the first Friday of the month with astro-related activities for visitors of all ages: there are lectures by visiting speakers, Star Parties, night observing & star counts and always activities for children. The award-winning interactive astronomy exhibit Cosmos at the Castle is open late and free to the public. Some events are ticketed and have limited capacity. Free parking riverside at the Castle. Bar and Café at the Castle Bar & Trattoria. Join us in the Courtyard for a look through the Observatory’s telescopes. Start: 07/06 Times: 6pm onwards - Please see site Admission: FREE www.bco.ie e: info@bco.ie Phone: 021 4357917 Blackrock Castle Observatory, Blackrock Castle , Castle Road, Blackrock Cork |
Ulster | |
Free on first Wednesdays  | ON THE FIRST Wednesday of every month, various heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works that normally charge admission throw their doors open for free. So it won’t cost you anything to bring the family to the State Apartments in Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Charles Fort in Kinsale, Co Cork; Athenry Castle in Co Galway; Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) and Trim Castle in Co Meath and the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary – to name just a few. Start: 05/06 Admission: FREE www.heritageireland.ie Various Locations |