Don’t miss our pick of what’s on and things to do with kids around Ireland this month, from virtual events to family fun days!
We have listings below for an amazing mix of family and kid-friendly events taking place around Ireland. They include plenty of free options, and ideas to introduce the whole family to a variety of cultural events, music events and festivals, open days, classes and much more.
What’s On: September 2023
Strokestown Park Summer Family Fun
Family Summer Scavenger Hunt at Strokestown Park, Roscommon
Date: July 5th to September 30th 2023
Enjoy a captivating summer adventure at Strokestown Park when you take the Family Summer Scavenger Hunt! Explore the Victorian Walled Garden as you hunt for clues! Every participant will receive a token of achievement upon completion.
How to Book: For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Beyond The Trees, Avondale
Family Fun Day at Beyond The Trees Avondale, Wicklow
Date: Saturday, September 2nd 2023, 10am to 5pm
Reconnect with nature and enjoy a family day out filled with games, adventure activities, arts & crafts, facepainting, a family BBQ, pizzas and much more.
Take a family treetop walk, have a go on the Great Ride! and join in the excitement of the All-Ireland Tree Climbing Competition where competitors will attempt to climb the highest trees in Avondale!
How to Book: For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Annie, Dublin
Dates: August 29th to September 3rd (starring Paul O’Grady)
The smash-hit West End production Annie is coming to Bord Gais Energy Theatre, with two runs starring Craig Revel Horwood and then Paul O’Grady as Miss Hannigan!
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Gowns of Glory – Rose of Tralee Dresses Through the Decades, Kerry County Museum
Dates: Until September 30th 2023
Gowns of Glory charts the changing styles of dresses worn by contestants in the Rose of Tralee Festival from its beginnings in 1959 right up to now. There are over 40 dresses on display in Kerry County Museum, and many other accessories donated by contestants over the 60 year history of the event.
This is a FREE exhibition. For more information click here.
€4 Cinema Tickets for National Cinema Day 2023, Nationwide
Dates: September 2nd 2023
Get to see the latest blockbuster films and some old classics for just €4 this National Cinema Day 2023 at participating cinemas nationwide.
With 99% of cinemas participating, check out your local cinema to secure your tickets.
Kidsyard Family Raves at The Lighthouse, Dublin
Dates: September 3rd, October 1st & 29th, November 12th & December 10th 2023
Enjoy and inclusive family music experience, where parents (and grandparents) can have as much fun as the kids!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Family Events at The Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare
September Sounds at the Stud
Date: Sundays, September 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th from 2.15pm to 3.15pm
Looking for a great day out in Co. Kildare? The Irish National Stud & Gardens are delighted to host September Sounds at the Stud. Throughout the month of September, every Sunday, join us for several unique musical experiences, perfect for the whole family.
How to Book: For more information and bookings, click here.
Glenties Harvest Fair Festival, Donegal
Dates: September 7th to 12th 2023
The annual Harvest Day Festival is back in Glenties this September with activities, attractions and events for the whole family to enjoy.
For more information and updates, click here.
Grey Matter Children’s Show, Daríocht Studio, Dublin & Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
Dates: September 15th & 16th at Draíocht and Friday 22nd September at Riverbank
A scientist, a parrot and a lifelong friendship brought to life by performer and writer Paul Curley in collaboration with designer and pupper make Ger Clancy.
Suitable for ages 8+
For more information and to book tickets, click here for Draíocht and here for Riverbank
Wexford Honey Festival 2023, Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Dates: September 16th & 17th 10am to 4pm daily
Wexford Honey Festival in partnership with South Wexford Beekeepers Association takes place on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th September in Johnstown Castle.
There will be information stands for visitors to learn more about the importance of bees and biodiversity as well as stalls with Wexford beekeepers showcasing their delicious products. There will also be some demonstrations, talks, walks and fun activities for children.
Free for Members and Included in General Admission for Non-Members.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Joe The Magician Family Show, Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
Dates: September 17th 2023 at 2pm
Joe the Magician is back with an all new show full of magic and illusion that will have children of all ages laughing out loud one minute and stunned to silence the next!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Nitro 2023 at Galway Racecourse
Date: September 17th 2023 at 12pm & 4pm
Motorshows Ireland are returning to Galway Race Course for a fully fuelled event featuring Monster Trucks, Drag Cars and professional stunt riders!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Family Pottery Workshops, Dublin
Dates: September 17th & 23rd
Arran Street East Craft and Design Studio are running family pottery workshops this September, October & November. Enjoy some creative family time and bring home a beautiful piece of pottery to enjoy for years to come!
How to Book: For further information & booking details, click here.
I See You Like This, Hawk’s Well Theatre Sligo
Dates: September 20th & 21st 3pm to 8pm and September 22nd 4pm to 6pm
Children get to observe and portray their parent before directing a creative portrait directly onto their adult’s face! Each ‘artwork’ is then captured by a professional photographer and becomes part of a public exhibition!
How to Book: For further information & booking details, click here.
Culture Night 2023, Nationwide
Dates: September 22nd 2023
Culture Night sees venues and public spaces come alive with free entertainment. From music to arts to entertainers, workshops and tours there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
The Lion King, Dublin
Dates: September 28th to November 11th 2023 (with a relaxed performance on November 9th)
The award-winning musical returns to Dublin at the Bord Gais Theatre.
With an incredible cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets, and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Irish Heritage Trust Family Events
Autumn Fête at Strokestown Park, Roscommon, Fota House, Cork & Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Date: Sunday, October 1st 12pm to 5pm
Enjoy a day of family fun with the Irish Heritage Trust at:
- Strokestown Park & Gardens, Roscommon
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork
- Johnstown Castle & Gardens, Wexford
There will be music, dance and activities to suit all ages.
How to Book: For more information and bookings, click here.
Upcoming Events in 2023
The Lion King, Dublin
Dates: September 28th to November 11th 2023 (with a relaxed performance on November 9th)
The award-winning musical returns to Dublin at the Bord Gais Theatre.
With an incredible cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets, and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Open House Dublin Festival of Architecture, Dublin
Dates: October 7th to 15th with Open House Junior taking place on October 7th & 8th
Open House Dublin is a free festival of architecture with 100’s of guided tours, films, exhibitions, talks and events taking place throughout Dublin city and county during the week.
As part of the festival, there is a Junior program with workshops, guided tours and more.
For more information and to book your FREE tickets, click here.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Galway
Dates: October 13th – 22nd 2023
Baboró International Festival of Arts for Children is back for 2023 and bring an impressive line up of art, theatre, music, dance and more for children and families to enjoy.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
permanent tsb Ideal Home Show 2023, Dublin
Dates: October 20th to 22nd 2023
Ireland’s largest home show returns to the RDS Simmonscourt for 2023. Visit for expert advice, demonstrations, retail therapy and inspiration for your home and garden.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Polar Bear and Penguin, Family Show Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois
Dates: October 21st 2023
Suitable for ages 5+ this magical show showcases the unlikely encounter between polar opposite characters meeting for the first time. Getting to know each other and surviving in an ever changing world.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
The Civic Halloween Spooktacular Live Family Show, Dublin
Dates: October 27th to 31st 2023 (Various dates and times)
Celebrate the spooky season with a live Halloween spooky-but-not-too-scary show. Brought to you by the team that brings you the Civic Panto. Join Princess Arabella and her trusty butler Wiggles as they face a mysterious challenge in Spookville. When three mischievous witches pay a visit to her palace, things take a thrilling turn. Will they triumph over the witchy mischief and save the day?
There will be a sensory friendly performance on October 29th at 2pm. Call the box office on 01 4627477 to book.
Child tickets from €14, adult tickets from €17 or get a family ticket from €60. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Halloween Events at the GAA Museum, Croke Park
‘Hurloween and Teidí Tours at Croke Park, Dublin
Dates:October 28th to November 1st 2023 for Hurloween Tours and November 1st & 2nd for Teidí Tours
The GAA have 2 very special tours taking place this Halloween Mid-term for all GAA-mad kids!
- Explore Irish games and ancient myths this Samhain with spirited guides at the ‘Hurloween’ Tours at the GAA Museum. Instead of ghouls, they will be talking goals, old Celtic traditions, and mythology to celebrate the origins of Ireland’s earliest festival.
- Teidí Tours include a bear making workshop and a family friendly guided tour of Croke Park with time afterwards in the GAA Museum.
Hurloween’ and Teidí Tours at Croke Park are ideal for families looking for seasonal fun rather than scares.
Upcoming Events in 2023
Steve Backshall Ocean Live Show
Dates: November 10th 2023
Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life.
From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep: this exciting show is also a great opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, Dublin
Dates: December 5th 2023 to January 7th 2024
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will have its Irish premiere at the Bord Gais Theatre, Dublin.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
About the Author: Emily Manning
