Are you looking for family things to do in Ireland this Summer? We’ve got it covered, with the Mykidstime guide to Things to Do with Kids Around Ireland Summer 2015. Check out our 20 Free Things to Do with Kids in Ireland this Summer too.
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From Viking Traders to Bone Stories to using your head to make a hat, there are heaps of free events on at National Museums of Ireland this July & August, more details here
Summer at The Ark, Temple Bar, is full of Colour from July 14th to August 23rd they will be helping you discover the secrets behind your favourite colours with fun exhibitions, workshops, performances and talks for families.
Body Worlds present Animals Inside Out at the Ambassador Theatre from June 28th to July 26th.
The 2015 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Merrion Square from July 10th to 12th 2015.
Free activities and fun including:
- international street performers,
- sword swallowers,
- jugglers,
- break dancers,
- strong women
With heaps of free activities it’s sure to be a great weekend of fun!
The IFI Family Festival returns to the Irish Film Institute from Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, 19th. You can look forward to four days of fantastic family films, cinema workshops a fun activities. For more information on films and workshops, and to book tickets, visit www.ifi.ie/familyfest or pick up a programme at the IFI.
The Festival of Curiosity runs in various Dublin venues from July 23rd to 26th 2015. The festival programme is packed full of arts, science and technology events and has a host of free daytime activities for families.
Conor Healy Photography
Come join the fun at the hottest event of the Summer for the Spectacular Fairy Tea
Party in Bord na Móna’s Lough Boora Discovery Park, Boora, Co Offaly. Taking place on Saturday 25th July from 12 – 5pm with fun and games for the whole family and Fundraising activities for Barretstown throughout the day. Registration for FREE tickets is essential at www.loughboora.com/events/fairy-door-tea-party.
There’s something for everyone at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show from the 5th – 9th August, with live music and entertainment, art, fashion, shopping, food and the best in national and international equestrian competitions. The popular Kids’ Zone, will keep kids busy with pony rides, fun inflatables, face painting, and magic shows!
Ardgillan Castle in north county Dublin plays host to an open air theatre performance of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book on August 9th 2015.
The Ukulele Hooley by the Sea 2015 is on in the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire on August 22nd and 23rd 2015.
For more great ideas check out Things To Do in Dublin with Kids, which we update as we hear about new events. And for Teens 25 Tremendous Things To Do In Dublin with Teens
Powerscourt Estate has some great events including The Secret Garden an afternoon of family theatre on June 28th in association with Chapterhouse Theatre, A Fantastical Fairy Fest with Imaginosity on July 7th and the Annual Vintage Car Rally on August 16th.
Bray Air Display on 19th July is Ireland’s largest free air ‘extreme formation’ aerobatics in the skies, with high speed formations such as the ‘Hammerhead,’ the ‘Blade Break,’ the ‘Palm Tree Split’ and the ‘Centrifuge’ set to thrill the crowds.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids In The South East, and Top Summer Camps for Kids In Ireland in 2015, and Summer Camps for Teens.
Fishertown Trad Fest runs from June 26th to 28th in the grounds of Fishermans Thatched Inn, Laois.
The Irish National Stud are providing complimentary Pony Rides & Face painting to all their younger visitors (upon admission) every Wednesday and Sunday for the months of July and August.
In Co. Laois, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, (July 26th – August 3rd), is a family fun event for young and old, with over 300 scarecrows to see around the village.
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival runs from July 31st to August 7th 2015 with free entertainment for children including music, markets and fairs, arts and craft activities and more.
In Stradbally, Co.Laois, the National Steam Rally is on August 2nd and 3rd, with steam and vintage engines, a carnival, trade stands, steam threshing, steam train rides for the kids and plenty of FREE family fun events.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do In The Midlands with Kids and Things for Teens to Do in The Midlands
The Kells Hay Festival also takes place in Kells on from June 25th to 28th. In it’s 3rd year, it promises to be a great event with workshops, music, authors and much more.
An Chúirt Chruitireachta, the annual Irish harp festival, takes place from Sunday 28th June until Friday 3rd July 2015 in Termonfeckin, Louth. Harpers of all standards from absolute beginners to advanced players are welcome.
Scarecrow Day takes place at Newgrange Farm on Saturday 15th August, they need some new scarecrows as the crows are attacking the crops and so are having a COMPETITION WITH SUPER PRIZES for the winners. Children should make a scarecrow at home and bring it to the farm before 3.30pm for judging. (Normal family rate admission charges apply for this event.)
You may also enjoy – Things to Do in The North East with Kids.
The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival is on from July 23rd to 27th 2015. Enjoy treasure hunts, fireworks, music, street performers, great food and a Market Day at this family friendly festival.
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 7th to 12th.
Hooley In The House, a musical festival and family fun day, takes place at Westport House on August 30th. Kids under 12 go free and will have free access to Westport House and The Pirate Adventure Park on the day. Book your tickets now!
The Museum of Country Life, will run FREE events for families during July and August. Get more details here.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids in The North West.
Brigit’s Garden are having a The Teddy Bear’s Picnic on June 28th. And a fun Elves and Fairies Day on August 9th. The Fairy Queen and Elf King are on their way to Brigit’s Garden inviting all fairies and elves, young or old, to join them for sharing stories, songs and music, for a day of fairy magic and fun. Come dressed in your favourite costume as an elf or a fairy for the day, for enchanting storytelling, an epic tug of war with the Elf King, fairy circle dancing and a treasure hunt, along with face-painting, and crown-making.
Féile Traidphicnic takes place in Spiddal from July 3rd to 5th 2015. There will be music, talks, arts and crafts and loads for fun for all the family.
Take a FREE guided tour of The Galway City Museum on July 4th and learn more about Galway City, The Claddagh and the River Corrib.
Claregalway Castle plays host to this year’s Galway Garden Festival on July 4th & 5th 2015.
Kids are asked to bring their parents to a Free Family Fun Music Event at Galway City Library on July 7th.
The annual Galway Film Fleadh is on from July 7th to 12th 2015.
See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival July 13th -26th 2015. Showcasing street performers music and theatre Galway is the place to be this July.
The Roundstone Regatta is on July 25th and 26th 2015.
The annual Galway Races Summer Festival is on from July 27th to August 2nd 2015. Why not get the girls together and head off to Ladies Day on July 30th?
Seussical The Musical brings all your favourite Dr Seuss characters to life in a fun show. It runs in the Town Hall Theatre from August 12th to 16th 2015.
Crinniú na mBád 2015, the annual Galway Hooker Gathering and race, takes place in Kinvara on August 14th to 16th 2015.
CARI (Children At Risk Ireland) are having a fun Watersports Day at Glassilaun Beach, Renvyle on August 16th 2015.
You may also enjoy – Things To Do in Galway with Kids.
The annual Féile Brian Ború Festival runs in Killaloe an Ballina from July 1st to July 5th 2015.
Ennis Street Festival is a celebration of the many cultures and artistic ways that make Ennis, Co. Clare, a special place, with a colourful mix of music, dance, visual arts, puppets shows, arts exhibitions, workshops, acrobatics and more surprises from the 3rd – 5th July 2015!
glór Ennis will host a full programme of events for the Ennis Street Festival. Starting on July 1st with an Aerial Workshop for ages 8+ there will be children’s theatre and workshops daily until July 5th 2015.
The Burren Garden Festival runs from July 6th to 12th 2015 at various gardens in teh Burren Region, Co Clare.
Kenmare Food Carnival is a three day event celebrating food in a ‘Carnival’ style atmosphere from 12th – 14th July with cookery demonstrations, kids workshops, taste trails, carnival parade, retro carousel and helter-skelter. There will also be pop-up restaurants, gardening workshops and an artisan food market.
It’s A Long Way to Tipperary Festival takes place in Tipperary Town on July 17th and 18th 2015.
The Scariff Harbour Festival runs in various venues around Scariff, Co Clare from July 31st to August 2nd 2015.
Celebrate Lughnasa at Craggaunowen from 2nd- 3rd August, with an array of costumed re-enactors from the Bronze Age to Medieval times. Activities include combat demonstrations, Brehon law trials and much more!
The famous Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co. Kerry (August 10th-12th), is one of Ireland’s most unusual street festivals! See the crowning of a wild mountain goat and take to the streets for lots of fun.
For all Lord of The Rings fans join the Burren Tolkien Society for the inaugural Burren Tolkien Festival from August 15th to 24th.
The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival takes place in Waterville, Co Kerry from August 20th to 23rd 2015.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids in Limerick and The South West.
The Hunt Museum, Limerick have a Kids’ Art and Craft Session on July 5th 2015 from 2.30pm to 4pm. And on July 18th, 2015, will host a Family Fun Day in association with, Hands in Harmony, Limerick’s first Deaf Community Choir to raise much needed funds for the Limerick Deaf Community Centre.
The annual Limerick Make A Move Festival of Hip Hop and Music takes place in various venues in Limerick City from July 2nd to 5th 2015.
Limerick goes red, white and blue for the annual 4th of July Limerick Festival which takes place over the weekend of July 3rd to 5th.
Limerick Racecourse have a FREE Family Fun Day on July 5th 2015.
On July 17th get the family out to enjoy the 1st ever Electric Night Run at University of Limerick. It is an exciting 5km run suitable for all ages and will be full of lights, sound and uv paint!
The Cappamore Agricultural Show takes place in Cappamore, Limerick on August 15th 2015.
Sarsfields Day Festival Weekend takes place on the weekend of August 21st to 23rd 2015 in various venues in Limerick City and County.
The Limerick Show Family Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse, Peterswell on August 22nd and 23rd 2015 .
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids in Limerick and The South West.
Empower, Uplift and Transform at the Infinite Arts Festival 2015 at Lissarda Manor, June 27th and 28th. Classes and demonstrations for children to grandparents and everyone in between!
The Townlands Carnival 2015 is on from July 10th to 12th 2015 at Rusheen House, Macroom. With music, arts and family fun a great weekend is guaranteed for all.
The 2015 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Fitzgerald’s Park on July 18th & 19th 2015.
With international street performers, sword swallowers, jugglers, break dances, strong women and heaps of free activities it’s sure to be a great weekend of fun.
Cuidiú Cork will host their Annual Summer Picnic in the grounds of Fota House on July 27th
Cork Film Festival will run an outdoor cinema, Films at Fitzy’s at Fitzgearld’s Park on evenings from July 29th to August 3rd.
Heir Island Regatta and Family Fun Day takes place in Heir Island on August 13th 2015
Cork Craft and Design 2015 runs in venues across the city and county from August 4th to September 5th 2015.
The annual Rosscarbery Family Festival will be held from August 7th to 16th.
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival is on from September 4th to 6th 2015.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids In Cork
The Strawberry Food Festival is on in Enniscorthy from June 24th to 28th.
The Abhainn Rí Festival 2015 will take place from 26th June – 5th July in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. The festival will offer an array of fun, educational and inspiring workshops, experiences and events that will cater for all age groups and abilities.
Powerscourt House and Gardens in association with Chapterhouse Theatre presents The Secret Garden an afternoon of family theatre on June 28th.
Bray Air Display on 19th July is Ireland’s largest free air ‘extreme formation’ aerobatics in the skies, with high speed formations such as the ‘Hammerhead,’ the ‘Blade Break,’ the ‘Palm Tree Split’ and the ‘Centrifuge’ set to thrill the crowds.
Bagenalstown Festival Summer Madness 2015 is a family friendly festival, taking place from July 17th to 19th. Events include free street entertainment, music, their ever popular duck race, raft racing along the river guaranteed fun for the whole family.
The streets of Waterford play host to the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival from July 31st to August 2nd 2015. With an amazing parade, free music events and street performances from 10 countries around the world this festival is not to be missed.
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 7th – 16th August.
Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow plays host to the Annual Vintage Car Rally on August 16th 2015.
Duncannon Sand Sculpting Festival, with fun family events and an amazing display of sand sculpted artwork takes place in Duncannon, Co Wexford August 7th to 9th 2015.
You may also enjoy – Things to Do With Kids In The South East.
National Heritage Week 2015 has fun events for families and children nationwide from August 22nd to 30th.
Related : 20 Fun Things to Do with Kids on The Wild Atlantic Way, 50 Outstanding Places to Take Your Kids In Ireland this Summer, 50 Fun Activities for Teens To Do In The Summer, 50 Summer Activities for Kids & 20 Free Things to do this Summer
About the Author: Michelle
