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 2017. Check out our 21 Free Things to Do with Kids around Ireland this Summer too.
Things to do in Dublin and Wicklow with Kids this Summer
From Vikings to Animals to Mummies, there are heaps of free events on at National Museums of Ireland this July & August, more details here
See Beautiful Beasts this summer at The Ark, Temple Bar, from July 1st to August 27th 2017, with this weird and wonderful collection of animal sculptures. Along with a brand new limestone seal, amongst these quirky, lovable animals you will find a flying horse, a tortoise with a secret story and a toucan in disguise!
Created by leading Irish and international artists from materials ranging from bronze, woods, ceramics, steel and stone. You can learn about the techniques used to create the artworks and feel samples of the materials used. Having seen the sculptures, you will be able to use our creative stations to create your own animal-themed artworks. Free Entry.
The 2017 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Merrion Square from July 7th to 9th 2017.
Free activities and fun including:
- international street performers,
- sword swallowers,
- jugglers,
- break dancers,
- strong women
The IFI Family Festival takes place every July. 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 20th – 23rd. The festival programme is packed full of arts, science and technology events and has a host of free daytime activities for families. From a giant outdoor Bubblearium, to special Lego Workshops and much more, indulge your curiosity this July.
There’s something for everyone at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show from the 9th – 13th 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!
Powerscourt Estate has some great events this summer including Peter Pan, evening family theatre on June 25th in association with Chapterhouse Theatre, bring a picnic to enjoy!
Things to do in Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Longford with Kids
The fairies have returned from their long winter holidays to take up residence at the Irish National Stud. When you visit they will give you a fairy trail map which you can follow through the enchanting woodlands, alongside the lake in St Fiachra’s garden (be ‘fairy’ careful here) and through the stable yards, where you might spot Hattie taking good care of the newborn foals.
Once you’ve spotted all the fairies, stop by their fun playground and make your wish on the special wishing seat.
In Co. Laois, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, (July 30th – August 7th), 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 August 4th – 11th 2017 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 6th and 7th with steam and vintage engines, a carnival, trade stands, steam threshing, steam train rides for the kids and plenty of family fun events.
Things to do in Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan with Kids
An Chúirt Chruitireachta, the annual Irish harp festival, takes place from Sunday 25th to 30th June 2017 in Termonfechin, Louth. Harpers of all standards from absolute beginners to advanced players are welcome.
Taste of Cavan 2017 takes place August 11th and 12th 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.
It’s the National Sandcastle and Sand Sculpturing Festival at Bettystown Beach on Sunday 2nd July 2017.
Mystical fairies, brave princes, royal princesses, noble kings and queens, enchanted castles and magical kingdoms will come to life this year with the 19th annual Muckno Mania Festival taking place July 6th – 9th 2017.
Things to do in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon and Mayo with Kids
HARVEST 2017 takes place with 2 days of live entertainment at Westport House on August 26th and 27th 2017 featuring over 30 acts performing at each Festival across 3 Music Stages. There will also be dedicated Dancing sessions over the weekend. For those country music fans who want to enjoy the full Festival experience, a food village, boutique camping and campervan facilities including family friendly zones will be on offer.
The Museum of Country Life has FREE events for families during July and August. Get more details here.
The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival is on from July 27th to 31st 2017. 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 9th to 15th.
Things to do in Galway with Kids
Seafest Galway
A weekend of fun and free events is just on the horizon as SeaFest 2017 takes place in Galway city from 30 June to 2 July.
Galway Harbour will be transformed into an ‘open air sea world’ for the three-day festival with a host of family friendly entertainment and attractions on the water. PowerFly’s world champion flyboarders will perform stunning aerial acrobatics and there will be a veritable flotilla of ships, many of which are open for public tours. Another top attraction will be the return of the famous tall ship, The Phoenix, which was a huge draw at SeaFest 2016.
The free festival also hosts exhibits on marine life and fun educational activities that bring children on a journey of discovery when it comes to the mysteries of the ocean. Foodies can get tips from seafood cookery experts and sample some tasty bites.
Sunrise Children’s Festival at Brigit’s Garden
This year’s Sunrise Children’s Festival at Brigit’s Garden takes place Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th July it’s a unique weekend festival with free camping on Saturday night, dedicated solely to children and their families. ‘Sunrise’ will be a celebration of music, creativity, nature and all things magical in the beautiful Celtic gardens and surrounding woodlands.
Sunrise Children’s Festival has a full two-day programme of Live Music & Theatre, Circus, Puppet shows, Story-telling, Yoga, Fire Spectacular and more, in three tented areas. There will also be lots of delicious artisan food, café and bar. Come and enjoy a unique opportunity to dance, celebrate, sing, create, and camp with your kids and all the family! Day Tickets and Weekend Tickets (with free camping on Saturday night) can be booked online here.
Féile Traidphicnic takes place in Spiddal from June 30th to July 2nd 2017. There will be music, talks, arts and crafts and loads for fun for all the family.
Claregalway Castle plays host to this year’s Galway Garden Festival on July 1st & 2nd 2017.
The annual Galway Film Fleadh is on from July 11th to 16th 2017.
See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival July 17th – 30th 2017 with street performers, music and theatre.
The Roundstone Regatta is on July 22nd 2017.
The annual Galway Races Summer Festival is on from July 31st to August 6th 2017. Why not get the girls together and head off to Ladies Day on August 3rd?
Crinniú na mBád 2017, the annual Galway Hooker Gathering and race, takes place in Kinvara on August 19th to 20th 2017.
Things to do in Clare, Tipperary, Kerry with Kids
The annual Féile Brian Ború Festival runs in Killaloe and Ballina from June 29th to July 2nd 2-17.
Ennis Street Arts Festival
Enjoy the Ennis Street Arts Festival from the 3rd to the 9th of July 2017. Ennis will become a hub for children and adults to explore their artistic side and experience many different events: children’s workshops, poetry, theatre, visual arts, comedy, arts exhibitions, street entertainment, music and dance, Art & Craft Market and the duck race; there is something for everyone to enjoy!
- Aerial Workshops with Outside the Box Circus Tuesday 4 & Wednesday 5 July, €10 per day Aerial workshops for children and adults, where participants will have the opportunity to explore and learn aerial and acrobatic circus skills. Please note that workshops are 90 minutes in duration: 11am – 12.30pm Ages 5 – 9; 1.30pm – 3pm Ages 10 – 13 & 3.30pm – 5pm Ages 13+.
- Balloon Modelling Workshop with Deirdre Carmody Wednesday 5 July, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, €10. Have lots of laughs making fun balloon creations such as balloon fish, ducks, penguins, flowers, swords and more.
- Caterpillars, presented by Kallo Collective (Finland) Saturday 8 July, 2pm & 5pm, €10/€35 (Family 4). For ages 4+ | Duration: 45 Mins. Caterpillars is a magical show featuring a swaying sea of bright giant flowers, flitting butterflies, jumping eggs and two enormous plump caterpillars. In direct contrast to the vibrant fantasy world, two lycra-clad puppeteers try their hardest to remain invisible and at service to their puppets. Unfortunately they aren’t very good and they are often caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caterpillars is an amusing and colourful show accessible to all.
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 takes place this year August 10th-12th 2017 and 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.
Things to do in Limerick with Kids
Limerick Racecourse have a free Family Fun Day on July 9th 2017.
The Cappamore Agricultural Show takes place in Cappamore, Limerick on August 19th 2017.
The Limerick Show Family Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday August 27th.
Things to do in Cork with Kids
The 2017 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Fitzgerald’s Park on July 15th & 16th 2017. 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.
Cork Craft Month runs in venues across the city and county from August 1st to September 3rd 2017.
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival is on from September 1st to 3rd 2017.
Things to do in Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford with Kids
The Abhainn Rí Festival 2017 will take place from 30th June – 9th July 2017 in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. The festival will offer visual art, music, theatre, heritage, inclusion, street theatre, architecture and food events.
Bagenalstown Festival is a family friendly festival, taking place from July 14th to 16th 2017. 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 August 4th to 6th 2017. With an amazing parade, free music events and street performances.
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 11th – 20th August 2017.
And finally,
National Heritage Week 2017 has fun events for families and children nationwide from August 19th to 27th 2017
Over to you now. Are we missing any great events that you plan to take your kids to? Share them with us in the comments below.
