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 2018. Check out our 21 Free Things to Do with Kids around Ireland this Summer too.
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Things to do in Dublin and Wicklow with Kids this Summer
Mill Productions bring another Roald Dhal classic, Fantastic Mr Fox to the stage this June 2018 at the dlr Mill Theatre. Catch the show on dates from June 13th to 24th at 2pm and 4pm. Suitable for ages 4+.
- And book your place on their Performing Arts Summer Camps which run weekly from July 2nd to 27th 2018.
- Donal VaughnScience Magic is on Sunday 30th June 2018 at 2.30pm.
- Humpty Dumpty and The Big EggVenture is on at dlr Mill Theatre Saturday 7th July 2018 at 12pm and 2pm.
- Little Red Riding Hood & The Silly Billy Wolf is on at the dlr Mill Theatre on Sunday 8th July 2018
- The Little Prince is on at the dlr Mill Theatre from August 1st to 4th 2018 at 7pm daily and a Matinee Sat at 2pm.
The GAA Museum at Croke Park is celebrating the ancient tradition of Summer Solstice with a truly enchanting family-friendly evening and Celtic-themed live performance on June 22. See www.crokepark.ie/midsummer for booking and more information
From Vikings to Animals to Mummies to Artefacts, there are heaps of free events on at National Museums of Ireland this July & August, more details here.
The 2018 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Merrion Square from July 6th to 8th 2018 with lots of free activities including international street performers, sword swallowers, jugglers, break dancers, strong women and more!
Dublinia has displays of Medieval weaponry, cookery and music in June, July & August. There will be workshops, demonstrations and fun for all the family.
Jervis Shopping Centre to host free events for the whole family all summer! Events take place on Saturdays and include:
- Sat 7th July – Garden Slime Time from 1-5pm – Make your own slime workshops. Every parent’s dream!
- Sat 14th July – Find the Animals in the Enchanted Garden from 1-5pm – Interact with some cute animals including ducklings, bunnies, hedgehogs and more.
- Sat 21st July -Circus in the Garden from 1-5pm – Try your hand at circus juggling and hula hooping with a series of circus themed workshops.
- Sat 28th July – Meet Rueben from RTE Junior. Shows at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm – Rueben from RTE Junior will be in the centre for a host of comedy, magic, miming, puppet shows and more.
- August 4th – Hip-Hop Workshop with Double Impact from Irelands Got Talent! Learn a hip-hop dance routine and see Double Impact perform at every show on Saturday August 4th with shows at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
- August 11th – Magic in the Secret Garden! Prepare to be Amazed, stunned, flabbergasted and sawn in half at an amazing magic show on Saturday August 11th with shows at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
- August 18th – Science is Fun. Electrocute a Barbie doll, make slime and giant bubbles and do loads more fun science experiments on Saturday August 18th with shows at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
- August 25th – Enchanted Garden Jungle Show. Are you brave enough to come meet the jungle animals? There will be reptiles & snakes running wild in Jervis on Saturday August 25th with shows at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Summer 2018 at The Ark from 1st July – 25th August includes creative 5-day Summer Camps, day-long Circus Skills sessions and Visual Art Workshops for kids plus the return of Fun Size Jazz for the August Bank Holiday!
Become an Agent of Change on a Cool Planet Experience summer camp which run daily from June 18th to 22nd & July 2nd to 6th. Limited spaces available, please visit website for more information Cool Planet Experience is an amazing place for a family day out over the summer months.
The whole family can enjoy Heritage Week in our Secret Garden from the 18th to the 26th of August. Taking place in the Hive Dome will be bee themed games and activities suitable for all ages, including bee themed workshops on the importance of pollinators to plant life and the whole food-chain can be seen. This is free on purchase of a Cool Planet entry ticket.
The Festival of Curiosity is back in Dublin this summer for a four-day cultural feast of science, arts, design, and technology for all the family from July 19th – 22nd.
Take your friends and your family on a play date with Dublin City this July during the Playful Days and Curious Nights festival programme. Here are just a few of the highlights.
• Meet world-famous bubble performers at The National Concert Hall.
• Don’t miss festival favourite The Curiosity Carnival for a hands on adventure in science, play, and curious technology (tickets always sell out, be quick!)
• For young explorers join a special family explorers series as we journey from the world’s highest pop-up lab at Everest Lab to the Depths of the Ocean, explore how to help the bees make honey in Beekeepers and Martians or find out how to train to become an astronaut during Explorer Training for Space.
• Join Sam (from The Lalala Choir) for a fun Singing Workshop for families and friends (aged four and up), where anyone can show up and learn to sing.
• At Litter Lab, Scientific Sue (Science2Life) will bring the family on a journey through the science of litter and what to do about it. Expect the unexpected!
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See the full programme of events at www.festivalofcuriosity.ie
There’s something for everyone at the Dublin Horse Show from the 8th – 12th August 2018, 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!
Playstival with The Happy Pear
Ireland’s new festival for kids & their parents, celebrating Play, Fun and Imagination, Playstival with The Happy Pear takes place Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August 2018 at Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin 14.
Things to do in Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Longford with Kids
There are plenty of fun activities taking place at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Co Kildare, during the Summer months. Every Tuesday and Sunday in July and August enjoy free pony rides from 11:00am until 12:30pm and 2:00pm until 3:30pm along with face-painting and a fun and interactive Mobile Farm. It is also the perfect time to see all of the foals frolicking in their paddocks. You can enjoy the very beautiful Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra’s Garden. The ‘Living Legends’, Beef Or Salmon, Hardy Eustace, Kicking King, Hurricane Fly and Rite Of Passage, can be seen in their paddocks every day enjoying their retirement from racing. The on-site restaurant offers delicious homemade baked goods and wholesome lunches. And end the day in the playground and finding the 20 resident fairies hidden along The Fairy Trail!
Tickets can be purchased on the day but to avail of discounted rates, book online
Enjoy Castle tours in May, June, July and August at Birr Castle, Co Offaly. Monday to Saturday at 10.00, 11.30, and 13.00 each day, pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment. You can also enjoy a visit to the Science Centre and the gardens with an amazing treehouse.
Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland presented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company takes place on July 19th at Belevedere House & Gardens.
And on August 2nd you can enjoy Robin Hood and his Merry Men with Chapterhouse Theatre Company.
These outdoor theatre events held in the gardens of the stunning Belevedere House are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
In Co. Laois, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, July 29th – August 6th, 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 2018 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 5th and 6th 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 July 1st to 6th 2018 in Termonfechin, Louth. Harpers of all standards from absolute beginners to advanced players are welcome.
Taste of Cavan 2018 takes place August 10th and 11th 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 Sculpting Festival takes place in Bettystown, Co Meath on July 7th & 8th 2018. There will be a beach sports day on the 7th and a sandcastle competition on the 8th.
Mystical fairies, brave princes, royal princesses, noble kings and queens, enchanted castles and magical kingdoms will come to life this year with the annual Muckno Mania Festival taking place July 5th – 8th 2018.
Things to do in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon and Mayo with Kids
The Museum of Country Life has FREE events for families during July and August. Get more details here.
Away with the Fairies takes place at Strokestown House, Roscommon on June 9th wiht a magical parade, live music, fireworks display and fun for all the family throughout the day. Admission is free, donations of the night are welcome, however to ensure the event is as enjoyable as possible, we are asking members of the public to register for their free tickets on Eventbrite.
On July 12th enjoy outdoor theatre with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Strokestown Park Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
Take a visit to Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon for a host of unusual activities and experiences and have a fun family day out.
The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival is on from July 26th to 30th 2018. 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 14th.
On August 14th from 7.30 to 9.30 enjoy The Reluctant Dragon presented by Quantum Theatre on the lawn in front of Westport House, Mayo. so pack a picnic and head along for a magical evening of a boy who saves a dragon! Tickets on sale now.
Things to do in Galway with Kids
Seafest Galway
A weekend of fun and free events is just on the horizon as SeaFest 2018 takes place in Galway city from 29th June to 1st 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.
The Speks at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway
The Speks are At Town Hall Theatre Galway on Saturday 16th June at 2pm. BookTickets Today and enjoy a lively show which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats!
The Summer Festival at Slieve Aughty takes place during July and August and provides a brilliant family day out for all ages!
Festival highlights include
- A visit to the Enchanted Forest with a special fairy forest pack that can be collected from reception
- Do arts & crafts in the designated craft room
- Discover the flora & fauna of Kylebrack Forest on the nature trails
- Visit the playground
- Play family games on the lawn
- Take pony rides in the enchanted forest (supplement applies and must be booked in advance)
- Pick up your Slieve Aughty Centre Nature Journal
Bring your own picnic to enjoy outside, or choose from the menu in the organic certified café.
Each child receives the Slieve Aughty Centre Nature Journal and Enchanted Forest Fairy Pack as part of their entry. €7.50 per person, children under 2 are free. Groups of 3 or more receive 15% off! Contact us on 090 9745 246 for more information! Get FREE entry to the Summer Festival when you book two nights accommodation!
Féile Traidphicnic takes place in Spiddal from July 6th to 8th 2018. 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 7th & 8th 2018.
The annual Galway Film Fleadh is on from July 10th to 15th 2018.
See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival July 16th to 29th 2018 with street performers, music and theatre.
The annual Galway Races Summer Festival is on from July 30th to August 5th 2018. Why not get the girls together and head off to Ladies Day on August 2nd?
Crinniú na mBád 2018, the annual Galway Hooker Gathering and race, takes place in Kinvara on August 10th to 12th 2018.
Elves & Fairies Day at Brigit’s Garden, Galway
Enjoy lots of activities including:
- Meeting the Fairy Queen & Elf King
- A visit to the fairy garden
- An elf hunt!
- Arts & crafts, make your own fairy door & wand and crown making
- Storytelling
- An elf and fairy ball
10% discount for Brigit’s Garden Members and under 2’s go free. You are advised to book you tickets in advance, as spaces are limited. A magical all-weather event for children and their families! (free passes cannot be used for this event)
Things to do in Clare, Tipperary, Kerry with Kids
Enjoy an Aerial Dance Performance at King Johns Castle – 15th & 16th June.
World renowned aerial dance performers, Fidget Feet, will perform exclusively at King John’s Castle on June 15th & 16th as part of the Irish leg of Vertical Dance Forum June 2018 being held in Limerick.
Experience wonderful movie magic at King John’s Castle, Limerick on August 18th with outdoor film screenings of Shrek at 3pm and Stand By Me at 8pm. Pack a picnic and blankets and enjoy the show.
The annual Féile Brian Ború Festival runs in Killaloe and Ballina from July 4th – 8th 2018
Ennis Street Arts Festival
Enjoy the Ennis Street Arts Festival from the 2nd to the 8th of July 2018. 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!
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 2018 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.
The Speks at glór Ennis
The Speks present a lively show of nursery rhymes and singalong songs set to acoustic Irish music, which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats! Their hand-clapping toe-tapping hearty-laughing show is all about life on Glasses Island – a magical island off the coast of Clare where everyone wears glasses! The Speks will be in glór on August 12th for 2 shows at 12.30pm and 3pm.
The Cappamore Agricultural Show takes place in Cappamore, Limerick on August 18th 2018.
The Limerick Show Family Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday August 28th.
Things to do in Cork with Kids
Cork Midsummer Festival is Cork’s largest annual multi-disciplinary arts festival for all ages along the banks of the river Lee, with many national and international theatre and music events, and the return of family favourite, Picnic in the Park. Takes place June 15th – 24th 2018.
The 2018 Laya Healthcare City Spectacular Free Festival will take place in Fitzgerald’s Park on July 14th & 15th 2018. 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.
Enjoy outdoor theatre at Fota House and Gardens on June 23rd Sense & Sensibility and on July 20th A Midsummer’s Night Dream. And for family theatre, The Reluctant Dragon on August 11th. Be sure to pack a folding chair or bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy on the evening.
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival is on from 31st August to 2nd September 2018.
Things to do in Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford with Kids
The award winning Castlecomer Discovery Park is a stunning 70 acre woodland recreational & educational activity park with a range of adventure activities including tree top walks, Ireland’s longest zip wire and high ropes challenge, climbing walls, boating, archery, adventure playgrounds, woodland café and orienteering. At the hub of the site there is the Irish Mining Museum, a purpose-built cafe, craft village and spaces for educational activities. Perfect for a family day out this summer.
Bagenalstown Festival is a family friendly festival, taking place in July. 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 3rd to 5th 2018. With an amazing parade, free music events and street performances.
Nore Valley Farm Park Superhero & Princess Day takes place on August 17th & 18th. Are you strong like Superman or agile like Wonder Woman? Can you swing like Spider Man or run like The Flash? Test your skills at our Superhero Training Centre, where you will prove your superhero abilities and gain an Official Superhero ID card.
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 9th – 19th August 2018.
Waterford Walls is an international street art festival running 23 – 26 August 2018 that transforms Waterford City into an open-air gallery. It’s a free family day out with kids’ workshops, live music, art trails, panel discussions, art jams & more!
And finally,
National Heritage Week 2018 has fun events for families and children nationwide from August 18th to 28th 2018.
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.
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