Things to Do with Kids Around Ireland Summer 2020

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 2020. Check out our 21 Free Things to Do with Kids around Ireland this Summer too.

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Things To Do With Kids Around Ireland This Summer

From fun family festivals to workshops and family getaways, we have put together a guide of what’s on and things to do with kids around Ireland this Summer.

Summer Family Getaway to Galway

This Summer The Connacht Hotel in Galway is offering a Young Explorers Family Package with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening for the whole family! While you relax, the kids can enjoy their fantastic fun-filled kids club at no extra cost & for an action packed day out, avail of discounts for local attractions arranged by the hotel.

Choose from two and three nights family packages to include:

• Bed & Breakfast each day.
• Family Dinner on One Evening.
• Full use of Leisure Centre and 20m Swimming Pool.
• Access to the ‘Friendly Fellows’ Kids Club and schedule of activities.
• Free parking.
• Discounts to local attractions.

Book Your Summer Family Break to Galway

When: All Summer long

Take The Eco Explorers Challenge with SSE Airtiricity at Dublin Zoo

SSE Airtricity, proud Sustainability Partner of Dublin Zoo, is inviting visitors to the take an Eco Explorer Trail at Dublin Zoo.

Be sure to download the SSE Airtricity’s Eco Explorer App before you visit for extra fun. The Eco Explorers App is available to download free from iTunes and Google Play Store.

Did you know you can get 20% off day passes to Dublin Zoo with SSE Reward? You can also get free tea or coffee during your visit and save on reusable bamboo cup! Find out more about SSE Reward. 

Enjoy Outdoor Theatre at Clondalkin Round Tower, Dublin

If you’re looking for free things to do in Dublin with the family, a visit to The Round Tower Clondalkin is a must! 1 Tower – 1000 years of history is what you get when you bring the family along for an interactive day out. And best of all, it won’t cost you a cent, unless of course you’re tempted by the goodies on offer in the on-site Happy Pear Café! 

One of South Dublin County’s cultural highlights, The Round Tower Clondalkin is built on the site of a monastery founded by St. Mochua in the 7th century, and is one of only four remaining round towers in County Dublin.

Bring along a picnic and join Chapterhouse for some outdoor Theatre evenings at The Round Tower Clondalkin.

Dates and Locations for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

• Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre, Kilkenny, Friday 19th June from 7pm
• The Round Tower Clondalkin, Dublin, Saturday 20th June from 4pm
• Fota House & Gardens, Cork Friday 26th June from 5.30pm call 021 4815543 for bookings

Dates and Locations for Emma

• The Gardens at Rathmullan House, Donegal, Wednesday 22nd July, from 2pm
• The Round Tower Clondalkin, Dublin, Sunday 26th July from 5pm
• Cabra Castle, Cavan, Tuesday 28th July from 6pm
• Kilmokea Gardens, Wexford, Sunday 2nd August from 5pm

National Museum of Ireland Free Summer Events, Dublin & Mayo

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.

Riverfest, Limerick

The award winning Riverfest Limerick is set to return for the May Bank Holiday, Friday 1st to Monday 4th May 2020, offering a dazzling array of free activities to amuse families of all ages. Highlights of the festival will include:

• Riverfest Fireworks
• Fashion Friday
• Riverfestival village in Arthur’s Quay Park
• Ireland’s largest BBQ cook-off
• Free tours of one of Ireland’s Navy Vessels
• Regeneron Great Limerick Run

Best of all most of the activities are completely free to keep you and your family entertained. There’s just so much activity for all ages it promises to be one excellent weekend to soak up Limerick City.

Events take place from 1st to 4th May 2020.

Enjoy Stadium Tours at Croke Park, Dublin

Enjoy stadium tours at Croke Park this Summer and learn why the grass is always so green at the stadium, get a birds eye view from the media centre and a sneak peek at the dressing rooms!

When: All Summer long

Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular, Dublin & Cork

Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular is going to be even bigger, better and more spectacular than ever as it takes to Dublin’s Merrion Square & Cork’s Fitzgerald Park, Cork city this July.

Featuring some of the best street theatre performers around, and with a host of exciting events, fantastic exhibitions and absorbing interactive workshops, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. And it is completely free to visit.

When: Cork 18th & 19th July and Dublin: 24th – 26th July 2020

Summer Fun at Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Wicklow

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens are perfect for a fun family day out during the summer months. Pack a picnic and enjoy exploring. They also run events throughout the year and this summer you can enjoy which include:

• Outdoor theatre with Chapterhouse when they preform Hound of the Baskervilles at Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Wicklow, Sunday 19th July from 1.30pm Call 01 2046000 for bookings

When: All Summer long

IVVCC Vintage Car Rally at Mounty Wolsely Resort, Carlow

Dates: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2020

Join the largest motor club in Ireland, the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club, for their Gordon Bennett Rally! Taking place at Mount Wolsely Hotel & Golf Resort, it’s a spectacular day for all where you can enjoy the vintage cars up close and chat with their owners. Come dressed vintage and you will blend right in!

How to Book: Click here for further information and bookings

When: May, June July & August

Visit The Cool Planet Experience, Wicklow

The Cool Planet Experience in Wicklow is a great place to visit during the Summer. Here your little explorers will learn more about our planet, the environment and how to be more sustainable. They also run loads of fun events and workshops.

When: All Summer long

The Festival of Curiosity

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 16th to 19th.

Take your friends and your family on a play date with Dublin City this July during the Playful Days and Curious Nights festival programme. See the full programme of events at www.festivalofcuriosity.ie

When: 16th – 19th July 2020

The Dublin Horse Show

With over 1,500 horses and ponies, 135 competitions, 300 shopping stands, food and drink stalls dotted all over the grounds as well kids’ entertainment and 8 world-ranking international show jumping competitions, this promises to be one of the stand out events of the summer!

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.dublinhorseshow.com.

When: 15 to 19th July 2020

Summer Fun at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare

Summer fun events at the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Kildare Town include complimentary pony rides and face painting with regular entry ticket on select days in July & August for all younger visitors!

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

When: All Summer long

Summer at Birr Castle & Gardens, Offaly

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.

When: All Summer long

Summer at Belvedere House & Gardens, Westmeath

Belvedere House and Gardens in Westmeath offers an amazing family day out with walks in the woodlands and along the lake, visit Ireland’s largest folly and enjoy amazing events including outdoor theatre shows.

When: All Summer long

Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Laois

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a fun family event for young and old, with over 300 scarecrows to see around the village, in many different designs and themes. There’s plenty more on offer too including live music, craft workshops, country market, adult, teen and children’s entertainment, and scarecrow treasure hunt.

When: July 26th – August 3rd 2020

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, Offaly

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival runs from Friday 31st July to Saturday 8th August with free entertainment for families and children including music, markets and fairs, arts and craft activities and more.

When: Friday 31st July to Saturday 8th August 2020 

National Sandcastle Competition, Bettystown Beach, Meath

The 18th annual National Sandcastle Competition takes place on Bettystown Beach in Meath. There will be a sand sculpture competition and sandcastle competition and fun for all the family.

When: Sunday 15th June 2020 

The Irish Harp Festival, Louth

An Chúirt Chruitireachta, the annual Irish harp festival, takes place in Termonfechin, Louth. Harpers of all standards from absolute beginners to advanced players are welcome.

When: Sunday June 28th to Friday July 3rd 2020

Muckno Mania Festival, Castleblaney, Monaghan

The annual Muckno Mania Festival takes place July 3rd to 5th. This year the theme is the The French Connection. Fun is guaranteed for all ages!

When: July 3rd to 5th 2020

Free Summer Fun at National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, Mayo

The Museum of Country Life has FREE events for families during July and August. Get more details here.

When: All Summer long!

Summer at Strokestown Park,House & Gardens and The National Famine Museum, Roscommon

Strokestown Park, House & Gardens and the National Famine Museum are open to the public throughout the summer months. Enjoy a fun family day out and learn more about the history of Ireland. Look out for events taking place during June, July and August.

When: Open throughout the summer 

Summer Adventures at Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon

Take the family to Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon for a host of unusual activities and experiences and have a fun family day out.

When: Open throughout the summer 

Boyle Arts Festival, Roscommon

The Boyle Arts Festival is a celebration of music, arts and culture and takes place in the beautiful town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon in July. Children can avail of workshops and families can enjoy music, theatre and visual arts.

When: July 16th – 25th 2020

The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival, Sligo

The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival is on in July. Enjoy treasure hunts, fireworks, music, street performers, great food and a Market Day at this family friendly festival.

When: July 23rd to 27th 2020

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, Sligo

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 in July.

When: July 4th to 12th 2020

Earagail Festival, Donegal

The Earagail Arts Festival which runs in July in Donegal is a unique bilingual cultural festival with events from music to outdoor events to theatre and visual arts, taking place in a mix of venues. Every year the festival includes family friendly events.

When: July 9th – 26th 2020

Off The Street Food Fest, Letterkenny

The Off The Street Food Fest takes place in Letterkenny in July, showcasing the best of Donegal Food, street-food style. There are cookery demos from some of Ireland’s best chefs, along with music, food quiz, bake off and more.

When: July 25th & 26th 2020

You May Also Enjoy 10 Top Things to Do in Donegal with Kids

Féile Traidphicnic, Spiddeal

Féile Traidphicnic takes place in An Spidéal, Galway in July, with community arts, crafts, sessions, walks and talks, offering something for everyone. It is a family friendly event, bring your own picnic, sun and midge cream, thermals and raincoat!

When: July 3rd to 5th 2020

You May Also Enjoy 40 Fun Family Things to Do on The Ring of Kerry and Beyond

Galway Garden Festival, Claregalway

Claregalway Castle plays host to this year’s Galway Garden Festival in July. It is always a fun weekend and children get in free!

When: July 4th & 5th July 2020

Galway Film Fleadh

The annual Galway Film Fleadh is on from July 7th to 12th 2020 and showcases some of the best films and shorts from Ireland and all around the world. Visitors can enjoy screenings, workshops and meet and greets with directors and actors.

When: July 7th – 12th 2020.

Galway International Arts Festival, Galway

See Galway City come alive for the annual Galway International Arts Festival this July. Showcasing street performers music and theatre, there are events for all ages, and surprises around every corner. Expect a fabulous programme this year as Galway is European City of Culture for 2020, so a great time to visit Galway!

When: 13th – 16th July 2020

You might enjoy reading Top Things to Do in Galway With Kids

Galway Races Summer Festival

The annual Galway Races Summer Festival is on from July 27th to August 2nd 2020. Why not get the girls together and head off to Ladies Day on July 30th?

When: July 27th to August 2nd 2020.

Crinniú na mBád 2020, Kinvara

Crinniú na mBád is the annual Galway Hooker Gathering and race and takes place in Kinvara on August 2020.

When: August 14th ot 16th 2020.

Free Tours of Ardnacrusha Power Station, Clare

The ESB welcomes visitors to the Ardnacrusha Experience & Visitor Centre for tours of the Ardnacrusha Power Station. This unique visitor experience is free but must be booked in advance. 

When: May & June for School Tours and July 1st to September 2020 general public admissions 

Féile Brian Ború, Clare/Tipperary

Féile Brian Ború celebrates the life and legacy of Brian Ború (founder of the O’Briens) –  the most famous son of the historic twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.

Fun activities include historical guided tours on lake and land, fireworks display over the River Shannon, traditional street games, garden party, children’s art competition, street theatre and much more! There really is something for everyone in the family at this fun event.

When: 8th – 12th July 2020

Fleadh Cheoil Na Mumhan, Limerick

Join thousands of storytellers, dancers, musicians, singers and visitors from Munster and beyond at Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2020 in Newcastle West. There will be concerts, displays, workshops, readings, dances and much more for all the family to enjoy.

When: 15th – 19th July 2020

Puck Fair, Kerry

The famous annual Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co. Kerry takes place annually in August 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.

When: August 6th to 12th 2020

Cappamore Agricultural Show, Limerick

The Cappamore Agricultural Show takes place at the Ballyvoreen Show Grounds in Cappamore, Limerick in August. It showcases the best of the region with cookery, crafts, competitions, displays and more. And offers a fun day out for all ages.

When: August 15th 2020

Limerick Show Family Festival

Celebrating 91 years, the Limerick Show Family Festival takes place at Greenpark Racecourse on Sunday August 23rd. You can enjoy competitions, food, stalls selling all sorts of goodies, family fun with a kids zone and the Limerick dog show.

When: Sunday August 23rd 2020

Seafest, Cork

A weekend of fun and free events is on the horizon as SeaFest 2020 takes place in Cork from 15th-17th May 2020.

Cork Harbour will be transformed into an ‘open air sea world’ and will be ‘awash with free family-friendly activities, entertainment and attractions both on and off the water’ for the three-day festival.

The three-day festival will cover all things marine – from seafood cookery to science, exploring the ships that transport us to discovering the creatures of the deep.

The free festival also hosts exhibits and talks 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.

When: 15th – 17th May 2020

Cork Midsummer Festival

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.

When: 15th – 21st June 2020

Family Fun and Outdoor Theatre at Fota House & Gardens Cork

Enjoy all that Fota House and Gardens has to offer this Summer including outdoor theatre shows on:

• May 9th – Heartbreak Productions present Mr Stink
• June 26th – Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland is presented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Fota House & Gardens.
• July 31st – Enjoy Little Women presented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Fota House & Gardens.

Be sure to pack a folding chair or bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy on the evening.

When: May, June, July & August 

Summer at Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny

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.

When: All Summer long

Kaleidoscope Festival, Wicklow

A completely inclusive family camping festival, Kaleidoscope will take place at Russborough House in Blessington, Co. Wicklow with three days of high energy, full colour, multi–stage entertainment over 15 stages, designed to entice and enthrall all, from babes in arms to those eligible for a bus pass!

When: 26h – 28th June 2020

Wexford Maritime Festival, Wexford

At the Wexford Maritime Festival on the last weekend in June, you’ll find a celebration of Wexford’s rich maritime heritage, and can enjoy maritime activities, family fun, artisan food and music.

Children can enjoy dance and musical activities, arts and crafts, science workshops, circus workshops and shows at the Children’s Village. Discover Wexford’s Viking past in the Viking tent where children can try their hand at brass rubbing and sword making.

When: last weekend of June 2020

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, Waterford

The annual Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has an exciting programme of street performances including theatre, parade and music. And specially for kids, Garter Lane Arts Centre presents SprÓg Childrens Festival, during Spraoi Weekend, with workshops all week and over the Spraoi festival weekend. Many events are free, so pre-booking is essential.

When: July 31st & August 1st & 2nd 2020

Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny

Nore Valley Farm Park is open to visitors all summer long with a pet farm, playground, maze, crazy golf, climbing frames, go-karts and more to enjoy. And for those not living in Kilkenny, check out the family friendly accommodation & campsite.

When: Open all Summer 

Kilkenny Arts Festival

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.

When: 6th to 16th August 2020

Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival

Waterford Walls is an international street art festival running in August 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!

When: August 20th to 23rd August 2020 

And finally,

National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week 2020 has fun events for families and children nationwide from August 15th to 23rd 2020

When: August 15th to 23rd 2020

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.