WOW! I mean….just…..WOW! What a list of Family Friendly Events there is this Summer! Dublin just gets better and better when it comes to things to do. As a father of a four year old boy I’m always looking for new things to do. The following list should be a handy guide to Fun for all the Family.
What: Dublin Port River Fest
When: 4th to 6th June
Where: Dublin Docklands
Now in its sixth year this event goes from strength to strength. Taking place on the June bank holiday weekend the event has grown from last year and now includes the recently redeveloped Campshires on North Wall Quay.You can expect to see a Festival of Sail along the Liffey, races, tug-boat ballet, tours of the tall-ships, water canons, a food market, acrobats, live entertainment, pirate village with art and crafts for the kids and a fun-fair. www.dublinriverfest.com
What: Bloom in the Park
When: June 2nd – 6th
Where: The Phoenix Park
Not just a gardening expo but a food and family oriented event. The June bank holiday hosts the annual event where you can expect an outdoor entertainment stage, food stalls, workshops, art installations, live music and educational kids zone. Oh yes, and some gardens.
http://bloominthepark.com/
What: Bloom Fringe
When: June 2nd – 6th
Where: Various Locations
The sign of success for a festival is when there is a spin-off festival. And Bloom Fringe will offer an edgier version set in the heart of Dublin city. Encouraging all ages to get involved, you can expect talks, trails, workshops, street art installations and foodie pop-ups. In an effort to reintroduce nature to the city, this volunteer led not-for-profit venture is on a mission to bring biodiversity to some of Dublin’s urban streetscape with a spotlight on garden communities. http://bloomfringe.com/
What: Laya City Spectacular
When: July 8th – 10th
Where: Merrion Square
Now in it’s 11th year this event just gets bigger and better and dare I say, is spectacular. Featuring some of the best street performers from around the world it’s a great day out for the kids. Why didn’t we have stuff like this when we were kids! Amazing!
http://www.cityspectacular.com/
What: Festival of Curiousity
When: July 21st – 24th
Where: Various locations
Run across various locations throughout Dublin the festival is a science, technology and arts event with a list of daytime events for families. By day, the city hosts a list of free carnival-like events. By night, Dublin lights up with film and art installations. Expect to see special Lego workshops and a giant Bubblearium….Not sure what that is but it sounds cool!
Oh yeah..and there’s even some Science Explosions. Yessss!
https://festivalofcuriosity.ie/
What: National Drawing Day
When: May 21st
Where: National Gallery of Ireland
In association with galleries from across Ireland expect sessions to take place from 10:30 am to 4pm with an adult drawing session followed by family drawing sessions in the afternoon. Admission is free.
http://www.nationalcraftgallery.ie/drawing-day
What: Pets in the City
When: May 29th
Where: Smithfield Square
Supported by the DSPCA, Pets in the City is an annual event in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Promoting responsible pet ownership there will be a host of stalls offering accessories for your pets including information stands and advice from the DSPCA. You can expect to see a reptile corner, aquarium and a petting zoo. Scrufts Dog Show (think Cruffs, but set in Smithfield) will test the agility of both humans and their furry friends.
http://www.petsinthecity.ie/
What: My Art
When: Sunday June 5th
Where: Exchange St Lower, Temple Bar
Promoting dance and visual arts, this is an educational workshop extolling the benefits of art for both young and old alike. You can learn to dance, paint and find comfort in developing new skills for you and your little ‘uns.
http://myartdublin.com/
What: Saturday Family Workshop
When: Saturday June 11th, 3-4pm
Where: National Gallery of Ireland
An opportunity for families to spend time together creating and learning new skills in a fun environment. Set in the Millenium Wing Studio you will experience music, art, poetry and storytelling crafted for children between the ages of four and ten.
http://www.nationalgallery.ie/whatson/
What: Dublin Kite Festival
When: Sunday June 12th, 11am to 5pm
Where: Bull Island
Now in it’s third year you can expect to see kite flying competitions and kite making workshops.
There is advice on hand from kite experts (it’s not as easy as you think you know), lively music, food stalls and fresh air..lots and lots of fresh air.
http://www.dublinkitefestival.ie/
What: Why the Sky is Green
When: Saturday September 24th, 2pm to 4pm
Where: RHA
This event encourages children to explore art in a different and fun way. Using unrelated objects and ideas you will get to create a collage, print with a potato and of course the kids favourite, finger painting, so expect a messy child. Let your kids run riot and create little masterpieces.
Free ticketed event.
What: International Literature Festival
When: May 21st – 29th
Where: Various locations
The finest writers in the world gather in Dublin to debate, inspire and teach. Literary fans can expect readings, workshops, discussions, screenings and performances. The list is endless with a host of poets, fiction, non-fiction, playwrights and screenwriters on the bill.
Did you know that Ireland has won more Nobel prizes for literature than any other country? Maybe your child will be inspired enough to grow that list one day.
http://ilfdublin.com/
What: Waterways Ireland Docklands Festival
When: May 21st – 22nd
Where: Grand Canal Dock
Wet n’ wild, this spectacular never fails to entertain. Set in the Grand Canal basin, the events are both water and land based with a wakeboarding competition, charity rubber duck race, street performers, fun fair and food market amongst others.
http://www.docklandssummerfestival.com/
What: Dublin City Soul Festival
When: May 28th – 29th
Where: Merrion Square
This event holds a special place in my heart as it’s the first sounds my newborn heard as I cradled him from Holles Street hospital. I wanted to pop in with him but my wife suggested the pumping music may be too loud for him. She was probably right. She usually is 😉
Anyway, it’s a wonderful, laid-back summer vibe against a backdrop of picnics, happy families, good food and good tunes.
http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie/
What: Battle for the Bay
When: May 28-29th
Where: Dollymount Strand
If you go down to the beach today you’re in for a big surprise…dum..dum.
Now in it’s tenth year, you will get to see just how good some of Ireland’s kite-surfers are. And why wouldn’t they be when they’ve got this resource on their doorstep. Wind, waves and ….well, how about wakeboarders, land-yachts, volleyball and good tunes. Gnaarrly dude!
http://battleforthebay.com/
What: Taste of Dublin
When: June 16th-19th
Where: Iveagh Gardens
Dublin’s best restaurants gather together to offer their dishes and delights in an idyllic surrounding. With a taste for every palette and live entertainment it’s a pleasant way to spend the “day”. I say “day”, as you can expect to be kicked out of the park as soon as you’ve had your lunch.
Last year, while lazing on the grass with a bellyful of grub, the entire daytime crowd was kicked out by security to make way for the next batch of “foodies” about to be fleeced for their evening meal. Only in Dublin.
Tickets: From €15 – And then you still have to pay for your grub!!! Just sayin’ is all!
http://dublin.tastefestivals.com/
