Dublin local family event guide. Friday 6th – Thursday 12th September 2019
Tags: Children's activities Dublin, Event Guide Dublin, This weekend in Dublin, Weekend fun in Dublin, Whats on Dublin
Take a look at the family friendly events happening in and around Dublin over the next week for you to enjoy.
Please check that they are still running before setting out, as sometimes even the best events have to be postponed.
Festival of Food
When Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, 9.30-5pm, entry closes at 4pm
Where Airfield Estate
How much? Free although parking is €5 per car and they say limited space
Ages suitable for? Family friendly
Enjoy a back to school weekend of sustainable food and zero waste. Artisan & Street Food Village, Craft Beers, Botanical Spirits, Backwood Cooking & Bushcraft, Kitchen Demos, Live Music & Workshops, Garden & Biodiversity Walks, Sustainable Living, Mindfulness and much, much, more! No tickets, no food tokens, 100% FREE entry all weekend!
This family focused weekend will take place at Airfield’s award-winning Dundrum food and farm destination and is designed with sustainability in mind, encouraging patrons to use public transport and reduce plastic consumption. All food vendors will use only compostable or recyclable food containers and festival goers are encouraged to bring their own lunch boxes & keep-cups to help reduce the amount of waste generated from the festival. Free entry for the entire weekend ensures fans of local, seasonal and sustainable food can choose from the delicious offerings from over 50 producers, showcasing the very best of artisan and locally produced goods.
Top tip – there is no cash point at Airfield Estate so make sure you top up before you arrive at the venue! (closest ATM at Balally)
The Annual Rathmichael Parish & School Fete.
A great day out for the the family…something for everyone…from BabyBiz, Toys, Books, Collectors Corner, White Elephant and Home Entertainment, Country Fayre and food to Games, and Face Painting. Everyone will find something to Enjoy. Not to forget our Live Music and Children’s Fancy Dress…See you there!
Find Peace at the dinner table
When Sunday 8th September, 7-9pm
Where Sandymount Hotel, Herbert Road, Dublin, D04
How much? €20 for an earlybird ticket – book here –
Use the Code “Irish Mum” on check out they can get a discount of €5 on the workshops.
Ages suitable for? Parents and carers
Raising kids to eat well and enjoy food is often easier said than done. Information on what kids should be eating is plentiful, but that doesn’t always translate into what our little ones want to eat – let alone a good vibe at the dinner table!
We get how frustrating, alarming, downright maddening this can feel, because we get the world of feeding children, We’ve designed our holistic strategies to help you
Cabinteely Carnival
When From 1-5pm, Sunday 8th September
Where Cabinteely Park
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? The whole family
Roll Up, Roll Up as the annual Cabinteely Carnival comes to Cabinteely Park on Sunday September 8th 2019. Our Amazing Artistes will be there to amaze, astound and astonish one and all between 1pm and 5pm.
The Carnival will take place in front of Cabinteely House, and is a free family fun day out featuring circus performers, activities and a chance to learn some circus skills.
This year’s Cabinteely Carnival is proud to present:
“Hillario Spillaci”
Enjoy the crazy antics of this silent clown as he grapples with everyday objects, attempting to turn the world inside out and upside down. Mr H arrives without a care in the world, just a broom, a table, a chair, some playful comedy and spectacular acrobatics.”
Tumble Circus presents Tina Machina in “Older, Better, Stronger”
A one woman circus show showcasing the extraordinary skill and passion of a female acrobat on a lifelong adventure. Expect slap stick acrobatics, hazardous aerial acts and flying hula hoops.
Street Theatre Ireland Circus and Cycle Skills
If you have ever wanted to be in the circus this is your chance. Young and old can learn circus skills from the expert tutors of Street Theatre Ireland Circus and Cycle Skills.
Cabinteely Carnival will also feature Bouncy Castles, an Antique Carousel, Facepainters, Stiltwalkers, Jugglers and Mime Artists. It’s going to be an unmissable day out, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Cabinteely House.
Entry and attractions at the event are free but parking is very limited so we recommend you walk or use public transport.
Dublin Castle Family Tour
When 11-12, Sunday 8th September
Where Dublin Castle
How much? Free – booking is required
Email: dublincastle@opw.ie
Ages suitable for? Families with children 6 and older
Dublin Castle Family Tour is a special tour designed for children and their guardians, parents and carers. The aim is to make history fun and engaging for kids.
Drop in family workshop – Light Catchers
When Sunday from 11.30am – 1.30pm, drop in
Where National Gallery, Merrion Square West
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? families
Join us at one of our weekly creative workshop’s
At our drop-in workshops, children and their parents/guardians/carers are encouraged to work together on creative projects. Drop-in and stay for as long (or as little!) as you wish.
Suitable for children of all ages.
Family-friendly tour
When Sunday’s 12.30-1.15pm
Where National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? All families welcome
Join us for a special tour designed for children and their guardians, parents and carers.
Our aim is to make the artworks fun and engaging for kids, and to welcome families and visitors of all ages and encourage them to feel comfortable in the Gallery.
All welcome; no booking necessary.
Summer Kids’ Drop-by Activities
When Sunday’s,
Workshops begin at 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm and last about 20-30min
Where National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? children 4+ and their adult
Kids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden! Each week we will have a different activity to help you to become an expert gardener. Sow your own vegetable and flower seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels or re-use everyday things to create your own piece of eco-art. Check out our Facebook page to find out the week’s activity in advance!
Sunday Sketching
When Sunday from 3-4pm
Where Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane
How much? Free, no booking required, although places may be limited.
Ages suitable for? Children 6+ and their families
During these free sketching workshops for families we invite you to explore and respond to our collection and temporary exhibitions through discussion and drawing.
Bring your own sketchbook or avail of the materials provided.
Raising happy, confident children
When Monday 9th September from 7-9pm
Where Sandymount Hotel, Herbert Road, Dublin, D04
How much? €20 for an early bird – book here –
Use the Code “Irish Mum” on check out they can get a discount of €5 on the workshops.
Ages suitable for? Parents and carers
Confident, happy children have a range of tools and skills that help them maintain their physical and mental health. This workshop focuses on proven techniques for growing resilience and teaching children strategies for dealing with strong feelings and emotions in a positive way.
We also introduce family habits and routines that nurture empathy and help children feel content as they learn to show appreciation and gratitude for all that they have. Sound good? Our workshop sows the seeds for connection. We give you the practical tips and guidance on how to do this for both yourself and your family.
The session will cover:
- An introduction to mindfulness in everyday life: how to actually do it and make it a habit
- The science of mindfulness
- How to raise a mindful child
- Research-based tips for raising grateful and contented kids
- Top tips for raising a body positive child and how to foster a positive relationship with your own body
New Parents’ Tour
When 9th September 2-2.45pm
Where National Gallery of Ireland, Millennium Wing information desk
How much? Free, no booking required
Ages suitable for? Parents, guardians, and carers of young children
These tours are for parents, guardians, and carers of young children and will focus on a selection of highlights in the permanent collection. Our aim is to welcome families and visitors of all ages and encourage them to feel comfortable in the Gallery rooms.
The route is suitable for prams and strollers, and all are welcome.
Early Years Workshops for 1-3 Year Olds
Thursday 12 September, 11am-Noon
During this class for 1-3 year olds with artist Ashleigh Downey we will be exploring sights and sounds and be immersed in a sensory world of simple shapes, colours and textures. Fee €7, booking through eventbrite.ie required here.
Pre book the events below for future family fun
Smithfield & Stoneybatter Food Festival
When Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September
Where Smithfield Square and Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? Family friendly
Tantalise your taste buds at the Smithfield & Stoneybatter Food Festival, taking place in food outlets throughout Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Food eateries, shops and bars will have free tastings, festival menus and discounted prices which will add to the carnival atmosphere surrounding Smithfield.
The highlight of the weekend will be the Smithfield & Stoneybatter Food Festival Market on Sunday 15th from 11.30-5pm, when this gastronomy fare takes to the outdoors on Smithfield Square in tandem with the Busker Fleadh, an independent music festival.
Each event will be housed in the business’ own premises, allowing attendees to walk from pub to restaurant to café, building a festive atmosphere over the three days. Over the course of the weekend there will be festival menus, discounts in selected outlets, afternoon tea in the Richmond, weekend Brunch & Charity Swap Shop and so much more.
This historic part of Dublin has long had a close association with the food and drink industry from the Cattle Markets of Stoneybatter through to the Fruit and Vegetable Markets of Smithfield up to the world class Jameson Distillery and burgeoning local eateries and bars.
Culture Night
When The evening of September 20th
Where Across Ireland
How much? Free – some events need to be prebooked
Ages suitable for? All ages, due to it being in the evening, we hope you will find some suitable events to enjoy early on with your family
Here is the link to find the family friendly events happening in Dublin.
Culture Night 2019 – Wrap up in culture, as venues and public spaces across the island of Ireland open their doors to host a programme of free late-night entertainment, as part of an all-island celebration of arts, heritage and culture.
On Culture Night, arts and cultural organisations and venues of all shapes and sizes, including the National Cultural Institutions, extend their opening hours to allow for increased access to the public. Special and unique events and workshops are specifically programmed at participating locations and everything is available free of charge. The celebration has grown from a relatively small scale cultural event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national cultural event it now is, with some 400,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres across the island. The initiative has captured both the public imagination and the enthusiasm of artists and cultural organisations.
For one night only the island of Ireland become your FREE cultural playground, explore YOUR surroundings! (Some Culture Night events require booking).
Family Concert: Pirates, Parrots, And Pieces Of Eight
When Saturday 21st September at 11.30 and 1pm
Where National Concert Hall
How much? €12 discounts available
Ages suitable for? Designed for 4-12 year olds and their families, all are welcome!
Arrr! Come ye land lubbers and scurvy dogs! Gather the family for an interactive concert with the Echo Band, featuring favourite sea songs and shanties with a jazzy twist!
Join us fer tales o’ adventure, hidden booty and buccaneers. Hoist the Jolly Roger, set course for the high seas, and watch out or we’ll all end up in Davy Jones’ locker.
Lots o’ participation promised to keep all our younger audience members involved and entertained.
BigKidLittleKid
When Friday 27th September at 10.15 and 12.15. Sat 28th and Sun 29th at 2pm and 4pm.
Where The ARK, Temple Bar
How much? €12.50 per person
Ages suitable for? 3-6 year olds and their grown ups
BigKidLittleKid is a quirky, playful, energetic and engaging look at being on your own and being with someone else; and how size can really matter.
BigKidLittleKid promises to delight and enchant its audiences with its unique and wordless take on the complicated world of sibling rivalry.
Created by Anna Newell, described by The Guardian as “a hero of children’s theatre” and by the Irish Times as an “early years theatre pioneer” with music by David Goodall, with whom Anna has created shows for early years audiences that have been seen on 5 continents and off-Broadway.
Bring Along A Baby
When Sunday 28th September
Where National Concert Hall
How much? Adults are €13 and babies go free
Ages suitable for? Babies, wobblers and their adults
Bring Along a Baby is an informal, relaxed, accessible chamber music recital of the highest standard, aimed primarily at parents, while babies or very young children sleep, feed and play.
There is no pressure to keep still or quiet, leaving parents free to sit back and enjoy the music. In fact, we encourage the babies to interact naturally with the music, and we have play mats and soft toys to this end.
Of course, the babies benefit from the music as well, so it’s a win-win.
Kidspace x Fearless Moves Floor Fillers Brunch
We’re hosting a Fearless Moves Floor Fillers session and brunch at kidspaceindoorplay in Rathcoole on Sun 29th Sept at 10am.
It’s perfect for Mums and Dads who want to get a sweat on while the kids are having active fun in the play frames!
The ticket price also includes entry for 2 kids (worth €17)
Enjoy brunch afterwards with options for kids and parents! All the ticket deets are here: https://bit.ly/2K5Yt9W
Fearless Moves is a fitness event series that features a deadly music theme, a whopper instructor and most importantly, delish food after the workout session.
Bosco and Sleeping Beauty
When Sunday 29th Sept, 12pm and 2pm
Where dlr Mill theatre, Dundrum
How much? €12 (under 2’s free but you must book them a seat)
Ages suitable for? All ages
Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls.
After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation.
Enjoy the enchanted story of Sleeping Beauty where an evil Fairy-Night filled with jealousy try’s to harm Beauty but luckily she has very good fairy friends. With its brilliant array of Characters, lots of fun and excitement through this completely interactive live experience with the absolute magic of Puppet Theatre
Duration 75 mins no intervalParagraph
Under 2s require a seat, these are FOC but you must select a seat when booking.
Stick by Me
When
Tue 1 & Wed 2 Oct @ 3pm
Wed 2 & Thu 3 Oct @ 10.15am & 12.15pm
Relaxed Performance Wed 2 Oct @ 12.15pm
Where The Ark, Temple Bar
How much? €12.50
Ages suitable for? 3-6 year olds and their adults
It’s a stick. It’s just a stick.’
But for one, all alone, this stick has something special. And soon the two are the best of friends. They run, play, hide and rest…and stick together when things get tough.
Beautifully crafted, making treasure from everyday objects, Stick by Me is a joyful show about friendship and play, and the importance of treasuring little things.
Created by the duo behind critically acclaimed White – Andy Manley and Ian Cameron – Stick by Me builds on their vast experience of creating performances for very young children.
We hope that you have a great week.
ClapHandies run regular baby massage courses suitable for babies 6 weeks – 9 months. As well as benefits for your baby, it’s a really great way to make some new friends at the same stage of parenting as you are.
ClapHandies PlayLabs happen around the Dublin area during term time. If you have a baby, wobbler or toddler, why don’t you book and join one of our PlayLabs?
If you are looking to organise a party for your little one maybe we can help?
We offer classic parties for pre-schoolers, then once your little one is at school we offer themed parties that children seem to LOVE!
Take a look at RealParties for more details.
Do you have an event you would like us to promote?
Please email marie@claphandies.com giving as much notice as possible and if suitable we will try our best to add it to our weekly event guide.
