Dublin local family event guide. Friday 4th – Thursday 10th October 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.
Seedlings Early Years Workshops
When Friday 4th at 10.15 and 2pm
Where The Ark, Temple Bar
How much? €11.50/€8.50 per child
Ages suitable for? 2-4 year olds and their adult
Autumn is here, leaves are falling and the animals in the woods are preparing for their long winter sleep. But Howie Hedgehog is not ready. He has no food supplies and no shelter to sleep in. He will need some help from the wood elves to collect food and build himself a warm and cosy den.
Join in to discover, explore and find out if you can help Howie build his den in this delightful workshop adventure.
Combining drama, story, play and props, this interactive drama workshop invites little ones and their grown-ups to enjoy imagining together. So if you’re a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunty, godparent or carer, come along with a 2 to 4 year old and join in the fun.
Pregnancy & Baby Fair
When 5th and 6th October (Saturday and Sunday) from 10-5
Where RDS Simmonscourt
How much? €15.19 per ticket – bookable here
Ages suitable for? Parents to be, parents of babies and wobblers.
The Pregnancy & Baby Fair is Ireland’s biggest, best and only exhibition covering all things pregnancy & baby related.
We have gathered the world biggest baby brands under one roof as well as Ireland’s leading retailers and product specialists. In addition, we also have Ireland’s top pregnancy & baby professionals ready to give you the best and latest advice and address any concerns or questions you might have about this exciting yet daunting time of life.
Liza and the team from ClapHandies and RealParties will be at the RDS this weekend for the Pregnancy & Baby Fair. If you are visiting the show, please pop by and say hello, we are on stand J1.
Harvest celebration
When Saturday 5th October at 2.30pm
Where Dalkey Library
How much? No mention of any cost
Ages suitable for? Everyone welcome
We’ll be hosting an afternoon of Thanksgiving and Harvest music to celebrate a successful season of growing our own fruit and vegetables in the Maeve Binchy Garden. Admire the end of our vegetable harvest and children can decorate an autumn wreath to bring home. Music will be provided by Music Generation dlr!
Want to take part in a fun active event for all the family? If so register now for the Core Credit Union dlr Community 5K, taking place at 2pm on Saturday 5th October 2019. This event returns for its 11th year in full force with over a thousand participants walking, jogging or rolling the 5km scenic route around Kilbogget Park.
Taking place during the Counties ‘Festival of Inclusion’, this annual 5km event prides itself on being fully-inclusive, suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. With a DJ on hand to add to the festive atmosphere, each participant receives an event t-shirt at sign-in and a medal for children on crossing the finish line. This year we will again have lots of fun activities for all the family from 1pm that will include a chance to try a range of sports and activities.
At just €5 for adults and free for children, this event will give everyone the opportunity to get out, have fun and be active.
The Core Credit Union dlr Community 5K is organised by dlr Sports Partnership and a range of local agencies and clubs who are delighted to once again have our local Credit Union as title sponsor. Funding support is also provided by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the HSE. The Community Gardai and Dublin Civil Defence also assist to ensure a safe and fun event.
Shane McArdle, Coordinator with dlr Sports Partnership, commented “We’ve expanded the event this year to include fun family activities at 1pm prior to the 5k start time at 2pm so please come early and join in the fun. We will have a particular focus on attracting participants of all abilities this year and highlighting the fact the physical activity and sport is for all.”
You can register online here or contact us by email at sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie or by phone on 01 271 9502.
Family Tour – Dublin Castle
When Sunday October 6, 2019 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where Dublin Castle state apartments
How much? Free, but tickets must be booked
Ages suitable for? Families
Join us at 11am for a special tour designed for children and their guardians, parents and carers. Our aim is to make history fun and engaging for kids. Suitable for 6 years and over. This tour is free of charge but booking is essential. Please email: dublincastle@opw.ie
Rotunda Hospital Maternity Open Day 2019
When Sunday 6th October, 10am – 2pm
Where Rotunda Hospital
How much? Free, tickets available through this link
Ages suitable for? Expectant parents
The Rotunda Hospital, with our partners The Rotunda Foundation and KBC Bank Ireland, are having our second Maternity Open Day on Sunday 6th October, from 10am to 2pm.
Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite. Car Parking is available in the Hospital grounds.
Throughout the day, visitors can get a behind the scenes look at some of our maternity services, with virtual tours of the various Departments at The Rotunda Hospital.
There will be numerous talks throughout the day and information sessions hosted by our expert staff for prospective parents and mums-to-be.
There will be obstetricians and midwives, fertility specialists and sonographers, dietitians and physiotherapists available on the day.
Prospective parents and mums-to-be will be able to get information on the diverse range of services that makes the Rotunda Hospital the Maternity Hospital of Choice.
We will have staff on the day to talk to you about the Hospital’s clinics and services, and the team from the Rotunda Private will be on hand to provide you with information on private and semi-private options. You can ask the community midwifery team about services close to your home, and find out the benefits of breastfeeding from our Lactation Team.
We’ll have refreshments and giveaways during the day.
When Sunday Oct 6th from 11am – 2pm
Where St Gabriel’s Parish Centre, Clontarf
If you’re looking for something really fun to do on Sunday October 6th, come along to our amazing annual Autumn Fair being held in aid of 5th Port Dollymount Sea Scouts. Bring your friends and family for a guaranteed fun day! There are loads of cool fête stalls and games built and manned by the scouts including the ever popular coin toss to win a goldfish, obstacle course, sponge throwing, hair braiding and loads more games.
There’s a huge cake sale of delicious home-baked goods. As well as teas and coffees, crepes, burgers and sweet stalls.
Don’t forget to pick up an amazing bargain in the Bric a Brac sale which includes a huge Kids toy and book sale, Wetsuits, Bikes etc.
Finally you may be lucky and win one of the amazing prizes in our giant raffle and wheel of fortune.
A guaranteed great day out for all the family!
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.
Drop in family workshop
When Sunday drop in between 11.30-1.30pm
Where National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? Children of all ages and their adult
At our weekly drop-in workshop, 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, these workshops take place in the Maples Group Creative Space in our Atrium.
New parents’ tour
When Monday 7th October from 2-2.45pm
Where Merrion Square information desk, National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? Everyone
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.
Pre book the events below for future family fun
Splish, Splash, Squash
When Tuesday 15th October at 10am and again at 12
Where Draíocht Galleries, The Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15
How much? €5 call to book – 01 8852622
Ages suitable for? 2-4 year olds and their adult – suitable for 1 adult 1 child (without siblings)
This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622.
Anne Cradden will lead you on this journey of experimentation … splishing, splashing and squashing with paint, paint brushes, fingers … and toes! You need to dress for mess for this one!
WORKSHOP NOTES
These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings).
Decorated Pumpkin Competition
When October 19, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? Everyone!
Take part in our decorated pumpkin competition and your pumpkin can be part of a fantastic exhibition to be displayed in the Teak House. This unique event is a big hit with our visitors every year. Please carefully read and fill in this form to take part in this spooktacular event:
Please remember we cannot accept any carved, cut or pierced pumpkins. Entries will only be accepted on Saturday 19th of October from 10.00am – 4.00pm
Judging will take place at 6pm on Saturday 19th so no entries cannot be accepted after 4.00pm Saturday
Prize giving for the Decorated Pumpkin Competition will be on Sunday 20th at 12.00pm
Free Family Day: Meet The Artist, Make Some Art
When Saturday 19th October from 12-3pm
Where Draíocht Galleries, The Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15
How much? Free
Ages suitable for? Families
Families are invited to spend time in the Gallery, interact with the artworks and respond to the compositions, materials, patterns, textures and themes that they encounter through creative and interactive workshops facilitated by exhibiting artist Catherine Barron.
FAMILY DAY NOTES:
Sessions Are Free, But Space Is Limited. Max 50 per workshop.
Session 1: 12PM-12.50PM
Session 2: 1PM-1.50PM
Session 3: 2PM-2.50PM
Dress for Mess. Unless otherwise stated workshops are designed for children from 5-10 years, though younger and older siblings are welcome to take part. Please be aware that Draíocht’s Family Days are not designed for groups. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child!
When Sat 26th Oct at 4pm and 7pm
Where dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum Town Centre, Dundrum, Dublin 16
How much? €8 – tickets can be booked here
Ages suitable for? 4-12 year olds and their adults
Being a vampire sucks, but being Dracula’s younger brother is
driving Jackula batty.
Join Jackula on a spooktacular quest to to step out of his older brother’s shadow and become the world’s first fun vampire. Laugh as Jackula makes his pet ghost dance. Gasp as Jackula balances five glasses of water on his face. Smile as children help him perform spellbinding tricks. An inspirational Halloween magic show about staying true to yourself. The show is performed by Jeff Keough who has entertained at The White House, Lenister House, and his daughter’s Senior Infant Class.
Jackula has been recommended by the Irish Times. The Irish Independent said Jackula is “Family fun guaranteed.” Book now as Jackula regularly sells out. This show is for children aged 4-12. Show time: 80 minutes
Spooky Science!
When Sat 26th – Mon 28th Oct: 11am & 2pm,
Tues 29th – Thu 31st Oct: 11am
Where Cool Planet Experience, Powerscourt Estate, Co Wicklow
How much? €20 per child
Ages suitable for? 6-12 year olds
Join us as spooky science festivities take over Cool Planet Experience this October mid-term. Kids will release their mad scientist by stepping into our spooktacular lab experience, where oozing, bubbling potions, glowing slime and fang-tastic explosions are sure to delight.
Explore the spookier side of chemistry to discover how a 1°C change can unleash mind-boggling chain reactions.
Samhain
Samhain, everybody’s favourite phantasmal forest of fright will materialise before your very eyes in Marlay Park on Sunday October 27th 2019. The annual spookfest is back in all its gory glory with the sounds, shadows and creatures of the night that only appear in Marlay Park once a year on the haunted forest walk.
Dress your worst, in your most freakily frightening costume and join us this for this unique fright in the forest. But remember, once you enter the haunted forest walk there is no controlling the spectral spirits so do not get too close.
We want to see you in your Halloween costumes but remember Samhain is an outdoor event so warm clothing is recommended. The walk is approx. 1.7km long on a path suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. The 3.30pm walk at Samhain will be tailored to suit people with special needs. This means that music and sound effects will be quieter, special effects and lighting will be softer and we will limit the number of visitors in comparison to other entry times in order to reduce queuing times in so far as is practicable.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Haunted Forest Walk will be open between 3.30pm and 8.30pm and Entry is FREE but by WRISTBAND ONLY. Entry times to queue for the Haunted Forest Walk are printed on your wristband. Times are: 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. There will be no fireworks display at the event.
WRISTBAND COLLECTION
There is no online booking or purchase system for Wristbands to go to Samhain. Wristbands can only be obtained by collection in person at the Cricket Pitch in Marlay Park on Saturday October 19th and Sunday October 20th from 2pm each day.
- Wristbands will be available while stocks last or until 4pm on a strictly first come
first served basis, limited to six per family. - You can collect wristbands for the 3.30pm walk only, which will be tailored to suit people with special needs, by using the signposted fast track collection lane.
- Parking for wristband collection is in the College Road Car Park of Marlay Park only.
- Please do not park on Grange Road, in local estates or roads surrounding Marlay Park.
After Dark
When Thursday 31st October at 6.15pm
Where St Patricks Cathedral
How much? Free, but you must get a ticket click here
Ages suitable for? all ages
Join us this All Hallows’ Eve for another candlelit recital of suitably chilling music including Dukas Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Grieg In the hall of the mountain King with just a little musical meddling from Harry Potter.
Join us this All Hallows’ Eve for a candlelit recital of suitably chilling music including Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Gounod’s Funeral March of a Marionette, John Williams’ Hedwig’s Theme and Bach’s immortal Toccata and Fugue in D minor – all of which should send a terrifying shiver up your spines!
Suitable for all ages – but not the faint hearted!
Stuart Nicholson organ · Victoria Green guitar · Michael Lee narrator
plus a special guest appearance by the late Alfred Hitchcock!
Admission Free · Retiring Collection in aid of Jack and Jill Foundation
Free but registration required
The concert will conclude with a retiring collection in aid of BARNADOS.
Sam and the giants breakfast
When Saturday 2nd November
Where National Concert Hall, Ballsbridge
How much? €12, discounts available
Ages suitable for? aimed at 6-12 year olds and their adults
Sam is bored, so very bored. He complains about it all the time. People are bored of hearing how bored he is.
On Halloween, a witch’s elf overhears him and decides to teach him a lesson…
Join the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra for a Halloween adventure, where the world of classical music is brought to life through storytelling and imagination.
Start with some fun foyer activities, then take part in one of our interactive workshops with members of the RTÉ NSO, and explore our musical treasure hunt.
Then make your way to the main auditorium where the orchestra will bring Sam’s adventures to life with presenter Jonathan James in an interactive family concert, featuring some of the most spectacular works in classical music.
Fancy dress is encouraged; a great time is promised!
Designed for ages 6-12 years, all are welcome.
Exploring Sound & Music with Eamon Sweeney
When Friday 8th Nov at 10.15 and again at 11.30
Where Draíocht Galleries, The Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin 15
How much? €5 call to book – 01 8852622
Ages suitable for? 2-4 year olds and their adults.
See and play music in a free and open environment with musician Eamon Sweeney, using gongs, chimes, bells, ocean drums, simple percussion instruments and song.
This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622.
WORKSHOP NOTES
These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings).
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.
