Brought to you by Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons
Now that the structure of school has gone, you’ll need to formulate your very own schedule to get things done (otherwise you’re all in danger of succumbing to Judge Judy with the curtains drawn).
Get a map and mark out event locations; it makes journeys seem shorter and keeps the kids occupied as they look for road signs.
Welcome to your incredible shared moments of joy - in association with Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons.
1) Laya Healthcare City Spectacular: Dublin July 7 - 9
The Laya City Spectacular promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. It’s run in two cities in July, the first of which is Dublin. People flock to Merrion Square to see some of the best street theatre performers around; exciting events, fantastic exhibitions and absorbing interactive workshops.
2) The Donkey Sanctuary, Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. Cork: Year round
This famous sanctuary has taken in some 5,200 donkeys since they opened and your four-legged friends would love to meet you. Sweet foals and affectionate mules live on the rolling countryside of the sanctuary, which relies on donor support to continue their good work. Adopt a donkey for €25 a year; buy cute donkey stuff, and bring a picnic. Admission and parking are free, but do make a donation. You can even bring your dog (if kept on a lead).
3) The Zoological Museum, Trinity College Dublin: Year round
Perfect for a rainy day, the Zoological Museum is highly interactive so children can handle many of the exhibits. It contains about 25,000 animal specimens from all over the world, from teeny protozoa to big mammals. Kids can hold weird teeth; get a photo through the jaws of a Great White Shark, find out how scientists are using DNA to try to re-create extinct creatures, and more. Tickets are only €2 for kids; €3 for adults and you get a Family Pass for a guided tour combining the Zoological Museum and the Book of Kells for €30.
4) The Chocolate Garden of Ireland Rath, Tullow, Co Carlow, Year round
Heaven! The Chocolate Garden of Ireland makes handmade luxury chocolates and ice-cream. They hold workshops where you can make and decorate your own chocolate with a customised mould; you get to keep the mould to use at home. Kids of all ages can enjoy the trim trail, slides, sandpit and Wendy house in the play area while you have coffee and gobble down your workshop creations. Pre-book your workshops for €12.50 per person.
5) Pirate Day, Hook Lighthouse, Co Wexford: July 2
Captain Hook arrives on the peninsula to take over the famous lighthouse. Children are encouraged to come dressed as pirates – with prizes for the best costume also on offer. Otherwise, there is music and games on the lawn. Adults €9, children go free.
Colouring; puzzles; recipes, and more: our HerFamily Shared Moments Of Joy PDF will keep your littles ones entertained for hours. You can find it here.
And if you have a child aged six years or older, make sure to enter our amazing Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons competition to be in with a chance of winning a spot on our big family day out at Copper Coast on July 13. Activities on the day include go karting, bottle feeding goats, pony rides and face painting. That's not all: all participants will be awarded a goodie bag and certificate. All you have to do is fill out the form below:
