We love a good reason to indulge in 99’s and spread out the old picnic blanket on a Bank Holiday weekend, don’t we? I present you the lowdown in Dublin town. Genuine fun without dipping into the rainy month fund? Hell yes. Bask in glorious free reign [not rain] with all of these alternative event gems.
The Story bus
When May 2 -4 from 11 – 3pm.
Where Ibis Hotel Dublin to Russborough House, Wicklow.
Why Just because. Created to bring live entertainment, interactive storytelling and singing to children followed by a fairy trail visit. This is a new way to communicate to toddlers. We like.
Pay €25 Promo Code: FAIRYSTORY for Single. FAIRYSTORYF for the family.
The Golden Ball Family Market
When Every Sunday from May 3, 11 – 4pm.
Where Between Sandyford and Enniskerry, 44 bus route from D’Olier Street or M50 Southbound.
Why Calling all market fiends: Delicious food and market stalls, a pig on a spit, all kinds of awesome homemade craft offerings, a bouncy castle and a homebrew stall. Brilliant. Best of all, there’s a main stage with alternating swing, jazz and blues bands. And if you can’t make it to this one, you could try the usual weekend Co Co Market in The People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire, and nearby Marley Park.
Pay FREE my yummy mummy.
The National Gallery of Ireland
When Bonnets and Boaters Workshop, May 2, 3 – 4pm
Where Millenium Wing Studio, National Gallery of Ireland
Why Got a big brood? Music, art, drama and creative workshops for up to 40 children at a time here on Saturday with artist Vita Ryan. What else could you need for an inspired break from reality with the smurfs?
Pay FREE, loveens.
IMMA
When Beginning May 1.
Where Royal Kilmainham Hospital, Military Rd. Via Red Line Luas to Tallaght
Why The usual Sunday Family Workshop from 2 – 4pm is legendary. Laureate na nÓg Siobhan is on hand to guide the children through a hands-on art workshop and a wandering “No Cows Trail” tour of the gardens and art studios. There is also an interactive exhibition of works from the spanking new graduates of IADT in Dun Laoghaire. They showcase fun, collaborative pieces to include video, painting, sculpture and notebook work. June is also jam-packed for events too. Phew.
Pay FREE
The Ark
When May 1 -2.
Where Temple Bar, beside the Irish Film Institute.
Why “Once Upon A picture” Exhibition is an absolute must. Every artwork has a story to tell for the 4+ age group. Ample storytelling and performances will enlighten the children big-style. There is an awesome animated film screening of “The Making of Song of the Sea” by Cartoon Saloon and a little creative workshop to follow. Coolness.
Pay €5… peanuts.
Temple Bar
When Saturday May 2.
Where Meeting House Square then Filmbase Curved St, Temple Bar.
Why “True Love Event” kicked off on April 26th all over Dublin with volunteers embracing random acts of kindness, free hugs, painting and decorating and helping kids with homework. It’s culminating in a free food banquet in Filmbase. You can grab your lunch at the superb Saturday market just a few steps away from the entrance and then visit Filmbase for you supper between 6- 9pm. How lovely!
Pay FREE banquet. I repeat FREE banquet. Of food.
Airfield Woolapalooza
When Sunday 3 -4 May.
Where Airfield Dundrum Dublin 18.
Why Cut spring lambs to play with and the highlight: A mahoosive woolly jumper en situe that you can jump inside to get your photos taken. Oh, the shear fun of it all. There will be sheep dog demonstrations to show you what happens on a farm. Creative knitting and weaving workshops reveal the wool-making processes with comical gigantic knitting needles. Fascinating for the smallies and the biggies.
Pay €10 moms and pops and €5 for children.
The Bernard Shaw
When Every Sunday at 4pm from now on.
Where The Bernard Shaw, Richmond Street D2.
Why You want to get your mullet sculpted, or your bob chopped by a pro? “Out of the Box Cuts” mobile salon with Aaron Kiely, are setting up home here from now into infinity, every Sunday. The Bernard Shaw’s first flea-market will be at the venue from May 24th too. Fierce excitement for one month.
Pay Guys €10. Dolls €20 More info Here.
Dublinia
When May 2, 11am.
Where Dublinia, beside Christchurch, Dublin 8.
Why You’d be mad not to go? You can make a Viking fridge-magnet at the event in 30mins with your entire family if you so wish. How fun.
Pay €6.
Áras an Uactharáin
When May 2, 9.30 – 5pm.
Where Phoenix Park.
Why It’s first come, first served regarding official OPW guided visits of Áras an Uachtaráin on public holidays but, what a treat if you get in there early. The Annual Garden Party is so worth it, and you may get to rub shoulders with our hip-to-the-groove President Michael D. The stunning manicured grounds are majestic to wander through with the fam but, the house itself is a magnificent treasure trove of art, sculpture and Dublin architecture at it’s finest. Get in.
Pay FREE.
Dublin Castle
When May 3.
Where The Coach House, Dublin Castle.
Why A day of exploration through design processes in drawing and making objects. Suitable for 5 – 13 year-olds. Yay.
Pay FREE but you must book: Here.
St Annes Park
When The month of May.
Where Raheny, Dublin 5.
Why A remote-control model car track. Imagine. And other coolness in the form of the Express Family Train every weekend 11am – 4pm and a big playground. The park hosts pitches, tennis courts, boule courts, a par-3 golf course and an ornamental pond. It’s slotted in beautifully by the serene Nanekin River. Fun fact: there is an annual Rose Festival held on the third weekend of July very year.
Pay FREE. Oh sweetness.
The Chocolate Factory
When Aerial Bootcamp for the adults only.
Where Beside Harcourt Luas Stop
Why How different? If you are willing to experiment at being upside down for the health benefits and to relive the cartwheel festival of your youth just do this. Perhaps teach the kids how to do it properly when you get home? Hours of family fun ahead. Hours.
Pay The not-so-FREE one. €60 for one day workshop but, the craic though? More info here
Have fun y’all and don’t forget to email us with pics of your family fun to [email protected].
