3 fun and family-friendly events to bring the kids to in Dublin this long weekend

It's the long weekend! And much as that is great on its own, we have also been promised that the weather is set to be glorious too, and we can't think of anything better to do than indulge in some serious fun and laid-back time with the family. Whether you live here or have to hop in the car, Dublin has plenty to offer in terms of fun things to do with little ones (and bigger kids too) this weekend, so if you fancy a trip to the Big Smoke, here are three activities not to be missed: 1. Woolapalooza at Airfield Woolapalooza Farm Festival returns to Airfield Estate, Dundrum, this May Bank Holiday Weekend. On Sunday 6th and Bank Holiday Monday 7th May, Ireland’s most unique suburban farming festival is taking plaec in Airfield, Dundrum, and this year, the 38-acre food and farm destination will host an array of events for all the family. Tickets are bought on the gate and are €10 per adult and €5 per child and under 3 go free! Group rates are also available. Thrilling sheepdog trials with Denis Birchall, Ireland’s One Man & His Dog Champion, Barber Rodney and his super sheep shears, live music and dancing at the Woolapalooza Céilí, drop-in craft sessions for kids and adults, butchery and bakery demonstrations, Fire & Grill BBQ all day with Robin Gill and Luke Matthews, heritage house tours and storytelling, a giant knitting bee, yarn bombing, craft stalls, brunch in Overends Kitchen and so much more. Woolapalooza Farm Festival 2018 is a fantastic Bank Holiday must do! For more information, click here. 2. Butlers Chocolate Experience The Butlers Chocolate Experience is the perfect day out for chocolate lovers of all ages and promises to put a smile on the faces of your little ones during the summer holidays. On arrival, visitors will dress like a real-life Butlers chocolatier and gather to watch the chocolate movie, learning about the fascinating origins of the cocoa bean and the history of Butlers, accompanied by delicious chocolate treats. With an expert guide, the budding chocolatiers will explore the interactive museum and step out on the Chocolate Gallery to see the Butlers factory, savouring the sweet aroma as they discover the secrets of how Butlers Chocolates are created. Finally, everyone gets to unleash their inner chocolatier in the Chocolate Experience room and decorate their own chocolate masterpiece to bring home as a treasured souvenir. After the tour is finished, a well-earned hot chocolate and sweet treat from the onsite Butlers Chocolate Café is a must! Butlers Chocolate Experience entry must be booked in advance and is priced at €13.50 per person. Entry includes; the Chocolate movie, Chocolate Museum, Chocolate Gallery and Chocolate Experience room. Special family rates available. Butlers Chocolate Experience is easy to access – just 5 minutes from the M50/M1 junction near the airport. For more information and to book, click here. 3. People's Park Market, Dun Laoghaire The sun is due to shine all weekend, and nowhere is nicer than the seaside when summer arrives. Hop on the dart and head out to Dun Laoghaire for the day on Sunday, and not only can you go for a walk along the long pier and spot for boats and ferries, you can also pick up a Teddy's Ice Cream – arguably the best sift-serve ice cream Ireland has to offer. Another reason to bring the kids to Dun Laoghaire is the lovely (and huge) farmer's market that take place every Sunday in People's Park. The market is a very popular spot, attracting large crowds every weekend. Over 50 vendors sell a wide range of products including hot food, baked goods, art and crafts, artisan food products and seasonal produce, and the kids will no doubt love being able to pick up some lunch from one of the stalls and plonk down on the grass to eat it – no table or chairs neccasary.