4 family things to-do in Ireland THIS WEEKEND

Get out and get active. If you are thinking of taking a road trip this weekend, why not visit a new place in Ireland, what better way to spend the weekend than to rekindle your romance with the homeland. Here's four of the best things to do this weekend (whatever the weather): 1. Walk Simons Way Kilrush, Clare – 25 - 27 September Why go? A 72 km, eight stage walk (obvs you don't need to do all of it) along the Clare Coast. Experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country. This ramble is part of the annual 'Simon Week' to raise awareness of homelessness in Ireland

What's cool? The scenery. Did you see the picture above? Yep, it is really like that.

How much? Zippo.

2. Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival

The Docks, Galway City – September 26th and 27th Why go? Check out the World Oyster Opening championships, it's one of the more delightfully random competitions we've come across – finally people with this unique skill set will be recognised.

What's cool? There are healthy cooking demos, family fun foodie competitions, a silent disco for grown-ups on Saturday night and a Mardi Gras, which promises to be EPIC. There's LOLs abound in Galway this weekend too with the annual Vodaphone Comedy Carnival on also. So many events so little time.

How much? Tickets for the championships start at €70. To attend the festival and eat your face off yourself costs €15. Kids under 12 go free. Yay.

3. Kitesurfing 'Battle for the Lake' Competition in Achill

Achill Island, County Mayo – September 25th - 27th Why go? This is sure to be 'Pure Magic'. There will be food, 15 live bands, entertainment and kids surfing lessons. For music lovers haunts like Ted Lavelle's and Gielty's will have trad sessions after the big competitions. There'll be a few Irish surfing legends like Rory O'Dowd around catching waves and showing us how it's done.

What's cool? The sheer spectacle. Expect twists, barrels and other airborne dare-devil manoeuvres from the professionals during this adrenaline-fuelled event.

How much? Zippo. Just wrap up warm and bring lots of snacks for the little ones.

4. Macroom Food Festival

Macroom village, County Cork. September 26th and 27th

Why go? You will not beat the produce from this internationally acclaimed foodie event. There will be master bakers, cheesemongers, delicate chocolate cake sculptures and a monster outdoor food market.

What's cool? There's a schools-out cook-off with parents, children and some teachers which sounds a bit like a food fight waiting to happen. There's a street theatre extravaganza and beer and cider tasting for Mums and Dads, too. Anyone got room for one more in the car down?

How much? Event tickets available here.

If you need some inspiration for an event near you, or you have an epic event you want us to know about, send a quick mail: karen.forde@herfamily.ie