Farmleigh House and Gardens

So I have been soaking up the sun, fresh air and scenery of Westport with the munchkins for the last few days so have been blog free for a week or so. If you are heading Westport way, I would highly recommend doing at least a bit of Croke Patrick, bringing a bucket and spade to the Blue Flag beach at Old Head, going for a swim in Westport Leisure Centre (http://www.westportleisure.com/Home/) - there is a nice playground by the Westport Leisure Centre too and one of the two cinemas is there as well.  There is another nice playground on the way to Westport Golf Club called the Bogfield Playground on Golf Course Road.  The waffles and pancakes in Maple Moose are also worth a gander.  Westport House is a must. Other ideas see http://destinationwestport.com/things-to-do/family-fun/ So I am sitting at the computer now and I realise I have not put Farmleigh House and Gardens in Phoenix Park up yet.  It is a great place for a visit.  A walk around the gardens and a visit to the House and Boathouse restaurant will provide a great distraction for kids, particularly on a sunny day.  There is a regular Farmleigh Food Market to ooh and ahh at.  It has a nice summer programme planned for this year, which includes music on the bandstand, workshops for kids and a family day, so check it out.
 Sat 13th July
Children's Art Workshops 6-12yrs - The Invented Zoo, Farmleigh House (12-1pm, 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm)  Saturday 27th July
Children's Art Workshops - Birds of a Feather. 6-12yrs, Farmleigh House (12-1pm, 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm)   Sunday 28th July
A Year of Illustration 2013 Family Event, Farmleigh House 

Saturday 10th August 
Children's Art Workshops. 6-12yrs Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!, Famleigh House (12-1pm, 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm) 

Sunday 18th August
Dale Treadwell with Fluterbies and Busy Bees - Outdoors. 12noon-5pm

Saturday 24th August Children's Art Workshop for 6-12yrs . Dinosaur Zoo, Farmleigh House (12-1pm, 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm)