Wednesday, 20 August 2014

I have not been blogging lately as I have been very pre occupied with our pending family move to Hong Kong so I have to bid you adieu for the mo as Dublin Munchkins will be taking a break for the foreseeable future!

keep enjoying lovely Dublin!

Wednesday, 2 July 2014

July Events

Here's a list of events for July.  Loads more to add once I get a chance....

Updated 6th July

Tuesday 1st July
* Trees and Flowers of the Park for 5-8 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Thursday 3rd July
* Trees and Flowers of the Park for 9-12 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)


Saturday 5th July
* Family First Saturday - Explore and Excavate, Dublinia
* Groove Festival, Kilruddery House in Bray

Sunday 6th July
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Bats of the Park”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* Bark in the Park, Tymon Park (3pm)
* Teddy Bears Picnic, Blackrock Park (1-5pm)

* Play Day, Merrion Square Park (2-5pm)
* National Youth Orchestra of Ireland: Summer PromsNational Concert Hall (3pm)
Groove Festival, Kilruddery House in Bray

Tuesday 8th July

* Kid’s Recycling Ideas for 5-8 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Thursday 10th July
* Kid’s Recycling Ideas for 9-12 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)


Friday 11th July
* Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular

Saturday 12th July
Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular

Sunday 13th July
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Painting”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)

Monday 14th July

* Silk Worm Club (6-11 years olds) - Doodlebot, Chester Beatty Library (11.30am - 12.30pm)

Tuesday 15th July
* Deers and Animals of the Park for 5-8 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Silk Worm Club (6-11 years olds) - Brushbot, Chester Beatty Library (11.30am - 12.30pm)

Wednesday 16th July
Silk Worm Club (6-11 years olds) - Clockify, Chester Beatty Library (11.30am - 12.30pm)

Thursday 17th July
* Deers and Animals of the Park for 9-12 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)
IFI Family Festival, Irish Film Institute

Silk Worm Club (6-11 years olds) - Doodlebot, Chester Beatty Library (11.30am - 12.30pm)

Friday 18th July
IFI Family Festival, Irish Film Institute

Silk Worm Club (6-11 years olds) - Brushbot, Chester Beatty Library (11.30am - 12.30pm)

Saturday 19th July
IFI Family Festival, Irish Film Institute

Sunday 20th July

* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Cycle in the Park – bring your own bicycle”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
IFI Family Festival, Irish Film Institute

* Floristry for kids - call 01-4934208, St Enda's Park (11am)
* Free story telling for kids aged 3-7, National Print Museum 

Monday 21st July
* Chester Beatty's Creative Lab Club for Teens - Experiments with Light and Lenses, Chester Beatty Library (10.30am - 1.30pm)


Tuesday 22nd July
* Discover the Heritage of the Park for 5-8 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Chester Beatty's Creative Lab Club for Teens - World Music Workshop, Chester Beatty Library (10.30am - 2pm)

Wednesday 23rd July
Chester Beatty's Creative Lab Club for Teens - Machine Making, Chester Beatty Library (10.30am - 1pm)

Thursday 24th July
* Discover the Heritage of the Park for 9-12 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

* Festival of Curiosity

Friday 25th July
Festival of Curiosity

Saturday 26th July

Wooly Wards Mobile Petting Farm and Animal Theatre, Marlay Park (12-3pm)

Festival of Curiosity
* Dublin City Soul Festival

Sunday 27th July
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Creepy Crawlies in the Park”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
Wooly Wards Mobile Petting Farm and Animal Theatre, Marlay Park (12-3pm)

Festival of Curiosity
* Dublin City Soul Festival

Tuesday 29th July
* Craft Ideas for Children for 5-8 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Thursday 31st July
* Craft Ideas for Children for 9-12 year olds – part of Discover Nature in the Phoenix Park OPW Children’s Summer Eco Camps 2014 in association with Eco-Unesco, Phoenix Park (10am-3.30pm)

Monday, 23 June 2014

Wooly Wards Mobile Petting Farm at Marlay Park

Marlay Park will host over the summer Wooly Wards Mobile Petting Farm and Animal Theatre.

Visit fluffies such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Pose for a picture with a llama or watch the ducks splash around and chase the kid goat around the enclosure.

On between 12 and 3 pm on the following dates:

Saturday and Sunday 26th & 27th July 2014
Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th August 2014
Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th September 2014

For further information visit www.woolywardsfarm.com


Wooly Wards Farm

Saturday, 21 June 2014

Dublin Kite Festival

The second annual Dublin Kite Festival is taking place  tomorrow 22nd June at North Bull Island, Clontarf with a day of free entertainment planned. The festival will challenge kite enthusiasts from all over Ireland and abroad to show off their stunt skills and compete for a number of awards across a wide range of categories including most aerodynamic, most beautiful, and funniest.

Even if you don't make it on the day, the website has some nice arty projects for young uns, like how to how to build a kite and kite craft.


Slide_BeachBanners


Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Rathmines Midsummer Fair

Rathmines Midsummer Fair in the Square  will be held on Saturday 21st June 2014 from 2.30 - 5pm in Belgrave Square Park, Rathmines.

Entertainment includes Dog Show (starts at 12pm), Bands, demonstrations, sports, Treasure Hunt, Murder Mystery, Games, Face Painting, Art & Crafts, Street Performers, Community Garda, Fire brigade, Defence Forces, etc. There will be entertainment and refreshments.


Monday, 16 June 2014

Family Fun in Glendalough

If you have nature lovers, you might like to bring them to Glendalough over the summer. Parents and their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) can attend a mixed afternoon of free nature-based family fun activities in Glendalough from 2-4pm every Thursday during July and August. Each week features a different theme - booking essential.

Thursday 10 July: Flowers
Thursday 17 July: Birds
Thursday 24 July: Bugs
Thursday 31 July: Mammals
Thursday 7 August: Trees
Thursday 14 August: Bats
Thursday 22 August: Squirrels

Location: The Education Centre, on the Miners’ Road, by the Upper Lake, Glendalough.


National Park Education Centre



Friday, 13 June 2014

Gravitation 2014

From 1pm to 5pm on Saturday June 28th 2014, the Skate Park at dlr Leisure Services Monkstown will host Gravitation 2014, which will showcase urban culture and a selection of alternative sports. There will be skateboarding and BMX displays, expert bladers to show tips and tricks, hip hop beats with teams from Boarderco, Kaltik and MBW.
Gravitation 2014
 DLR Leisure Services Monkstown itself caters for all age groups and features a 25m swimming pool, learner pool, sauna and changing facilities and a fully equipped gymnasium. A floodlit pitch facility is also based at the centre with four ‘7-a-side pitches’, three of which are suitable for soccer and one multi-surface pitch that is wheelchair friendly, and can also be used for basketball, tennis and hockey. For more information see www.dlrleisureservices.ie

Thursday, 12 June 2014

Children's Art in Libraries Summer Programme

A Sleeping Princess, The fables of Aesop and a story shop run by the eccentric Mr. Higgle Piggle – Dublin City Council's Children's Art in Libraries will explore all sorts of different stories this July and August.

With eleven programmes taking place across 9 libraries, a broad range of artists have been commissioned to create short-term Arts Programmes for kids. Inspired by Aesop's Fables, Making Fables aims to encourage participants to tell stories through simple animations of artwork, made through drawing, collage and construction




Tuesday, 10 June 2014

The Jungle Book

An musical and family oriented adaptation of "The Jungle Book" by writer Laura Turner, will be shown in the gorgeous Powerscourt Gardens on the 29th June at 1.30pm.  
The Jungle Book
Photo Source: http://powerscourt.com/events/jungle-book

Saturday, 7 June 2014

Baby on Board at The LAB

The LAB is Dublin City Council's Arts Office, housing a gallery, rehearsal and incubation space for a range of art forms.

Baby on Board at The LAB is back.  It offers a chance for parents to catch up over a cup of coffee and take a look at The LAB's new exhibition. It has chairs, cushions, changing facilities, room for buggies, tea, coffee and biscuits.  It takes place on Friday 27th June from 10.30am-12pm.
 


Image of The LAB


Wednesday, 4 June 2014

June Events

Here is a list of family and children oriented events I have come across in Dublin this June. 

Updated 29th June

Sunday 1st June
* Dublin River Fest, North Wall Quay
* Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park

Monday 2nd June
* Dublin River Fest, North Wall Quay
* Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park

Thursday 5th June

Barney and Friends, The Olympia
* Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 6th June
* Barney and Friends, The Olympia 

Saturday 7th June
* Children's Event: Pond dipping, National Botanic Gardens (11am)
* Shelter Building – part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, FitzSimons Wood (3-5pm)
* Thor’s Hammer: drop in activity for kids aged 6 plus, National Museum of Archaeology (11am-1pm)
* Animal Paintings - Drawing Day Family Tour, National Museum of Natural History) 12-12.45pm & 2-2.45pm
* Stop Motion Film Workshop for kids aged 8-12, Séamus Ennis Centre (12pm-5pm)

* Fantastic Digestion with Scientific Sue, The Science Gallery (12pm, 2pm and 4pm)
* Falconry, Kilruddery House (1.30pm)
Barney and Friends, The Olympia 
* Tiny Traddies, The Ark (ages 2-3 @ 10-10.45am and ages 3-4 @ 11.15am -12.00pm)
* Family Film "Robots", Rua Red (12pm)

Sunday 8th June
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Deer of the Park”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* Sandmartin Walk at Shanganagh Cliffs – part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Meet at Shankhill Dart Station (10.30am)

Fantastic Digestion with Scientific Sue, The Science Gallery (12pm, 2pm and 4pm)
* Free story telling for 4-7 years olds, The National Print Museum (2.15pm-3pm)
Barney and Friends, The Olympia 
* Birdwatching, Dublin Zoo (11am-12.30pm)

Monday 9th June
* Morning Shorts, Rua Red (11am)

Thursday 12th June

Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 13th June
* Chester Beatty's Creative Lab Club for Teens 200 years of Thai books – suitable for kids age 12-17, Chester Beatty Library (10am-12pm)
* Dublin Garden Festival, Christchurch Cathedral

* Tiny Tot Workshop, The National Gallery (2-2.35pm)

Saturday 14th June
* The Bay 6km Cycle (part of National Bike Week), Dun Laoghaire start (3-5pm)
* Seashore Walk on Killiney Beach – part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Meet at main carpark off Station Road (2.30pm-4.30pm)
* The Top Ten Tour, National Museum of Archaeology (3.30-4.30pm)
* Silk Worm Club - Mythical Thai Creatures for ages 6-11 years, Chester Beatty Library ( 2:00 - 3:30pm)
* Dublin Garden Festival, Christchurch Cathedral

* The King and the Mockingbird, Pavilion Theatre (2pm)
* Father's Day Children's Gardening Class, Powerscourt Estate (12pm-1pm and 2pm-3pm)
Tiny Traddies, The Ark (ages 2-3 @ 10-10.45am and ages 3-4 @ 11.15am -12.00pm)
* Cinderella, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Tiny Tot Workshop, The National Gallery (2-2.35pm)

Sunday 15th June
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Cycle in the Park – bring your bicycle”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* Pond Dipping in Cabinteely Park - part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Meet in main Cabinteely Park carpark (10am-11.30pm)
* Dublin Garden Festival, Christchurch Cathedral

* Sheep Shearing, Kilruddery House (12.30pm)
Free story telling for 4-7 years olds, The National Print Museum (2.15pm-3pm)
* Bark in the Park, Marlay Park (3pm)
* Summer Sunday Workshop, The National Gallery (3-4pm)
* Zoo Kids Club Animal Alley, Dublin Zoo (

Monday 16th June
* Baby Workshop, The National Gallery (2-2.35pm)

Thursday 19th June
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 20th June
* Family Story-time: The Secrets of Grindlewood 
 with Jackie Burke for ages 8-12 (part of the Dalkey Book Festival), Dalkey Library (2.30pm)

Saturday 21st June
* Family Story-time (part of the Dalkey Book Festival)
, The Gutter Bookshop (11am)
Family Story-time: with Gordon Snell and Carmel Kelly (part of the Dalkey Book Festival), Dalkey Library (2.30pm)
* Budding Artists (suitable for 4-7 year olds), National Botanic Gardens (11am-12.30pm)
* Hardy Annuals (suitable for 8-12 year olds), National Botanic Gardens (2pm-4pm)
* Children’s Drumming Workshop, Séamus Ennis Centre (12pm-5pm)

* Rathmines Midsummer Fair in the Square, Belgrave Square Park (dog show starts at 12 and fair/party from 2-5pm)
Cinderella, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
* iTrolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am)

Sunday 22nd June
Family Story-time: Sally go round the Stars 
 with Sarah Webb  (Nursery rhymes and colouring for age 2-4 as part of the Dalkey Book Festival), The Gutter Bookshop (12pm)
* Active 8 Family Cycling Activities (part of National Bike Week), Shanganagh Park (1:00pm - 5:15pm)
* Dublin Kite Festival, North Bull Island (Clontarf)
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Badgers – learn more about this nocturnal animal”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* Midsummer Street Theatre, Chesterfield Avenue in Phoenix Park (12-5pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* Hand on History - drop in activity, National Museum of Decorative Arts & History (3-4pm)
* My Museum – Make a Viking Show Workshop for kids aged 8 plus, National Museum of Archaeology (3-4pm)
* Viking Shoes with Mark Kelly – Family Art Workshop, National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology)

* Music for Fun, National Concert Hall (2 and 4pm)
* Summer Sunday Workshop, The National Gallery (3-4pm)

Wednesday 25th June
* Click - Junior Photography (for ages 10 plus), Rua Red (11am-12pm)

Thursday 26th June
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 27th June
* Baby on Board, The Lab ( 10.30am-12pm)

Saturday 28th June
* Bookbinding for kids, National Botanic Gardens (3pm)

Cinderella, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
iTrolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am)
* Kellogg's Coco Pops Monkey Moments Weekend, Dublin Zoo
Gravitation 2014, the Skate Park at dlr Leisure Services Monkstown (1pm to 5pm)  

Sunday 29th June
* Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Animal Masks”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)

* Phoenix Park Midsummer Festival, Chesterfield Avenue in Phoenix Park (2-5pm)
* RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* IFI Family - The King and The Mockingbird, Irish Film Institute (11am)
* The Enchanted Garden - a summer dance, Kilruddery House (5pm)
* The Jungle Book, Powerscourt Estate (1.30pm-4.30pm)
* Summer Sunday Workshop, The National Gallery (3-4pm)
Kellogg's Coco Pops Monkey Moments Weekend, Dublin Zoo

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Dublin Garden Festival 2014

Christ Church Cathedral is holding its first ever Dublin Garden Festival from Friday 13th - Sunday 15th June 2014.

The famous cathedral will become a "floral arcadia" with contemporary and classic designs. Well know Irish celebrity gardeners will give gardening advice. There will also be horticultural displays, Irish gourmet food produce in an artisan market downstairs in the crypt, urban gardens, afternoon tea and garden stalls.

For the kids there will be a petting zoo and a children's garden. Kids under 12 go free.


 

Friday, 23 May 2014

Lark in the Park

Lark in the Park Fun Day and Festival is taking place in Fairview Park tomorrow Saturday 24th May from 2pm-5pm. It is organised by Dublin City Council & Fairview Marino Business Association. 

To mark the millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf, A Lark in the Park will this year have a Viking and Brian Boru theme. There will be bouncy castles, face painting, stalls from local businesses, sports, music and lots more.

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Biodiversity Events

Dublin City Council is celebrating National Biodiversity Week with a series of free, family friendly events which offer an opportunity to explore Dublin’s natural heritage. Events include dawn (for those of you who are energetic enough to get yourself out of bed!) and dusk choruses in city parks with Bird Watch Ireland and displays and walks on native lizards on North Bull Island on International Biodiversity Day, Thursday 22nd May.

National Biodiversity Week Events include:

· Tuesday 20th May 7.30pm, Dusk Chorus, St. Anne’s Park (meet car park by James Larkin Road)

· Thursday 22nd May 7.30pm, Dusk Chorus, St. Anne’s Park (meet Band Stand near Herbert Park Pond)

· Thursday 22nd May, 10am to 4.30pm, International Day of Biodiversity, Bull Island – observe live native lizards and amphibians in a display by the Herpetological Society of Ireland , join them in the dunes at 12 noon and 3 pm to try and find them , touch and feel real sea creatures at our touch pool exhibitions. Get advice from marine Bioligist Sarah Varian, arts and crafts all day.

· Saturday 24th May, 4.30am, Dawn Chorus, Liffey Valley Park (meet St. Mary’s Ave off Sarsfield Rd)

Monday, 19 May 2014

Battle for the Bay

The best riders in the country and from around the globe will be returning to Dublin this weekend (the 24th and 25th May) to compete in Dollymount Beach in Battle of the Bay

Everyone is welcome (young and old) to join this celebration of Irish Kitesurfing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUPing) and Dublin style beach fun. There will be a live music stage, a Food Village plus Funfair Attractions, art workshops, kite introductions for newcomers, beach volley and a Kids Zone for the kids. 
Magic-Map

Friday, 16 May 2014

Family Day Festival

One Family presents its annual Family Day Festival this weekend on Sunday, 18 May 2014 in Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2. from 11am to 5pm. There will be a magician, music, dancing, expert talks on parenting and diverse family issues, and spoken word performers on the topic of ‘family’.

Workshops and entertainment offered on the day also include:
* A series of 5 yoga workshops from the Elbow Room with a session to suit each member of the family from pregnancy yoga to baby yoga to kids, teens and adults classes
* Fighting Words encouraging children to create their own stories
* Gaiety School of Acting presenting an acting workshop
* Imaginosity with singing and story-telling all day
* Printing Wanted posters and making origami hats with the National Print Museum
* Making butter with Daisy Cottage Farm
* Holiday destinations for families in Ireland such as Hotel Westport
* Play workshops for adults and children with Abrakedabra
* The Irish Landmark Trust inviting visitors into a recreation of one of its quirky heritage properties in the Iveagh Gardens, itself a beautiful heritage site
* DCC Boxing in the Community workshops with the rumour of an Irish Olympian in attendance
* The Ark Children’s Museum with comic visual arts activities
* DCC Library Services, the Red Cross and many more with activities and demonstrations
* Facepainting, balloon modelling, many other entertainers and the occasional surprise throughout the day





On hand will be e a variety of key organisations working for and with families and children in Ireland today, sharing information about their services and with fun activities to enjoy. These include One Family, GLEN, Marriage Equality, Treoir, New Communities Partnership, ISPCC and Children’s Rights Alliance. Those who cannot attend the festivities in the Iveagh Gardens are encouraged to host their own Family Day event which can be included on the Family Day site by emailing details to familyday@onefamily.ie.

Thursday, 15 May 2014

National Drawing Day 17th May

Drawing Day is a nationwide event started in 2004, which is held in partnership with national, regional and local museums, libraries, cultural and arts centres. There are loads of free events happening around Dublin to celebrate National Drawing Day. The National Gallery of Ireland’s website gives a list of the venues that are participating. I had a look at all the ones in Dublin and found that the following events are taking place:--

Airfield, Dundrum  - two Children’s Workshops (11am and 2pm)
Draíocht, Blanchardstown: Family Day: Nationwide Draw Day: Space Scapes (12.00pm-12.50pm, 1pm-1.50pm and 2pm-2:50pm)
Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
Dublinia (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
Farmleigh House, Dublin (11am-4.30pm) - lots of events on in a marquee at the back of the house
GAA Museum, Dublin Children’s Workshops (11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm)
Graphic Studio Dublin (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
Irish Museum of Modern Art (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
National Gallery: afternoon session for children and families (3pm-4pm)
National Museum of Decorative Arts & History Drop in Family Activity (2-3pm)
National Museum of Ireland, Natural History, Dublin (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
National Print Museum (2-5pm)
RUA RED South Dublin Arts Centre Make Your own Flipbook (for 5-8 years at 11am-12pm) and 3D Paper design (for 8-12 years from 12.30pm-1.30pm)
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, Dublin, Children's Workshop "Drawing with Nature" (11am-12pm)
The Ark - A Cultural Centre for Children, Temple Bar (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
Number 29, Georgian House Museum, Dublin (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Creative Lab for Teens event (1pm-4pm) and also drop in mini workshops and drawing demonstrations
The LAB, Dublin (can’t find any details on its website as of 14 May)
The Pearse Museum (will have drawing materials available all day)

Drawing Day

Sunday, 11 May 2014

Africa Day Dublin 25th May

To celebrate Africa Day 2014, Irish Aid is hosting a family event ‘Africa Day Dublin’ on Sunday, 25th May 2014 in the grounds of the Farmleigh Estate in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from 11am – 6pm. 

This is to be a family-focused event and will be free of charge to attend. The main stage will feature performers such as Kila; Tig Linn; Colours Afrobeat Foundation; The Amazing Few and Square Pegs. There will also be an ‘African Bazaar’ with stalls from over 20 different African countries, offering food, drumming, dance, hair-braiding, henna hand-painting, traditional fashion designs etc. African community groups and a range of development NGOs will be present in the bazaar offering fun activities, while the African embassies in Ireland will also be represented at the event. Emerging rap and hip hop artists will have their own stage to showcase their talent. Children will be entertained in the kidszone with theatre performances, dancing, drumming, a circus show, face-painting, mask-making, storytelling and sports.

Friday, 9 May 2014

Leopardstown Family Fun Raceday

Racing at Leopardstown on Sunday 11th May features the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.  The day is also the Leopardstown Family Fun Raceday. Families can enjoy a bit of racing at Dublin’s only racecourse and some family fun activities on the day. All activities and entertainment are freeonce at the event and activities start at 1pm and include:

• Bouncy castles
• Wooly Wards Pet Farm
• Custard Pie Puppet Show
• Frontrunner Racing Club
• Balloon modelling
• Face painting

2014 Family Day Hpage

Dublin Docklands Summer Festival

The Dublin Dockland’s Summer Festival is taking place on the 17th & 18th May 2014 on Grand Canal Dock. Some events may be of interest e.g. try kayaking session, decorate your own duck workshop for children, duck race, barge tours, street performances, funfair attractions, wake boarding demonstrations and the international food market.
Docklands Festival

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Café Java Charity Cycle, Walk and Family Fun Day

The 3rd Annual Café Java Charity Cycle, Walk and Family Fun Day in aid of SVP and Aware, Sandymount Green (from 12pm) is taking place this Saturday May 10th at Sandymount Green from 12pm.

There is a testing 40k cycle route and an easy 20k cycle route on the flat.  There is also a 5k Family fun cycle route weaving in & around Sandymount.  If you're not a cyclist, you can walk the 5k guided walking route.

Family Funday on Sandymount Green with complimentary t-shirts, food & drink stalls, BBQ & Kids Zone with ice cream van, face painting, balloons, music, 98FM bus


Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Bark in the Park

Bark in the Park is takes place on Sunday 25th May in Marlay Park, Tymon Park, St Anne’s Park and Phoenix Park. Dog owners are encouraged to register online for the sponsored walk and then bring their pooch for a 3-4 km walk around a specially paw printed route starting at 3pm on the 25thMay. It should take approximately 30 – 45 minutes. As well as the actual walk, each event will include a raffle, music, goody bags and prizes for the dog with the Best Bark, Shiniest Coat, Happiest Smile and Waggiest Tail. 

All funds raised will go towards the work of The Irish Blue Cross animal welfare charity with sick and needy pets.

Monday, 5 May 2014

Dublin Writers Festival 2014

The Dublin Writer’s Festival is on again this year from the 17th-25th May.

The festival has an interesting looking children's programme and teen programme covering a wide age range. 

A Gruffalo birthday party; an 8 ft tall Story Bird who will be flying all over Dublin; workshops; author talks; book clinics; family storytime; art workshops; a comic strip workshop and more - there is someone for everyone.  
So check it out.  I have put all the relevant events in my May events post.


Saturday, 3 May 2014

BioBlitz

Ireland’s BioBlitz brings together scientists and recorders in a race against time to see how many species can be recorded in a 24-hour biological survey of four of Ireland’s heritage sites. The public is invited to observe the activities, to interact with the recorders and to participate in the range of other activities arranged by the host venues. By pitting the four venues against each other, it will bring an added dimension to the event, allowing comparisons to be made between the sites, and to gain further insights into the relative biological richness of the different habitats.

Ireland’s BioBlitz is designed to increase public awareness of the variety of life in Ireland and to highlight some of the ecological services that biodiversity provides to enhance our quality of life at the global and the local level. It is also hoped to demonstrate the high level of skill and expertise necessary to study many aspects of Ireland’s biological diversity.

Ireland’s BioBlitz 2014 will see four heritage sites compete in this year’s event on 23 & 24 May. The four sites offer a variety of habitats and biodiversity interest, which should make for interesting recording. One of the four sites is Howth Head in Dublin.

If you are interested in assisting with the recording or just wish to participate in the programme of events that the Howth Head site will provide on the day, email Maria Walsh at mwalsh@biodiversityireland.ie  


Howth Head, Co. Dublin

Friday, 2 May 2014

Essential Gathering Festival

The Essential Gathering Festival will take place this May bank holiday weekend (3rd and 4th May) in Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan.

Street performers, therapies, dance demonstrations, music, arts, meditation and kids corner are on the programme. 


There will be some groovy activities lined up for children including a spiritual dance, treasure hunt, arts and crafts, face painting, and the Dublin Community Circus. There is also a state of the art children’s playground on site where you can take the children.




Thursday, 1 May 2014

May Events

Here is a list of family and children oriented events I have come across in Dublin this May.

Updated 23rd May.

Thursday 1st May
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Saturday May 3rd
Art Trolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)
Family Film - High School Musical, Rua Red (12pm)
May Bank Holiday Workshop, Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane (2pm)
Art in Action, Farmleigh House
Little Red Riding Hood, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Tiny Traddies, The Ark (ages 2-3 @ 10-10.45am and ages 3-4 @ 11.15am -12.00pm)
Ukulele Céilí, The Ark (11.30am and 2.30pm)
Family First Saturday, Dublinia
Falconry Event, Kilruddery House (1.30pm)
* Star Wars Invasion, RDS
Visit Phibsborough Firestation - part of Phizzfest 2014 (10.30am and 2pm)
Children's IYoga Circus Parade, Canalside Park at Shandon Gardens - part of PhizzFest 2014 (12pm-1pm)
Fifth Lock Cup - Canoe Polo Competition - part of PhizzFest 2014 (10am-5pm)
* The Essential Gathering Festival, Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan

Woolapalooza Sheep Festival 2014, Airfield
Wild Bunch – part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Killiney Hill (2-4pm)

Sunday 4th May
Sunday Family Sketching, Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane (2pm)
Art in Action, Farmleigh House
Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Summer Flowers of the Walled Garden”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
* Star Wars Invasion, RDS
Community Fun Day - part of PhizzFest 2014, Royal Canal 4th Lock, Shandon and Mount Bernard Park (2.00pm - 6.00pm)
Fifth Lock Cup - Canoe Polo Competition - part of PhizzFest 2014 (10am-3pm)
Annual Duck Race - part of PhizzFest 2014, Royal Canal, 4th Lock (5.00 pm)
* The Essential Gathering Festival, Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan

RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
Woolapalooza Sheep Festival 2014, Airfield

Monday 5th May
Art in Action, Farmleigh House
* Star Wars Invasion, RDS

Tuesday 6th May
Tiny Tot Tuesday, Draíocht (10.30-11.30am)

Thursday 8th May
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 9th May
The Final Frontier: Sci-fi & Fantasy Blockbusters, The National Concert Hall (8pm)
Harold's Cross Festival

Saturday May 10th
Our Newest Neighbours Family Tour, National Museum of Natural History (12-12.45pm & 2-2.45pm)
The Wiz of Oz, Pavilion Theatre (7pm)
Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, The Olympia (10am, 1pm and 4pm)
Art Trolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)
Little Red Riding Hood, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Giro Fan Park, Merrion Square Park
AfriKaa!: for Children with Autistic Spectrum Condition, The National Concert Hall (11am, 12.15pm and 2pm)
Children's Event: Pond dipping, National Botanic Gardens (11am)
Intercultural Tour - Mandarin language tour and family-friendly activities with Tiedong Yang, Chester Beatty Library (1pm)
Silk Worm Club Events for children aged 6-11 years - Decorative Bookbinding, Chester Beatty Library (2-3.30pm)
Harold's Cross Festival
Irish Cycling Show, Merrion Square

* 3rd Annual Café Java Charity Cycle, Walk and Family Fun Day, Sandymount Green (from 12pm) 
Nature Walk - part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Killiney Hill (2.30 – 4.30pm)

Sunday 11th May
The Wiz of Oz, Pavilion Theatre (7pm)
Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Badges to Wear”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, The Olympia (10am, 1pm and 4pm)
Giro Fan Park, Merrion Square Park
Harold's Cross Festival
Irish Cycling Show, Merrion Square

RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
* Birdwatching, Dublin Zoo (11am-12.30pm)
Leopardstown Family Fun Raceday

Monday 12th May
Morning Shorts, Rua Red (11am)

Thursday 15th May
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)

Friday 16th May
Jack and the Beanstalk, Pavilion Theatre (4.30pm)
Tiny Tot Workshop, National Gallery (2-2.35pm)


Saturday 17th May
Native Species Weekend at Dublin Zoo
National Drawing Day - loads of all over Dublin - see my post on it   

Family Tour, National Gallery (12.30pm-1pm)
Art Trolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)
Jack and the Beanstalk, Draíocht (11am, 2pm and 4pm)
Little Red Riding Hood, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Pip Jones and Squishy McFluff – part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (11.30am)
Chris Judge and the Dublin Story Bird – part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (11am and 1pm)
Derek Landy – part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (4pm)
Gruffalo's Birthday Party - as part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, The Gutter Bookshop (11am)
Chester Beatty's Creative Lab for Teens Characters and Comics, Chester Beatty Library (1-4pm)

Dublin Dockland’s Summer Festival, Grand Canal Dock 

Sunday 18th May

Native Species Weekend at Dublin Zoo
* Zoo Kids Club Animal Alley, Dublin Zoo (11am-12.30pm)
Family Music and Songs: Viking Wacky Tales, National Museum of Archaeology (3-4pm)
Hands on History Drop in Activity, National Museum of Decorative Arts & History (3-4pm)
Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Birds and their Habitats”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
Building the City with Stories – part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (12pm)
Book Clinic - part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (12.15pm – 2.30pm)
Karen McCombie - part of the Dublin Writer’s Festival, The Ark (3pm)
Family Storytime - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, The Gutter Bookshop (11am-11.45am)
Family event: Garden Bird Safari, National Botanic Gardens (11am)
RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
Dublin Dockland’s Summer Festival, Grand Canal Dock 
* Search for ladybirds at St Enda's Park, Nature Room (2.30pm)
Family Day FestivalIveagh Gardens (11am - 5pm)
* Junior Gigs - part of the Skerries Trad Festival, Keane's Bus Bar (3pm)
* Malahide Vintage Car Show, The Grand Hotel in Malahide 

Monday 19th May
Baby Workshop, National Gallery (2-2.35pm)

Thursday 22nd May
Smashed – part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2014, Pavilion Theatre (7pm)
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)
L’après-midi d’un Foehn – Version 1 (part of the Dublin Dance Festival), The Ark (4pm, 7pm, 9pm)

* International Biodiversity Day, Bull Island (10am-4.30pm)

Friday 23rd May
Smashed – part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2014, Pavilion Theatre (7pm)
L’après-midi d’un Foehn – Version 1 (part of the Dublin Dance Festival), The Ark (7pm)

Saturday 24th May
Smashed – part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2014, Pavilion Theatre (3pm and 7pm)
Bodies in Urban Space – part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2014, City Trail Location TBC (1pm and 4pm)
L’après-midi d’un Foehn – Version 1 (part of the Dublin Dance Festival), The Ark (12.30pm, 2pm & 7pm)
Art Trolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)
Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants, National Concert Hall (3pm)
Little Red Riding Hood, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Budding Artists (suitable for 4-7 year olds), National Botanic Gardens (11am-12.30pm)
Hardy Annuals (suitable for 8-12 year olds), National Botanic Gardens (2-4pm)
Pure Magic, Battle for the Bay Kite Surfing Festival, Dollymount Strand
A Lark in the Park, Fairview Park (2-5pm)
Ireland’s BioBlitz , Howth Head

* The Jungle Book by Indigo Moon Theatre, The Axis in Ballymun (2.30pm)
Family Storytime - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, The Gutter Bookshop (11am-11.45am)
Ely Dolan with Nuts in Space - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (11.30am)
David Roberts and Dirty Bertie - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (12.30pm)
Stephen Butler and the Diary of Dennis the Menace - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (1.30pm)
Alan Nolan's Comic Strip Workshop - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (2.45-4pm)

Battle of the BayDollymount Beach 

Sunday 25th May
Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Powerscourt Waterfall (1-3pm)
Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Kilruddery House (9am)
Children’s Art Cart Workshop “Medieval Life – includes a visit to Ashtown Castle”, The Phoenix Park Visitor centre (11am-12.30pm)
L’après-midi d’un Foehn – Version 1 (part of the Dublin Dance Festival), The Ark (12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm)
Pure Magic, Battle for the Bay Kite Surfing Festival, Dollymount Strand
IFI Family - My Neighbours The Yamadas, Irish Film Institute (11am)

RHA Art Cart in the RHA Atrium every Sunday (2.30-4.30pm)
Ireland’s BioBlitz , Howth Head
Family Storytime - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, The Gutter Bookshop (11am-11.45am)
Rachel Bright's Love Monster - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (12pm)
What's Your Story Finale with Chris Judge - part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (1-2.30pm)
Laura Dockrill - Darcy Burdock Event- part of the Dublin Writer's Festival, Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (3pm)

Rockpooling for families – part of Exploring Nature DLR’s Biodiversity Events, Sandycove Beach (11am-12pm)
 ‘Africa Day Dublin’, Farmleigh Estate in the Phoenix Park (11am – 6pm) 
Battle of the BayDollymount Beach 

Monday 26th May
Yes to Young Talent, National Concert Hall (7.30pm)


Tuesday 27th May
Ruaille Buaille Lucan Children’s Music Festival 

Wednesday 28th May
Ruaille Buaille Lucan Children’s Music Festival 

Thursday 29th May
Tallaght Young Filmakers, Rua Red (5-7pm)
Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park

Ruaille Buaille Lucan Children’s Music Festival 

Friday 30th May
Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park

Ruaille Buaille Lucan Children’s Music Festival 

Saturday 31st May
Runic Riddles, National Museum of Archaeology (11am-1pm)
Art Trolley Session, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)
Little Red Riding Hood, Lambert Puppet Theatre (3.30pm)
Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park

Dublin River Fest, Grand Canal Dock