Days Out Summer 2016

Ongoing
National Stud
From horses to horticulture, the Irish National Stud & Gardens is a wonderful day out for the whole family, offering a unique experience that may be enjoyed as part of a guided tour or at your own leisure.  Attractions include guided tours of the stud, world famous Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra’s Garden, horse museum, newborn foals, restaurant & children’s playground. Tully, Kildare 045 521617 www.irishnationalstud.ie

Casino Marino
10am - 6pm June - September inc
It is one of the finest 18th century neo-classical buildings in Europe. The Casino, meaning “small house”, surprisingly contains 16 finely decorated rooms, endlessly rich in subtlety and design. E-mail: casinomarino@opw.ie www.heritageireland.ie/dublin/casinomarino/

OWLS THE CHILDREN’S NATURE CHARITY
Most weekends OWLS run events in different parks, beaches and wildlife areas around Dublin. These events are open to everyone but are aimed at families with young children.
Typical events include: Rock pooling Nature scavenger hunt Shelter building Catching butterflies and moths Seasonal events such as wreath making, witches and wizards etc.
www.owls.ie

The Chocolate Warehouse
 At the two-hour chocolate workshop enjoy the wonderful story of chocolate from the Aztecs to the present day. The 20-minute film shows the journey of the cocoa beans to the factory and the process the beans go through to produce chocolate. Enjoy the demonstration of how chocolates and Easter eggs are made. Then the “fun part”, where visitors get to enrobe, decorate and package chocolates to take home.  Ideal for school tours, group bookings, summer projects, birthday parties.  €12.50 per visitor.  Group rates.   Located  off exit 10 on the M50 on the Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12. Phone 01 450 0080, email info@chocolatewarehouse.ie or see www.chocolatewarehouse.ie.

National Print Museum
Free Public Guided Tour
Join the Free Public Guided Tour of the National Print Museum’s collection every Sunday at 15.00 (excluding BHWs, Demonstration Days and Family Fun Days). No booking required.
www.nationalprintmuseum.ie

Pine Forest Art Centre
Parents and Children Art & Craft Mornings
Parents and Children Art & Craft activities together, held on the last Sunday of each month.
Times: 11 am -2 pm. Price for one adult and one child €30, additional child/adult €12 per person. All materials included in price.  Bring a packed lunch/snack for the picnic.
www.pineforestartcentre.com 01-2941220

Haymarket, Smithfield,
The Story Of The Irish
Story of the Irish is a guided tour through a 10,000 year old story combining the use of professional actors as live storytellers, the latest digital systems and special effects to enhance the visitor experience. You are invited to explore the origins and deep culture of the Irish. Learn how they were separated from the rest of the world by geography, genetics and culture and how they developed into one of the most sophisticated rural civilizations in the world.
www.storyoftheirish.ie

The Hugh Lane Gallery
Children’s Workshops
Children’s Area and Learning Resource Centre
Children, teachers, families and adults can participate in innovative and enjoyable learning opportunities that explore the collection and temporary exhibitions in the Gallery’s children’s area
www.hughlane.ie/childrens-workshops/forthcoming

Ongoing Sundays @ 2pm
Free Tours
Enjoy a free tour of the gallery each Sunday at 2pm. No booking required although early arrival is recommended as places may be limited.
www.hughlane.ie 01 222 5550

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin
Saturdays 28th May, 25th June, 23rd July, 13th August
Children’s Event: Pond dipping
A fun event exploring the weird and wonderful diversity of insects and mini beasts living in and around the pond at the Botanic Gardens.  Ages 8+
Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Visitor Centre
Admission Free. Booking Essential
www.botanicgardens.ie  01 804 0300

North Wall Quay
Saturday 4th – Monday 6th June
DUBLIN PORT RIVER FEST
This June Bank Holiday, North Wall Quay will once again play host to the Dublin Port Riverfest. Organised by the Dublin Port Company and the Docklands Business Forum, expect a unique celebration along the historic quays with a jam packed programme of entertainment and family fun. www.dublinriverfest.com/

Killruddery House and Gardens
Saturday 4th June 2016 @ 13:30
Killruddery Falconry
All the family is invited to get up close and personal with twelve extraordinary birds – including owls, hawks and falcons – on the lawns of Killruddery Regular garden. Admission fees apply, free to Killruddery members. No booking necessary.
www.killruddery.com
01-2863405

Dublinia
Saturday 4th of June
Family First Saturday – Make a Knight or Princess Pencil Top
Family First Saturdays at Dublinia, a series of dedicated events for families happening at Dublinia the first Saturday of every month. All included in the Dublinia admission price with no booking necessary. This June, make your very own Knight or Princess Pencil topper and be the envy of all your friends when you go back to school in September!
www.dublinia.ie 01 6794611

Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon
Bank Holiday Monday 6th  June 2016
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the biggest all women’s event of its kind in the world. It has grown from its beginnings in 1983 with almost 9,000 participants to a staggering 41,006 women participating in 2014.
www.vhiwomensminimarathon

9 Jun - 24 Jun 2016
Schools: Get Animated! At the Ark
Perfect for school tours, this fun and engaging animation workshop experience can be delivered in English or as Gaeilge. For 3rd-6th Class
Over the course of the session, your class will learn about the process of making animated films. They will discover some of the stages involved in the making of Cartoon Saloon’s feature film Song of the Sea, and will then create their own sea themed animations.
For more see ark.ie (0)1 670 7788

Carlow Arts Festival
Friday 10th – 19th June
Family Fun is a big focus of this year’s Carlow Arts Festival. The family highlight is the aerial acrobatics of Fidget Feet on Saturday night against a backdrop of a breathtaking fireworks display. The Big Weekender also includes circus, storytelling and kids workshops. Grease outdoors brought to you by the wonderful Happenings is the big screen offering on Friday night. Bring a picnic and take part in the free games set up on the lawn around the Festival HQ Pavilion.
For more information: www.carlowartsfestival.com
 
INEC Killarney
Friday 10th – 13th June
Insomnia Gaming Ireland
Taking place for the first time in Ireland, at its new home at the INEC Killarney. ‘Insomnia Gaming Ireland’ is the next instalment of the regionals in 2016. You can watch live interactive stage shows, play games from all areas of the gaming spectrum, win prizes in free to play tournaments on both console and PC, see your favourite YouTube stars, attend Panel Talks with special guests, and check out the latest products and merchandise.
https://insomniagamingfestival.com/

The Ark
11th June – 31 August
Song of the Sea: The Exhibition
(Every Sat & Sun)
Also open Tue – Fri (from 1 July) & Bank Holiday Mon 1 Aug

A beautiful exhibition that gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of the Oscar® nominated film Song of the Sea by Irish animation company Cartoon Saloon. Part of our Get Animated Summer Programme
Suitable for ages 4+
The Ark FREE Special Events
Meet the Animator
Saturdays 2 & 30 Jul and 13 & 27 Aug
Rory Conway, one of Cartoon Saloon’s brilliant animators will join us at the exhibition on four Saturdays to share some behind-the-scenes secrets about creating the film and to answer your animation questions. Rory will be in the exhibition area from 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm-4.30pm.

Early Years Workshops: Moving Pictures!
11 Jun - 19 Jul 2016
Dive into an underwater adventure with artist Paula Henihan for an interactive story-based session that will introduce very young children to simple animation forms. Ages 2-4
For more see ark.ie (0)1 670 7788

Saturday 11TH June – 19TH June
Bikeweek.ie
Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that’s great about bikes and cycling. Held over a week in June of each year with bike themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout Ireland.
www.bikeweek.ie

North Bull Island Clontarf
Sunday 12th June
KITE FESTIVAL
Fun, fresh air and frolics abound! The Dublin Kite Festival will take place on Sunday 12th June at North Bull Island, Clontarf. With free entertainment all day long, it is the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday with family and friends.
www.dublinkitefestival.ie

RDS Hall 1
Saturday June 18th, 2016
CoderDojo Coolest Projects
The Coolest Projects awards are unique in Europe and were established on a voluntary basis by a number of industry professionals as both a competition and exhibition to support and inspire a generation of innovators, creators and entrepreneurs aged from 7 to 17. The awards, which are now in their fourth year, create a unique platform for young people to develop a broad set of digital abilities by offering them the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned at CoderDojo.
www.coolestprojects.org
 
Instituto Cervantes (Dublin)
Saturday 18th June 2016
The celebration for all Spanish speakers. Instituto Cervantes opens its doors with a cultural programme full of activities for everyone: Family events, food, flamenco, theatre, competitions. Instituto Cervantes Dublin. Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2. Free event.
01 631 15 00
www.cervantes.es

The Ark
Saturday 18th June – 20th  August  2016
Story Doodles Family Workshop
Join Brown Bag Film’s Emmy-Award winning storyboard artist Marten Jonmark and invent your own story, design the visuals and then draw the storyboards! Ages 5+ A ‘storyboard’ is a series of drawings that show the changes of scenes and actions for a movie, television show
or animation. In this workshop, Marten will help you to create the storyboards for your very own story.
www.ark.ie (0)1 670 7788

National Museum Of Ireland
Saturday 18th June 2016
Medieval Model: Make your own book shrine
Join Isabelle Sweeney in exploring some of the most important reliquaries in medieval Ireland and what they contained. Get the chance to make your own book shrine borrowing some of the designs and decorations popular with the medieval people! Booking required, please phone 01 6486332 or email educationarch@museum.ie. Located in the Ceramics Room, First Floor. Not wheelchair accessible. Ages 9 + Venue: Kildare Street (Archaeology) 01 648 6332
www.museum.ie  educationarch@museum.ie

Tayto Park
Saturday 18th June 2016
Explore & Roar After Hours
Tayto Park is inviting you to an exclusive “Explore & Roar After Hours” event.
Experience rides such as The Cú Chulainn Coaster, 5D Cinema, Air Race and the Grand Carousel at twilight!   But it doesn’t stop there! All this fun is then followed by a BBQ in the park! Where there will be face painting & balloon making for the little ones!
www.taytopark.ie

Dublinia
Sunday the 19th June
Sunday Demonstrations – Viking Bow Making
Come along to this workshop and see the craft, technique and process behind making a Viking bow, fit for war! Experimental archaeologist Stephen Fox will show you how and also answer your questions along the way.
www.dublinia.ie 01 6794611

St. Anne’s Park Clontarf/RahENY
Sunday 19th June
BIKE FEST
Cycling Ireland’s Family Cycling Festival BIKE FEST is back again this year. The sound of bicycle bells and laughter will fill up St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, on Sunday 19th June from 12 – 5pm. The Dublin City Council Park will be transformed into a cycling haven for all the family.
More Information: www.cyclingireland.ie/page/programmes/sprocket-rocket

Father’s Day
Sunday 19th June

The Hugh Lane Gallery
Sunday 19th June 3pm – 4pm
Sunday Sketching
During these workshops for 4 to 12 year olds we explore paintings, sculpture and architectural features through discussion and drawing. This event is free and no booking is required although numbers may be limited.
www.hughlane.ie

National Museum Of Ireland
Saturday 25th June  2016
Teddy Bear Tour with Catherine McGuinness
Learn more about animals that are usually made into cuddly toys, but who are not all friendly in real life. Don’t forget to bring your own favourite Teddy Bear! No booking required. Places limited to 20. Not wheelchair accessible. Natural History Museum
www.museum.ie

The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre
Saturday, June 25th 2016
Make a Mosaic
Children will have the choice of two different shapes to choose from - a heart or butterfly, which they can mosaic using a large range of child friendly tiles, glass gems, and puzzle glass Ages 8+
2pm-3.30pm Booking essentail
www.tseac.ie 01-8020898

Dun Laoghaire
Saturday 25th June 2016
The Rainbow Run
Ireland’s BIGGEST and first colour run, this unique run involves participants of all abilities and ages being doused from head to toe with coloured powder paint while they run, jog or walk our running route on Dún Laoghaire west pier.
www.rainbowrun.ie

Wild AIr Run Cabinteely Park
Friday 1st – 3rd July,
Extreme Fun at the Wild Air Run
The course is made up of 10 larger than life obstacles which you can battle your way through. Remember, they are not timing you so relax, enjoy, have some fun and help your friends and family cross the finish line.
Tickets for Wild Air Run are on sale with early bird discounts available online until 1st June. Full priced tickets are €28.50 for adults and €16.50 for children. (Family tickets €70.95) and group rates are also available. Spectators can cheer from the side-lines for free. For more visit www.wildairrun.com.

Airfield
Saturday 2nd July 2016 10am – 12pm
Young Farmers Classes
Get your hands dirty down on the farm and meet the animals on Airfield’s Young Farmers Series. Get the inside track on farm life and learn the skills needed to make happy homes for all their animals Ages  8-11 yrs Tickets €15/Members €13.50 Tickets to events, workshops and classes includes general admission charges to Airfield Estate.
www.airfield.ie  01-969 6666

RDS
Saturday 2nd July – Sunday 3rd July
Dublin Comic Con
Comic Villages offers an opportunity to meet comic creators, artists and small press a unique fusion for Comic creators and sequential art goodness with both new and experienced talent.
 ‘Kids go Free’ offer applies to children of age 5 or under during the Priority Entry Only period (Before 11am on Saturday & Sunday)  Offer is restricted to a maximum of two children per paying adult.
www.mcmcomiccon.com/ireland

Teacher’s Course: Creative Music & Drama
Mon 4th – Fri 8th July
This is a five day Department of Education and Skills and EPV-approved summer course for teachers. This course will focus on two curriculum areas: drama and music.  Working with two outstanding creative practitioners, you will enjoy a week of experiential learning and development. Your confidence and skills in both music and drama will increase through highly participative and inspiring course content. The Ark www.ark.ie

Free Festival in Merrion Square
Friday July 8th – Sunday 10th July
CITY SPECTACULAR
The free festival with hundreds of jaw-dropping street performers from all over the world is getting ready to blow out its candles and celebrate its 10th Birthday.
Further Information www.cityspectacular.com/dublin

Powerscourt Estate
Sunday 10th July 12:30pm - 14:30pm
FairyLand at Powerscourt’s Walled Gardens
If you are looking for a magical day out with your young family- then join the Imaginosity team and their enchanted realm of fairies at Powerscourt’s Walled Gardens this year. Children will have the opportunity to follow a secret fairy trail, find hidden messages, experience the magic of the woodlands and meet and greet real live fairies! Dress up is encouraged!
www.powerscourt.com
01-2046000

Chester Beatty Library
Monday 11 July, 11am-12.30pm          
Silk Worm Club for 6-11 year olds: Botanical Impressions in Clay
Create beautiful and lasting impressions in clay using flowers, leaves, feathers and other natural objects.

Tuesday 12 July, 11am - 12.30pm
Silk Worm Club: Ceramic Tile Painting
Design and paint your own Persian-style ceramic tiles using geometric, floral, and arabesque patterns. Ages 6-11 years. Booking essential.

Wednesday 13 July, 11am - 12.30pm
Silk Worm Club: Persian Palace Collage

Create your own Persian palace using paper cutting, collage, and painting techniques. 6-11 years. Free, booking essential.
www.cbi.ie

Silk Worm Club: Persian Miniature Painting
Thursday 14 July, 11am-12.30pm

Illustrate scenes from your favourite books or fairy tales in the style of painted Persian miniatures. Limited to 20 participants  per session ages 6-11 years. Free, booking essential. www.cbl.ie  
Tel 01-407 0750

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin
Wednesdays 13th  July, 27th July & Wednesday 6th  August
Children’s Workshop: Budding Botanists – Flower Pressing
Kids! Get great tips from the experts and you too can be a plant collector. Join us on an expedition through the Gardens identifying and collecting suitable plants for pressing before constructing a flower press and starting your very own dried plant collection.
Time: 2.30pm  Advance Booking Essential.  Admission Free
www.botanicgardens.ie  01 804 0300

Airfield
Saturday July 16th 2016 10am – 12pm
Young Chefs Cookery Classes
For all inquisitive little foodies and budding chefs Airfield has a variety of cookery classes to entice and delight. Suitable for 8-11 year olds. Tickets €15/Members €13.50
Tickets to events, workshops and classes  Further Information www.airfield.ie 01-969 6666

The Dublin Horse Show
20 – 24 July
The Dublin Horse Show is a summer institution that has it all. International show jumping and family entertainment, glamour and style, food and fashion.
Special family tickets for Sunday July 24 – the Show’s family day – are priced at just €55. The ticket allows two adults and four children entrance to the Show. Ticket Line 0818 719 300 www.dublinhorseshow.com
 
The Festival of Curiosity
Thursday July 21st – July 24th Home grown in Dublin, The Festival of Curiosity takes place every July and is Ireland’s annual celebration at the intersection of art, science, technology and design and has quickly grown to being one of the most exciting and innovative festivals of it’s kind in Europe. –
See more at:
www.festivalofcuriosity.ie

Wild AIr Run, Malahide Castle,
22nd – 27th July,
Tickets for Wild Air Run are on sale now with early bird discounts available until 1st June. Full priced tickets are €28.50 for adults and €16.50 for children. (Family tickets €70.95) and group rates are also available. Spectators can cheer from the side-lines for free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wildairrun.com.

The Beatyard Festival
Sunday 31st July:
Dun Laoghaire harbour Go along and join Imaginosity in the family area of this fun-filled seaside festival, as they celebrate Science with a series of fun filled workshops and much more.
www.the-beatyard.com

Dublinia
Saturday 6th August
Make a Viking Longship Magnet
Family First Saturdays at Dublinia, a series of dedicated events for families happening at Dublinia the first Saturday of every month. All included in the Dublinia admission price with no booking necessary. This August, come along to this special workshop and learn how to make a Viking longship out of air dough and then turn it into a magnet for your fridge!
01 6794611 www.dublinia.ie

Wild AIr Run , Marley Park
12th – 17th August
Wild Air Run run comes to Marley Park For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wildairrun.com or see Page 6

The Ark
Saturday 13th August – 14th August  2016
Family Gigs: Kíla
Outstanding Irish band Kíla play a gig specially for families as they bring their hip-shaking, smile-making, groovy brand of trad back to The Ark. With their roots in traditional Irish music, expect gorgeous melodies and some seriously fun rhythms! Kíla have created their own distinctive style of world music, which has won over audiences of all ages around the world through their nine recordings to date and their spectacular live performances.
www.ark.ie (0)1 670 7788

Imaginosity
Saturday 13th August
As part of our Vikings themed month at the museum, we will be exploring all things medieval in a creative and educational way. Join us today and help the Imaginosity team build a Viking ship using our big block building system- Imagination Playground.
www.imaginosity.ie

The Ark
Wednesday 17th  August – 19th  August  2016
Lego Animation Workshops
Make your own Lego movie in this hands-on workshop with Brick Flicks. Ages 8-12 The workshop involves plenty of hands on learning, combined with some simple demonstrations. You will work in small groups to create a set, storyboard and plan for your very own stop motion movie. Brick Flicks stop motion workshops make LEGO minifigures come alive!
www.ark.ie (0)1 670 7788

National Heritage Week
20-28th August
For details of events taking place across the country. To find out what’s in your area, call 1890 321 42 see www.nationalheritageweek.ie

Outdoor Theatre
Sun 21st August
Join Beatrix Potter as she tells us the tale of Peter, a naughty rabbit who knows only too well that he is not to go scampering about in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Follow the escapades of all your favourite characters from the Peter Rabbit tales in Quantum Theatre’s delightful new production; a magical experience for young and old alike. 3pm Killruddery House, Bray www.killruddery.com

Dublin Zoo
Sunday 21st August 2016 11am – 17.00pm
Celebrate the elephants’ birthdays
Join Dublin Zoo’s elephants for fun and games, face-painting, special keeper talks and more.
www.dublinzoo.ie

Mon 22nd – Fri 26th August
The Ark
Teacher’s Course: A Visual Arts Approach
Mon 22nd – Fri 26th August This hands-on, creative course focuses on a visual arts approach to exploring narrative, literacy & other subjects. Working in teams and individually, you will cover a range of curriculum strands including drawing, painting, print, 3D construction, fabric and fibre. This is a five day Department of Education and Skills and EPV-approved summer course for teachers. The Ark www.ark.ie

HERITAGE WEEK @
Chester Beatty Library
Monday 22 August, 11am-12.30pm
Silk Worm Club for 6-11 year olds: Kaleidoscope Creations (6-11 years)
Delve into the ever-changing worlds of pattern, colour, and shape created by your very own kaleidoscope.

Tuesday 23 August, 11am-12.30pm

Silk Worm Club Persian Carpet Design (6-11 years)
Learn detailed painting techniques and design your own miniature carpet inspired by the intricate and decorative ornaments from the Ruzbihan Qur’an. These workshops have been organised to celebrate Heritage Week. Booking essential. Please book online @ www.cbi.ie

Farmleigh Comedy Weekend  
Sat . 27th Sun. 28th August
Family Comedy Weekend at the Funny Farm! 11.30am - 5pm Come to the funny farm at Farmleigh for jokes, laughter, silliness and funny faces. A fun interactive comedy weekend for all the family.
www.farmleigh.ie
01-815 5900

Last of Summer Fling
Sun 28th August
Come along and join us for a traditional games day. We’ll have egg & spoon races, sack racing and wheelbarrow races as well as welly throwing competitions and more…Picnics welcome in the Formal Gardens. Killruddery House, Bray www.killruddery.com