Schools out for summer!
While eight weeks of freedom will excite the children of Ireland, it can be a time of panic for parents who are wondering how to keep the little ones entertained while also hoping the adults get a summer break too!
Fortunately, there are lots of local events, festivals and venues to entertain the family, especially with the return of more traditional favourites that have not taken place in person since 2019.
YourDaysOut also has a wide selection of things to do in Ireland whether you are staying at home or visiting different areas of the country.
Have fun!
Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival | Kerry
June 24th - 25th, 2023
This festival captures the imagination of boys and girls of all ages. The festival opens on Saturday 25th June at 4pm with a parade, street and on stage entertainment. The fun continues on Sunday morning, along a fairy trail, entertainment throughout the day with lots of your favourite characters.
Old Fort Quarter Festival | Laois
June 22nd - 25th, 2023
The Old Fort Quarter will come alive with traditional medieval activities while the historic streets will be a hive of activity with live street theatre, artisanal food markets and live music along with lots of activities for young children and live performances from Qween, The Whistlin' Donkeys and more.
Donegal Town Summer Festival | Donegal
June 30th - July 2nd
Featuring live music on The Diamond from Nathan Carter, Qween, The Tumbling Paddies and more as lots of family fun & games for all ages during the day including the ever outdoor cinema in town huge screen with surround sound on Friday evening.
July 1st - 9th, 2023
The festival features a ten day programme across music, theatre, dance, visual art, street theatre and more with highlights including The Seas Above, newly commissioned spectacle work by LUXE; The Hare new theatre by Bob Kelly and Clare Monnelly; The Lonesome Boatman, a musical circus odyssey by Colm O’Grady and Freedom Letters, a poetic-musical composition that takes the audience on a journey through the lives of two remarkable women, Constance Markievicz and Valeria O’Connor-Vilinska.
The family friendly Cairde in the Park on July 1st & 2nd hosts an immersive and fun-filled programme of circus, music, storytelling, walkabout acts and interactive game
Clonmel Junction Festival | Tipperary
July 1st - July 9th, 2023
Over the course of ten days, the Clonmel Junction Festival presents a diverse programme of cultural events and famiy fun including King, the story of Luther, a man from Cork named in honour of his Granny Bee Baw’s hero, Dr Martin Luther King Jr; River of Music, River Of Memories, a Virtual Reality experience where you travel down the Suir River and are immersed in music and storytelling; live music with Steve Wickham & Jane Willow with Scott Flannigan and even a drumming workshop and lots, lots more.
July 1st - July 2nd, 2023
The two-day event offers real value for money (it's free if you don't drive!), unbeatable food and the ultimate farming experience for the whole family to enjoy set in the wonderful Newbridge House.
You can also enjoy a magic show with Ireland's favourite female magician Waffles the Wonderful, view a large selection of machinery including tractors, combines, tillage equipment and teleporters and even enter the Best Dressed Dog & Owner Competition.
Galway Garden Festival | Claregalway Castle
July 1st & 2nd, 2023
A fun day out in the wonderful setting of Claregalway Castle with food, craft, music, theatre and fun! Adults €10 at the gate, children are free and all profits go to CMBIreland.
Family Fun Day | Sligo Folk Park
July 2nd, 2023
Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown host a family fun day to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of the summer holidays! There wil be street performers, facepainting, penalty shootouts, games, and much, much more!
Newgrange Farm Archaeological Park and Newgrange Monument Tour | Meath
July 4th, July 18th, August 1st, August 18th, 2023
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland will lead a fascinating new tour of the monuments and mythology of Newgrange Farm at Brú na Bóinne.
The tour will include a visit to the Newgrange Monument, where participants will also visit the interior chamber of the famous monument followed by a tractor-hauled specially modified trailer, where tour participants will get a close-up glimpse of ancient passage-tombs, henges, standing stones and gain a better understanding of the actual size of the area covered by the extensive archeological complex. Limited spaces so early booking advised.
Potted Potter: The Unauthorised Harry Experience | Dublin | Cork
3Olympia until July 9th, Everyman Cork, July 14th-16th, 2023
A fun night (or day) out in the 3Olympia theatre to celebrate the end of school and the start of summer.
The show takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic! The show is 70 minutes long and suitable for 6+.
Eco-Explorers Workshops | Secret Valley Wildlife Park | Wexford
Monday, Tuesday in July, 2023
The Sally Valley Rangers, and special guest Luke's Deadly Dinosaurs are hosting two different workshops together this July in Secret Valley Wildlife Park.
The Junior Explorers Workshop for 5-7 year olds is a four-hour camp taking place every Monday in July while the Senior Explorers Workshop taking place every Tuesday is for 8-12 year olds. Both are set in the heart of the magnificent wildlife park and designed to inspire young explorers who will get up close and personal with Secret Valley’s very own wildlife rangers, who will teach them all about the beauty of our natural world!
Feile Brian Boru | Clare & Tipperary
July 5th - July 9th, 2023
Féile Brian Ború is an annual five day festival held in the twin towns of Killaloe, Co. Clare & Ballina, Co. Tipperary with an extensive programme of fun-filled events including a spectacular firework display across the River Shannon.
Pirate Adventure | Westport House | Mayo
Daily during summer, 2023
Inspired by the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Adventure Park at Westport Estate offers a range of indoor and outdoor amenities for all the family to enjoy. For a fun-filled day full of rides, slides, boats, trains and much more, visit our swash-buckling Pirate Adventure Park.
Comeraghs Wild Festival | Waterford
July 6th - 9th, 2023
This year’s programme includes Woodland Crafts for Children, Comeragh’s wild foraging & forest bathing, Bend & Blend Zen in The Park, surfing, hill walking with music over the weekend from CEOL, Alan Power & The Aftershocks, Gina & The Champions 50th Anniversary tour and lots more.
July 6th - 9th, 2023
Live in the Marquee returns to Carndonagh for its 4th year. There will be two great Irish Country acts playing live each night from 7pm with lots of activities for families to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
GoQuest Indoor Challenge | Dublin
Daily during summer, 2023
In the unlikely event that the weather isn't favourable or you just want to challenge your brain cells, GoQuest is an indoor, multi-challenge themed arena for older children, teenagers and adults with 52 unique challenge rooms for you to try and complete, against the clock during a fun filled session.
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival | Wexford
July 7th – 12th, 2023
The weekend starts with the Grand Festival Parade with live music at the Quay Front on Thursday night and events over the weekend include a free Family Fun Day with Red Moon Theatre, Fresh Fish for Sale at the Marina, Harbour Stalls, Teddy Bears' Picnic and lots more.
Summer Camps at Kidspace | Dublin
Various during Summer holidays
There are lots of fun activities planned including a Laser Quest taster session, Lego activities, Baking, Arts & Crafts and Games with discounts for siblings and multiple bookings. What's more, you won't have to make any lunches all week as it's included!
Earagail Arts Festival | Donegal
July 8th – July, 2023
A bilingual (Irish and English language), multidisciplinary summer festiva with sixteen days of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus & carnival on Ireland’s North West Atlantic seaboard.
Highlights this year include The Frank and Walters (Acoustic Show), Kanta Dab Dab – Everest to Earagail, Circus Camp, Pop-Up Gaeltacht & Seisiún Ceoil, Pop-Up Gaeltacht & Seisiún Ceoil, The Amazing Bubble Man and so much more.
July 15th, 2023
The annual Sligo County Show returns on Saturday 15th July in Riverstown Village with farmers & families showcasing their amazing animals & poultry, homegrown vegetables, home baking, art, photography & craft. There will be cookery demonstrations with Chef John Kelly, meet the Angola goats and Strawberry the miniature Dexter cow who is granddaughter of smallest cow in the world. There is free entry for children with free magician, free pony rides and free Dinky Digger rides, delicious food & coffee & stalls and lots more to guarantee a great day out for all the family.
July 15th - 16th, 2023
This is your chance to see spectacular custom models from more of Ireland's most creative LEGO builders and some international visitors, show off your building skills including an amazing Duplo® brick pit, competitions and lots more.
July 15th - 16th, 2023
The annual Rose Festival is a celebration of the beautiful surroundings of St Anne’s Park, popular for the Rose Garden, scenic walks, playing fields and the weekly park run. The fun family day out has the usual mix of live music, arts and crafts stalls, plant sales, food and lots of fun activities.
Daily during summer
Visit animals that used to roam wild in Ireland including wolves, brown bears, artic foxes, lynx, wild boar and more.
Barretstown Big Picnic | Kildare
16th July, 2023
The Barretstown Big Picnic is back!
The gates of Barretstown Camp will open to the public for a magical open day. Throughout the day they will be running all the usual activities including games, zipline, mini golf, face painting, Fossets Circus and a bunch of special guests helping us to make the day extra special.
Galway International Arts Festival
July 17th - 30th, 2023
The jam-packed 2023 programme features something for everyone across theatre, visual art, dance, talks, comedy and live music from Kaiser Chiefs, Bell X1, The Saw Doctors and many more.
SkyWalk Challenge | Castlecomer Discovery Park | KIlkenny
Daily, during July & August
A new challenge is sure to thrill your little adventures as Castlecomer Discovery Park has a brand new Aerial Adventure Course, The Skywalk Challenge! This exciting new adventure course has 40 games over three levels and can take those 7+ up to two hours to complete.
July 20th - 29th, 2023
A wonderful programme of events and live music over ten days in Boyle with live music from The Undertones, Jerry Fish, Luka Bloom and Rattle & Hum - the finest U2 tribute band on the planet and there is also a fun family day on Sunday 23rd.
July 22nd - 23rd, 2023
Get ready for the ultimate gathering of card collectors at the Ireland Card Show! It's a fantastic chance for collectors of all trading card genres to unite, swap stories and indulge in their passion for buying, selling and trading.
July 29th - 30th, 2023
This year the Bray Air Display team up with the Irish Air Corps who are celebrating 60 years of helicopter operations.
Over the weekend there is also the chance to witness the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the RAF's famous Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane planes as well as plenty of ground-level entertainment such as a funfair, static display by the Irish Defence Forces (Sunday only), food and craft village, and more, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival | Donegal
July 29th - August 7th, 2023
The Mary From Dungloe is now in it 56th year going from strength to strength. This year's highlights include a Day Long Health & Safety Event along the shore, a Full Kids Programme throughout the week, Festival Opening Reception by Moya Brennan from Clannad, Daniel O Donnell & Friends Country Sunday, Ronan Collins Showband Show, The Amazing Onóir , Lá Gaelach on Thursday, Trevor Smith Garth Brooks Experience, The Slavic Street Fair, 80's & 90's Street Disco, Festival Carnival Parade and the Crowning of the 2023 Mary from Dungloe on Sunday the 6th August.
Daily during summer, 2023
To commemorate 40 Years of Fota Wildlife Park, a series of wildlife talks, live events, and educational themed weekends are taking place throughout the summer
Daily during summer, 2023
Hear the roar of the Tyrannosaurus, as you step back in time can and see twelve life-size, moving dinosaurs. You can also meet many modern-day farm animals, follow the fairy trail or race around the go kart track.
Durrow Scarecrow Festival | Laois
July 30th - August 7th, 2023
A fun festival that will make you laugh and smile as you view the incredible entries; whether you are a scarecrow enthusiast, a lover of
arts and crafts or simply seeking a great day out for all the family, this festival is sure to delight you.
Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival | Offaly
August 4th - 12th, 2023
Celebrating their 55th anniversary this year with festival favourites including the Vintage Sunday Parade, the Big Beautiful Vintage Picnic, the Birr Air Display, Treasure Hunt, Soapbox Derby and Fireworks!
Aquazone | National Aquatic Centre | Dublin
Daily during summer
Aquazone Waterpark in the National Sports Campus has something for everyone to enjoy with exciting waterpark adventures for the bigger kids and play areas for the smaller ones.
Sproai Street Festival | Waterford
August 4th- 7th, 2023
The Spraoi International Street Arts Festival takes up its regular spot on August Bank Holiday weekend with eye-popping national and international circus, street theatre, comedy, music and dance performers at all key city centre sites and the famous Spraoi Parade on Sunday August 6th.
The Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival | Wexford
August 4th - 7th, 2023
Featuring an impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the free Food Marquee, an impressive Artisan Food Market with over fifty of the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative International line-up of Rock 'n' Roll artists for free outdoor gigs, a jam-packed program of food and drink workshops, events and classes as well as lots of free and exceptional value packages for our younger festival goers. And, did we mention it's free!
Zipit Forest Adventures | Dublin, Cork, Roscommon
Daily during summer
Perfect day out for burning off some summer energy with a tree top adventures that includes cargo nets, zipline and more.
Kilmihil Festival of Fun | Clare
August 5th - August 7th, 2023
The Kilmihil Festival of Fun will celebrate its 21st anniversary this August Bank holiday with the return of some popular events including Fittest Family, the Dan O Halloran Run, Vintage and Street parade and the Monday Field Day. Ruaile Buaile kick it off early with a live gig in the Community Centre on Sunday 30th, July.
Heart of the Glens Festival | Antrim
August 5th - 13th, 2023
This year's festival provides a full programme of over eighty events including the Community Opening Parade, the famous Lurig Challenge Run, Food Fest night, Adult Treasure Hunt, Sheep Dog Trials, the Vintage Family Fun day and lots more.
August 6th - 7th, 2023
In addition to the impressive displays of steam and vintage machinery, visitors can also enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including live music, dancing, food & trade stalls, a funfair, displays and demonstrations and so much more.
August 9th - 13th, 2023
With an array of national and international show jumping competitions and world class equestrian entertainment, delicious food, music, entertainment and the glamour of the Best Dressed Day on Thursday, 10th.
August 10th - 20th, 2023
The exciting programme ranges from classical music to contemporary dance; visual art to immersive theatre. It celebrates renowned artists from home and abroad and features collaborations platforming new voices and familiar faces. Kilkenny Castle Parklands will also be hosting the return of Architects of Air and the highly anticipated Luminarium, Timisien, a giant inflatable structure filled with colour, shape and light, which will delight all ages.
August 10th - 12th, 2023
The popular street festival has roots in the Gaelic calendar and is held every year on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August with free family- friendly street entertainment each day. Starting with The Gathering on the 10th, followed by the Fair Day and ending with the Scattering and a midnight fireworks display.
Howth Roots & Blues Festival | Dublin
August 11th - 13th, 2023
Howth Roots and Blues Festival is a mostly free music festival in the fishing village of Howth on the outskirts of Dublin. The festival showcases the best in Irish roots and blues artists with some international artists and caters for fans of Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Americana, Reggae and this year even a Cuban band.
There will be thirty five free gigs across six indoor and outdoor venues around the village and hill of Howth plus two ticketed headline shows featuring Dom Martin & Band and Jack O’Rourke.
Tearaways Pet Farm | Tipperary
Daily during summer
A family day out down the farm with games, activities, outdoor playground, games area, pet farm and outdoor dining. There is also a large indoor play area in case the weather turns.
Cruinniú na mBád Festival | Galway
August 11th - 13th, 2023
One of Ireland's longest running traditional sailing festivals located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kinvarra with a Village Fete, the Galway Hooker Festival, Climín Racing and lots more.
National Heritage Week | Ireland
August 12th - 20th, 2023
Many national and local community organisations participate by organising events throughout the country that highlight the abundance of great work that is carried out to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage. This year’s theme invites you to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival | Meath
August 13th, 2023
The 48th annual event will take place in the grounds of the Moynalty Steam Threshing Museum.
There are working displays of Steam Threshing, historic road making, timber sports, horse drawn equipment in the corn field, vintage tractor and car displays, commercial stands and many bygone crafts including blacksmiths, basket weaving and cooking over open fires with live music featuring Derek Ryan and band, The Tumbling Paddys, Gavin Gribben and more and lots of family fun.
Open daily during summer
In the heart of Connemara you can visit through four spectacular gardens each on representing one fo the Celtic festivals while you can also enjoy sun trail, Sustainability Zone, children's discovery trail, playground and a welcoming cafe.
August 13th - 19th, 2023
The week-long festival returns with a packed programme including Belmullet Swim, Queen Of The Festival, Festival Dog Show, Traditional Fair Day, Car Treasure Hunt, Heritage Day and concludes with a Fireworks Display & Street Carnival.
The Big Grill Festival | Dublin
August 17th - 20th, 2023
Europe’s biggest BBQ & Food Festival is back for four days of fire, food and fun where the very best Irish and international chefs, restaurants and barbecue experts come together to celebrate and explore the delicious challenges, skillful techniques, and pure magic of cooking over live fire
August 18th - 20th, 2023
Three days of films for children featuring a great programme of choices to suit all ages and interests.
Rose of Tralee International Festival | Kerry
August 18th - August 23rd, 2023
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest and largest festivals located in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry and features live concerts, street entertainment, circus, markets, a funfair, fireworks and our internationally renowned Rose Parade.
August 20th, 2023
Their wide programme of events competitive classes for livestock, equestrian, dogs and domestic art as well as many attractions for a fun filled, family day out including cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, live music and dancing, vintage & farm machinery, food & trade stands, children's entertainment and much more!
August 26th - 29th, 2023
Sample the famous local favourite Yellow Man or Dulce and wonder around the Naturally North Coast and Glen's Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art.
Experience the hustle and bustle of the horse trading village, get a thrill on one of the many fun fair rides, or simply take in the atmosphere and local banter on the streets of Ballycastle.
August 27th, 2023
The 58th annual Oughterard Show takes place at Corribdale Grounds and Oughterard Community Centre with classes for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, dogs, poultry and a domestic arts section as well as a variety of children's entertainment.
Originally published on Lifestyle on RTE.ie
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