Things to do this weekend in Ireland | June  20th - June 22nd, 2025

Lusk Summer Festival
Dublin | June 21st

The countdown is on for the third Lusk Summer Festival, returning to Orlynn Park Green this Saturday with a packed day of music, markets and family fun. Expect a buzzing atmosphere with live performances from 11am to 8pm, food stalls, kids’ activities and plenty more. A great day out for all ages!

National Sandcastle Competition
Meath | June 21st

Bettystown Beach hosts its 22nd annual Sandcastle & Sculpting Competition on Saturday 21 June, with fun for all ages and skill levels. Sculpting starts from 10am and sandcastle building kicks off at 2pm, with judging and prizegiving from 4pm. Entry is €5 for sculpting and €2 for sandcastles, with great prizes up for grabs. A brilliant day out for families and friends by the sea.

Fairy School
Offaly | June 21st

A magical afternoon for children aged 3+ with dancing, theatre, potions and fairy fun. Includes wings, wand, flower crown and fairy feast. Booking essential – limited spots available.

Cork Midsummer Festival
Cork | Until June 22nd

The second weekend of Cork Midsummer keeps the momentum going with a packed programme of vibrant, family-friendly experiences. Expect bold performances and hands-on fun around every corner. Highlights include the return of Circus Factory at Emmet Place, offering aerial thrills and laughter for all ages, and Tiny Tunes, a gentle gig for babies and toddlers. Children can also enjoy playful dance shows at Marina Market and pop-up surprises along the city quays.

Summer Exhibition: Voyages
Dublin | Until June 22nd

As part of The Ark’s 30th birthday celebrations, a group of young curators has created Voyages, a joyful exhibition designed by children, for children. The result is an imaginative and inclusive experience, showcasing hand-picked works from The Ark’s visual art collection. The exhibition features ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media and more, carefully selected by children aged 10 to 17 through a series of creative workshops led by artist Róisín White. Voyages is a celebration of curiosity, creativity and the many journeys The Ark has taken since opening in 1995.

Superheroes, Princesses & Stitch Brunch
Rathfarnham & Rathcoole | June 22nd

Get ready for a magical morning of dress-up, play and pancakes at Kidspace this Sunday. In Rathfarnham, Sensory Explorers host a Superheroes & Princesses Messy Play Brunch with sensory trays, costumes and a pancake lunch for little ones aged 6 months–5 years.

Over in Rathcoole, Stitch fans can enjoy brunch, dancing and photos with everyone’s favourite blue alien, plus optional face painting and indoor play for children up to 8. Limited tickets available – book early!

The Lonesome Boatmen
Dublin | June 22nd

A corrupt politician, a floating bathtub and a monster-sized ego — The Lonesome Boatman is a magical, musical circus show packed with humour, heart and thought-provoking themes. Blending juggling, trapeze and live music, it’s a wildly imaginative family adventure exploring climate change through comedy and creativity.

Midsummer Nature Day
Galway | June 22nd

Celebrate the summer solstice with a full day of nature, learning and inspiration at Brigit’s Garden in Roscahill. This special event includes a free programme of expert-led biodiversity walks, covering everything from wildflowers and native trees to butterflies, herbs and bats.

Sessions run throughout the day, including a morning of nature walks, family-friendly activities in the afternoon and an enchanting evening bat walk. Whether you stay for one session or make a day of it, you’ll enjoy the peaceful Celtic Gardens while picking up practical tips to support wildlife at home. Free to attend but booking required.