Someone told me last week that the weather is not that bad...for 96th of January! Luckily things have changed a lot since then.
We're in for a nice weekend with warm weather moving up from Africa, perfect timing for some of the fantastic activities and events that are being organised for the coming month.
This weekend there are loads of fun things to do including the Experience Japan Festival in Dublin, a food festival in Waterford and even a charity vintage tractor run in Galway.
There are lots more ideas for things to do in Ireland on YourDaysOut including some special Spring Deals to celebrate the launch of our new ticketing tool.
1) Experience Japan Festival
The beautiful surroundings of Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park host the annual Experience Japan Festival Day that celebrates Japanese and Japanese-Irish culture this Sunday from 12-4pm.
Go with your friends, family, kids, dogs (on leads!) and enjoy the huge variety of Japan with lots of entertainment, from traditional Taiko drumming to modern-day Cosplay, as well as art, crafts, food stalls and more. There is a free Dublin Bus link from Parkgate Street running regularly from 11.30am to about 5pm (for the return journey).
2) Mermaid Arts Centre
Mermaid Arts Centre is a creative hub and artistic resource for County Wicklow and this week hosts the Bray Musical Society performance of Seussical, taking you into the world of Dr. Seuss and his wonderful characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo. Shows nightly from 18th - 21st.
3) Giant's Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede Sea Safari
Explore the coastline up to Carrick A Rede rope bridge and the whole length of the Giant's Causeway. This sea safari, on Sunday 21st with Aquaholics, is the perfect way to get the complete view of all the cliffs, bays and even the site of the Spanish Armada ship the Girona.
4) Zero Waste Festival, Cashel
A fun and educational day for all the family highlighting the importance of waste prevention through better consumption decisions.
The Zero Waste Festival is being held in Halla Na Féile, Cashel on Sunday from 12 to 5pm. There will be a number of talks and workshops aimed at helping you manage and reduce your waste while saving money.
Workshops vary from learning how to make your own non-toxic household cleaning products and detergents, to beauty products and reusable beeswax cloth wraps. There will also be stalls selling package-free goods and lots of family entertainment.
5) West Waterford Festival of Food
The West Waterford Festival of Food returns to Dungarvan and the surrounding area in west Waterford from April 20th - 22nd with a host of great events for all ages including tours, demonstrations, dining and children's events.
6) W5, Belfast
Travel back in time this spring and create your very own prehistoric predator at W5. Pop out, build and then take home your paper craft creation every weekend during April & May from 2-4pm and is free with admission to W5.
7) Dublin Comic Arts Festival
Discover the range of small press comic talent in Ireland at the Dublin Comic Arts Festival at Generator Hostel - the DCAF's very first event of 2018.
Meet local artists and comic creators, learn about the different ways of making indie comics - from handmade and self-published to small press publisher-released - enjoy workshops and talks, try the tasty coffee and food at Generator Hostel, and celebrate the colourful spectrum of Irish sequential art.
8) Nenagh Arts Centre
The Nenagh Arts Centre hosts Science Magic this Sunday at 3pm.
Children over five will have loads of fun learning about science. Forget Harry Potter, Donal Vaughan is the real wizard.
Join him as he does the impossible; skewer a balloon without popping it, set paper on fire without burning it, turn water upside-down without spilling it, move an object without touching it. And even conjure dragon’s breath!
9) Castlerea Musical Society
Castlerea Musical Society proudly presents it's 50th Anniversary Show, Titanic | The Musical with performances nightly at 8pm in The Hub, Castlerea from Wednesday 18th - Saturday 22nd April.
10) Civic Theatre, Tallaght
A drop of sunshine, a sprinkle of rain, a dollop of snow and a whoosh of wind. Whatever the Weather, it can be fun to go outside! But that’s not what Worried Wendy thinks, she hides away inside, afraid of what the weather may bring.
An interactive experience, using story, drama and multi-sensory play for 3 to 5-year-olds and their families with performances on Friday and Saturday.
11) Brickxology | Fundraiser
Charity fundraiser In Aid of Sosad (Cavan Area) Prevention of Childhood Suicide Bullying & Adult Services, in the White Horse Hotel in Cootehill on Saturday.
A family fun day with brick building workstations, Lego competition, prizes and raffles.
12) Axis, Ballymun
Little Folk on Tour is a fun-filled exploration of music and movement perfectly suited for energetic under 6’s. Kyle Riley leads the children (and their adults) through a variety of music that gets them singing, jumping and shaking on two fun shows this Saturday.
It’s a fun-filled, entertaining hour that’s not to be missed.
13) Vintage Tractor Run
Ballinasloe and District Vintage Club Tractor Run have a Vintage Tractor Run this Sunday in aid of the East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support. Registration is at 9am in Gullane's Hotel, Ballinasloe.
14) Wildlife Walk - St Anne's Park, Raheny
On Sunday, April 22nd, the Irish Wildlife Trust will be leading a woodland Walk in St. Anne's Park in Raheny to mark Earth Day with Dublin Branch member Niall Mac Coitir.
Learn more about the trees and wildflowers in the park, check out the heronry and badger sett and anything else you might find! Suitable for children over 8 years. No booking required but wear sensible shoes and meet at Red Stables at 2pm.
Three things to do next week...
1) Pets in the City
The annual Pets in the City, brought to you by Dublin City Council and supported by the DSPCA and King of Paws, will take place on Sunday 29th April 2018 in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7.
This free, family-friendly event promises to be a great day out for animal lovers living in the city with a wide range of activities, stalls and entertainment.
2) Dinosaurs Around the World
Dinosaurs Around The World has been extended until August 31st due to ROARING demand after welcoming over 80,000 visitors. Embark on a globetrotting expedition around the world to discover the Age of Reptiles...if you dare!
3) Punchestown Festival
The Punchestown Festival is the grand finale of the jump season, and as a result, it draws the best horses, jockeys, and trainers to Kildare for one last showdown for the season.
Go on...get your gang, get out there and have some fun!
