Things are beginning to heat up, despite a bit of rain and events around Ireland are starting to come thick and fast.
It seems like winter was only last week (it was) but we are heading towards the May Bank Holiday weekend when brave organisers finalise their plans for summer days out.
You can follow your favourite venues and events on YourDaysOut, staying up-to-date with their events and promotions and even buy discount tickets.
We've selected some of our favourites for this weekend with some early tips for next week.
Have fun!
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 this Sunday 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) Cork Opera House
Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe.
With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music! Performances 10am, 1pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
3) Dinosaur World Live
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs in the Belfast Waterfront this weekend as part of the UK tour of the popular show.
Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
4) Fire Station Open Day
Nutgrove Fire Station Open Day takes place on Saturday from 1-4pm featuring an extensive display of vehicles and equipment on the day, exhibitors will be the Dublin Fire Brigade, the RSA, the Irish Coast Guard, the Irish Army, the Civil Defence and lots more family fun.
5) Dr Megaphone's Zoom
As part of Engineers Week (delayed by the snow) Dr Megaphone (Ian Johnston) from The Open University and his long-suffering sidekick, Sandy the Science Boy, present a whirlwind tour through engineering at different scales from the cosmic to the sub-atomic. Free tickets available for various slots on Friday but booking in advance is required.
6) W5, Belfast | Dino Snappers
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) Town Hall Theatre, Westport
On Saturday afternoon, Kila perform their popular Interactive Family Show, where the audience creates an ocean soundscape for the opening melody and then clap, dance and even do animal and popping noises to the music.
The band also perform songs from the multi-award winning and Oscar-nominated animation Song of the Sea, which they composed music for. In the evening, they will perform again with their own high-octane concert for music and dance lovers from 8pm.
8) PhotoIreland Festival
Celebrating its 9th edition this year, the PhotoIreland Festival brings another exciting edition packed with free exhibitions, workshops, photobook launches and talks throughout Dublin during May.
9) Bord Gais Energy Theatre
Winner of 85 international awards, Matilda The Musical finishes its successful Dublin run this weekend. Featuring original songs, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination, sharp mind and spectacular abilities.
10) Glór
Billy and Dad head north with just a tent and a box full of Mam’s memories. With a mixture of music, movement and magical imagery, Star Chasers is modern-day adventure perfect for children ages 4-7 with shows on Friday.
11) GAA Junior Explorer
Go behind-the-scenes and learn fun facts about the GAA and Croke Park.
During the Stadium Tour, visit the team dressing rooms, warm-up area and run out pitchside through the players’ tunnel, while in the GAA Museum, use the special Junior Explorer Passport to follow clues and discover some of the museum’s most famous exhibits, including the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups.
Three things to do next week:
1) Castlecomber Discovery Park
Castlecomer Discovery Park is home to Ireland’s longest zip line - 300 metres long and 35 metres over the ground at its highest point. Visitors zip over the stunning woodland, two lakes and a 17th-century hand-restored bridge.
They have a special spring deal offering 20% off the Zipline and Octagon for those brave enough to try them!
2) Woolapalooza | Airfield Estate
On Sunday 6th and Bank Holiday Monday 7th May, Dublin’s most unique suburban farming festival takes place at Airfield Estate.
The 38-acre food and farm destination will host an array of events for all the family including sheepdog trials, demonstrations, food and crafts, family fun and lots more.
3) Riverfest Limerick
Limerick's biggest festival over the Bank Holiday weekend will feature waterfront events, Ireland's largest BBQ, water activities and spectacular performances by world champion wakeboarders and jet ski riders, along with a very spectacular fireworks display.
