Oh, my God...it's almost here! Parents of Primary school children can enjoy their last weekend before every day becomes, eh, a weekend day.
All the junior schools finish up this week, leaving parents searching for things to do. Don't worry, there is plenty of help and YourDaysOut has thousands of ideas for the next few months.
Until then, there are loads of fun activities and events to enjoy over the weekend to gently ease you into the summer. Have fun!
1) Cruinniú na nÓg
Free, local and activity-based events throughout Ireland to encourage children and young people’s participation in culture and creativity through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings, special events and much more. It’s a day for ‘doing’, ‘making’ and ‘creating’!
2) Flavours of Fingal
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Newbridge House and Farm, the festival is a full weekend of activities for all the family. Admission is free but there is a charge for parking if you don't use the free shuttle buses. There will be a food village in the Walled Garden, equestrian and dog trials, vintage farm machinery and lots of fun and games.
3) Wexford Maritime Weekend
A fun weekend for all the family where you can jump on board one of the visiting boats, enjoy water activities like sailing and rowing, search and rescue demonstrations, live entertainment and more.
4) Summer Solstice Celebration at Croke Park
The GAA Museum at Croke Park will host a unique family-friendly evening of drama, music and pageantry on 22nd June to celebrate Midsummer.
It will feature unique performances by the famous Armagh Rhymers, as well as the GAA Museum tour, Croke Park pitch viewings and Celtic activities in Cú Chulainn’s Den – the museum’s dedicated children’s arts and crafts studio.
5) Mourne Walking Festival
The Mourne Mountains has been recognised as the ‘Best Walking Destination’ in Northern Ireland by Walk NI and the festival provides a fantastic opportunity to find out why. This year’s event runs from Friday 22nd until Sunday 24th and features a range of routes carefully planned to suit all levels and abilities.
6) Ardmore Open Farm & Mini Zoo
Celebrating five years, the popular Waterford venue has a day of fun-filled activities planned for Sunday 24th including free slushies, face painting and a special visit by Chase from Paw Patrol.
7) Q-Con XXV Gaming and Anime Convention
Q-Con is Northern Ireland’s largest and longest running video gaming and anime related convention. Celebrating 25 years, it is home to a full weekend of gaming and anime-themed events from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th June.
8) Midsummer Arts Festival
Returning for the third year, the festival in Naas has loads of fun events over the weekend including live music from Jack L and Blaithín Carney, Kids Art Academy and taking over Poplar Square with face painting, live music, a carousel and more.
9) Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, this year will be a combined All-Ireland Game Fair at Shane's Castle, Antrim on 23rd & 24th June. The fair promotes the importance of country sports, farming and conservation interests working together for the preservation of the Irish countryside and the rural way of life.
10) Sea Sessions
Sea Sessions is one of Ireland’s most popular small festivals. Situated right on beach in Bundoran, the capital of Irish Surfing – it is the only event in the country bringing together the unique lifestyle aspects of surfing, skating, BMX, beach sports and more, into a three-day camping festival featuring popular acts like Dizzee Rascal and Walking on Cars.
11) Open Air Theatre - Little Women
Join Chapterhouse Theatre as four sisters - Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy tell the story of their life during the Civil War in America with the beautiful Wells House as your backdrop.
12) Stonybatter Summer Festival
The Stoneybatter Festival takes place from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th and is a celebration of the residents, communities and businesses of Stoneybatter. Events include the tallest Sunflower competition, a Sunday family fun day and the Stoneybatter Food and Drink Trail.
13) National Fairy Day | Lough Gur
Lough Gur is holding a special guided tour of the Fairy Village on Sunday, 24th June to celebrate National Fairy Day. Children will be guided up to the Fairy Village and told stories about the enchanting Fairies living there. Advance booking is essential.
14) Garden Party at Lismore Castle Garden
Robert Boyle was born in Lismore Castle and was perhaps the most influential scientist of his day. The annual garden party on Saturday is a highlight the 7th Robert Boyle Summer School, along with a weekend of activities and events celebrating the architect of Boyle's Law.
15) Kildare Derby Festival
Since 1978, Kildare Town has hosted their annual Festival in conjunction with the Irish Derby. The event includes music, arts, crafts, sports and the Derby Queen. A family fun day and the popular parade takes place on Sunday 24th June where EuroStar Bounces will provide entertainment for all the family in The Square.
16) O'Malley Clann Rally
The Annual O'Malley Clan Rally takes place this year in Westport and will be a fun-filled weekend with lots of events including the family BBQ on Sunday in Westport House.
17) Old Fort Quarter Festival
Over three days this weekend, the Old Fort Quarter will come alive with traditional medieval activities such as archery and shield-making, celebrating the heritage of the Old Fort of Maryborough in Portlaoise. As part of Cruinniú na nÓg there will be lots of creative activities for children and young people in Fitzmaurice Plaza and the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday afternoon.
18) Children’s Art Workshop at Farmleigh
There are fun art workshops for kids with Karen O’Connor in Farmleigh House on Saturday. Tickets are free but limited and will allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis from the Farmleigh Gallery on the day. Children 5-8 years are from10.30-11.30am and children 9-12 years are from 2.30-3.30pm.
19) Flavours of South Dublin
The Flavours of South Dublin Food Festival will take place in Rathfarnham Castle Park on Sunday from 11.00 am – 6.00 pm.
The free festival will showcase the wide variety of people living and working within South Dublin County Council area with food, entertainment and a craft village.
Three things to do next week
1) Tramore Promenade Festival
The promenade in Tramore comes alive next weekend with music, entertainment, street theatre, food, crafts, displays, a dog show and more.
2) Westport Food Festival
The annual Westport Food Festival showcases the best of Mayo's food and drinks with lots of local events including the opening Mid Summer Banquet at Westport House next Friday.
3) SeaFest
SeaFest, Ireland’s national maritime festival, takes place in Galway next weekend. It's a fun, free summer festival for all ages and the programme of events includes a seafood fair, seafood cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs and seafaring family fun.
