Thankfully, my kids love school so the countdown to the end of summer isn’t too traumatic in our house.
Nonetheless, it will still be a difficult switch from the dog days of summer with late night movie and snacks to homework and dark evenings.
Until then, the fun continues this weekend with some fantastic events all over the island to suit everyone in the family.
Have fun!
1) Elves & Fairy Day at Brigit's Garden
The Fairy Queen and Elf King are on their way to Brigit's Garden and are inviting all fairies and elves, to join them in Ireland's award-winning Celtic Gardens on Saturday from 12.30pm
Activities include meeting the Fairy Queen and Elf King, the Elf Hunt, a visit to the Fairy Garden, Arts & Crafts including Make your own Fairy Door, Wand & Crown Making, Storytelling and the Elf & Fairy Ball.
2) Little Festival at The Big House
A festival of entertainment and guaranteed fun for all the family in Wells House on Saturday and Sunday. There will puppet shows, face painting, Jumanji trail, magic, street acts, music, a delicious BBQ and so much more!
3) Belmullet Festival
The annual Belmullet Festival runs until Saturday with events his weekend including a treasure hunt on Thursday, pig racing on Friday and the finale on Saturday night featuring music and entertainment on Main Street and Quay Street and a spectacular firework display on the Quay.
4) Rose of Tralee
Celebrating 59 years, the selection of the Rose of Tralee may be a global celebration of Irish culture, but it is also a week-long family festival with a programme of activities and events that includes street entertainment, carnival, live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair, fireworks and Rose Parades leading up the the crowning of the new Rose on Tuesday night.
5) Kilkenny Arts Festival
The Kilkenny Arts Festival continues until Sunday with Festival Fun on High Street on Friday and Saturday, Secret Garden music in Castle Rose Garden and Butler House Garden, The Lightkeeper’s Last Stand in Kilkenny Castle Park as well as live music, theatre, talks and a spectacular Festival Finale in St Canice’s Cathedral on Sunday.
6) Ballyshannon Show
The Ballyshannon Agricultural Show returns on Sunday 19th with a full programme of competitions in the cattle, sheep horses and agricultural classes as well as home baking, craft, flower competitions and plenty of family fun.
7) Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, taking place this year in Drogheda, concludes this weekend.
For many, it is the culmination of months of hard work and practice as they compete against fellow musicians, singers and dancers to achieve the recognition of being an All-Ireland champion while for others it is a week-long celebration with lots of music, dance, song and late nights!
8) Carrigaholt Family Festival
Now in its 25th year, the three day annual fun-filled festival features music, drama, dance, heritage events, country sports and lots of fun and games for all the family.
9) The Big Grill
The Big Grill returns to Herbert Park next week celebrating the art of cooking with fire & smoke. There will be demos & workshops from well-known chefs, eating challenges, children's play area with entertainment, a grand BBQ cook-off and loads more.
10) Galway Wild Air Run
Inflatable obstacle course over 5k in Ballybrit on Saturday, now with water guns to give other runners a soaking. Suitable for fitness fanatics and families, the huge inflatables test your agility and stamina while the water guns will just be a lot of fun.
11) Annual Maiden of the Mournes
The 29th International Maiden of the Mournes festival continues throughout the weekend with the selection and crowning on Saturday night with other events including a dog show, Regatta, Beat on the Street, treasure hunt and lots more.
12) Tullow Show
The Tullow Show 2018, on the 19th of August at the showgrounds in Coppenagh, is one of the most established agricultural shows in the country with something to interest both rural and urban visitors and young and old.
13) Picnic in the Park
Picnic in the Park, Mullingar Town Park on 19th August, is a community event with activities for all the family, including food and craft food, live music and children’s entertainment.
Three things to do next week:
1) Heritage Week
This year's National Heritage Week runs until August 26th, with thousands of events all across the country organised by national and local organisations. Most of the events are free, and aim the highlight and promote our cultural heritage.
2) Fota Wildlife Park Summer Events
Fota Wildlife Park celebrates 35 years with a series of fun and educational events this summer. Next Wednesday, children from 5 to 12 years of age can enjoy an animal and bird themed Summer Art Workshops with artist Johnny Flynn
The classes are free with admission, but booking in advance in essential and spaces to both classes are filling up fast.
3) Dalkey Lobster Festival
The Dalkey Lobster Festival returns from the 23rd to 26th August with a fusion of local seafood with the best of current global jazz musicians and lots of fun events for all the family to enjoy.
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