The nights may be closing in but the weather remains perfect for enjoying fun days out around Ireland.
Although venues are planning their Halloween and Christmas events, don't find yourself at a loose end until then!
There will be plenty of different activities and events to entertain the family throughout September and October. Below we list a few of our favourites for this coming weekend with some early tips for next week.
Have fun!
1) Family SportFest
The Sport Ireland National Sports Campus will be hosting the second Family SportFest on Sunday where you can not only watch some amazing demonstrations from some of Ireland's top athletes and sports stars, but you can also join in the fun.
2) Galway Oyster Festival
Every year, Galway City celebrates the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, one of the most internationally recognised Irish festivals after St. Patrick’s Day, and the world’s longest-running oyster festival.
Over the weekend there will be lots of tasty events including seafood trails, oyster opening (shucking) championships like The Oyster ‘Olympics’ and World Oyster Opening Championship, food talks and tasting events in some of Galway’s best restaurants.
3) Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival
Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival (28th - 30th September) is a fantastic, annual fun-filled festival with music, drama, dance, heritage events, food nd craft markets, country sports and plenty of good old-fashioned games for the children.
4) The Ogham Tree Festival
The Ogham Tree Festival in Stradbally is a magical journey of creativity, innovation and an educational experience for all to enjoy with a train ride, arts and crafts, interactive fun, exhibitions, educational games, food and entertainment.
5) International MedievalCombat Tournament at Claregalway Castle
The Claregalway Castle Shield, a revival of the medieval foot-combat tournament returns to Claregalway Castle on Saturday and Sunday, September 29th and 30th, as members of the Irish Full Contact Medieval Combat Team prepare to face opposition from some of the world’s top fighters.
6) Naas Racecourse Family Fun Day
The last of the Family Fun Days of the year is on Sunday 30th at Naas Racecourse, with an exciting card featuring The Beresford Stakes. There will be loads of free activities for the kids including bouncy castles, face painting, reptile zoo, costume characters, playground and more!
7) Taste of Monaghan
Taste of Monaghan is a fantastic local event that highlights our top quality local produce, with over 55 exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, tastings and family entertainment including mobile pet farm, face painting, magic shows, garden games and more.
We are so excited to announce @gazzachef, award winning Culinary Director of BaxterStorey Ireland will be in the Demonstration Kitchen at Taste of Monaghan Festival Weekend 28th - 30th of September. Check out all Guest Chefs https://t.co/kbBYMTjtL0 #FoodieDestination #IrishMade pic.twitter.com/B1rWtkOmqc
— Taste of Monaghan (@tasteofmonaghan) 19 September 2018
8) Slime Workshop
The last in a series of slime workshops take place in Wayne's World in Buncrana on Saturday where children can make slime in a safe environment and parents don't have to clean up the mess! Booking advised.
9) Wexford Arts Centre
Inspire your budding artists with this year's offerings from the skilled facilitators at the Little Artists Club, with feathers and veggies, wibble-wobbles and zig-zags, flower masks and fun tasks full of surprises.
Facilitated by Wexford based artists; Deirdre Buttimer & Jeni Roddy, both with a passion for creativity and delivering the best possible workshops to your little artists!
10) Dublin Festival of History
The 6th annual festival takes place across the city from 24th September to 7th October and will feature over 140 free events including talks, walks, tours and exhibitions on a wide range of topics, as well as numerous events marking 100 years of Irish women’s suffrage.
11) Irish Antique Dealers Fair 2018
The Irish Antique Dealers Fair is back in the RDS with yet another delightful array of special guests and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The fair gives a fascinating insight into great craftsmanship throughout the ages, attracting collectors and connoisseurs of all tastes.
12) Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championship
Following mixed results during the week with gusts cancelling flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 'Irish Meet' is set to conclude on Friday.
The main launch HQ is Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre with flights, weather permitting, at approximately 7:30am and 6:00pm. However, due to the unsettled conditions, please check flight status in advance before travelling as a decision to fly may be very late notice.
Guests who do travel can access Birr Castle Gardens from 4.30pm to 7pm. Tickets are €5 per person or €15 for a family of four.
13) Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival 2018
The 18th annual festival runs from on 27th September to 7th October supporting artists and engaging communities throughout south and south-west Donegal with another packed programme, including music, theatre, opera, carnival, visual arts, street arts, literary events, events for children the popular carnival parade scheduled for the streets of Ballyshannon.
Three things to do next week
1) Dingle Food Festival
Dingle Food Festival showcases and celebrates the quality of local producers, chefs, restaurateurs and the award-winning local food and drink they produce through demos, markets, workshops, wine-tasting, discussion forums, craft beer and cider fest and the Taste Trail, where you can sample a wide range of local culinary delights.
2) Taste of the Lakelands
Featuring an extended programme over two days with food producers, more live cooking demonstrations, culinary treats, special features on safety and lots of attractions for all the family.
3) Cork Folk Festival
Ireland’s southern capital once again will host a spectacular for a four-day music event, packed with Ireland's finest traditional musicians, dancers and singers.
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