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Saturday 1 April 2023 Dublin: 8°C
Andrew Downes/SeaFest
# family event guide
5 free kid-friendly fairs and festivals to mark on your summer calendar
From a sea-themed weekend in Cork to a street performance spectacular in Dublin.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE may say otherwise, but summer has well and truly arrived. 

To help you with the task of keeping the little ones (and yourself) entertained over the coming weeks, we’ve rounded up five free events for the whole family to enjoy – including a maritime festival and garden party.

CORK

SeaFest: Ireland’s largest maritime festival takes place over three days this weekend, with over 100 free family-friendly activities organised including performances, vessel tours, workshops and the opportunity to try kayaking, sailing and more.

Suits: all ages. When: June 7 – 9. Where: Port of Cork, Cork City. Costs: free. Find more information here.

CORK/DUBLIN

Laya City Spectacular: Taking place in both Cork and Dublin, Laya City Spectacular features some of the world’s best street performers. In both cities, there’ll be a vintage funfair, kids’ court and family exercise classes, as well as street food vendors and lots more to keep everyone in the family entertained.

Suits: all ages. When: July 12 – 14 in Dublin, July 20 – 21 in Cork. Where: Merrion Square, Dublin and Fitzgerald Park, Cork. Costs: free. Find more information here.

DUBLIN

ChildVision Annual Garden Party: Head along to ChildVision, the National Education Centre for Blind Children, for a fun-filled day out featuring pony rides, bouncy castles and a chance to learn how to braille your name and visit the fairy village.

Suits: all ages. When: June 8. Where: Child Vision, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Costs: free for children, €5 for adults. Find more information here.

NATIONWIDE

Cruinniú na nÓg: A day of creativity for children and young people, Cruinniú na nÓg is taking place around the country on June 15. A wide variety of events are organised to suit toddlers to teenagers, including workshops, performances, exhibitions, readings and screenings.

Suits: all ages. When: June 15. Where: around the country. Costs: free. Find more information about what’s on in your county here.

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WATERFORD

SprÓg Children’s Festival: Waterford’s only festival dedicated to children, SprÓg features a jam-packed programme of events, workshops and shows at Garter Lane Arts Centre.

Suits: all ages. When: August 2 – 4. Where: Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, Waterford. Costs: free. Find more information here.

Plus, want to win a getaway to Kilkenny’s luxurious Lyrath Estate? Enter right here – and don’t forget to subscribe to our Family Newsletter in the box below!

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