Baltimore Pirate Festival: Featuring pirate dress up competitions, a swashbuckling treasure hunt, pirate bouncy castles and games, this yearly event is massive fun for all the family.

Suits: The whole family. When: 16-17th June. How much: Mostly free. Find out more here.

Picnic In The Park: As a part of Cork Midsummer Festival, Fitzgerald Park transforms into a Mecca of family-friendly activity, with circus performers and lots of arts and crafts opportunities. Bring a picnic or buy your lunch from the excellent on site food market.

Suits: The whole family. When: 17th June How much: Free. Find out more here.

SeaFest: Galway Harbour is turned into a sea world exhibit for the weekend of Seafest, with talks and workshops all about the creatures that live in our waters, as well as top chefs who’ll be cooking up a storm and offering samples to boot!

Suits: The whole family. When: 29th June to 1st July. How much: Mostly free. Find out more here.

City Spectacular: Laya City Spectacular takes place in Dublin and Cork and is a must-visit for all young families. With street performers and amazing food, as well as facilities created with families in mind, this is a great night out.

Suits: The whole family. When: 6th-8th July in Dublin and 14th -15th July in Cork. How much: Free. Find out more here.

The Happy Pear twins launching Playstival in Sandymount Marc O'Sullivan Marc O'Sullivan

Playstival: Airfield House in Dundrum is hosting the first ever Playstival this year; a festival based all around the importance of playing. There’ll be eight themed play universes for kids to explore, and plenty to keep adults occupied too.

Suits: The whole family. When: 11th and 12th August. How much: €10 per person or €30 for a family of four. Find out more here.

Groove Festival: Anyone who misses the years of proper music festivals will love Groove at Kilruddery House in Wicklow. The Fun Lovin Criminals are headlining, there’s amazing food to be bought on site and a massive amount to keep the kids happy all day long.

Suits: The whole family. When: 7th and 8th July. How much: €106 for an adult weekend ticket, €20 for a child under 16 for the weekend, €225 for a family of two adults and three kids. Find out more here.