7 kid-friendly events for St Patrick's Day - from ball runs to giant céilís

GALWAY

Céilí Mór: On Friday, Spanish Arch is the venue for the launch of Galway, West of Ireland European Region of Gastronomy programme for 2018 where there will be food and a big family-friendly Céilí Mór to celebrate.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: Free. Find out more here.

DUBLIN

City At Play: Two funfairs are setting up shop in Dublin for the whole of St Patrick’s Weekend. Custom House Quay and Merrion Square are the sites for the carnival fairgrounds, so thrill seekers take note!

Suits: The whole family. Time: 11am both days. Tickets: Varied. Find out more here. 

Dublin Bay Prawn Festival: Howth is transforming into a shellfish lover’s paradise this weekend. As well as tasting plates from some of the fishing village’s best restaurants, there are loads of activities for the whole family, including fantastic live music throughout the weekend.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 1pm. Tickets: Free. Find out more here.

Festival Big Day Out: Merrion Square is hosting the entirely free Big Day Out on Sunday, with street theatre, music, aerial performances, workshops and of course a festival Céilí.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 12pm-6pm. Tickets:  Free. Find out more here.

CORK

St Patrick’s Day Ball Run: Watch over 10,000 multi-coloured balls cascade down St Patrick’s Hill in Cork city this Sunday, in aid of the Cork Lion’s Club City Centre Defibrillator Project.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 2pm. Tickets: Free, sponsor a ball for €2. Find out more here.

Rebel Parade: Crawford Art Gallery is hosting a family-friendly workshop this Saturday where families can create a paper parade of villains and heroes in the gallery.

Time: 2pm. Tickets: Free. Suits: The whole family. Find out more here.

WICKLOW

Céilí Breakfast: The Bray St Patrick’s Day festival programme is starting the day off right on Sunday with a free Irish dancing class for families, followed by a free breakfast, courtesy of The Boathouse Coffee Dock.

Suits: The whole family. Time: 11am. Tickets: Free. Find out more here.

This week, we’re giving away two nights of R&R at The Kingsley in Cork. Enter here – and don’t forget to like TheJournal.ie’s Family Magazine on Facebook and Twitter!