With a bundle of brilliant events for the family on your doorstep this summer, there is just no need for pricey airfares or costly trips abroad. Whether you are already here, or you are travelling to Ireland - there's something for everyone.
1. Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival
This film festival takes place in Waterville, Co Kerry from August 22nd - 25th. Not only are the old slapstick comedies guaranteed to get viewers of all ages chuckling, there is also a specific children's film programme, as well as family activities and street entertainment. See chaplinfilmfestival.com for more details.
2. Make a Move Festival
This is the perfect festival for budding mini rappers and street dancers, but there is something for the whole family here. Graffiti, rapping, workshops, street art and dance, all feature at the Make a Move festival in Limerick from July 26th - 28th.
3. Join the Riverdance record-breakers
Jigging your way into the history books by joining thousands of Irish dancers in a bid to form the biggest Riverdance along the Liffey. There's plenty more family fun in store with face painting, bouncy castles and other events at Merrion Square in Co Dublin from July 19th - 22nd. See thegatheringireland.com for information.
4. Bushcraft skills
Kids can create their very own make-believe jungle adventures at the Bushcraft Skills survival event in Marlay Park, where an expert will teach them how to make woodland tools on August 18th.
5. Circus lessons
Take a trip to the Ark in Dublin's Temple Bar to find out what it takes to join the circus with classes in mask-making, juggling, plate-spinning and puppeteering, running until August 31st. See theark.ie for details.
6. Skibbereen Children’s Festival
From July 22nd - 28th, Skibbereen Children's Festival, Co Cork offers a host of quizzes, treasure hunts, archery, music, baking, ice-cream party and a line up of excellent entertainment. There's also lots of super workshops, including photography classes and drama lessons, on offer at a great price. Booking is essential but many of the festival events are free.
7. Ukulele Hooley by the Sea
Ukulele Hooley by the Sea is a fun family day out in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin on August 24th and 25th. See discoverireland.com for details.
8. Cookery classes
Budding chefs can learn how to make delicious meals at the Cookery School's head chef/junior chef cookery class on August 18th. The Co Wicklow class sees kids (€39) and adults (€59) cooking together to whip up a selection of delicious dishes. See cookeryschool.ie.
9. Carlingford Oyster Festival
This Co Louth festival has magic shows, free kayaking, a funfair and kiddies' oyster pear welly hunt, and much more from August 8th - 11th.
10. Bray Summerfest
This free festival taking place over five weekends will host over 60 events in Bray, Co Wicklow, including outdoor cinemas, a kidzone and a Family Fiesta weekend (braysummerfest.com), wrapping up on August 5th.
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