Things to do in May in Dublin and surrounding areas
I have put together a list of things to do with your family in May in Dublin and surrounding areas. I find sometimes when you are looking for things to do you totally forget what is on so this is a handy guide that you can keep coming back to. Some events are a little drive outside Dublin but I have linked all events so you can see where they are and what suits you best. Hope it gives you some ideas of things to do!
Sunday Kids Drop-By Activities – Botanic Gardens
Monday 6th May – Sunday 17th June
National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
300 Botanic Road, Dublin 9
Times: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm, 3.30pm. No Bookings. First Come, First Served.
Kids, Join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Garden! Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.
All children must bring their own grown-up.
https://www.facebook.com/events/441493812948854/
Grandparents go free at Imaginosity each term-time Tuesday
Tuesday 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th May at 9.30am – 5.30pm
Imaginosity
Dublin Children’s Museum
Beacon South Quarter
Sandyford
Dublin 18
Don’t forget Grandparents go FREE each term time Tuesday at Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1772405236123563/?active_tab=about
Mini Muckers 2018
Saturday 5th May at 11.00am – 2.00pm
Punchestown
Kildare
After the success of Mini Muckers 2017 this year Mini Muckers has partnered with
“”Brendan’s Running Club”” to bring you this fantastic event that promises to be a muck filled fun event for all the family.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1606785526104048/
Woolapalooza Festival
Sunday 6th May – Monday 7th May at 9.30am
Airfield Estate
Overend Way
Dundrum, Dublin 14
Airfield Estate’s Woolapalooza Festival returns to Dundrum this May 6th & 7th!
Tickets will be available on the gate and are €10 per adult and €5 per child and under 3 go free!
This years festival will be filled with family activities to keep everyone entertained including
• Sheepdog trials with Denis Birchall
(Ireland’s One Man & His Dog Champion)
• Barber Rodney and his super sheep shears
• Live music and dancing at the Woolapalooza Céilí
• Drop-in craft sessions for kids and adults
• Butchery and bakery demonstrations
• Fire & Grill BBQ all day with Robin Gill and Luke Matthews
• Heritage house tours & storytelling
• Giant knitting bee
• Yarn bombing
• Craft stalls
• Brunch in Overends Kitchen
• Vintage farm machinery display
& so much more!
Woolapalooza Farm Festival 2018 is a fantastic Bank Holiday must do!
Free admission for Airfield Estate members
Full details available on our website http://www.airfield.ie/woolapalooza-festival/
Burns Dogs’ Day Out Killruddery
Sunday 6th May at 10.00am – 4.00pm
Killruddery House and Gardens
Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow,
FREE admission.
Please note that entering the house or gardens will incur a cost.
What’s On?
⭐Over 10 have-a-go classes including Best in Show
⭐Dog friendly agility course hosted by Wonder Paws
⭐More doggy stalls than you can shake a stick at
⭐Plenty of delicious food for the humans
⭐Meet the canines behind Irish Charity, Dogs for the Disabled
⭐Take home nutrition advice and free pet food samples from the Burns Pet Nutrition Team
⭐Meet Burns By Your Side reading dog, Harvey
⭐Meet The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland who will be on hand to answer queries around dementia
⭐Meet Veterinary Surgeon, Pet Expert and Business Owner, John Burns
⭐Win incredible prizes including a doggy pamper day at The Grooming Shed and a free 4 week training programme sponsored by Wonder Paws Training School
All proceeds raised from activities will go towards Dogs for the Disabled and the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland
https://www.facebook.com/events/148818479134269/
The Teddy Bears Picnic!
Sunday 6th May at 1.00 – 5.00pm
Wells House & Gardens
Ballyedmond, Gorey Y25 CF96
If you go down to the woods today make sure they’re the woods of Wells House & Gardens as we throw our annual Teddy Bears Picnic with our friends from Electric Zoo & a yummy barbecue!
This is a free event – entry per car still applies.
For any enquiries please contact info@wellshouse.ie or call 0539186737
Imaginosity ‘Slimy Science’ May Mid-Term Camp
Monday 7th May – Friday 11th May at 9.00am
Imaginosity
Dublin Children’s Museum
Beacon South Quarter
Sandyford
Dublin 18
Back by POPULAR DEMAND this May mid-term , join us for our ‘Slimy Science’ Camp, from Monday 7th – Friday 11th May.
Two camps will run, one for children aged 4-6 years (9.00am-1.00pm) and for children aged 7-9 years (9.00am-2.30pm). Day rates, sibling & member discounts and late pick up options are all available.
Visit www.imaginosity.ie for further details.
Drogheda Arts Festival at Beaulieu
Monday, 7th May at 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Beaulieu House, Garden & Car Museum,
Drogheda
Ireland A92 PD3r
The magnificent surroundings of 17th-century Beaulieu House & Gardens once again become the setting for a Bank Holiday afternoon of musical performances, traditional games, children’s comedy, ballet, and tours of the house and gardens, with breath-taking views of the river Boyne.
Enjoy some fun on the lawn with Sinead Brassil and Derek McCluskey who return this year to lead the Traditional Games in vintage costume and armed with their much-loved whistle. Then move to the avenue to try your hand at learning some circus skills and to laugh and wonder at the exhilarating performances from Street Theatre Ireland.
Roam the gardens in search of some fairy magic as Youth Ballet West present ‘Magical Faeries of Beaulieu’. Graceful fairies, cute elves, hilarious goblins and the Goddess Aurora will be dotted across the grounds waiting to enchant children with their stunningly crafted dances. We invite children to come dressed as fairies and elves and experience the fairy tale magic.
Meanwhile on the Comedy stage, the older children can enjoy the best knock-knock jokes, some silly and some weird songs by masters of comedy, Joe Rooney and Totally Wired.
The woodland stage returns where acts include The Stonecold Hobos, Nix Moon plus Sophie Coyle and Band, whilst Solo returns with a wonderful programme of acoustic music featuring Carl Corcoran, Ewan Cowley with Edel Murphy and Pearly.
The quadrangle is the place to enjoy the Drogheda and Lourdes Brass Bands, DJ Michael Gerrard and to enjoy the offerings from the Cottage Market. The many pleasures and history of Beaulieu House can be discovered through tours conducted by the owner, Cara Konig and Aine Maroney.*
*These Talks and Tours are an additional €2, cannot be pre-booked, and are available on a first come-first served basis on the day. Come early to avoid disappointment.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1757466164275204/
Kids Guide Summer Camp Fair 2018 – Dun Laoghaire
Sunday 13th May at 10:30am – 5.00pm
Royal Marine Hotel
Marine Road
Dún Laoghaire
Dublin
Camps are for kids ages 4-16!
Kids Guide Dublin is excited to announce the Third Annual Kids Guide Summer Camp Fair in Dun Laoghaire!
Come discover every great summer camp under one roof! Share all the fun and invite your friends! FREE for everyone – bring the entire family and discover all the best summer camps available for kids in the South County Dublin metro area and beyond this summer.
Join us for a great day for parents and a great day for kids and discover some new, tried and true camps and summer programs to delight and educate your kids this summer! With over 50 of our best Summer Camp Partners showcasing their programmes, you’re sure to find something just right for each of your kids!
Come prepared to book in so you’re sure to get your child’s place confirmed and we’ll show them some fun in the Kids’ areas o ensure a great day for all, big and small!
Tickets are STRONGLY recommended, as last year’s event was a sell out and jam-packed. By preregistering with your email here on Event Brite, or on our Facebook event page, you’ll automatically be entered to win one of several amazing prizes being given away, such as free camps for the kids, and even a little pampering from the Royal Marine Hotel SPA for mum (or dad)!
More info at http://www.kidsguide.ie/summer-camp-fair
Teddy Bear Picnic and Woodland Walk
Sunday 13th May at 11.00am – 3:30pm
Russborough House and Parklands
Blessington Co Wicklow
In aid of Blessington Educate Together N.S., there will be – A Raffle, Story Telling, Teddy Bear & Dolls Hospital, Gardening, Baking, Crafts, Superheroes and lots more. Bring your own picnic and your favourite Teddy!
https://www.facebook.com/events/424970861260274/
Harold’s Cross Community Festival 2018
Monday 14th May – Sunday 20th May
Lots of events in a number of locations in Harold’s Cross – culminating with the BIG Family Day in the Park on Sunday afternoon !
https://www.facebook.com/events/2026389687617201/
The Enchanted Fairy & Elf Festival
Saturday 19th May – Sunday 20th May at 10.30am
Rathwood
Rath
Tallow
Co. Carlow
Calling on Fairies and Elves of all Ages…..Fly to Rathwood for a Magical Day Out while Supporting Children with Additional Needs!
Fairies and elves of all ages are invited to the Sensational Kids Enchanted Fairy and Elf Festival on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May in the fabulous surroundings of Rathwood, a leisure, shopping and entertainment centre just outside Tullow in County Carlow.
For its 10th Anniversary dust off your fairy wings and fancy dress costumes to help the charity Sensational Kids, located in Kildare Town to raise funds to Expand our Services in Leinster and nationwide and add a new Hippotherapy service to help children of all abilities, including those with additional needs such as Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome and many other developmental delays.
The Enchanted Fairy & Elf Festival combines the magic of Sensational Kids and the quality of Rathwood’s facilities and talented staff.
Fairies & Elves of all ages will enjoy the following:
Decorating a wooden Fairy House which can be taken home followed by a Train Ride through the Enchanted Forest, stopping off for some fun and games in the Fairy Barn.
There will be time to enjoy The Enchanted Fairy & Elf Festival Area, where you can meet and greet lots of fairies and elves including the Tooth Fairy and enjoy great carnival games, face painting, entertainers, characters in amazing costumes and lots more.
Afterwards at your leisure, you can enjoy a spin on the teacups, visit to the onsite Maze of Ireland, the Deer Park and Rathwood Woodland Walk complete with Fairy Door Trail, Dodie Tree, Wishing Wall and lots more. The Woodland Walk is suitable for buggies and walkers of all ages and abilities. The walk to the lake is wheelchair accessible. Free map available at reception. Then enjoy a free hot chocolate in the Rathwood Restaurant with adjacent playground.
A dedicated train time for children with special needs is available at 10.30am each day with reduced numbers and quieter music in the festival area. A limited number of wheelchair accessible tickets are available during ALL time slots
Tickets to be purchased on-line, in advance on www.sensationalkids.ie
Or www.rathwood.com
Adults €7.50. Children €10, children under one year are free.
All proceeds to Sensational Kids Charity
www.sensationalkids.ie
Or www.rathwood.com
Family Day Festival 2018
Saturday 19th May at 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Smithfield Square
Dublin 7
Family Day Festival returns on Saturday 19 May, from 1 to 5pm, in Smithfield Square for a fun-filled day of free family entertainment in the heart of Dublin city. Now in its eighth year, Family Day Festival is presented by One Family, Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting, or separating.
This free festival celebrates the diversity of Irish families today with a jam-packed programme of activities including the creation of Ireland’s Biggest Family Tree. Children will be encouraged to take pride in their family, whatever form it may take, by drawing their family portrait on a leaf template (available from www.familyday.ie). These leaves will be combined and displayed to create Ireland’s Biggest Family Tree.
Keep an eye here and at familyday.ie where we will be announcing details of the programme in the coming weeks.
https://www.facebook.com/events/374770733001512/
Afternoon Tea – Airfield Estate
Sunday 20th May 2.30pm
Airfield Estate
Overend Way
Dundrum
Dublin 14
Relax & enjoy a very special Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surrounds of Airfield House. Spend an afternoon in the company of your favourite people overlooking the beautiful walled gardens as they begin to bloom with the Spring bulbs & the stunning Dublin Mountains!
Our menus are seasonally prepared to use the freshest seasonal produce from our Estate and our selected local suppliers.
Sample Menu
Pot of Freshly Brewed Tea
Selection of Solaris Herbal Tea
French Press of McCabe’s Artisan Coffee
Mini Raisin Scone, Wholemeal & Orange Scone
Fresh Dairy Cream
Cuinneog Farmhouse Butter
Airfield Rhubarb Compote
Chocolate & Coffee Opera Gateau
Individual Lavender Meringue, Lemon Curd Filling
Airfield Elderflower & Edible Flower Jelly
Rosewater Éclair, White Chocolate & Pistachio
Smoked Salmon, Airfield Guinness Bread
Pastrami & Airfield Horseradish Roulade
Coronation Chicken, Puff Pastry Shell
Airfield Egg & Watercress Mayonnaise, Sourdough
Vegetarians and Gluten Free catered for
https://www.facebook.com/events/1706744746012265/
West Wicklow Festival
Sunday 20th May 2018, 10.00am-1.00pm
Russborough House
Co. Wicklow
Free Family Music Event.
Follow the West Wicklow Festival Music Trail through the beautiful Russborough Parklands. Embark on a musical journey through The Maze and the magical Lady’s Island with live musicians to entertain you along the way. This event will take place outdoors and is subject to suitable weather conditions.
12pm: Family Concert
After the magical Music Trail, come and join us for a wonderfully entertaining Family Concert at Russborough’s fabulous Hippodrome! Featuring a selection of familiar tunes, well-known composers and very talented musicians, this Concert will delight, excite and inspire audiences young and old alike! This is a FREE concert but tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. To book yours, please click here!
**This event is now Fully Booked. A limited number of tickets will be available at Russborough House Hippodrome on a first come, first served basis on Sunday 20th May. Please check our website’s “News” page or social media platforms for ticketing updates.
Please note: Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times
http://westwicklowfestival.com/#1513021242066-4c644e95-dcfe
Young Chef Classes – Airfield Estate
Sunday 20th May at 10.00am – 12.00pm
Airfield Estate
Overend Way
Dundrum
Dublin 14
Is your child a budding chef or do they love to help you out in the kitchen?
Our young chef classes for 8-12 year olds will run four times during the year with seasonal menus and take-home recipes. Children will explore our food gardens and harvest their own ingredients for the different dishes they produce.
Classes will be led by our education, restaurant and bakery team in a relaxed and fun environment. Children will see the process of food from farm to fork and get hands on, learning kitchen safety with correct utensil care. They will soon be getting creative in the kitchen preparing delicious healthy meals that they can recreate at home.
https://www.facebook.com/events/308450919559530/
Battle for the Bay 2018
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May
Dollymount Beach
Dublin
Check out the best wave riders in the world as they compete at one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world – Dublin’s very own Dollymount Beach. Established in 2006, this adrenaline-filled event has made it to the grand old age of 12, and it only looks to be getting bigger and better.
With free entry and events for all ages, there’s no excuse not to come along and experience Battle for the Bay 2018. Whether you’re a beginner, novice, expert or even just a little interested in watersports, you can try out some of the newest toys on the scene, ask the experts or simply chill out on the beach soaking in the vibrant atmosphere underscored by live music throughout.
Kitesurfers, SUP riders, wakeboarders, land yacht sailors, volleyball players, extreme sports lovers and spectators will gather from all corners of the world for this unique weekend at the beach so make sure you’re part of it.
Catch some rays on this surfing safari on Dublin’s Dollymount Beach.
Admission Free
https://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/battle-for-the-bay-2018#53.365778|-6.179727|13
Coderdojo Coolest Projects International – RDS
Saturday 26th May 2018 at 10.00am
RDS
Main Arena
Ballsbridge
Dublin
A world leading showcase that empowers and inspires the next generation of digital creators, innovators, changemakers and entrepreneurs!
Coolest Projects offers young people from the international CoderDojo, Code Club, Raspberry Jam and wider Raspberry Pi community the opportunity to present the projects they have created at their local club. The event is both a competition and an exhibition to inspire and enable innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology skills in young coders aged up to 18.
2018 sees Coolest Projects become a global celebration for more young makers and tech creators than ever before. Over 1000 young people from 15 countries including Argentina, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Japan will come together in the RDS to demonstrate the apps, websites, games, and hardware projects they have designed and created.
As well as hundreds of unique projects, attendees will hear from inspirational speakers and leading educational technology experts and have the opportunity to try out the latest tech innovations and resources available.
This family and educator friendly event is free for all young people under 18 to attend.
https://dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/coderdojo-coolest-projects-international/
Africa Day
Sunday 27th May 2018 at 11.00am – 6.00pm
Farmleigh House & Estate
Phoenix Park
Dublin 15
The event will see three stages of live music featuring well-known African and Irish musicians; children’s entertainment; traditional African drumming and dance workshops; African arts and crafts and much more.The family-friendly event is also FREE to attend.
https://dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/africa-day/
Baby and Toddler Week May 2018
Monday 30th April – Sunday 6th May at 10.30am – 11.30am
Giddy Studios
Dundrum
Dublin
Price: €8.50 per person*
We are running a gorgeous ‘Baby & Toddler Week’ from Monday 30th of April to Sunday 6th May 2018 with guest speakers and play sessions across 7 different areas (Full list below).
Each attendee will also get to paint a pottery tile with their baby or toddler’s handprint as part of their session.
Price: €8.50 = entry fee per participating child on ‘Play Days’. On ‘Expert Talk Days’ a ticket must be bought per attending adult. Price includes session + one free pottery tile + tea or coffee (tea/coffee only served on ‘Expert Talk Days’).
Any mugs painted at this session (optional activity) are discounted to €12 (from €16).
Baby & Toddler Week Line Up below:
{Please note you must visit each eventbrite page to book a different session}:
Monday April 30th – – Harmony Yoga – Toddler Yoga Session
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/harmony-yoga-toddler-yoga-class-12mths-giddystudios-babytoddler-week-tickets-45113048342
Tuesday May 1st – Mummycooks – Weaning & Food Advice – Baby & Toddler
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/mummycooks-weaning-food-advice-class-giddy-studios-with-siobhan-berry-tickets-45113334197
Wednesday May 2nd – Giddy Studios – Canvas Messy Play Class – Baby and Toddler
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/canvas-messy-play-class-with-the-giddy-studios-team-tickets-45113542821
Thursday May 3rd – Yo Yo Mindfulness – Toddler Mindfulness Class – Fun Breathing Techniques
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/toddler-mindfulness-class-giddy-studios-with-nicola-from-yo-yo-mindfulness-tickets-45114420446
Friday May 4th – The Nursery – Sleep Advice – Baby & Toddler
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-nursery-sleep-advice-class-giddy-studios-with-niamh-oreilly-tickets-45114601989
Saturday May 5th – Solamh – Importance of Play on Building Relationships with Our Children – Child Psychology
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/solamh-importance-of-play-on-building-relationships-with-our-children-tickets-45114798577
Sunday May 6th – SENSEable Tots – Fun and Educational Sensory Class – Baby and Toddler
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sensory-class-with-senseable-tots-giddystudios-baby-toddler-week-tickets-45115078414
Perfect time to pre-order gorgeous Father’s Day commission pieces. Just pick your piece of pottery, we’ll take your little one’s prints and our artist will do the rest! A gorgeous present without any hassle!
Book now on the Eventbrite links above.
Bloom – Bord Bia
Thursday 31st May – Monday 4th June 2018
Phoenix Park
Dublin
Celebrate garden life at Ireland’s largest and most spectacular gardening event. Bloom was launched by Bord Bia in 2007 primarily as a promotional vehicle for horticulture; providing a showcase for garden plants, garden design, construction, horticulture and gardening as a hobby. Based on similar successful formats such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Shows and RHS Hampton Court Palace shows, Bloom has numerous highly creative gardens and plant displays which are used to inspire and excite the public about gardening and garden design. The OPW’s support and provision of 70 acres at the heart of the Phoenix Park has assisted Bord Bia in developing a show with a greater diversity of content than traditional garden shows. Bord Bia’s wider remit across food, drink and horticulture has enabled the development a consumer show that engages the public with artisan and Bord Bia Quality Assured food, meeting Ireland’s top chefs and cooks and learning more about and experiencing Irish fruit, vegetables and potato production. Bloom, which is organised by Bord Bia, celebrates its 12th anniversary this year.
https://dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/bloom/
Dr.Osity’s After-School Science Class Term 3
Until June 2018
Imaginosity
Dublin Children’s Museum
Beacon South Quarter
Sandyford
Dublin 18
Join Imaginosity’s crazy Dr.Osity for a 3rd BRAND NEW 11 week term of FUN packed, interactive hands-on scientific learning!
EVERY week will include hands-on experimentation, scientific exploration and museum discovery, with ALL NEW class material, making it perfect for both new (and returning) Mini Scientists!
Classes take place in the museum every Wednesday from 3-5pm and include one hour of class based exploration, and one hour of supervised play on the museum floor. Classes are suitable for children aged 5-9 years.
Term 3 will run for 11 weeks (from 11th April – 27th June 2018 (excluding May mid-term break) priced at €110. Remember, Imaginosity members can benefit from a further 10% off all after-school prices.
Natural History Museum – Seasonal Activity – Summer Sun
1st May – 31st May During Opening Hours
Natural History Museum
Dublin 2
For some animals, it is warm all year long, depending on where they live – follow the Summer Sun trail to find out more! Copies of this activity sheet trail are available at the stands in Reception and the Irish Room. Don’t forget your pencil! Wheelchair accessible.
Event Type: Drop-in Activity
Topic: Natural History
Audience: Families
Venue: Merrion Street (Natural History)
https://www.museum.ie/Visit-Us/Events?id=3645
Wobbler Toddler – Imaginosity
Every Tuesday-Friday from 9.30am-12.30pm during term-time
We host Wobbler & Toddler mornings especially for our youngest visitors! Scheduled during quiet mornings, these mornings allow young children to explore the museum at their own pace, incorporating structured activities that will promote early learning and pre-school readiness. All Wobbler & Toddler activities are included with general admission to Imaginosity.
Hope you like our suggestions!
Have a great May 🙂
Eimear x
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