Things to do in November in Dublin and surrounding areas
I have put together a list of things to do with your family in November 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!
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Thursday 1st November 2018 – Sunday, 6th January 2019 from 5pm-9pm
Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
Dive into an Ocean of Light at this year’s Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo, with an entirely new cast of illuminated giant silk lanterns celebrating the wonders of the life aquatic. From giant squid to polar bears, penguins, colossal blue whales and dainty seahorses, Dublin Zoo, once again, will be transformed into a world of illumination with lanterns tailor-made especially for this year’s event.
Traditional Chinese performers, a craft market and an array of Asian food will make Wild Lights 2018 a truly unforgettable night where friends and families celebrate the festive season together.
November: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
December: Every evening (Monday – Sunday). However, it will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day.
January: Tuesday 1st January – Sunday, 6th January
How is Wild Lights 2018 different to last year?
Spectacular new themes feature in this year’s enchanting experience – dive into an Ocean of Light, where schools of vibrant fish, luminous jellyfish and the endangered hammerhead shark reside. Walk through Winter Wonderland, home to Arctic favourites such as polar bears and penguins. Explore Celebrating China, a flavour of the east, and dash up to The North Pole where a dazzling 16-metre high silk Christmas tree sparkles on high.
Wild Lights Ticket Prices
Adults: €20
Child: €15
Under 3s: €0
Student: €16
Senior Citizen: €16
Wild Lights Dublin Zoo Annual Pass Holder Prices
Adults: €18
Child: €12
https://dublinzoo.ie/wildlights/
Half Light – Bombinate Theatre at The Ark
Thursday 1st November – Saturday 3rd November
The Ark
11A Eustace St
Temple Bar
Dublin, D02 A590
We welcome Bombinate Theatre to The Ark with this engaging and heartwarming show for ages 8+.
‘Imagine this: you’re walking up a mountain, through a forest of pine trees, and you’re trying to find your Dad. He’s been taken by a monster.’
Meet Robin, a ten-year-old boy travelling through the magical woodland of his father’s storybook. A tale which is as true as it is untrue.
Half dark and half light.
https://www.facebook.com/events/239308350066459/
National Museum of Ireland
Thursday 1st – Friday 30th November
We bring history to life for over a million visitors every year. At our three Dublin sites and one in Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) holds the national collections of Archaeology, Decorative Arts, History, Ethnography, Folklife and Natural History in trust for the people of Ireland. Our mission is to put people – visitors, staff and partners – at the centre of all that we do, and engage with them in new and creative ways. And with over four million objects in our collections, we have a continual source of inspiration for our programmes.
Please click on the link below to discover all the events taking place across the four Museum sites.
https://www.museum.ie/Visit-Us/Events
Giddy Studios
Friday 9th November 10.30am – 11.30am
Giddy Studios
Dundrum
Dublin 16
Come along to Giddy Studios for lots of messy canvas painting & play in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
We will spend an hour doing lots of painting and handprints on a canvas – leaving everyone with a beautiful masterpiece to take home!
Admission is €12 which includes all materials, with pre-booking required. Call 01-2960303 for more details and to book.
We can’t wait to see lots of little beanies and their mums and dads soon for some messy fun!
https://www.facebook.com/events/744369962578289/
Childrens Art Classes at National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
Saturday 11th November 11.00am – 4.00pm
National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
300 Botanic Road, Dublin 9
*10 Euro per child. Booking Essential Call 01 857 0909*
Budding Artists
Join our ‘budding’ artists, a creative workshop especially for younger children taking place once a month, under the attentive eye of artist Niamh Synnott. Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities. Suitable for 4 to 7 year olds.
Time: 11.00am-12.30pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre
Cost: €10. Booking Essential
https://www.facebook.com/events/818055301919069/
Grandparents go free at Imaginosity each term-time Tuesday
Tuesday 12th, 19th, 26th November 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=abou
Marlay Craft Fair – Marlay Park
Friday 16th November 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 17th- Sunday – 18th November 10.00am – 5.00pm
Marlay Park Main House
16 Grange Road
Dublin 16
Marlay Craft Fair is a yearly event. Displaying the best of Irish handmade crafts. It’s a lovely place to come meet up with friends, have some lunch in our cafe in the house and enjoy finding some truly gorgeous gifts in a very stress free environment. Knowing that by coming to the fair you are also supporting Fighting Blindness, a charity which gives support to those with vision impairment and total sight loss
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Marlay-Craft-Fair-174091199315991/events/?ref=page_internal
Christmas Island – the Santa Experience
Saturday 17th November to Sunday 23rd of December
Christmas Island
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Rathdrum
Co Wicklow
Join us at Christmas Island for festive fun and an unforgettable and unique Christmas experience!
Your experience will include an exciting journey on The North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island where you’ll meet Santa’s Elves for an activity, singing and dancing. You will then depart Christmas Island on Santa’s giant sleigh boat headed to see the big man himself in Santa’s Grotto. If you’re good and paying attention, then you may even see Rudolph! Be sure to bring your camera for lots of photo opportunities!!
Only Santa Experience in Ireland with Both a Train and Boat!
• Enchanted Train Journey to the Fairy Forest
• Meet the Elves & Get Creative – Make a decoration to take home
• Sing & Dance with Santa’s Elves – Kids get Magnetic Snowman Buddy
• Boat Journey to Santa’s Grotto – Kid’s receive Elf Medal
• Visit Santa (all kid’s receive a present & sweet treat)
• Colouring Competition & Letters to Santa
• Festive Christmas Cinema Room
• Kid’s Playground & Santa’s Mini Golf
• Food, Drink and Professional Photo (extra fee)
• Thousands of Twinkling Lights & Much More
• Magical Photo Opportunities Throughout
https://www.christmasisland.ie/
Rathwood Santa Train Experience 2018
Saturday 17th November to Sunday 23rd of December
Rathwood
Carlow
CREATING HAPPY FAMILY MEMORIES FOR 15 YEARS
Rathwood’s Santa Train Adventure is Ireland’s most popular Santa Experience.
We invite you to share in the magic of Christmas and join us on a journey through the Enchanted Forest to visit Santa as he prepares for the most wonderful time of the year.
€16 per Child/Baby €10 per Adult
Christmas at Powerscourt Estate
Saturday 17th November to Sunday 23rd of December
Powerscourt Estate
Enniskerry
Co. Wicklow
The Big Guy is back! Yes, that’s right, it’s that time of year again. Santa Claus himself will be making his way to Avoca Powerscourt very soon! From Saturday 17th November Santa and Mrs Claus will be joining us at Avoca Powerscourt, where we will have a Winter wonderland set to surprise and delight all our visitors. Christmas animals at the Powerscourt Garden Pavilion, tasty festive treats, Winter walks, gifting workshops at Cool Planet and more, this year’s Christmas Festivities at Avoca Powerscourt have it all!
https://www.facebook.com/events/884175125124090/
INREDA Christmas Fair – Clontarf Castle
Sunday 18th and Sunday 25th November 10.00am – 6.00pm
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Clontarf
Dublin 3
INREDAs Christmas Fair in a beautiful Clontarf Castle Hotel in centre of Clontarf, picturesque village in Co. Dublin. Each year the Clontarf Castle Hotel is transformed into a magical Christmas Shopper’s paradise, as over 50 stand packed full of gorgeous Christmas gift take over The Grand Hall of Clontarf Castle Hotel.
https://www.facebook.com/events/442198046270389/?event_time_id=442198056270388
Go Wild about Nature – Botanic Gardens
Sunday 18th November 11.30am – 12.30pm
National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
300 Botanic Road, Dublin 9
Suitable for ages 7-12
Open your eyes to the natural world with this special interactive nature-themed event from Juanita Browne, author of The Great Big Book of Irish Wildlife (The O’Brien Press). Juanita will explore Irish nature through the seasons – from what’s in your back garden to our mountains, rivers, forests, and seas. Learn about Irish birds, mammals, plants, insects, and amphibians. From fascinating facts to weird and wonderful natural phenomena this fun event is not to be missed. Organised with Dublin Book Festival
Entry is free.
Please book at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/go-wild-about-nature-tickets-50910206799
The Santa Experience – Dunnes Stores
The Santa Experience welcomes all the good boys & girls back for another fun filled festive season in 2018
Come visit us in Limerick, Cork, Dublin and our new location Tallaght, Dublin 24! Join us and take a magical journey through the Elves Post Office, Santa’s Stable, the Sleigh Station, The North Pole and finally Santa’s magical cabin! On the way you will meet Elves, Polar bears, Penguins and of course Santa Claus himself. If you are really lucky you might even get to ride in his sleigh!
Book now to secure your preferred date and time!
Ho Ho Hope to see you soon!
http://www.santaexperience.ie/
Christmas Experience – Airfield Estate
Saturday 24th November – Monday 24th December
Airfield Estate
Overend Way
Dundrum
Dublin 14
We’re delighted to announce the return of our annual Christmas Experience.
Last year’s winners of the Silver Award for ‘Ireland’s Best Santa Experience’ with Boots Maternity and Infant Awards, The Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate is a wonderful, old-fashioned, traditional Christmas event for all the family.
http://www.airfield.ie/santa/
Santa’s Journey – Roundwood
Saturday 24th November – Sunday 23rd December
Djouce Golf Club
Roundwood
Co Wicklow
As Christmas approaches, Santa, with the help of his industrious elves and Mrs. Claus have created a magical journey in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains. This enchanted train journey sets off from Ginger bread Junction where you will laugh sing and enjoy your trip through the enchanted winter wonderland.
After your short trip on Santa’s North Pole Express train, you will arrive at the North Pole Station where you will be greeted by Cookie the Elf. Cookie will guide you towards Mrs.Claus Winter Cabin where Mrs.Claus is waiting to meet all the children. Enjoy an Audience with Mrs. Claus before entering Santa’s Winter Workshop for a special mini show with our funniest elves. Then through the secret passageway to meet Santa himself. This year children and families will be meeting Santa individually so you have some family time with the Santa all to yourself!
Tickets cost €12.50 for adults and €18 for children which includes a complimentary gift from Santa.
Santa’s House Express
Saturday 24th November – Sunday 23rd December
Palmerstown House Estate
Johnstown
Co Kildare
Santa’s House Express is back at the 5* Palmerstown House Estate this Christmas for its 5th year running! We are so excited to have Santa Claus residing in his beautiful Manor home for the weeks coming up to Christmas!! Along with Mrs Claus, the Elves, and lots of characters!
New Attractions– 2018 sees the arrival of our amazing Family Festival Funfair – fun for all the family in this extended area with many new attractions added. Enjoy free unlimited rides for all the family when you confirm your booking and join our member’s club.
Check in and receive your Boarding pass and let your festive journey begin. Depart on Santa’s Polar Express Train through the beautiful grounds of Palmerstown House Estate till you reach the manor.
Jump off the Santa train at Santa’s magnificent Manor Home and enter into the stunning, glistening hallway. In Santa’s house, you will be invited to step inside a magical fun filled room where you will meet Twinkle the Fairy, before visiting Mrs Claus in her sitting room where she will tell you all the stories about looking after the main man himself. Venture up the magnificent staircase and visit Santa in his reading room. Santa will greet & spend some time with you all & of course, have a special present for all the boys and girls who were very good throughout the year!! Don’t forget to bring your letter!
A warm festive welcome awaits you back at the Lodge. Make sure to sample some of the delicious food on offer – The restaurant at Palmerstown will be offering lunch, dinner & hot carvery options daily. You are welcome here before or after your visit for a bite, no reservation needed. There will also be a catering unit outside, serving up delicious hot chocolate & other drinks, as well as crepes & tasty festive treats.
Make sure to explore our new Enchanted Fairy Forest as well as visiting the stables where you will meet the Reindeer, our resident Turkey and their friends before you say your goodbyes. Don’t forget we have professional photo gifts available of your group in Santa’s Sleigh! It will truly be a magical journey from start to finish!
https://www.facebook.com/santashouseexpress/
Winter Warmers Class- Airfield Estate
Sunday 25th November 10.00am – 12.00pm
Airfield Estate
Overend Way
Dundrum
Dublin 14
We have a brilliant class taking place in November for budding chefs!
Winter warmers is suitable for kids from 8-12 and they will learn all about making a veggie stew from scratch and maybe even make their own hot chocolate to warm the hands afterwards.
http://www.airfield.ie
Luggwoods Christmas event
Friday 30th November – Sunday 23rd December
Luggwoods
The Lugg
Saggart
Co. Dublin
‘Santa’s Enchanted Forest’ Christmas experience is back bigger and better again this year at Luggwoods. Meet the real Santa, Enjoy the magic of the Forest and amazing City views. Christmas as it should be. Authentic Christmas atmosphere close to home.
http://luggwoods.ie/
Bricks4Kitz Drop and Play, Omni Park Shopping Centr
Monday – Friday: 10 pm to 5.30 pm
Sat: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Sunday & Bank Holiday: 12 pm to 5.30 pm
Creativity Centre
Omni Park Shopping Centre
Unit 229
Santry
Dublin 9
Our new Creativity Centre opened it’s doors on Friday 6th October 2017. Our creativity centre is home to LEGO® themed holiday camps, birthday parties, school tours, after-school classes and workshops as well as a drop off facility. It’s a bright new facility offering something different for our children.
We have troughs of Lego for children to build from the imagination. We also have a large test ramp for testing and racing cars the children build. It’s always interesting to watch the children build different size cars and quickly make changes when they realise their car doesn’t go fast or far enough. Will they modify it with different wheels, or a pull back motor?
Children will be supervised by our Garda Vetted staff leaving you free for shopping, get the hair done (handy having Kris Morton right next door) or just a peaceful break in one of the many cafes in the centre. There’s also a gym opening in the New Year so you can build that into your New Year resolutions!
We recommend from age 4+ for our drop and play facility.
Opening Hours Creativity Centre
https://www.bricks4kidz.ie/fingal-santry/creativity-centre/
Russborough House and Parkland
Russborough
Blessington
Co Wicklow
Rediscover Russborough – rich in paintings collected by the Earls of Milltown and donated to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1902 by lady Geraldine Milltown. They will be on view in their original surroundings for the first time in over 100 years.
Designed by Richard Castle for the 1st Earl of Milltown in 1742, Russborough is a cherished and renowned part of Ireland’s architectural heritage. The façade, the longest of any house in Ireland, stretches seven hundred feet across the landscape at the foot of the Wicklow mountains.
The RHSI 18th century walled garden is available for pre booked groups.
Family Fun, Maze, Fairy trail, Playground, Tree trail
2km audio walking tour of the Demesne
Restaurant and Gift shop
Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from 1st March to December.
Free Coach Park.
€2 Car Park fee.
Tel: +353 (0)45 865239
Website: www.russborough.ie
https://powerscourt.com/events/pumpkin-carving-kids
Email: friedaoconnell@russborough.ie
Hope you like our suggestions!
Have a great November:)
Eimear x
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