10 Free Family Friendly Things to Do in Ireland for the Month of August
With the school holidays flying by, we have some inspiration to help you make the most of rest of the Summer. Four weeks to fill with free family friendly fun days out….
10 Free Family Friendly Things to Do in Ireland for the Month of August
Castlerea Rose Festival
August 2nd-6th
A lovely community festival in Co. Roscommon. With a parade, lots of Live Street Music and culminating in the crowning of the Rose of Castlerea, most events during the five days are free.
Kilmihil Festival of Fun
August 4th-7th
The Kilmihil Festival of Fun in Co. Clare is all about family. Highlights include the famous Pig Races; the wonderful Cultural Parade; the lakeside Bar-B-Que and the Dan O’Halloran 10km Fun Run and Cycle
Kildysart Street Festival
August 1st-7th
Down the road at the Kildysart Street Festival there will be all the family favorites. With Bouncy Castles, Novelty Races, a Car Treasure Hunt and Duck Races the whole family will have a ball. Best of all, the Liam McCarthy Cup will be in attendance. Tá áthas orm an corn seo a ghlacadh…
O’Carolan Harp Festival and Traditional Music Festival
August 4th-7th
The pretty town of Kedue will be buzzing with traditional music for the August Bank Holiday weekend. While some events are ticketed, there will be lots of free Street Entertainment and a festival parade. The weekend will be a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to a special part of our musical heritage.
Children’s Workshop: Budding Botanist – Collecting & Pressing Flowers
August 9th
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin have a wonderful summer programme of events for children. Moreover, many of them are free (although most require pre-booking). This workshop in particular caught our eye. Children get to construct their very own flower press. Hopefully the morning’s instruction will be followed by many busy afternoons collecting and pressing flowers.
Woodland Explorers – A family adventure in the woods at Turlough Park
August 9th
Bring your wellies and your imagination for a family adventure in the woods at Turlough Park. Families with children aged 4 -10 years will learn about shelter building, nature crafts, scavenger hunting and more. Your mini Bear Grylls will have a ball. See here for booking information and be sure to check out some of the other great events at the Country Life museum. Entry to the museum is free and a must-do for any visitors to Co. Mayo
Sligo Summer Festival
August 10th-12th
Staying on the West Coast, the Sligo Summer Festival is one of the best value events of the summer. Children under 12 are free and daily admission for adults is just €3. For this, expect top class performances from Aslan, The Blizzards and lots of great local performers. Sunday is Family FunDay. Again there will be great Live Music and plenty of action to keep your little ones enthralled.
Waterford Walls 2017
August 17th-20th
The city of Waterford will become a giant art gallery for this spectacular festival. Professional artists will transform over 50 buildings across Ireland’s oldest city. For any children who have a penchant for writing on walls, show them how it’s really done. Though maybe you should hide the permanent markers when you get home…..
Cootehill Arts Festival
August 22nd-27th
The Co. Cavan town of Cootehill has a jam packed programme of events for this Arts Festival. Some events are ticketed but there are lots of free exhibitions and activities planned. However, what we are most excited about is the Cootehill Scarecrow Festival that runs concurrently with the festival. And at €10 to enter, maybe your children could have a go at making their own.
Ukulele Hooley by the Sea
August 26th and 27th
Finish off the holidays in style in People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire at the Ukulele Hooley by the Sea. There will be amazing live performances and thrilling jam sessions. Celebrate this tiny guitar-like instrument and enjoy relaxed vibes at this free seaside festival.
Don’t forget to check www.inspireme.ie regularly throughout the summer to find lots of inspiration for free family friendly things to do in your own locality. And sign up here to receive regular updates on what’s on in your locality.
All information correct at time of publishing. Always check with event organiser before you travel.