Family Friendly Events this June Bank Holiday Weekend
This June Bank Holiday we are spoiled for choice with the range of events that are happening all over the country. And so many of them are tailor made for families. So why not check out some of our favourite family friendly events below. Or check out www.inspireme.ie for even more inspiring ideas. Then sit down with the kids and make a plan to ensure that this bank holiday will be one for the memory books.
Take time out at Tattersalls
Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair is one Ireland’s top horse shows. All are welcome to come to Ratoath in County Meath to watch the skill of world class horses and riders. There is three day eventing, dressage and many other horse-related activities. There is also lots of family fun to be had with shopping, food and entertainment on offer. This event runs from Wed 30th May to Sunday 3rd June. Find out more here.
Have a Ball in Balbriggan
The organisers of Balbriggan SummerFest have thought of everything this June bank holiday. There is a jam packed programme of exciting events from May 30th – June 3rd. On Friday 1st June there will be a carnival atmosphere with live music, bouncy castles, balloon making, face painting and lots more. Then on Sat 2nd the fun moves to the beach where there will be a sandcastle competition for budding architects (and competitive Dads!). Children’s beach races are followed by a family treasure hunt. Sunday is officially family funday. The gospel choir, a fantastic pet show, food fair, duck derby, teddy bear’s picnic are just some of the events that will ensure your family have a bank holiday they won’t forget. Fingal County Council are supporting this event. You can find all the details here.
Best of times in Bandon
Heading south to Cork, the Bandon Family Fun Fest is taking place on Friday 1st June. This event is celebrating the opening of the new footbridge. While the Duck race is self-explanatory, we are intrigued by the Best Dressed Duck Competition! There will be live music and dancing, amusements, food stalls and face painting. And for children who have an inner Banksy, how much fun does pavement chalking sound? Find out more here.
Red is the new black in Bantry
Anyone with a child who has gorgeous red hair and freckles (or who would love to) should head to Bantry in Cork for ‘Bantry Redfest – An Slua Rua’. This uniquely Irish festival celebrates the 0.6% of the world’s population who have this typical Irish colouring. All are welcome to this fun-filled weekend. There will be an outdoor cinema, a food village for tasty treats as well as children’s entertainment, a ceili where they can dance their heart out, and a fashion show. For all the details see here.
Jammin’ in Cavan
Killinkere in Co Cavan will have a Family Jamboree on Sunday 3rd. This Day out caters for the whole family. And best of all? Kids go free. There will be local businesses displaying their wares, birds of prey demonstrations, sheep dog trials and a tractor reversing competition. There will be play areas and sand pits, story telling and zip lines, bouncy castles and a BBQ. And after all that fun, everyone can join a football blitz where no doubt sporting endeavours will become future legends. For all the details, see here.
Gala fun in Ballyporeen
County Tipperary will also have lots of happy families this June Bank Holiday. Starting on Friday 1st, the Ballyporeen Gala festival 2018 will be delighting kids of all ages. GAA will take pride of place on Sat 2nd with a visiting team from London taking on the local U12’s in a hotly contested football match. This is followed by a duck derby, a treasure hunt, and fancy dress float parade. And Sun 3rd has another full day of activities planned to tire them out – children’s sports, carnival games, food and fun guaranteed. Find out more here.
Amazing in Athboy
The fantastically named Blue Jean Country Queen Festival 2018 is not to be missed if you are near Athboy this bank holiday. Saturday has live music and entertainment on the main street – where you can mortify the kids by throwing some shapes. Or let them practice their Mary Berry put downs at the Great Blue Jean Bake Off. On Sunday the fun starts at 12.30 with the Lark in the Park. With a healthy eating theme of ‘Five a Day’ there will be fancy dress football, followed by a fashion show for the festival queens. And if that wasn’t enough to keep them occupied there is music, sideshows, food and children’s attractions. Find out more here.
We have lots more great family friendly events on www.inspireme.ie . So don’t forget to check what’s on near you. Finally all details were correct at time of publication. Please confirm with the organisers before you travel. Sign up here to save your favorites.
