10 Free Family Friendly things to do this August.

 
 
2018 will go down in the record books as one of the best summers this country has ever seen. With all this sunshine, we have no excuse not to get out and about and enjoy the many festivals and events that are happening around Ireland. But August can be an expensive month with (whisper it..) back to school kit to be bought. So we have gathered up 10 fantastic and free family friendly things to do this August.
 

Spraoi 2018, Waterford

3rd – 5th of August
The city of Waterford will come alive for the August Bank Holiday weekend. From acrobatics to busking, from jazz jams to magic shows, this really is a phenomenal festival. Smallies have their own festival within a festival. SprÓg is based in Garter Lane Arts Centre and there are lots of shows and workshops planned. Find out more here.
 
 

Birr Vintage Week, Offaly

3rd – 12th of August
Birr Vintage Week is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Always a great festival, our highlights include the festival parade which takes place on Sunday the 5th and the Annual Air Show & Family Fun Day on Monday the 6th. But there’s so much more on offer. Free children’s yoga anyone? Find out more here.
 

Carlingford Oyster Festival 2018, Louth

9th -13th August
While there’s very little chance you’ll get your children to swallow an oyster, you are pretty much guaranteed that they’ll have a ball over four fun filled days at the Carlingford Oyster festival. There will be plenty of children’s activities including Magic Shows, Face Painting, the ever popular Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Free Kayaking in the Harbour, Children’s Funfair & Bouncing Castles. Find out more here
 

Clonmel Busking Festival, Tipperary

9th – 12th August
Clonmel will come alive with the sound of music for it’s annual busking festival. The Kids Street Festival on the Friday should be great fun. There will be free candy-floss and popcorn, along with live music and street entertainment. Find out more here.
 

 

Cruinniú Na MBád Festival, Galway

11th -12th August
The beautiful seaside town of Kinvara hosts one of Ireland’s longest running traditional sailing festivals. Sit on the pier and watch the Galway Hookers sail between Connemara and Kinvara. Then soak up the atmosphere, enjoy some music and the obligatory bouncy castles! Find out more here.
 

Kildare Town Medieval Festival, Kildare

12th August
Every year, Kildare steps back in time to create a brilliant day out for all the family. Activities on the day include a falconry display,  Medieval games and a craft area. There will be lots of music and food. If you really want to get into the festival mood, why not come in Medieval Dress? Find out more here
 

A Festival of Nations, Dublin

18th August
Mountjoy Square will be the scene for celebrations of diversity and togetherness. With a Flags Parade, Music, Face-Painting, the Friendship World Cup and lots more fun and games, this will be a lovely way to spend a Saturday in Dublin. Find out more here.
 

Cootehill Arts Festival, Cavan

21st- 26th August
The Cootehill Arts Festival brings an eclectic mix of events to Cavan from the 21st to the 26th August. Lots of the events are free including, Fuss on a Bus. This musical play that tells the story of life by way of a bus journey.  Perhaps your children could win a prize in the scarecrow competition? The Street Parade is always a highlight of the festival and takes place on Sunday afternoon. Find out more here.
 

 

Blackrock Film Festival, Louth

22nd – 26th August
What better way to give summer a proper send-off than by attending the Blackrock Film Festival. This free, family-friendly event takes place in the charming seaside village of Blackrock in County Louth from 22nd to 26th August. Find out more here.
 

Bandon Walled Town Family Fun Day, Cork

26th August
History will come to life for the Bandon Family Fun Day. There will be battle reenactments, falconry displays, art workshops and face painting. Try the hay bale maze which will be built on the day. Or listen to some Irish and Polish music. And best of all, it’s totally free. Find out more here.
 
 

100’s of Free Family Friendly Things to Do 

This is only a small snapshot of the 100’s of free family friendly things to do this August.  Visit InspireMe.ie to find something happening in your locality. And sign-up to save your favorites.
 
Finally, all event details were correct at time of publication. Please confirm details with the event organisers before you travel.