A selection of things to do this weekend around Ireland.
Autism Awareness Day - Tayto Park
To support and raise awareness for Autism Ireland, Tayto Park will be creating an autism-friendly environment in the park on November 18th with the intention of allowing parents of children with autism and their children to enjoy our facilities.
There is no getting away from it now, the Christmas season has started and will dominate events for the next two months. This week sees the return of the popular market in Eyre Square, with a 32m observation wheel and lots of Christmas gift ideas. Santa will be there too!
This Saturday afternoon, the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) will be co-hosting an exciting free family-friendly event in Dublin with the National Children’s Choir to celebrate Universal Children’s Day.
There will be lots of fun and exciting activities including face painting, drummers, DJ and the National Children's Choir.
Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza. Join The Cat in the Hat as he takes you on a journey into the fantastical, bombastical and songtastical world of Dr Seuss.
From 19th – 22nd November, EastSide Arts and Connswater Community Greenway will present the 3rd C.S. Lewis Festival.
Events over the weekend include Narnia Storytelling on Saturday 18 November 10 am – 2 pm in Sydenham Methodist Church and Discovering Animal-Land: Crafty Drop-In & Treasure Hunt.
Children aged 3-11 are invited to a themed treasure hunt around C.S. Lewis Square with the opportunity to create their own fantastical creature in a facilitated crafty workshop.
Dublin at Christmas Procession
This year a procession of light that will illuminate the entire city with one magical Christmas event on Sunday from 17:30.
Starting at the Stephen’s Green end of Grafton St and the Capel Street end of Mary St, performers LUXe will lead both processions through the streets of Dublin before joining together in a beautiful celebration on O’Connell Street, where the Lord Mayor of Dublin will switch on the lights of the 40ft Christmas tree.
This year's festival starts on Saturday when Santa arrives at John Roberts Square at 4pm.
Visit the Winterval Christmas Market in Cathedral Square for the unique and wonderful Winterval Illuminate Christmas light show every 30 minutes over weekend evenings and every night in the last week before Christmas.
There is also a FREE toddler's play area suitable for under 5s on Saturdays & Sundays at the House of Waterford Crystal.
A visit to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair takes all the stress out of starting your Christmas shopping combining a beautiful location with a huge variety of crafts and design.
The Ballymaloe Craft Fair will take place on Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Ballymaloe House from 10 am to 6 pm both days. Entry is €3 and children under 16 are FREE.
Enjoy a day out with family and friends and browse 100+ craft, design and food stalls for unique and special Christmas gifts or something for yourself, whilst your children are entertained.
Tipperary Town Christmas Lights Switch On
The fun starts at 4.00 p.m on Saturday with MC DJ Mossie Richardson, Kiddies Funfair Rides and Games, Music by Galbally NS Band and Carol singers from St. Josephs Girls School Tipperary Town and Circle of Friends Choir and Tipperary Vintage Rally Club Members to distribute goodies to the Children
Santa Claus to arrive at 5.15 p.m. by Polar Express provided by Tipperary Vintage Rally accompanied by Pride of Tipperary Michelle McLaughlin and will officially turn on the Christmas Lights.
The Open Day in GMIT on Sunday will feature an exciting blend of fantastic interactive shows from a Reptile Village to The Bubble Show; industry demonstrations where you can try out the exciting ‘Dream Flyer'; hands-on workshops such as Madlabs, Building Robots; presentations, free-giveaways and opportunities for all.
It's a great day out for all ages and you're sure to find something of interest. All events are free of charge and there will be free parking at the event.
A magical night-time spectacular event, featuring giant colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures inspired by wildlife, is now open at Dublin Zoo.
It promises to get you into a festive mood with Chinese performers and craft market with foods and warm drinks.
On Saturday afternoon, the Museum of Archaeology in Dublin hosts Ancient Animal Bones.
Join Animal Osteologist, Dr Ruth Carden, for a special Science Week workshop and see some animal bones from Viking Dublin and find out about animal bones and teeth along with the scientific techniques and experiments that archaeologists use to tell us about animals in the past and how people interacted with them.
The is a fun event for young off-road cyclists on Sunday 19th November with a youth off-road cycling race event on the grounds of Russborough House. Registration is at 9 am with €5 entry. Everyone is welcome with spaces for U6 to over 60.
The 2017 IFI French Film Festival runs for twelve days this year, from November 15th to 26th. Ireland’s largest French cultural event, now in its 18th year, includes 19 Irish premières, and will welcome Oscar-nominated writer-director-actress Agnès Jaoui, writer-director Léa Mysius, and this year’s winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, Robin Campillo and is supported by RTÉ Supporting the Arts
