It's a short week this week so there is less time to pick some fun things to do this weekend.
We've made it a bit easier by doing all the research for you.
Bike Week the annual national celbration of cycling, starts this weekend. Bike Week sees local authorities, bike clubs, community groups and charities organise various cycling events. Bike Week has events for cyclists of all ages and ability (and none) right across the country including free bike checks, fun cycles, lunchtime city rides, heritage cycles, electric bike races, school cycling events, bike festivals, road races and much more.
The third Howth Literary & Arts Festival will take place in beautiful Howth Castle this weekend. The literary and artistic programme includes drama, cultural history and literary arts events including Sean Moncrieff talking about Echoland, a gripping thriller set in Dublin during World War Two, there is a performance of Samuel Beckett's lyric poems and a selection of Percy French's music, poetry and song.
The UK’s top gaming festival returns for a second year to the INEC Killarney, with three days of gaming fun for everybody to PC-gaming fanatics to technology fans and smaller gamers. Favourites returning for 2017 include the Virtual Reality and Tech Zone, the Minecraft Zone, and the Insomnia Stage—where top Irish YouTube stars including ChooChoosGaming, DAGamesofficial, and TheJamesMC will appear.
Bring the kids on a trip back in time at the stately Curraghmore House, the venue for one of Ireland's most delightful country fairs. They can enjoy dressage and gymkhana-style events, as well as falconry and sheepdog trials. Local craftspeople will show their wares, and artisan producers will be on hand to serve you delicious local food. Try out fly fishing and archery, and visit the medieval village.
Dublin Civic Trust is running its annual Dublin Garden Squares Day - now in its eighth year - on Saturday 10th June. Enjoy free expert walking tours of Dublin’s five main Georgian squares and associated parks and gardens in this annual staple event. Discover the history of these magnificent urban gardens, their plants and wildlife, the people who once used them and the historic buildings around them. Tours take place all day on a first-come basis, no booking is required and all events are free.
The National History musuem have a special Zoo in my Garden tour with Catherine McGuinness at 2:15pm & 3:30pm on Saturday where you can learn all about critters at the end of your garden!
Theatre, performance and free family friendly events are a big focus of Carlow Arts Festival this year and Festival HQ is the place to be for all the family. There are loads of free events including the Book Clinic, Sing Along Social, Running away with the circus among many more shows.
The award winning Irish Maritime Festival takes place at the Port in the heritage town of Drogheda, Co. Louth. Every year, this busy commercial port transforms into a family friendly festival site. The mythical River Boyne and magnificent viaduct are the backdrop for all the fun that the Festival has to offer
The hugely popular Classic Car Show returns to Wells House in Wexford where motoring enthusiasts display their collection from modern day sports to vintage cars!
There will be lots of family entertainment, a BBQ and live music add with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Ireland.
Sammy the Seal’s birthday takes place during the weekend of the Wexford Seafood Festival. The event showcases the best of local produce with a number food stalls, tastings and cooking demonstrations. There will also be boat trips and paddle boarding to the Black Castle and Wicklow Head, water activities on South Quay, Pirate’s Cove Train, puppet shows, face painting and live music all along the quays.
World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. To celebrate World Ocean Day, Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest native species aquarium, has a jam-packed day of fun family events including Mad Science with slime, goo and rockets, build a ‘bottle wave maker’, create a range of fun art prints, see the divers, meet the RNLI, try the ‘Mad Dash’ and the launch of their new #OurOcean exhibit with down2earth materials. The fun takes place on Sunday from 12pm - 5pm.
Castlerock Clydesdale Show & Funday
A great fun family day out. There will be horse judging and a parade of the Clydesdales in the afternoon. But it's not all about the beautiful horses to admire as there will be craft stalls, a bouncy castle, penalty kicks and a BBQ for the whole family to enjoy.
IzzyB's Away with the Fairies Day
Fun family day out in Strokestown Park on Sunday afternoon to raise awareness and funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation that supports Ireland's fight against childhood cancer.
Featuring acts from America, the UK, Europe, and of course Ireland, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival with its delectable programme bursting with gigs, more than one massive festival, workshops, and craft showcases by local instrument makers.
Funderland finishes up this weekend in Limerick. There are a host of attractions that are sure to keep even the most seasoned thrill seekers entertained; whether you want to be spun around, suspended upside down, turned over or whisked through the air.
Attractions include Dumbo, Take-Off, Frisbee, Jungle River, Bounce World, Magic Cirkus and much more.
Cork Harbour Festival celebrates the city's maritime heritage with its third annual edition this year boasting all sorts of fun activities.
There are loads of events scheduled throughout the week including loads of fun things to do for all the family.
Annual Bonfire Sports & Dog Show
A fun family day out opposite the Sliabh Beagh Hotel and Tourism Centre in Knocktallan. The Dog Show starts at 4pm with lots of categories for dogs of all sizes as well as a Dog you would most like to take home. Loads There will also be plenty for all the family to enjoy including bouncy castles, music, running, football.
The carnival continues during the week with a number of the most popular events including the Fashion Show, Pig Race and Taste of Carrick as well as Stunt Bike displays, Vintage Cars and a Massive Truck Display.
