Family and Kids
Things to do in Dublin: Family and Kids
Ice Skating Whether you are just starting out with ice skating or are a seasoned pro, Dundrum On Ice offers the highest quality seasonal ice skating experience in Dublin today. Book for individual sessions as an individual or small group. Groups Have fun on the ice this festive season alongside your colleagues from work or your club team mates by booking a Group Skating session. It’s an ideal Winter activity suitable for all ages and abilities. Contact our Box Office for more details. Tap to call Box Office (01-5242101) School Skate Schools from every corner of Ireland have been making the annual trip to Dundrum on Ice since 2010. A large proportion of our calendar is reserved for school groups. To learn more, tap to call our booking line. Tap to call Box Office (01-5242101)
With all the wit, magic and fun that our audiences have come to expect from our hilarious panto, Robin Hood is the must-see panto of Christmas 2018. Starring some audience favourites and introducing stunning new talent, The Helix Panto always delivers the best family night out. The Helix Panto will run from Friday November 23rd until Sunday January 20th. The Helix and TheatreworX are once again delighted to announce that Temple Street Children’s University Hospital are our Charity Partner for this years run! Last year we managed to raise €12,000 for this wonderful cause and we hope to do it all over again. 100% of the proceeds from this show will go directly to Temple Street Childrens University Hospital. The Helix Panto was the first ever Pantomime to introduce a sensory performance. This has since become an incredibly important part of our Panto run: Adapted performances will take place on Tuesday 18th of December at 7pm which include no sudden noises or bangs, softer and brighter lighting, and music at a suitable level. There will be no flashing merchandise available in the venue during these times. Please see link for specific times and dates
Ice Skating has become part of an Irish Christmas. iSkate-on-Ice was introduced to the RDS in 2012 with huge success. iSkate-on-Ice is now located in Ring 4 at the RDS. Covering an area of 1000 Sq. metres. iSkate-on-Ice presented to you by Funderland – is Ireland’s only OUTDOOR ice skating rink –offering an unrivalled ice skating experience. Skating sessions are generally scheduled every 75 minutes, commencing at 10am until 7th January 2019 but please check our website for session times and availability as there is a maximum capacity permitted on the rink during each skating session. Groups in particular should contact our Agents by telephone (01) 6852439 to ensure they can be accommodated together on the rink. For Junior skaters, iSkate provides a kiddie rink for children from age 3 upwards with its balancing aids and double-bladed skates. iSkate-on-Ice at Winter Funderland will provide the ultimate outdoor ice skating experience this Christmas season. Ice Skates are included in the price and you are welcome to bring your own skates if you prefer. The Ice Rink can operate in almost all weather conditions. The Rink at the RDS is outdoor and skating sessions may be subject to cancellation due to inclement […]
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market is a feast for the seasonal senses as carefully selected vendors sell authentic hand-made gifts and delicious treats every weekend from November 24th to December 23rd on the metals and opposite dlr LexIcon from 11am to 7pm. Aromas of gourmet sausages, crepes, baked goods, Hungarian Beef Goulash Soup and Lángos, German Gluhwein and steaming hot chocolate will fill the air. Wander through the Christmas Market with hand-crafted gifts and decorations, jewellery, metal art, sculpture, photography and a whole host of very special quality gifts and treats that are not mass-produced but hand crafted with love. Dún Laoghaire has over 280 retail outlets and businesses. So why not swap city centre crowds and stuffed out-of-town shopping centres to browse, shop, relax and soak up the festive spirit of this magical seaside town. During the Christmas Festival, with every hour of parking purchased on street in the Dún Laoghaire town centre, one hour is free. Shops all over Dún Laoghaire town will be running; special promotional events in the run up to Christmas, extra trading hours and exclusive in-store promotions to add some extra festive cheer.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Gaiety Panto! The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since 1873. Today, families come from far and wide to experience the Gaiety Christmas Panto and for many it has become as much a family Christmas tradition as Santa himself! This year’s fabulous Gaiety Theatre pantomime is The Snow Queen
Well established as Northern Ireland’s biggest and most spectacular family pantomime, the Grand Opera House’s Festive show has entertained generations of families. With over 75,000 people attending the Theatre’s panto each year it’s never too early to book your tickets. Doomed to sell the family’s trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win the hand of the girl he loves! Jack and the Beanstalk features all of the ingredients of the perfect Grand Opera House panto: a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, magic beans, bundles of audience participation, stunning scenery and special effects, and fabulous costumes. With special rates for school parties, groups of 10+ and concessions available, book your tickets today.
Everyone’s favourite Panto is back with Snow White & The Adventures of Sammy Sausages and Buffy. “The charm of this panto is lost on nobody. […] Alan Hughes as Sammy Sausages draws the kids into this colouring-book world and Rob Murphy as Buffy is a force of nature” Irish Times
This loan exhibition presents a selection of the finest eighteenth-century Venetian works from the UK’s Royal Collection. Paintings, drawings and prints by Canaletto will be shown alongside groups of paintings and drawings by his contemporaries, including Sebastiano and Marco Ricci, Francesco Zuccarelli, and Giovanni Battista piazzetta. Most of these works were acquired by George III directly from Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice, who was a passionate collector, dealer and supporter of Venetian artists and Canaletto’s most enthusiastic patron. As well as offering superb examples of eighteenth century Venetian art, the exhibition gives a fascinating insight into the social circles and artistic networks of the period. The exhibition will be complemented by two publications: a full-length 400-page hardback catalogue and a mini-booklet featuring selected highlights.
We welcome Branar Téatar do Pháistí back to The Ark for the festive season with their gorgeous adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ best-selling picture book. Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure. Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, this adaptation combines puppetry with a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn, Branar’s signature storytelling creates a show which reminds us all to follow our dreams. The perfect festive treat for ages 4+. This is a nonverbal, deaf-friendly show. Weekend & Holiday performances Every Sat & Sun 8-30 Dec & Fri 28 Dec @ 2pm & 4pm School Day performances Wed 5-Fri 7, Wed 12-Fri 14 & Tue 18-Thu 20 Dec @ 10.15am & 12.15pm Relaxed Performances Wed 12 Dec @ 10.15am & 12.15pm Fri 28 Dec @ 4pm 45 Mins
A tale as old as time, featuring a host of well-loved characters and lovable crockery! Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle and the dreaded Beast in his lonely castle. Belle is beautiful, the Beast is – ahem – beastly and Gaston is still totally in love, with himself! A story of friendship and love, mixing magic and adventure with spectacular song and dance routines and special effects to entertain all the family! Written and directed by Geoff O’Keeffe Running from Friday 7th December up to Sunday 7th January School performances weekday mornings. (for school and group bookings please contact helen@milltheatre.ie or call us on 012969340) Weekends and over the holidays at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Sorcha Furlong (Orla, Fair City) as the Evil Baroness. Enya Martin (Giz a Laugh, YouTube sensation) as the InstaFairy Morgan Crowley (West End Star) as Dame Dottie. Ciara Murphy as Jill Cormac O’ Broin as Jack Introducting Dean Mulraney as the Giant The Civic are excited and proud to present ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’. Dublin’s most hilarious panto, will feature an all-star cast. This magical giant of a panto is a spectacular treat for all ages. Produced & directed by Rob Murphy (Cheerios Panto/ Civic Theatre Summer Camp). Wednesday 12th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm Thursday 13th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm Friday 14th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm Saturday 15th December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Sunday 16th December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Monday 17th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm UNAVAILABLE Tuesday 18th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE 6:30pm Wednesday 19th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm Thursday 20th December 2018: 11am & 6.30pm Friday 21st December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Sat 22nd December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Sun 23rd December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Wed 26th December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Thurs 27th December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Fri 28th December 2018: 2.30pm & 6.30pm Sat 29th […]
The Dublin Flea Christmas Market is a free-to-enter, family-friendly event with a festive feel. This year, back trading indoors at the Point Square, we are delighted to announce the market is being hosted over not one, but TWO long weekends (Thursday to Sunday): 6th – 9th December & 13th-16th December. With an entirely different selection of stalls on each weekend the market will be showcasing 280 Irish creative businesses in total this year. As a social enterprise we are delighted to partner with LEO Dublin City and Dublin City Council. Our aim for the market is to be an accessible platform to market for up-and-coming independent Irish businesses. Not only will shoppers find the best selection of quality antique, vintage and retro collectables, side-by-side with some of the countries most exciting up and coming designers, crafts people and entrepreneurs; they will be directly supporting independent Irish based businesses. Last year we welcomed over 35,000 visitors over four days, with an estimated spend of €1.75m. The market is a highly curated, (this year we received over 500 applications) and no two stalls are alike with no mass produced manufactured goods are on sale. If you want the pick of the pile […]
The Irish National Youth Ballet is staging an all new production of Cinderella with choreography by Kilian O’Callaghan to the wonderful Prokofiev score. INYB’s production of The Nutcracker in 2017 sold out all six of its performances, so early booking is advised! Performances will take place in the Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire, on December 14th, 15th and 16th.
Christmas at Farmleigh is a special time for all the family. Children will be enthralled by Magic Shows and Puppet Shows and will be captivated by Christmas Tales from Storytellers from all over Ireland. Seasonal treats, including Horse and Carriage Rides, a Live Crib and a Children’s Christmas Room will be there for all to enjoy. Christmas Food & Craft Markets, Farmyard 10am – 5pm Festive Crib, Outdoors 10am – 5pm Festive Barbershop Melodies with The Mellowchords, Outdoors 2pm – 4pm Christmas Puppet Show with Julie-Rose McCormick, in The Cowshed Theatre (Ticketed Event*) 12 Noon – 12.30pm 1.45pm – 2.15pm 3.30pm – 4pm Storytelling for Children with Fiona Dowling, in The Old Kitchen (Ticketed Event*) 12.45pm – 1.30pm 2.30pm – 3.15pm 4.15pm – 5pm Christmas Carol Singing with The Portmarnock Singers, in The Ballroom (Ticketed Event*) 1.30pm 2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm
Skate at the home of the Stena Line Belfast Giants. Enjoy our site-wide pass this Winter and have lots of family fun! Prices: Standard Skate (inc Skate Hire): £8.00 Standard Own Skate (ex Skate Hire): £7.50 Under 5’s (inc Skate Hire): £4.00 Groups 10+ on Standard Skate Ticket: £5.50 each Family Ticket (2A & 2C or 1A & 3C) Children under 12: £25.50 Skating aids (Bobby Seals) will be available for children from the skate desk at £2 per 30 minutes – height restrictions apply. Lockers are available at £1 per use Site Pass – Skating, W5 and Giant’s Game: £59.00 Each ice skating session will last 1 hour and 30 minutes except for those sessions on Belfast Giant’s game days (22nd, 28th, 29th & 30th Dec). These sessions will be 2 hours. Site Pass consisting of Ice Skating, a visit to W5 AND a Belfast Giants game – You will be required to pick your Belfast Giant’s game upon booking (22nd, 28th, 29th or 30th Dec). Flexi tickets for ice skating will be valid on these days. You will also be issued flexi tickets for W5 so you can attend on another day. A flexi ticket can only be […]
Santa has transformed GAA HQ into his secret elf camp, where only the fittest, strongest and healthiest of all elves are trained! In fact, every pointy-eared helper that is chosen for the GAA Museum training programme is a member of the North Pole Hurling, Football and Camogie Club, which is the most Northerly and charmed GAA club in the world and managed by Santa himself! In exciting news, Santa is opening the doors of his training facility to a select number of children, and anyone lucky enough to get a ticket and make it on his ‘list’ will learn the secrets of becoming an elite Elf. At the Santa Experience at Croke Park, your family will wander through a behind-the-scenes candy cane trail, catching glimpses along the way of how the Elves get fit and ready for the season ahead and their big day, which isn’t the All-Ireland for once! You’ll roam in awe through a mesmerising snow tunnel and the North Pole team’s changing room. While you’re there make sure you listen for banter in the shower room to see who’s made it the naughty or nice list! You might also need to hold your nose as you leave […]
Join us for an unforgettable Christmas experience with Santa’s Grotto at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum! Begin your magical journey in the atmospheric vaults of The CHQ Building in Dublin’s City Centre. Your family will be welcomed by Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves before meeting Santa in his magical grotto. You can find our FAQs listed at the bottom of the page. What’s included Visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a special gift Help Mrs. Claus create her world famous recipe of reindeer food and take home your very own pouch to feed the reindeers on Christmas Eve Write and post your letter to Santa Visit our award winning interactive museum Take part in our Discovery Trail map to find out intriguing Christmas facts from around the world. Under 12 months: FREE Age 1-3: €8.50 Age 4-12: €12.50 Adult: €15 Senior: €13
At our weekly drop-in workshop, children and their parents/guardians/carers are encouraged to work together on creative projects. Drop-in and stay for as long (or as little!) as you wish. These workshops are suitable for children of all ages, and take place in the Maples and Calder Creative Space in our Atrium. These free workshops take place weekly, every Sunday from 11.30am. Join us for a special tour designed for children and their guardians, parents and carers. Our aim is to make the artworks fun and engaging for kids, and to welcome families and visitors of all ages and encourage them to feel comfortable in the Gallery. All welcome; no booking necessary. 12:30pm
Bosco is Bosco. not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky,lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-yearold who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls. After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see whyBosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the story of Cinderella through this completely interactive live experience in celebration of Bosco’s 40th anniversary. Paula Lambert has been travelling the country for the last 40years, in the early years with her father Eugene Lambert andtheir many beloved characters from RTE, bringing Puppet Theatre to the children of Ireland for the first time. Eugene was founder of Ireland’s first and only Puppet theatre,Paula now tours with third generation puppeteer Johnny Lambert.
It’s that time of year. Dublin City is rammed, there are fewer choccies left in your advent calendar, and you’ve already lost your granny twice in Arnotts. But, this Christmas, the Liberty Hall Theatre has got its tinsel back. Yep, there’s a panto coming to the Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin 2018. It’s ‘Cinderella’. Praise be to Santa! Pantomime factory Tempus Productions has splashed out. Their production pulls out all the stops, boasting a star-studded cast this year including John Lovett (Red Rock, The Tudors & Panto Dame extraordinaire) And Eric Lalor (Comedian & Fair City Bad Guy) But is this a triumphant return to the North-side of the Liffey to one of the best venues in town? You’ll have to wait and see. Join us this year to see if poor old Cinders will get to the ball. That’s if her two ugly stepsisters Whitney & Britney are not up to their usual tricks. But, with the help of her faithful friend Buttons and the Magical Fairy G, it can only be fantastic. What more could a panto ask for I hear you say? Well get your tickets soon for the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes to find out! […]