Things to do in Dublin: Family and Kids
The Cauldron of Smithfield event is back and it is guaranteed to thrill and terrify! From the 23rd – 30th October, the Smithfield and Stoneybatter Cauldron Tour will be visiting locations around Dublin 7 where it will be holding mini festivals in several locations. Please see the ‘Cauldron of Smithfield 2019’ Facebook event page for details. All are welcome. On 31st October, in Smithfield Square, there will be some fantastic activities for you to sink their teeth into, including our 300ft zip line and our daunting Giant Climbing Wall. This year, we are also delighted to introduce our new ‘House of The Damned’ Scare Tent and ‘Night Creatures’ Parade brought to you by local youth organisations and young people. We have also added ‘Halloween Town’, a special area for families with younger kids. Featuring Magic Shows, Puppet Theatre, Circus Acts and more… The ‘House of The Damned’ Scare Tent will be open during the following times: 4:30pm – 5:30pm / 5:45pm – 6:45pm / 7:00pm – 7:30pm, so make sure to come early to ensure your place. We have all of your favourites again this year, including; Dublin Circus Project, Big Screen Playstation Tournaments, Food Stalls, Art Workshops, Art Installations, Giant Bouncy Castle, Face Painting and much […]
The Dockers and Demons Festival which is a celebration of ‘Oíche Samhna’ takes place again this year in the Irishtown/Ringsend/Docklands area from 24th – 31st October. The Theme for 2019 is The Seven Deadly Sins. The Festival includes a Cabaret, art installation, local street parties, lots of spooky fun workshops, entertainment, walkabouts and educational tours and it concludes with the Dockers & Demons Circus of Sin in Ringsend Park from 7.00 pm on Halloween Night. Look out for the Seven Demons! For more information, visit www. dockersanddemons.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. The Dockers & Demons Festival is brought to life by Dublin City Council.
Whether you’re a resident vampire or visiting from further afield, Bram Stoker Festival 2019 has something for everyone in its gothically inspired programme of events. Get ready for four days and nights of deadly adventures as Dublin gets gloriously gothic this October Bank Holiday Weekend. The Bram Stoker Festival playfully celebrates the gothic, the mysterious, the after-dark and the supernatural, and delves into the legacy of one of Ireland’s most treasured authors. The packed programme of events devilishly mixes family-friendly adventures with late-night antics for mates, dates and everything in between. From unforgettable spectacles on water, to seances in complete darkness, dress-up screenings in the dead of night to daring theatre in evocative churches, pop-up Victorian fun parks to foodie tours with a devilish twist, there’s intimate performances in unusual spaces, live music, instagram horrors, literary and once-off events – Bram Stoker Festival is full of surprises. Fill your October Bank Holiday Weekend with spooktacular fun! Stay up-to-date on everything happening during the festival using #BiteMeDublin and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Bram Stoker Festival is brought to life by Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland and presented by Schweppe Curtis Nunn Ltd.
Head to the GAA Museum at Croke Park this midterm for their fun new family-friendly Creepy Creator Halloween Tours, which run from 25th to 31st October. Families will be greeted by the GAA Museum’s mascot, Cluasóg the Irish hare, before taking part in a child-friendly stadium tour which brings to life the magic of the home of Gaelic games for younger visitor. During the guided tour, your little ghosts and ghouls will get to visit the team dressing rooms and run out pitchside through the players’ tunnel. Back at the GAA Museum, the Halloween havoc will begin with a spooky arts and crafts session in the Den. Young visitors will have the chance to create their own Halloween masterpiece by decorating a ceramic pumpkin or bat candle holder to take home. There will also be seasonal scratch art fun, a sticker station and a temporary tattoo table. Tickets for the Creepy Creator Tours include entry to the GAA Museum where the young, and the young at heart, can discover the fascinating story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day, see the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups and then test their GAA skills in the Interactive […]
Tickets on sale now Halloween Tours at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan Co. Dublin Discover a world of enchanting magic, potions and spells at The Cauldron Academy for Witches and Wizards from October 26th to October 31st, 2019. A brand new not-so-scary Halloween event that can be enjoyed by all the family. Brought to you by the Curiosity Studio, budding Wizards and Witches will take an interactive and spell binding tour through Ardgillan Castle. There will be spot prizes throughout the weekend for the best dressed witches & wizards. We encourage all ages (adults and children) to dress-up as there will be lots of curious photo opportunities at the castle that you wont want to miss! This is a family friendly tour most suitable for children from 5 to 10 years of age, but wizards & witches of all ages (young and old) are welcome as there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Cauldron Academy tours last up to 30+ minutes with activities throughout and we encourage you to explore the Castle grounds, free playground and park before and/or after the tour. Optional Graduation Certificates & Photo Frames from the Cauldron Academy will be available on the day Please arrive no-earlier than 10 minutes before your allocated time slot. Fancy Dress for for […]
Spooktacular Halloween Events in Crumlin, Kimmage, Terenure and Walkinstown There are some fangtastic ghoulish events taking place this year for Halloween in Crumlin, Kimmage, Terenure and Walkinstown. Highlights include: A Halloween Market in Bushy Park on Saturday, 26th October from 11am – 4pm, An Active Age Fancy Dress party in Stanaway Court on Tuesday, 29th October from 2pm – 5pm Wanda the Witch Storyteller in Dolphin’s Barn Library on Thursday, 31st October, from 11.00 am – 1.30pm Wanda the Witch Storyteller in Walkinstown Library on Thursday, 31st October, from 2 pm – 3.30 Pm A Zombie Fun Run in Brickfield Park on Thursday, 31st October at 3pm A Zombie Fun Run on Sundrive Road on Thursday, 31st October at 3.30pm A family-friendly Halloween Festival in Clogher Road Sports Centre on Thursday, 31st October from 12 Noon – 3 pm
Dublin City too is a big winner as we expect the large entry to exceed last years spend of 7.86 Million and to reach a new high of over 10 Million this year or next. The route for the Marathon over the last number of years has remained the same with only small changes to the start and finish areas. The prize fund is extended further last year and will have a top prize of 15,000 EURO for the Woman’s and Men’s winners. To help encourage some more Irish winners we are extending the bonuses to the home grow runner, while also extending the time bonus’s that we introduced in 2004 for the first time. The Dublin Marathon is also a member of the Association for International Marathons (AIMS). AIMS gives us profile in all major affiliated marathons world-wide. This will extend our reach well beyond the 9 marathon visits we are undertaking this year which include Turin, London, Paris, Rotterdam, Boston, L.A., Chicago, Berlin, Barcelona, Warsaw, Prague and New York. Grab the 2019 Dublin Marathon route map here
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
Enjoy a range of self-guided hair-raising Halloween crafts and activities at the Museum’s Education Area for all the family during the school holidays!
The Community Hall & Sphere 17 Youth Facility in Darndale Dublin 17 will be transformed for Halloween. On Tuesday, 29th October from 12 noon to 3pm, families are invited to visit the Haunted House. The will be a number of deadly activities to sink your teeth into including; Bouncy Castles, Face Painters, Balloon Makers, a Magician, Arts & Crafts and Giant Games. Admission free to Witches, Scary Monsters, Ghouls & Ghosts. Small charges will apply for refreshments! (All Children must be accompanied by an adult) This event is brought to you by Dublin City Council and Sphere 17 in conjunction with local agencies.
After the success of last year, this community – led Halloween festival is back! This year it’s bigger and better with more ghoulish activities for all ages. The event will take place on 31st October from 5pm – 9pm in the playing grounds of Dorset Street flats in Dublin 1. The deadly activities on offer include; Big Screen FIFA and Just Dance tournaments, Face Painting, Fancy Dress, Live Acts, DJ, Circus Performers, Craft Workshops, Giant Bouncy Castle, Delicious Food and Incredible Prizes!! All activities are free and all ages are welcome!! (This is an alcohol free event). This event is funded by Dublin City Council and is curated and produced by Joined Up & Happenings in association with the local community.
During this Halloween themed workshop (10.30-11.30am), children will have fun tinkering and making with letterpress printing and discover how to combine printing and new technologies to express themselves in a creepy and creative way.
After the success of last year, this community – led Halloween festival is back! This year it’s bigger and better with more ghoulish activities for all ages. The event will take place on 31st October from 5pm – 9pm in the playing grounds of Dorset Street flats in Dublin 1. The deadly activities on offer include; Big Screen FIFA and Just Dance tournaments, Face Painting, Fancy Dress, Live Acts, DJ, Circus Performers, Craft Workshops, Giant Bouncy Castle, Delicious Food and Incredible Prizes!! All activities are free and all ages are welcome!! (This is an alcohol free event). This event is funded by Dublin City Council and is curated and produced by Joined Up & Happenings in association with the local community.
The Otherworld Halloween Festival will take place in Ballymun on Thursday, 31st October. The theme this year is ‘Samhain’, and a variety of spooky activities have been planned. In the lead up to the main festival event on 31st October. The Dublin Circus Company will be facilitating circus skills workshops with local Youth Projects and Community Groups/Individuals. Other activities taking place locally include, ‘Fright Night’ in the Trinity Comprehensive College in Ballymun from 6.45 pm to 9.30pm on the 23rd and 24th October, for children aged 10 years old and over and ‘Spooky Lair’ which will take place in Ballymun Youth Resource Centre on Thursday, 31st October from 3pm. The festival event kicks off on the Ballymun Plaza at 6pm and activities to get your teeth in to include the Witches Brew Café, New Music Lounge, Spooky Tunnel, Fairground, Dublin Circus Company performers and Main Stage entertainment – Spring Break will be the Headline act on the night. There will also be a fireworks display at 8.30pm. As in previous years, the local community are very involved in all aspects of the Programme, from the ideas stage to the final activities stage. The Otherworld Halloween Festival is brought to life by Dublin […]
The Annual Finglas Fright Night Halloween Festival will take place at the Civic Centre, Mellows Road on 31st October from 6pm to 9pm. This year the ghoulish entertainment will include a Path of Misery, Colm Dawson’s Magic Show and Fancy Dress competition. There will also be Fairground attractions including, a Merry go Round, Kiddies Roller Coaster, Teenage Terminator, Chair-o-Planes and Obstacle Courses. A live interactive art exhibition will also take place. Music on the night will be provided by bands from the Finglas Youth Resource Centre and ABBA Girls. The night will conclude with a Fireworks display. For the safety and enjoyment of all attending, An Garda Siochána and Dublin City Council request that patrons leave their bags at home on Event day. In line with standard protocol for all recent events, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed. Only small bags measuring no bigger than A4 (8.27in/21cm x 11.7/ 29.7cm) will be permitted into the venue. This is also an alcohol and drug free event. Management reserve the right to refuse admission.
This year, a new community Halloween Festival called SCARE D8 will be held in Dublin 8. Some of the ghoulish events to look forward to on Thursday, 31st October, include ‘The Liberties Haunt’ which takes place in the SWICN, Digital Court, Rainsfort Street, from 5.30 pm – 8.30p m. Everyone should gather from 5.30 pm at the Oliver Bond Playing Pitch for the Parade. The ‘Cabbage Patch Cauldron’ event will also take place on the 31st October, at the Cabbage Patch Gardens off Kevin Street from 5.30 pm – 10 pm. Trick or Treat and a screening of the Halloween movie ‘Hocus Pocus’ will happen at 8 pm. Free entry to all events and all ages are welcome!! (This is an alcohol free event). Scare D8 is funded by Dublin City Council and produced by Joined Up & Happenings, in association with Local Residents, Schools and Youth and Community Services.
Nickelodeon, AEG presents and Aiken Promotions today announce that YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa will be bringing her D.R.E.A.M. tour to Ireland and will play the 3Arena on 6 November 2019. Due to phenomenal demand an extra date has been added on 7 November! JoJo Siwa: “I’m so excited to bring my tour to the UK & Ireland – I can’t wait to see everyone! We’re going to have the best time ever!” Nickelodeon superstar JoJo Siwa is a YouTube personality, singer, dancer, entrepreneur, social media influencer, New York Times bestselling author and star on Nickelodeon’s Lip Sync Battle Shorties. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 July at 10am from all usual outlets. Three Ireland Presale tickets on sale Wednesday 17 July at 10am with #3Plus. 6 November SOLD OUT Tickets for 7 November on sale Tuesday 23 July at 10am. Three Ireland Presale tickets for new date 7 November on sale Monday 22 July at 10am with #3Plus
Following a hugely successful first tour, Marvel Universe LIVE! is back with a brand new show featuring more than 20 of your favourite marvel super heroes and villains for 2019. In this all-new production, produced by Feld Entertainment, Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy will join forces with Doctor Strange – the master of the mystic arts – as they do battle against Loki. Fans will witness cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, and impressive 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure. With aerial stunts, martial arts and daring motorcycle skills, fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel universe in a show unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.
Following a hugely successful first tour, Marvel Universe LIVE! is back with a brand new show featuring more than 20 of your favourite marvel super heroes and villains for 2019. In this all-new production, produced by Feld Entertainment, Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy will join forces with Doctor Strange – the master of the mystic arts – as they do battle against Loki. Fans will witness cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, and impressive 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure. With aerial stunts, martial arts and daring motorcycle skills, fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel universe in a show unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.
Robo Riots brings famous robots from TVs Robot Wars to battle it out live in the National Basketball Arena, Dublin. This is the first full length heavyweight combat robot tournament of its kind in Ireland! Featuring robots from the hit TV show Robot Wars where every live event session promises metal-munching, head-to-head, monster matchups that fans have always dreamt of. Each live session will feature one-of-a-kind fights containing multiple main events between legendary Robot Wars All-Stars; Undercard fights from incredible newcomers; and jaw-dropping exhibition matches. There will also be celebrity robots like R2-D2, a Dalek, a minecraft creeper and AL-1X – our very own z-list celebrity robot. Bounty fights, robot rumbles and grudge rematches will all be on display during the 2019 event. Run by Irish Robot Wars fans for all Robot Wars fans. Book your tickets at ticketmaster.ie More information from RoboRiots.ie
Circus 1903 features talented acts from around that world that are sure to take your breath away while transporting you to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus. Enjoy daredevil performances by acrobats, jugglers, trapeze and high wire performers, contortionists and more. Plus, Circus 1903 includes incredible puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse, who put remarkably created elephants back in the ring as you’ve never imagined. Perfect for all ages, don’t miss this captivating turn-of-the-century circus this Christmas.
You know it’s really Christmas when you hear mention of The Moving Crib at 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 and this year is no different. This wonderful gem will be opened again this year to celebrate it’s 63rd birthday, after welcoming 23,000 visitors last year. Doors open from the 28th November and best of all, it’s still FREE! The timeless charm of the Moving Crib lives on and has become a nostalgic centrepiece of the Christmas season for many. Enjoy a medley of Biblical, historical and fun stories, competitions, an illusion wall all wrapped up in a blanket of Christmas magic. It is guaranteed festive fun for all ages, families and individuals alike, no matter the age. Children can draw and colour a Leaf, cut out the shape and bring it with them so that they can be placed in the Garden of Eden forever and everyone is encouraged to take part in our competitions to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes! The Crib is a monument of Dublin’s “rare auld times” but one that carries a message for today, helping to banish the winter blues and warm its visitors with excitement and real Christmas […]
This phenomenally popular show returns to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. A magical concert designed for all the family, Raymond Briggs’s captivating film has established itself as part of the Christmas festivities for young and old, accompanied by Howard Blake’s score played live by the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra. Suitable for young children, this is an opportunity for the whole family to share the magic of Christmas. Featuring Walking in the Air, and a selection of popular Christmas Songs, bring your jingle bells, wear your fancy dress, and make sure you book early! Shay Byrne (RTÉ Radio 1’s Risin’ Time) will tell the story of James and the flying snowman as you watch the film on the big screen. This family Christmas show will also feature seasonal favourites from the talented children of several stage schools, adding to the spirit and excitement of Christmas. Friday 6th December 2019 Show 3:30pm Friday 6th December 2019 Show 5:30pm Saturday 7th December 2019 Show 11:30am Saturday 7th December 2019 Show 1:30pm Saturday 7th December 2019 Show 3:30pm Saturday 7th December 2019 Show 5:30pm Sunday 8th December 2019 Show 11:30am Sunday 8th December 2019 Show 1:30pm Sunday 8th December 2019 Show 3:30pm Sunday 8th December 2019 […]
Never before seen in Ireland, multiple award-winning composer, songwriter and reigning Pumpkin King, Danny Elfman will be bringing Disney’s timeless classic, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to life on 8th December 2019 at 3Arena Dublin as part of the movie’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Performing his role of Jack Skellington, Danny Elfman will be joined by other original cast members Catherine O’Hara as Sally, and Ken Page as the voice of Oogie Boogie with full orchestral accompaniment by the Orchestra of Ireland. Conductor John Mauceri, Founding Director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, will be leading the full orchestra and choir performing the film’s classic score and songs live to picture. The concert will also include featured violin soloist, Sandy Cameron.
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. The wise neighbour woman tells us he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him, hoping to be healed by him, hoping for a gawp. They leave with something different than what they expected. Adapted from Gabriel García Márquez’s Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes Collapsing Horse bring this classic piece of magical realism to the stage in search of its beautiful, strange, emotional richness. WINNER – Best Design at Dublin Fringe Festival 2019 For children 8+ and adults of all ages. Developed as part of Theatre Artist in Residency at Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare. Dates: 10 – 28 December On the Peacock Stage Free First Preview: 10 December Times: Various Tickets: €16 – €18 / Conc. €14 – €16 Child: €10 – €12 Family of 4: €44
As everyone has discovered, The Olympia Theatre Pantomime is now THE MUST SEE Panto in Dublin! With a glittering Celebrity line-up, traditional Panto values and the funniest script in the country, this year will be as star studded and surprising as ever. Cinderella –The Story of Cinders & Her Fella – is the most entertaining, magical and funniest family Panto you are ever likely to see! Running from Friday 20th December until Sunday 5th January, matinee & evening shows most days (full list of performances & times below) Please note, there is no show on 24th & 25th December. The running time of the show is approximately 2 and a half hours including interval, the show can run over sometimes so the times below are an estimate and should be used as a guideline only. Friday Dec 20th – Doors 1:00pm / Show 2:00pm (Early Bird price available) Friday Dec 20th – Doors 5:30pm / Show 6:30pm (Early Bird price available) Saturday Dec 21st – Doors 1:00pm / Show 2:00pm Saturday Dec 21st – Doors 5:30pm / Show 6:30pm Sunday Dec 22nd – Doors 1:00pm / Show 2:00pm Sunday Dec 22nd – Doors 5:30pm / Show 6:30pm Monday Dec 23rd […]
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre are delighted to present an enchanted evening of classical delights for all the family. Presented by Marty Whelan, The Magic of Christmas with Claudia Boyle and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra will feature much-loved favourites from the concert hall, opera stage and cinema screen. Claudia will be joined by very special guests including the Oscar- and Olivier Award-nominated, BAFTA Award-winning actor Stephen Rea reading The Night Before Christmas and the Arabella Voice Choir. Celebrate the magic of Christmas in sumptuous, glamorous style with Claudia Boyle’s ‘stupendous coloratura sophistication and radiance’ (Neue Musikzeitung) as the internationally acclaimed soprano joins the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the Arabella Voices choir and conductor David Brophy for a festive celebration for all the family. Claudia will be joined by the brilliant RTÉ National Symphony orchestra and the programme will include: Tchaikovsky Russian Dance (Trepak) from The Nutcracker, Andrew Lloyd Webber Pie Jesu, Hess A Christmas Overture, Gruber Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Adeste Fidelis, Away in a Manger and Williams ‘Somewhere in My Memory’ (Theme from Home Alone). From the blazing orchestral brilliance of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Overture and swooning romance of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo to emotion-laden operatic […]
ELF, the hit West End and Broadway musical based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie starring Will Ferrell, is to be supersized into a Christmas spectacular which will play 3Arena Dublin this December. Don’t miss this Christmas spectacular on 28 & 29 December 2019, tickets go on sale this Thursday 11 April at 9am from Ticketmaster. The show will star award-winning Coronation Street actress and singer Kym Marsh as Buddy the Elf’s girlfriend, Jovie, and Shaun Williamson (Barry Evans in EastEnders, Extras) as Buddy’s dad Walter Hobbs. Kym Marsh’s daughter Polly will also be part of the cast. In her first acting role, eight year old Polly will play a naughty child who shares a scene with Santa. Reprising his role as Buddy the Elf will be comedy actor Tam Ryan, who counts Priscilla Presley amongst his past leading ladies. The cast also features Father Christmas and a line- up of 70 performers, including children.
NYF Dublin 31st Dec Gather together in the heart of Dublin with family and friends, as the Custom House, one of Dublin’s iconic landmarks, becomes the centre for this year’s New Year Festivities. Liffey Lights Midnight Moment Matinee. Family friendly Dec 31st 6:00pm Families and friends of all ages can celebrate the New Year together at this new and exciting FREE early countdown.. Countdown Concert. (Over 18’s) Dec 31st 8.00pm Prepare yourself for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve and ring in 2020 with Walking on Cars, Ash, Aimee and LisaMcHugh live from Custom House Quay. Liffey Lights Midnight Moment. Dec 31st 11.30pm This dazzling lighting spectacle will be performed against the backdrop of the Custom House and features a thrilling choreography of lasers and aqua beams. This performance is not to be missed… NYF Dublin 1st Jan New Year’s Day Concert Date: 1st January Place: Temple Bar Family Friendly Event Kick-start 2020 at the family–friendly New Year’s Day Concert in Temple Bar with Kila and more to be announced. New Year’s Festival Dublin continue the celebrations on January 1st with festivities including performances from a host of Ireland’s finest musicians at the New Year’s Day Concert plus pop up street […]
The Sound of Music returns to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in a magnificent production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this wonderfully lavish staging of The Sound Of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII. The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, and of course, the title song – ‘The Sound of Music’.
Things to do in Dublin: Family and Kids