We’re all guilty of it. Thinking that our country’s many attractions aren’t going anywhere in a hurry so what’s the rush? Then you realise you could count on one hand the number of them you’ve seen since your school tour days. A great number of attractions are either free or have a nominal cover charge. It’s time to out-tour the tourists!
Museums. Free admission and a fascinating way to while away an afternoon. Take your family way back with a trip to the Museum of Archaeology on Dublin’s Kildare Street or head down the quays for a visit to Collin’s Barracks, currently home to ‘Treasures of the Natural History Museum’ exhibition, among many others. Check out www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx for a full listing. Also well worth a visit are the Hugh Lane Gallery and Chester Beatty Library; both of which have Kids Clubs. See www.cbl.ie and www.hughlane.ie for more.
Galleries. The permanent exhibits at the National Gallery are free and the newer Millenium Wing on Clare Street is worth visiting for the building alone. Go to www.nationalgallery.ie for a list of exhibits and details of family programmes. Children are welcome but it’s probably better if they “express themselves” outside. The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is also free and has large grounds for the kids to run themselves ragged. (www.imma.ie)
Guinness Hopstore. Trace the creation of the black stuff right to the bar pump in a fascinating journey through 250 years of brewing this national treasure. If you book online you can get admission for two adults and four children for €34, including a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar; although the kids won’t get to taste it — tell them good things come to those who wait.
The Zoo. The Zoo. A year’s family membership quickly pays for itself at €160 and includes free entry into Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork. In July and August the zoo holds Zoo Camp Adventures, a week long camp for 6 to 12 year olds with games, crafts, (safe) animal encounters and much more. Held from 11.00am to 3.30pm, it costs €110 for members and €120 for non-members.
Heritage Week. A celebration of Ireland’s unique heritage, this event runs from the 22nd to the 30th of August and is marked by nationwide events (mostly free) from historical re-enactments to night-time bat walks and everything in between. Designed to encourage the conservation and preservation of our built, natural and cultural heritage, what better time to get in touch with your inner tourist and visit those churches, historic buildings and monuments you’ve been meaning to get to any day now. For more information visit www.heritageweek.ie.
In a country as culturally rich as ours it’s impossible to list every attraction but the following websites will give you lots of pointers:
www.dublintourist.com
www.irishtourist.com
www.discoverireland.com
www.dublinevents.com/things-to-do.php
Tags: children, family, spare time ideas
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any suggestions for families outside the pale or is this yet another DUBS RULE site??
Vegan, If you advise us where in Ireland you currently reside, SaveAFewBob will gladly carry out some research on your behalf to see what your options are.