The Easter break has arrived sooner than expected this year. However, there’s no need for concern as we’ve put together a list of 64 separate activities and locations to visit, view or dine at as a family or individually, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during the holidays. To cater for specific interests, we’ve categorised them accordingly making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Let’s jump right in.
Easter egg or treasure hunts:
Luggwoods’ Easter Eggstravaganza
Experience a vibrant and whimsical spring trail at Luggwoods, where you can interact with their fairy tale characters and attempt to solve an Easter-themed conundrum. There’s also a mini zoo for family visits, and you can meet the Easter Bunny who’ll be distributing chocolate eggs to guests.
– Location: Luggwoods Events Limited. The Lugg, Saggart, Dublin Co Dublin
– Open: Until 1st of April
– Entry: Between €14.50 and €19.50
– Get in Touch: [email protected]
Easter Fun at Vandeleur Walled Garden:
There are a plethora of enjoyable activities for the entire household at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre this Easter, encompassing an Easter trail, egg and spoon races, competitive games and more. Keep an eye out for the surprise visits from the Easter bunny during the week.
– Location: Vandeleur Estate, Killimer Road, Kilrush, Co Clare
– Open: Until 1st of April
– Entry: Between €5 and €7
– Get in Touch: [email protected]; or call (065) 905 1760
Easter egg hunts at Glendeer Pet Farm:
There’s an exhilarating treasure hunt for chocolate goodies hidden across the farm during the Easter weekend, offering children an incredible experience alongside a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
– Location: Glendeer Pet Farm, Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co Roscommon
– Open: 8th – 10th of April
– Entry: €10
– Get in Touch: [email protected]; or call (090) 6437147
And last but not least, the Family Easter egg hunt at Brigit’s Garden.
Join in the Easter festivities suitable for young and old at the beautiful Brigit’s Garden in Pollagh, Rosscahill, Galway. Participate in mini hunts or the more challenging hunt throughout the expansive gardens, utilise egg clues to crack an Easter mystery and collect a chocolate prize from the marquee.
– Location: Brigit’s Garden, Pollagh, Rosscahill, Galway
– Date: March 31 to April 1
– Charge: €14
– For inquiries: (091) 550 905
Delight in Easter fun on the farm in Kildare
Experience a virtual river rabbit ride, stroll among frolicking bunnies, and see how many you can count at the Kildare Farm. Engage in an Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, receive a complimentary chocolate Easter egg, and partake in the fun at the mad hatter’s tea party.
– Location: Kildare Farm Foods, Rathmuck, Kildare, R51 KX37
– Date: March 25-30
– Charge: €13
– For inquiries: [email protected]; +353 45 526774
Immerse in the Emerald Easter Adventure
Spend a day exploring Emerald Park’s Easter egg hunt involving a map and intriguing questions along the route. A sweet treat – an Easter egg – awaits at the journey’s end.
– Location: Emerald Park Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co Meath
– Date: March 30-31
– Charge: €43-€52 (standard park rates)
– For inquiries: 018351999
Participate in the Cadbury Worldwide Hide
Cadbury invites everyone across the globe to participate in their Easter egg hiding game. Utilising Google Maps Street View, hide a digital Cadbury’s purple Easter egg on their website and leave a clue, enabling a dear person to relive cherished moments while searching for the egg.
– Date: Till April 1
– Location: Online at Cadbury Worldwide Hide
– Charge: Free
– For inquiries: worldwidehide.cadbury.ie
Enjoy an Easter egg hunt at The National Heritage Park
Take part in the National Heritage Park’s Easter egg hunt; follow the clues to retrieve your answers and receive a delicious Easter egg. The entry fee includes full access to the park.
Experience the Easter Train Adventure
Invite your family to dive into the fantastical universe of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ aboard the Amber Express at the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig, Co Wexford, postcode Y35 X313. Encounter the likes of Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee, and confront the Red Queen herself on this unique journey. Indulge in appetising delicacies while aiding the Easter bunny in the search for his misplaced eggs. Participate in Alice’s tea party, explore the Easter Village, and befriend adorable spring animals. This experience is available from the 29th-30th of March, costing only €7. For queries or reservations, reach out at [email protected] or ring 053 91 20733.
Visit the Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey
Located at Wexford Road, Knockmullen, Gorey, Co Wexford, with the postcode Y25 FY07, the Amber Springs Hotel invites you to experience the Easter extravaganza from the 22nd March to the 6th April. With an entrance fee of just €10, have fun with the kids at 53 948 4000 or email [email protected] for further details.
Participate in 2024’s Easter Eggstravaganza
The Blackwater Open Farm in Ballynaclash, Blackwater, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford is hosting a mystery egg hunt, where participants can win a first, second, or third prize. There are also small treats for everyone who joins in. There’s no additional charge for this or for face painting, and a special guest will be present on Easter Sunday. The event runs from March 30th-31st, with an entrance fee of €8.50. For inquiries, reach out at 085 1227901 / 087 1303057 or email [email protected].
Explore Clonfert Pet Farm’s Easter Festival
Held at Clonfert Pet Farm in Maynooth South, Co Kildare, the festival includes a fun fair, treasure hunt, children’s entertainer, and disco apart from the usual farm activities and animals. Every child receives a chocolate egg upon completion of the treasure hunt. This festival is ongoing until March 31st, with entry fees ranging from €10-€19.50. Contact +35316016314 or send an email to [email protected] for any enquiries or for more information.
Get ready for the Nore Valley Park Easter egg hunt.
Embark on an adventure around Nore Valley Park farm in search of hidden eggs. You can collect sweet and chocolate goodies as a prize for each egg found. Online booking is required for all young participants engaging in the egg hunt (excluding those residing on the campsite).
– Location: Nore Valley Park, Annamult, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny
– Timings: Available until 31st March
– Admission fee: €11.50-€15.50
– For enquiries: 056 77 27229
At Birr Castle, engage in the Easter Quest. Collect a sheet and pencil from the front desk and navigate around following the trail of egg clues. Solve the Easter-themed riddle and head back to the front desk to claim a surprise gift. Also, take time to explore the extensive 120-acre gardens, the large telescope, the science centre and a playground based on a treehouse theme.
– Location: Birr Castle Demesne, Rosse Row, Birr, Co Offaly, R42 VO27
– Timings: Available until 7th April
– Admission fee: €7-€12
– For enquiries: +353 (0) 57 912 0336 or [email protected]
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park host a special Easter event where kids can follow an outdoor trail, solve a worksheet and enjoy some fun games along the way. On finishing the trail, children can meet the Easter bunny and collect treats and a special egg.
– Location: Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, N91 EF80
– Timings: 31st March and 1st April
– Admission fee: €6.50-€12
– For enquiries: +353 (0) 44 933 8960 or [email protected]
The family Easter trail at Johnstown Castle encourages you to explore its museum and gardens as part of the Easter journey. Engage in the exciting quest for clues and figure out the identity of the Easter bunny as you might bump into it. Claim a reward for your hard work.
– Location: Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Co Wexford, Y35 HP22
– Timings: Available until 7th April
– Admission fee: €5.50-€10
– For enquiries: [email protected] or +353 (0) 53 9184671
Fota House
Participate in the yearly Easter egg hunt at Fota House, home to the characters of The Wizard of Oz and possibly the Easter Bunny, situated in Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork (Postcode: T45 Y642). The event will take place from the 30th of March till the 1st of April and will cost €10.00. For additional information, contact [email protected].
Come aboard the Easter Express for an exciting family adventure at Oakfield Park, a 20-minute journey from Letterkenny, Co Donegal (Postcode: F93 XY1R). Traverse through a magical forest every day, from the 29th of March to the 1st of April, aboard the Easter Eggspress, a petite outdoor train. Visit the domicile of the Queen of Hearts, obtain your map and guidelines to hunt for the Easter bunny in the verdant gardens. The lucky ones to locate the bunny will receive special treats. Participants can also enjoy face painting, games, and a lively disco. The price ranges from €62.45 to €83.45 (for cabins for up to four-six passengers). For more details, contact [email protected] or call on 074 9173922.
Enjoy a family-friendly adventure on Easter bunny Trail at Cork City Gaol (located at Sunday’s Well, Cork) from March 30th to April 5th. Despite being a jail, it proves to be an interesting setting for a fun hide and seek game. Find all the cleverly concealed Easter bunnies around the premise and win a prize. Entry for children is €7, and for adults, it’s €11. For more, call at 021-4305022.
Join the bunny trail quest and encounter the Easter bunny at Stonehall Visitor Farm and Wildlife Park, situated in Curraghchase, Co Limerick, from the 30th of March till the 1st of April. The cost is €10. For more details, contact at 061-393940. These are wonderful Easter-themed days out.
Board the Rathwood Express this Easter for a captivating adventure with Fiona the fairy and Thomas Toffee. The two are on a mission to save Hop the bunny from the evil clutches of Sirius Chocolayte, creating an enchanting Easter spectacle filled with new pop tunes, comedy, and entertainment for all ages. Expect an egg hunt in the astounding labyrinth and a one-on-one session with the Easter bunny once the show winds down. Take a thrilling journey over the Rathwood Express through the magical woodland with surprises sprinkled throughout, a melodic show, and a handcrafted chocolate egg awaits each youngster.
Location: Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Carlow
Until: April 1st
Ticket Price: €8.95-€18.95
For further details, email: [email protected]
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland at ‘Easter Eggscapade’, an extraordinary new event brought forward by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. This child-friendly Easter celebration sees characters such as the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, and Alice coming to life at Blackrock Park. The occasion also involves an Easter egg race, an inflatable castle, merry-go-round teacups and a hatwalk fashion show, where kids get a chance to flaunt their eccentric Easter headgear or mad hats made from provided materials.
Location: Blackrock Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin
When: March 30th, 1-5pm
Entry Charge: Free
For more info, visit: www.dlrcoco.ie
Away from the typical tourist destinations, Greenan Maze in Co Wicklow makes for a worthwhile excursion. They have a variety of activities planned for Easter holidays that includes nature scavenger hunts, nature trails, enchanting tree walks tailored for toddlers and scheduled feeding times for the animals.
Location: Ballinanty, Greenan, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow
Running Until: April 7th
Ticket Price: €8.50
For more details, email: [email protected] or call: 0404 460 00
Venture out for a brief saunter to the magical woodland at Slieve Aughty Centre, where you might be lucky to catch sight of some forest sprites. Also, make an effort to discover other denizens of the forest by utilising the ‘Who Am I?’ creature cards. Pay a visit to Winnie, a resident pot-belly pig, and take the opportunity to mount up on a genial pony or horse – included within the entry price. The vast expanse of the adjacent Coillte forest, spanning over 2,000 acres, affords longer walking and biking trails for those seeking adventure. To enhance the experience, consider hiring a donkey for a relaxing picnic by the riverside. However, please note this offer will be available until April 7th for a rate of €12.50. Should you require more information, please call +353 (090) 974 5246 or email us at [email protected].
In partnership with Sarah Edmondson, our resident artist, the National Gallery of Ireland is hosting an exclusive art workshop on Easter Sunday. This creative event, held in the Shaw Room, is based on the artworks in the gallery’s collection, which provide a source of inspiration. This one-day event, on March 31st, doesn’t require any payment. To learn more, please contact us at +353 1 661 5133.
Wells House and Gardens is laying on a splendid range of Easter activities. The highlight of Easter Sunday is an Easter egg hunt in the fairyland woodland. The Easter weekend promises further delights with glitter tattoos, a petting zoo, as well as renowned characters from beloved tales and nursery rhymes for the children. Adding a sprinkle of charm to the occasion will be a fairy godmother with a retinue of wishes. To seal the experience, everyone enjoys a memorable ride on the Wells Express. The celebration, held in Ballyedmond, Gorey, Co Wexford, will last from March 30th to April 1st and will cost between €5 and €9. For more details, please email us at [email protected] or give us a ring at 0539186737.
Emerald Park is home to Dino Roar for those with a fascination for dinosaurs. Engage in an interactive meet-and-greet at the dinosaur exhibit and experience a Jurassic journey to encounter a myriad of prehistoric playmates. Get the chance to interact with expert rangers and ask them questions about your favourite species of dinosaur. Please be informed, this event will take place until March 29th with entrance fees ranging from €43 to €52. Should you need more information, contact us directly at 018351999.
Teidí Journeys
Young aficionados of GAA will have the opportunity to create their own sports bear and embark on an informative tour of Croke Park. The bear-making session takes place in Cú Chulainn’s den where children can choose and stuff their bear skin, locate a heart, baptise the bear, and receive a “bearth” certificate. They can then suit up their bear in a GAA Museum training kit before setting off for an escorted tour of Croke Park, during which they get to see the changing rooms and traverse the pitch.
– Location: Croke Park, Dublin 3, D03 P6K7
– Date: March 26th-29th
– Price: €8-€30
– Phone: 0035318192300
Westport Estate
A plethora of activities is available at Westport House – from interactive games, and informative tours to swan pedalos, and more. Activities include a gaming zone that you can control, life-size video games, a walkthrough of the historic 300-year-old house, a ride on the Westport Express train, disc golf, and participation in the Easter trail.
– Location: Westport Estate, Westport, Co Mayo
– Date: March 31st (Easter trail)
– Price: From €7
– For inquiries: +353 (0) 98 27766; [email protected]
Fota Wildlife Habitat
During the two-week holiday, the educational team of the park will deliver informative talks on various animals inhabiting the park. The feeding times are back in line just for the Easter holiday, enabling families to watch various species – including penguins, red pandas, lion-tailed macaques, seals, cheetahs, and spiders – eat.
– Location: Fota Wildlife Habitat, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, T45CD93
– Date: Until April 7th
– Price: €13.10-€18.90
– To know more: [email protected]
Wildlands
Whether you’re in the mood for some downtime or up for an adrenaline rush, Wildlands park in Ballyquirke, Moycullen, Galway, H91 WYV2 has plenty to offer. Unleash your inner ninja or tackle challenges in the park’s dedicated rooms, perfect for some family fun. A multitude of attractions await, including Zip ‘n’ Trek, intriguing climbing walls, combo cloud climb, off-track escapades, net adventures, and archery. The park’s disc golf, bushcraft, mini digging, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding also promise a thrilling outing. Open every day, the price depends on the activity you choose. Get in touch at 091 868900 or [email protected].
For art enthusiasts, The Adventures of Pinocchio gallery at The Ark, 11a Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 is worth a visit. Explore the enchanting illustrative panels dedicated to Carlo Collodi’s classic tale about the notorious wooden puppet. Additionally, a creative visual art workshop is on hand where young artists (and the young-at-heart!) can try illustrating their own version of the story. Access to the gallery is free, while tickets to the workshop cost €12.50. The gallery will be open until April 21st, and workshops on March 25th-28th and April 2nd-5th. For more information, contact [email protected] or call +353 (0) 1 670 7788.
Racing enthusiasts would enjoy the traditional race meet at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Co Meath scheduled from March 30th until April 1st. Families are especially welcome on Easter Sunday, offering complimentary entertainment for children along with Easter bonnet contests. Tuesday will host The Irish Grand National. More information at fairyhouse.ie. For the Easter festivities, head to the Cork Racecourse at Mallow, Co Cork for the Racing Home for Easter Festival happening concurrently with the Fairyhouse race meet. Packed with kid-friendly entertainment like puppet shows, magic acts, a petting zoo featuring reptiles, and face painting, it promises to be a fun family day. Children under 14 enter for free with an adult. Visit corkracecourse.ie for more details.
Finally, if you’re a fan of the outdoors, don’t forget to go on a greenway cycle.
As additional greenway trails are in the works nationwide, the Great Western Greenway stands as a favourite amongst them. This scenic 44km path extends from Westport to Achill Island, taking travellers through the charming settlements of Newport and Mulranny as well as expansive rural landscapes. For additional details, visit greenway.ie.
Equally scenic, and potentially less challenging due to its relative flat terrain, is the Greenway extending from Waterford to Dungarvan. This trail is a hit with both pedestrians and cyclists. The Waterford Greenway, also named Deise Greenway, traces the path of an ancient railway track for 46km and, much like the Great Western Greenway, can be traversed within a single day. Arrangements for bicycle rental can be made. For further information, refer to discoverireland.ie and greenwaysireland.org.
Shannon Blueway
If navigating water bodies is more to your taste, then the blueways of Ireland could cater to your needs. The River Shannon hosts eight distinct segments of the identified blueway, where enthusiasts can partake in kayaking, paddle-boarding, canoeing and windsurfing on the various lakes. Rental facilities are available at numerous spots along the river, from Drumshanbo all the way to the Lough Ree power station. Alternatively, trails for cycling are laid out along the river for those who prefer dry land. For more information, visit bluewaysireland.org.
Easter Camps
Surfdock Easter Camp
Dublin proudly presents its most thrilling watersports camp for children and teenagers aged between eight and 16 years old. Here, youngsters can engage in a variety of exciting activities regardless of their previous watersports experience. Provided they can swim and are at ease in the water, skilled trainers will assist them in acquiring new skills and having fun on the water with their peers. The camp is situated at Surfdock Watersports, Grand Canal Dock, Ringsend, Dublin, D04 T970, and runs from 2nd to 5th April, priced at €148. For queries, contact +353 1 668 3945 or email [email protected].
High 5 Sports Easter Camps
A sports-focused activity camp for school children is set to be held at the Mount Merrion Community Centre, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin. It will run from 25th to 28th March and again from 2nd to 5th April, and costs €95 to attend.
Anna can be reached at 0834260070 or [email protected] for more details.
Junior Einsteins Science Club is offering Easter camps at multiple locations in Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath, and Meath, until April 1st. Fun-filled and energetic activities aim to ignite children’s curiosity, creativity and encourage exploration and discovery within the field of STEM. The cost of these camps varies depending on the selected camp.
For queries, you can reach out at [email protected].
Donegal Equestrian Centre offers a practical learning experience in pony care and riding through their Easter camps located at Finner Rd, Finner, Bundoran, Co Donegal. The camp run from March 25th to April 5th, accommodates children from beginners to experienced riders. The cost falls between €60-€255. Get in touch at 0719841977 for more information.
Pinehill Studios is hosting an Easter camp from March 25th to March 27th. Camp activities include obstacle courses, dancing, fancy dress, arts and crafts etc. The activities culminate in a showcase for parents revealing the children’s achievements. The cost is set at €80. For more details, you may contact them at 0867900554.
Easter camps at Starcamp cater to children between 4-12 years old. The camps provide a variety of activities including magic, egg hunts, character games, performance and more. These camps are located at numerous locations across the country and are taking place from March 25th-28th and April 2nd-5th. The cost of these camps is €95. For more information, you can contact them at [email protected] or call them at +353214377900.
All details about Gaiety School Easter camps can be provided upon request.
The Gaiety School of Acting presents an assortment of camps such as teenage filmmaking, creating a Harry Potter film, Matilda-themed musical theatre, a greatest hits musical theatre, and also a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed camp. Located on Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin, D08 T2V0, these camps will be held from March 25th to March 29th at a cost ranging from €210 to €215. For further information, contact them on +353 (1) 679 9277 or at [email protected].
Zero Gravity Skate Park provides entry-level tutorials for skateboarding, scooter rides, and rollerblading enthusiasts. The park offers a playful and appealing learning atmosphere for children to gain skill in different action sports, including a tie-dye T-shirt workshop and a roller disco on the final day of the camp. Find them at The Back Ave, Cleveragh, Sligo and join from April 1st till April 5th at a price of €140. For inquiries, reach out to [email protected] or +353 (0) 86 160 1220.
Inspireland Art camps unite some of the country’s finest artists to guide and foster the inventive abilities of children and teens. These sessions offer a unique experience every day, providing opportunities to learn basic skills like animation, comic art, claymation, video game concept art, book crafting, mask crafting, character designing, illustrations, watercolouring, printing, and mixed media. Based in Clasac, Alfie Byrne Rod, Clontarf, Dublin 3, and IADT, Kill Ave, Woodpark, Dublin, A96 KH79 they operate from March 15th to March 28th and again from April 2nd to April 5th with a fee ranging from €120 to €130. To get more details, contact them at [email protected] or +353 (0) 83 3278083.
Searsol Computer Camps deliver children-centric innovative tech programmes, emphasising coding, game design, and digital skills through a practical learning style that stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving. Adaptable for different age brackets, they hold sessions at St Kevin’s Community School, Fonthill Road, Lucan, Dublin.
The original text contains several Easter holiday event listings. The events range from dance camps to art workshops and theatre shows.
The first mentioned event is a computer-based Easter camp running from March 25th to 29th and again from April 2nd to 4th. The fee to participate in this camp is €80. Individuals interested in joining can reach out to [email protected].
Next, we have the Easter Dance Camp focused on hip hop dance. The camp also includes arts and crafts, choreography, dance games and a performance on the last day. It will be at St Sylvester Church, Malahide, K36HR63 from March 25th through 29th. The fee to participate is €140. All enquiries should be sent to [email protected] or via phone on 0896036308.
The Little School’s Easter Camp is another option which features various activities such as nature scavenger hunts, bug hunts, pond dipping, baking, outdoor games and an Easter egg hunt. It will take place at The Little School, The Calf House, Airfield Estate, Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14, D14 E77 from March 25th to 29th and again from April 2nd to 5th. The cost is between €140 and €160. Queries can be made through the contact number 087 3912373.
Also on offer are Art Workshops, hosted by The National Folk Theatre. These workshops comprise elements of dancing, singing, drama, art, and games. Children will also be shown how to craft their own Easter-themed puppets. These workshops will be at Siamsa Tíre Theatre, Town Park, Tralee, Co Kerry from March 27th to 29th. The daily fee is €25. They can be contacted at [email protected] or +353 66 712 3055.
In the theatre/film section, Aladdin will be performing at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 PA03 until April 14th. This critically acclaimed Broadway and West End musical is a gripping production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking performances. Tickets start from €26.50. They can be contacted on 353 (0) 1 677 7999.
Details for “The Wedding Singer” show were not provided.
In 1985 New Jersey, an aspiring rock musician who makes a living playing at weddings finds his world turned upside down when he himself is jilted at the altar. An interesting twist appears in the form of a waitress who always works at his wedding performances. The storyline is based on the popular film ‘The Wedding Singer’, which features actors Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. This musical will be presented at Ennis’s Glór, Causeway Link, Co Clare, V95 VHP0, from March 27th to 30th. Tickets are priced between €14 and €22, and the contact number is 065 684 3103.
Switching topics, ‘The Kite Runner’, Khaled Hosseini’s internationally acclaimed novel, has been adapted into a Broadway play by Mathew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft. This story, which spans multiple cultures and continents, narrates one man’s attempt to face his past and attain absolution. The play will be performed at Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2, from April 2nd to 6th. Tickets can be purchased starting from €21.50. For more information, you may contact them at +353 (1) 646 8600.
Regarding movie updates, the Spengler family is back in the much-loved New York City firehouse as the original Ghostbusters elevate their ghost-busting skills to unprecedented levels in ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (12A)’. After an ancient artefact is discovered, they must fight a malicious power that has the potential to plunge the world into a new ice age.
After a gap of nearly ten years, Jack Black, the celebrated comedy actor, is set to reprise his role as Po, the world’s most unexpected kung fu master in ‘Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)’.
In the new addition to the Monsterverse, ‘Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (12A)’, the formidable Kong and the terrifying Godzilla face off against a gigantic lethal adversary hidden within our world.
‘Migration (PG)’, brought to you by the creators of the hit films Minions, Despicable Me, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets, invites the audience for an adventure in flight.
For dining options, please consider the family-friendly “Board” located at 29 Clanbrassil Street, Dublin, boarddublin.com.
The alcohol-free pub and café that launched earlier this year has gained remarkable popularity, leading to operation hours extending from 11am to late evening, seven days a week. The café offers a variety of food throughout the day, starting from morning pastries, brunch up to 4 pm, and pizzas for evening meals. A key attraction for children is the abundant collection of classic board games. The joy of playing games like Ker-Plunk or Scrabble is immense, although disagreements are discouraged.
At Overends Kitchen, built within the Airfield Estate in Dublin 14, you can satiate your hunger following a tour of the working farm and gardens that accompany the kitchen. All vegetables and fruit used in the kitchen are harvested from the expansive 38-acre property. For children, there’s a special menu. The farm’s Jersey cows provide the milk for the homemade hot chocolate, while the desserts, like cakes and cookies, are made on the premises.
Gaillot et Gray, a renowned wood-fired pizzeria located at 59 Clanbrassil Street Lower, Dublin 8, embraces both family and pets as their guests. One of the menu specials is the cheese and tomato pizza, boasting emmental cheese, sure to win over the more selective eaters. Children can also learn more about culinary trivia, for instance, whether France or Italy eats more pizza (the right answer, according to owners Gilles Gaillot and Emma Gray, is France). The pizzeria serves lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
Bujo, situated in Sandymount, Dublin 4, and Terenure, Dublin 6, offers a superior dining experience under the culinary superintendence of chef Grainne O’Keefe. High-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients underline the meals here. The kids’ menu, titled ‘Bujo Kiddo Box’ (for under-12s), offers several options including a beef cheeseburger (made from grass-fed beef), vegetarian cheeseburger, free-range chicken tenders, fries, and a VitHit drink.
Rascals Brewery operates in Inchicore, Dublin 8, with more details available at rascalsbrewing.com.
Rascals brewery may not initially seem like an obvious place to bring children for a meal, but every consideration has been made to accommodate youngsters. It boasts features such as a playground, ample parking for prams, and a dedicated pizza menu for children, alongside option for customising meals from the main menu.
Next is Grow HQ in Farronshoneen, Waterford city. A great option if you’re looking to educate children about the origins of their food. Explore the organic gardens and follow the journey from garden to kitchen, a trek of merely 112 steps. For lunch, youngsters can savour the home-made organic soups served with crisps, subtly made from parsnip and carrot peels. The cafe operates on a no-waste principle and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9am and 5pm.
Moving to Galway’s Middle Street, where The Dough Bros can be found, this family-friendly pizzeria accepts walk-ins all week and also offers takeaway. The Dough Bros, run by Eugene and Ronan Greaney, have garnered global acclaim for their pizzas that blend premium Irish ingredients with Italian San Marzano tomato sauce. Try the cheese and onion pizza, featuring a host of Irish cheeses including Templegall, Kylemore Mature, Toons Bridge Dairy mozzarella and Smoked Knockanore, topped with red onions, Worcestershire sauce, crispy shallots and chives.
At The Tannery in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, owners Paul and Máire Flynn understand the importance of being child-friendly in the dining scene. They take pleasure in welcoming children to their establishment, noting that the kids of their earliest patrons have returned with their own partners over the years.
Lastly, Wabisabi Sushi and Noodles Bar on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, offers another venue to consider for your next family dining experience.
Lilly Higgins, a well-respected food critic, praises this eatery as a top pick for her little ones. Kids can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from dumplings and noodles to crispy tempura and fried rice from Japan. The establishment welcomes patrons from 12:30pm till late every day.
Adjacent to Kilkenny Castle, the Arán Artisan Bakery and Bistro at 8 Barrack Street, Kilkenny (website: arankilkenny.ie) is a perfect spot post a castle visit. The castle is surrounded by exquisitely maintained gardens and sweeping parklands, featuring various trails and activity sheets that can be downloaded earlier from kilkennycastle.ie. After exploring, the Arán Artisan Bakery and Bistro offers mouth-watering rewards for your strenuous efforts.
The kids’ brunch menu is especially appealing, boasting a delightful French toast made from delicious Arán croissants, topped with cinnamon apples, lashings of whipped cream, and an irresistible Biscoff caramel. Nutella enthusiasts will appreciate the waffles, served with fresh berries and whipped cream. The menu also includes simpler options for the less adventurous little ones like basic scrambled eggs served on toasted white bread slathered in butter.