Summer holidays are here!
That means that little ones will be running wild and we’ll need plenty of ways to keep them entertained.
Worry not because we have five options for you and your little ones to enjoy some much-needed time off in the warm weather.
Plan a staycation
This summer, treat the whole family to a midweek break packed with fun, food and unforgettable experiences at Trim Castle Hotel in Co. Meath.
From Sunday to Thursday throughout the summer, the four-star hotel is offering The Great Family Escape, priced at €395 based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing.
The package includes an overnight stay with breakfast, pizza and sides for dinner, and a family entrance ticket to Emerald Park, just a 30-minute drive away.
Also close by, the inflatable obstacle course at Navan Adventure Centre, 25 minutes away, is another firm family favourite while Dublin Zoo and the National Aquatic Centre are both under 40 minutes from the hotel. Adults in need of a slower pace can unwind at The Hot Box Sauna, a tranquil riverside retreat at Bective Mill House along the River Boyne.
For more information & bookings, visit www.trimcastlehotel.com or call 046 948 3000.
Go Trad!
Belfast TradFest, a celebration of traditional Irish music returns to the UNESCO City of Music.
The festival features world-class performances from renowned artists like Dervish, Matt Molloy, John Carty, lively pub sessions, and Ireland’s fastest-growing summer school with top tutors.
Highlights include the annual TITANIC Céilí, aiming for a future Guinness World Record, and a diverse program of lectures, talks, céilís, film screenings and taster sessions.
The event takes place from 27th July to 3rd August.
You can find out more here.
Light it up
This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing entertainment, with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough providing a unique atmosphere at this family themed event, which makes a welcome return for 2025.
On Saturday 16th August, head to Ballyronan Marina on Lough Neagh in Co Derry for a beautiful family day out.
They will shine a light on the beauty of Lough Neagh, as the Marina provides the backdrop for an evening of music and entertainment.
The highlight of the night will be an illuminated fireworks display, designed to dazzle audiences of all ages. This spectacular show will be a fitting finale to an evening brimming with entertainment and magical experiences.
Visitors can look forward to an array of family-friendly activities. Find out more here.
Take a legends tour
The GAA Museum at Croke Park has reopened the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tour Series, which invites supporters to join their heroes on a special Croke Park Stadium Tour.
These tours provide fans with a fascinating insight into the inter-county playing days of GAA, Camogie & LGFA players that were packed with brilliant moments. Tours take place on selected Saturdays at 11am through June, July and August, with a different Legend leading each tour.
Featured amongst the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends this year are sporting greats including Richie Hogan (Kilkenny), Michael Murphy (Donegal), Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry), Bríd Stack (Cork), Neil McManus (Antrim), Tony Scullion (Derry), Ollie Baker (Clare), Nicky English (Tipperary) and Ursula Jacob (Wexford).
These decorated players have amassed numerous All-Ireland titles and All-Star awards and represented their clubs and counties with passion and pride for many years, earning the ‘legend’ status on the pitch and beyond!
Find out more here.
A walk on the wild side
Head to Fota Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
Fota Wildlife Park’s vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world.
Take a look at the indoor Giraffe viewing area, the Madagascan Village and the Asian Sanctuary which opened in 2015 and features Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, and Indian rhinos.
If you want to upgrade your experience, you can book a VIP tour.
Find out more here.