by Cal McGhee
To avoid the dreaded "I'm bored!" mantra over the Easter holidays, we've compiled a list of some fun and FREE activities around the country - that will see you through until April 13th.
Take a look below and avoid dealing with THIS face:
Our list of events will entertain both the young kids and adult teenagers in your life!
Carlow
Seek out magical treasures during the annual Easter treasure hunt in the beautiful Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co Carlow. The annual Easter treasure hunt gets kids to unravel the mystery of the golden nuggets, which are exchanged for delicious chocolate prizes. Kids can also visit a petting zoo with new born lambs and seek adventure in the adjoining playground.
Cork
Europe's only Toy Soldier Factory, located in Kilnamartyra, Macroom is giving live demonstrations on casting miniature figurines and is popular among all age groups. You can see Tin Soldiers cast, moulded, painted, labelled, and packed right before your eyes, and visit the extraordinary historical reenactments.
Donegal
The Amazing Grace Festival at the Fishing Greens in Buncrana opens on April 8th and runs until April 12th. There will be a range of family friendly events and a fireworks display to marvel at.
Dublin
Irish National Sailing School are having an Easter Sailing Camp in West Pier, Dun Laoghaire for children aged between seven and 18 years old. This sailing skills course is open seven days a week from 9.00 – 17.00, is plenty of fun for kids and teaches a skill that can be used for life.
Terenure village market returns for its second year, this time in Bushy Park, Dublin 6. There are stalls and activities for all the family to enjoy, ranging from face-painting to food stalls to arts and crafts. The market was hugely successful last year and the great weather promised this weekend makes it a great outdoor occasion. See details below here.
Farmleigh is hosting food markets puppet shows, art workshops, storytelling and music from the bandstand. With so many activities, there are limited tickets available so make sure to book yours quickly in time for Easter Sunday, April 5th. The event takes place between 10.00-17.30 in Phoenix park, Dublin 15.
Join the Easter egg hunt at Collins Barracks Easter Sunday for a chance to win edible prizes. Your children can lead the trail by solving a series of questions, giving them a mental and physical work out. Held at the National Museum of Ireland from 15.00-16.30.
Astronomy Ireland's Daytime Sun Watch event is a family workshop where you can learn all about the solar system, facts about planets and sunspot phenomenon. Held at AI's HQ in Artane on April 7th from 13.00, this event is ideal for families and young children with an interest in science.
The public can also participate in the storytelling or as part of the audience (with a free cookie!) as courtesy of Exchange Dublin's Milk and Cookies Stories event in Temple Bar from 6.30 onwards, Tuesday April 10th.
St Patrick's Cathedral has scheduled a fantastic programme to celebrate holy week. Learn about the Easter story, take in the breathtaking surroundings and attend the Cathedral's family workshops where you can make a stained-glass window. See here for details.
Galway
Parents can enjoy the art of cooking steak and a wine-tasting while the kids have fun at a pizza-making class and a potato-and-spoon race at Galway Food Festival. The incredibly popular event takes place from April 6th-9th, see here for details.
If you're still in the dancing spirit after St Patrick's Day, enjoy the All-Ireland champions Dartry Ceili Band gig at Clifden's Traditional Music Festival, running from April 13th-15th. See here for the schedule.
Kerry
For fitness enthusiasts, The Good Friday Carrauntoohil Climb is scheduled for this coming Friday, April 3rd. The route begins in Cronin's yard, where you can participate in a guided climb to the peak of Ireland's highest mountain!
Kildare
The North Kildare RFC Easter Sunday 7's Festival has a free family fun day complete with an Easter egg hunt, an all-day BBQ, a kids zone with a bouncy castle and a cake sale. The family fun day begins at 11.30 on Easter Sunday, and ends at 17.00.
Kilkenny
McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is offering an Easter party on Saturday, April 4th with free face-painting, games, giveaways and guest appearances from Elsa, Anna and Spiderman! Also, until April 10th, you can visit the festive Easter cabin in Workhouse square.
Laois
Get your children creative at the Kid's Club in Laois shopping centre, on Thursday, April 2nd. Kids will get to design and decorate their own Easter Egg to take home while parents can browse the stores. Book now here.
Leitrim
The Waterways Ballinamore Easter Spraoi (April 4th – 6th) is guaranteed to entertain all the family, with activities including, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, zorbing and trips along the Shannon.
Limerick
Claim your free Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny in The Easter Bunny’s House, located in the Jetland Shopping Centre on the Ennis Road. The Easter Bunny's house is complete with Easter decorations and colorful arts and crafts. Running till April 4th, you can visit the Easter Bunny at 12.00-18.00 on weekdays and 10.00-18.00 on the weekend.
Longford
Longford town is organising its annual Easter commemoration, assembling at 15.30 for a 16.00 march to honour those lost in 1916, with refreshments and a tribute band.
Mayo
Westport’s Annual Easter Walking Festival is a hill walk mapping 800m in height, and low level walk of 12 miles. The walks will include a hill walk of five hours and 800m in height, and a low level walk of 12 miles. Organised by Croagh Patrick Walking Tours, hill-walking enthusiasts will love the breathtaking scenery while families on the low level walk can enjoy the woodland track.
Meath
Exchange the chocolate for crisps at Tayto Park in Ratoath, Co Meath, re-opening for the Easter Scavenger hunt and connected activities including face-painting and magic shows to dazzle the kids on Easter Sunday.
Additionally, an Easter treasure trail with Martin the Magician at the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre, Drybridge, Co Meath, is being held on April 21st from 14.00.
Roscommon
The Easter Sunday Fun Day & Egg Hunt at Strokestown Park and Gardens in Co Roscommon contains stunning Georgian buildings housing a nursery to entertain the children, while parents can see the adjoined Irish National Famine Museum.
Sligo
The Quayside Shopping Centre in Sligo is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday with free chocolate eggs and face painting for all the children!
Tipperary
On Easter Sunday, drop by and see the Tipperary Vintage Rally; a place for thrilling motorcycle rides along the Wall of Death and a showcase of stunning classic cars. Offering a wide range of spectacles for families, the motorsport event will also have hot food stalls and a cafeteria.
Waterford
Waterford County Museum are offering a chance for the public to gain an insight to the history of candy making, focusing on Dungarvan's famous sweet seller Nano Manahan. You can learn about the art of sweet-making and make a sugar cane the old-fashioned way from 12.00-13.00pm, April 14th.
Walton Park's Picnic in the Park offers live music for people of all ages to enjoy relax in the sun and Walton Park's Picnic in the Park, 15.00-17.00, April 14th.
Westmeath
For a spooky Easter treat, join the guided bat walk at Belvedere House to learn about the nocturnal habits of the winged mammals. The bat walk is held in the evening at 20.00, April 14th.
Athlone town centre also offers free mini-eggs, egg hunts and face painting on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
Wexford
See the fascinating Viking settlement at Kilmokea Gardens, Campile, Co Wexford. Newly re-opened to the public, the historical site is to be launched on Easter Saturday, April 4th, so you can be one of the first to see the magical fairy woodland and “The Myrtle Wood” children's story.
Wicklow
A nature trail hiking festival in Tinahely on April 15th is a great chance to stay active over the Easter period. Learn more about the festival here.
