Things to do this weekend
Summer is well and truly underway with college and school students free from the books for a few weeks.
While the weather has been somewhat unpredictable — high temperatures have been mixed with unsettled and somewhat damp conditions in recent days.
The weekend is looking to be a mixture of cloudy with outbreaks of rain, but there is sunny spells forecast for the coming days also. As the weekend nears, it's the perfect chance to figure out what your plans are when the whole family is off with activities nationwide — maybe a trip to Fota Wildlife Park in Cork or Newgrange Farm in Meath might be in the schedule… Pic: Shutterstock
As the weekend nears, it's the perfect chance to figure out what your plans are when the whole family is off with activities nationwide — maybe a trip to Fota Wildlife Park in Cork or Newgrange Farm in Meath might be in the schedule…
Here are five of the best things to do this weekend, You can check out more family days out and summer events on YourDaysOut.
Dublin, Thursday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29
There are a range of fascinating free guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland over the weekend across different aspects of Irish history. Families can explore everything from the Stone Age tot he Viking invasions as well as the rise of writing and religion in Early Medieval Ireland.
Special highlights include the Early Medieval Ireland: Ireland to St Gallen tour and the Prehistoric Ireland Family (which has an ISL interpretation on Saturday).
No booking is needed for these tours — but arrive early to secure your spot! Pic: National Museum of Ireland
Wicklow, Friday/ Saturday, June 28/29
Families heading to the Treetop Walk Avondale over the weekend will get the exciting opportunity to meet with the dinorsaurs at the canopy.
The spectacular pre-historic event gives attendees the opportunity to meet Baxter and Spike as well as a group of baby dinosaurs as they wander the trail.
The two-day event promises to be the perfect family day out, with standard admission including the fun event. Pic: YourDaysOut
How about a trip to Boyne Valley to visit the beautiful Newgrange Farm? Open daily throughout the summer, families can bottle-feed lambs, cuddle kittens and meet the calves, pigs and ponies in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Elsewhere, there are pedal tractors and a straw maze as well as an indoor play area and large sandpit, providing plenty to keep the youngsters happy and active throughout the day.
There is also the popular tractor trailer ride around the fields for those looking for an additional bit of adventure.
Newgrange Farm is the perfect family day out with a café on site as well as picnic areas to enjoy lunch. Book here. Newborn Asiatic Lion cubs recently born in Fota Wildlife Park. Pic: Darragh Kane
Cork, open daily
Home to more than 100 different species, many of which are endangered, Fota Wildlife is a fantastic spot to learn all about animals and see the brilliant work going on within the park.
The Cork-based venue is renowned for their conservation efforts, playing vital roles protection global biodiversity while welcoming visitors of all ages in for an immersive and educational wildlife experience.
In addition, the 35-metre-high Panoramic Wheel at the park has been extended for the summer.
Dublin, daily
This outdoor scavenger hunt in Merrion Square was designed by a child therapist and is a playful way for families with young children to connect and explore together.
The event is aimed at children from four years to eight years and blends storytelling, puzzles and discovery in a self-guided walk around the city using the Questo app.
Along the way, you'll solve clues; learn fun facts and share plenty of laughs as you help bring back the lost Sensi-Stone and restore the world's five senses.
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