logo
From superheroes to traditional music: Things to do in Ireland this weekend

From superheroes to traditional music: Things to do in Ireland this weekend

Extra.ie​24-04-2025

It's the final weekend of the Easter holidays, and after a week of chocolate-fuelled energy, it might be time to get out of the house and make a few new memories.
Whether you're in the mood for music, culture or a little bit of superhero action, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the last stretch of April.
From family-friendly festivals and hands-on exhibitions to live performances and comic book celebrations, this weekend offers a chance to explore something new or revisit some well-loved traditions. You can find more ideas on YourDaysOut.com. It's the final weekend of the Easter holidays, and after a week of chocolate-fuelled energy, it might be time to get out of the house and make a few new memories. Pic: Shutterstock
Dublin | April 27th, 12-4pm
Celebrate Japanese–Irish culture with a day of music, food and tradition at the Experience Japan Hanami Festival, returning to the beautiful grounds of Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park.
This free, family-friendly event brings together performances, workshops and cultural experiences under the blooming cherry blossoms. Celebrate Japanese–Irish culture with a day of music, food and tradition at the Experience Japan Hanami Festival, returning to the beautiful grounds of Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park. Pic: Shutterstock
The programme includes live music and dance on the main stage, martial arts demonstrations, a craft area with calligraphy workshops and haiku readings.
Families can enjoy a treasure hunt, sample authentic Japanese street food and explore cosplay and language zones.
Rathcoole | April 27th, 10am-12pm
Spider-Man and Batman are swooping into Kidspace Rathcoole this Sunday for a fun-filled Superhero Brunch.
Young heroes can enjoy a morning of dancing, photo opportunities and superhero training, with plenty of chances to meet their favourite caped crusaders. Spider-Man and Batman are swooping into Kidspace Rathcoole this Sunday for a fun-filled Superhero Brunch. Pic: Shutterstock
Children are encouraged to come in costume and will be treated to a Super Pancake brunch followed by playtime in the playframe.
Optional extras include face painting and temporary tattoos, and the event is best suited for kids aged eight and under.
With limited tickets available, this action-packed morning is set to be a super Sunday to remember.
Dublin | Until April 26th
Puffin Rock Habitats is an immersive exhibition for young children and families, running at The Ark in Temple Bar.
Guided by Oona and Baba from the beloved Puffin Rock series, visitors explore four vibrant habitats—Marine, Intertidal, Grassland and Wetland—through playful sensory activities and hands-on discovery. Puffin Rock Habitats is an immersive exhibition for young children and families, running at The Ark in Temple Bar. Pic: Puffin Rock Habitats
Created by the Heritage Council and Cartoon Saloon, the exhibition introduces the plants and animals of Puffin Rock while encouraging a deeper understanding of Ireland's biodiversity.
With its mix of storytelling, learning and fun, it's a gentle call to care for nature in our own communities.
Clare & Galway | April 24th-27th
Celebrate the best of Irish music at two iconic festivals this weekend.
The Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival in North Clare features céilís, concerts, sessions, workshops and CD launches, with a headline concert by the Máirtín O'Connor Band. Celebrate the best of Irish music at two iconic festivals this weekend. Pic: Shutterstock
Enjoy a weekend steeped in community spirit and toe-tapping tunes in the heart of the Burren.
Meanwhile, the 14th annual Clifden Traditional Music Festival brings the best of Connemara's music scene.
With workshops, street performances, a 5K run and a lively pub session trail, the weekend culminates in an open-air concert on Market Square and a Traditional Music Mass on Sunday.
Both festivals offer an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture.
Kells | April 27th, 11am
Mini-Con returns to Eureka House for its third year, bringing a colourful celebration of comics, cosplay and collectibles to Kells.
This family-friendly event offers a fun day out for all ages, with retro gaming, Pokémon cards, LEGO, comic stalls and more. Mini-Con returns to Eureka House for its third year, bringing a colourful celebration of comics, cosplay and collectibles to Kells.
Special guests this year include James Taylor (Star Wars, Harry Potter) and Tony McCarthy (Rings of Power, Fantastic Beasts), making it a must for film and fantasy fans.
An inclusive and welcoming atmosphere makes Mini-Con a highlight for seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dunnes Stores fans set to love new co-ord perfect for weddings with ‘dazzling sequins' – and it costs just €30
Dunnes Stores fans set to love new co-ord perfect for weddings with ‘dazzling sequins' – and it costs just €30

The Irish Sun

time37 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Dunnes Stores fans set to love new co-ord perfect for weddings with ‘dazzling sequins' – and it costs just €30

DUNNES Stores fans are set to love the new co-ord that is perfect for weddings with 'dazzling sequins'. Fashion fans are set to go wild for the latest Savida arrivals. Advertisement 2 The new Savida sequin vest is perfect for any occasion Credit: 2 It is a steal at only €30 Credit: The sequin vest top is just €30 and perfect for any occasion. Be bold and sparkle in the stunning mint green co-ord in Pair this stunning new item with the matching midi-length skirt for a chic ensemble for just €35. Tie off the outfit with white kitten heels and a matching clutch bag – perfect for glamorous weddings. Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS Stomp around in Stradbally this summer in sequin micro shorts, combat boots and the new Savida vest for an on-trend look. "Featuring a classic round neckline and structured seam detailing, pair it with the matching skirt to create an eye-catching and on-trend ensemble." Everyone can shine this summer as sizes range from XXS to XXL. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Be ahead of the crowd and buy this look online or in stores. Dunnes Stores shopper reveals must-have summer dress just €35 Fashion fans are loving the latest fun look in stores, perfect for With the Electric Picnic buzz in the air, partygoers can now get an affordable funky fit in The main range printed half zip jumper is just €15. Advertisement This cosy new item features a funnel neck for added warmth and comes in two different designs. Choose from taupe or lilac, as this item is now available online and in stores. Style the lilac with a white midi skirt and combat boots for a festival fit that will keep you cosy and chic . Pair the taupe design with black leggings and some chunky trainers for a casual, everyday look. Advertisement The zipped chest pocket is perfect for keeping your phone, keys or even a purse safe at concerts or even just on a walk. Go from run to rave, as this item is ideal for any occasion for just €15. This must-have summer look is available online and in THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

Inside Joanna Cooper and Conor Murray's love story as couple celebrate annniversary
Inside Joanna Cooper and Conor Murray's love story as couple celebrate annniversary

Extra.ie​

time40 minutes ago

  • Extra.ie​

Inside Joanna Cooper and Conor Murray's love story as couple celebrate annniversary

It's been two wonderful years since Irish rugby star Conor Murray and Derry girl Joanna Cooper tied the knot. Joanna and Conor said 'I do' in Portugal, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, in June 2023 and have been living in the honeymoon stage ever since. Now, as they celebrate two years of marital bliss, let's take a walk down memory lane and look back on how things began for the loved-up couple. It's been two wonderful years since Irish rugby star Conor Murray and Derry girl Joanna Cooper tied the knot. Pic: Instagram/Joanna Cooper Joanna and Conor first met in 2018 on a night out in London. Although their chemistry was undeniable, Joanna has been open in past about how it was 'not love at first sight.' When asked by the Irish Independent if the pair were joined at the hip from day one, the former Miss Universe Ireland replied: 'I wouldn't say that.' However, it didn't take them long to make the first move, with the couple quickly embarking on a long-distance relationship, with Joanna modelling in London and Conor based back home for Munster training. Joanna and Conor said 'I do' in Portugal surrounded by their nearest and dearest in June 2023 and have been living in the honeymoon stage ever since. Pic: Instagram/ Joanna Cooper Despite the distance, their connection wasn't hindered in the slightest, with the pair moving in together quicker than expected. Speaking to host Ray D'Arcy on his RTÉ Radio 1, Conor explained: 'Joanna moved in fully at the start of lockdown which has been brilliant.' 'Thankfully we were planning it anyway, Joanna was due to move in at the end of the Six Nations back in March, it was happening anyway,' he added at the time. Now, as they celebrate two years of marital bliss, lets take a walk down memory lane and look back on how things began for the loved up couple. Pic: Instagram After marking their fourth anniversary, Conor decided to get down on one knee and make things official with the love of his life. The rugby star popped the question to Joanna in a romantic Dubai proposal in 2022. Wasting no time whatsoever, Joanna and Conor said 'I do' in Portugal, surrounded by their nearest and dearest in June 2023. Eager to grow their family further, Joanna and Conor announced that they were expecting their first child in May 2024, having welcomed a baby boy named Alfie on October 22. Pic: Instagram/Joanna Cooper Ahead of their monumental destination wedding, the couple also tied the knot in private in Ireland, with their dog Kevin being the guest of honour. Eager to grow their family further, Joanna and Conor announced that they were expecting their first child in May 2024, having welcomed a baby boy named Alfie on October 22. Joanna, Conor, and their little boy are now enjoying life post-international rugby as Conor announced his retirement earlier this year. Conor, Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy all announced they'd be stepping back from the Ireland team in February after playing their final Six Nations games. We're excited to see what the future holds for this adorable pair.

Love Island villa's most iconic snogging spot gets makeover – and it'll cause SO many rows
Love Island villa's most iconic snogging spot gets makeover – and it'll cause SO many rows

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Love Island villa's most iconic snogging spot gets makeover – and it'll cause SO many rows

LOVE Island's boss has explained why this iconic spot in the villa has had a makeover for this year's series. Over the course of the show's run, the terrace has become notorious for naughty moments as islanders sneak away for one-on-one chats and private time. 6 This year's villa is promising to be one of the bst yet Credit: ITV 6 This year's terrace has see through panelling and lower walls so there's nowhere to hide Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Last year's terrace was secluded and overlooked the villa Credit: ITV It's also known for being the perfect spot for sneaky kisses – not always with who they are coupled up with. But as the series returns on Monday, Show boss Mike Spencer-Hayter revealed: "The walls for the terrace are lower and more see-through so not as secret as before." "I think we just felt like it was a bit too covered up," he added. READ MORE LOVE ISLAND "You can't see it fully, it's still private. But I think lowering it and the kind of fretwork turns out good. Extra gossip." Previously, the terrace was connected through the girls' changing area, had high walls which were made taller thanks to decorative flower walls. However, those have been stripped back in this year's series, with a long terrace now in place, with lower walling and no extra decoration. It makes the view of the terrace that more clearer from the garden, where most of the islanders tend to spend their days. Most read in Love Island Over the course of the show, the terrace has delivered iconic moments, including The terrace is not the only part of Love Island that's getting a switch-up – with the team aiming for Top 10 funniest Love Island moments Mike told The Sun: "Something big is coming in week one. We've got a really big week one planned. It's hard to say what we're doing without saying it. "It's not a celebrity. We've not seen it before.' He added that changes will be noticeable from the very start of the series. He said: 'There will be things happening for the first couple of days we've not done before and certainly in week one. During that week, there's something incredibly big we've never done before. 'Hopefully we can do it. It's quite experimental. I just think you can't rest on your laurels, being like, 'This is really popular.' 'We have to keep it exciting and tear up the rule book a bit.' Love Island starts Monday at 9pm on ITV, ITV2 and ITVX. 6 Ekin-Su famously crawled across the floor to avoid detection on the terrace 6 Islanders will have to get creative to find someone quiet for a smooch Credit: Rex 6 Islanders have used the terrace to spy on what's going on - or avoid detection

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store