Ella Fitzgerald was probably thinking about school children when she sang 'Summer time, and the livin' is easy'.
She couldn't have been thinking about the parents.
Sometimes, I wonder if it's even possible to entertain little bundles of energy for eight weeks...especially if it rains?
Of course it is!
YourDaysOut has thousands of ideas for things to do near you, regardless of the weather.
There are also brilliant family festivals and events in Ireland every year.
Unfortunately, the issue with insurance has filtered into summer events too, with organisers being quoted large increase in premiums from previous years.
However, this is not the only difficulty organisers have, as it's also a struggle to get a commitment from volunteers to help out.
These issues have resulted in the cancelation of a number of popular summer festivals including, among others, the Enniscrone Black Pig and the Tramore Promenade Festival.
So, whatever event you are able to get to over the next couple of months, remember to save a little smile and a 'thank you' for anybody helping out. It could be the difference between them returning to help next year or not!
We've also put together a fantastic 32 page Summer Guide with tips on things to do this summer including Family Breaks, Camping Tips, Pet Farms, Summer Camps, Water Sports and much more.
Click below to read, download, print or share or keep reading below to check out this summers events.
June 29th - June 30th
The Flavours of Fingal County Show is a farm, flowers, food and family fun experience. As well as shows and demonstrations, the Walled Garden of Newbridge House will have different local foods, crafts, live music and children's entertainment.
June 29th - June 30th
The Old Fort Quarter will come alive with traditional medieval activities such as archery and shield-making while the historic streets will be a hive of activity with live street theatre, artisanal food markets and live music along with lots of activities for young children. Historians will host heritage exhibitions, offering a window into medieval life at the Old Fort of Maryborough.
June 29th - June 30th
Take the whole family out for the weekend to join the celebration of Wexford's maritime heritage and culture. Jump on board one of the visiting boats, enjoy one of the many water activities on offer, enjoy search and rescue demonstrations plus with live entertainment and family fun..
4) Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival
June 29th - June 30th
The Kilflynn Fairy Council have teamed up with the local Fairies and Elves to bring this festival to life for children and families. The weekend starts with a fun street parade on Saturday evening, followed on Sunday by a day full of creative, magical and enchanting activities with creative workshops and play in the meadow which will be full of entertainers, characters, storytellers, music and surprises around every corner.
5) The Wells Western & Space Party
June 30th
To celebrate the release of Toy Story 4, there will be face painting, cowboys, cowgirls, astronauts and a kids disco.
6) Clonmel Junction Festival, Tipperary
July 1st - July 7th
Over the course of seven days Clonmel Junction Festival presents a programme of events including live music, theatre, street performance, comedy, visual art and food.
7) Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
3rd – 7th July
The annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival takes place in a charming and picturesque fishing village celebrating the start of summer with delicious seafood platters, fishing and lots of fun activities for all the family.
8) Summer Garden Festival | Claregalway Castle
6th– 7th July
Meet the experts featuring rare and native plants, seeds, trees, garden furniture, tools, pots, sculptures and craft work as your family enjoys live music and freshly cooked food.
Various dates during summer
The stage is set this summer at Fota Wildlife Park with a series of fun and educational events all free with your admission including art workshops, music workshops, and Yoga@Fota.
10) Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Summer Children's Tours
Every Saturday in July & August from 6th July
The history of Glasnevin Cemetery will be brought to life this summer as the family friendly tour returns and you can bet that there are some surprising and quirky stories among them including Fr. Browne and the Titanic, Grave Robbing, William Fogarty's pesky parrot and Maria Higgins - the only person in the cemetery who was buried twice!
7th July
Everyone is invited to the annual Barretstown Big Picnic this Sunday from 11 am – 5.30 pm as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. The Big Picnic is set to be an action-packed day of serious fun activities. Fossett's Circus will perform three live shows during the day and there will be lots of fun activities including Crazy Golf, Canoeing, Bouncy Castles, Pony Rides, Petting Farm and much more.
10th – 28th July
Earagail Arts Festival is a bilingual, multidisciplinary arts festival which takes place each July throughout Donegal.
July 11th - 14th
The rugged, unspoilt Comeragh Mountains and the adjacent coastal hinterland around the stunning Waterford Greenway will be a hive of outdoor activity and fun as the Comeraghs Wild Festival gets underway for yet another year. This year’s action-packed, four day programme includes an open air concert deep in the Comeragh Mountains, an open air showbands special, surfing sessions, Famine walk, afternoon tea at Curraghmore House, Dancing at the Crossroads, storytelling with Eddie Lenihan, sand art and loads more.
14) Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular
July 12th - July 14th
Ireland's biggest free summer festival runs over three days in Dublin, showcasing the best in international street performance, interactive family activations and workshops, delicious artisan producers and street food from around the world as well as a pet wellness area with D.S.P.C.A.
15) Galway International Arts Festival
July 15th - 28th
Last year, over a quarter of a million attended 200 performances, talks and exhibitions in 33 venues over 14 days. This year's 42nd Festival and features something for everyone including In the Flesh exhibition, Out of Chaos spectacular circus and Macy Gray performs live.
16) Feile Brian Boru
July 17th - July 21st
Féile Brian Ború is an annual festival held in the twin towns of Killaloe, Co. Clare & Ballina, Co. Tipperary with a fun filled programme of events
17) Boyle Festival
July 18th - 27th
A wonderful programme of events and live music over ten days in Boyle with fun workshops for children and adults, exhibitions and live music from Tommy Fleming, The Blizzards, Riptide Movement and more.
18) Festival of Curiosity, Dublin
July 19th - July 22nd
An annual celebration at the intersection of art, science, technology and design that has quickly grown into being one of the most exciting and innovative festivals of its kind in Europe.
July 20th
The annual show returns on Saturday 20th July with the usual competition classes, as well as Bonny Baby and Glamorous Granny and lots of family fun.
20) Dublin Maker
July 20th
Dublin Maker is a family friendly showcase of invention and creativity in the form of a “show and tell” with Makers including tech enthusiasts, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs and students.
July 20th & 21st
Fun, fresh air and frolics are promised for the 2019 Mayo International Kite Festival at Keel Beach, Achill Island with colourful kites and free entertainment all weekend.
22) Rose Festival | St. Anne's Park
July 20th - 21st
The annual Rose Festival is a fantastic free day out for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of St Anne’s Park with its Rose Garden and scenic walks. The festival is a mix of live music, arts and crafts stalls, plant sales and hot and cold food vendors and lots of fun activities.
23) Laya Healthcare's City Spectacular, Cork
July 20th - July 21st
This bustling festival for all ages will feature aerial acts, football freestylers, sword-swallowers and tonnes of thrilling talent, a live music stage, world street food market, an imaginative play universe for kids and hands-on lego model building, children’s storytelling and creative writing, vintage funfair rides and much more.
July 21st
Set in the surreal surrounds of Woodstock Gardens, which lie on the edge of the picturesque village of Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, the screen-free event will feature a fairy trail, bouncy castles, storytelling, a plethora of outdoor games, the reptile zoo and mini farm, the return of an expanded capacity interactive story train and so much more.
25) Teddy Bears' Picnic | Brigit's Garden
July 21st
Children are welcome to bring along their favourite Teddy for a day of fun-filled activities including Musical Stories with Carol, Teddy Bear Arts & Crafts, paw-print Treasure Hunt, Teddy Bear Hospital and Teddy Bears’ Disco.Ardmore Pattern Festival July 24th - 28th Ardmore Pattern Festival is a free fun-filled festival in West Waterford with sports events, walks, demonstrations, farmers' market, music, street entertainment, tours, fireworks and a special performance by Phil Coulter in St. Declan's Church.
July 24th - 28th
Ardmore Pattern Festival is a free fun-filled festival in West Waterford with sports events, walks, demonstrations, farmers' market, music, street entertainment, tours, fireworks and a special performance by Phil Coulter in St. Declan's Church.
27) Bray Air Display
July 27th - Jul 28th
As well as the incredible display in the skies over Bray there will be a food and craft village featuring artisan food and specialist craft stalls as well as musical entertainment and a family fun fair.
28) Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival
July 27th - August 5th
This year's highlights include different styles of live music, a Dungloe street food event, demonstrators of traditional crafts, kids discos, magician, arts & crafts, petting zoo, carnival parade and lots more
29) RHSI Garden Show | Russborough House
July 28th
With plenty to occupy the experienced and the novice gardener, children and families, attractions will include plant stalls from some of Ireland’s leading nurseries, including Camolin Potting Shed, Leamore Nursery, Rare Plants Ireland and Shady Plants Nursery.
July 26th - 28th
Three days of films for children featuring a great programme of choices to suit all ages and interests.
July 28th - August 5th
Every year from the end of July to the start of August “hay fever” hits the peaceful Georgian village of Durrow as the place goes scarecrow crazy. They come from all corners of Ireland and further afield to take part in the Durrow Scarecrow Festival and see who has got what it takes to win the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship.
July 28th
Who knew the Presley family came from Hacketstown? Celebrations take place in the ancestral home of the King again with this year's Elvis meets Country theme.
July 31st - August 2nd
Wells House will be transformed to celebrate favourite Wizarding characters! Witness Wells as it becomes an enchanted with numerous spells to bring you a wizarding experience like no other.
34) Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival
August 2nd - August 5th
Returning with an impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests, live music from Moonrockers, the Black Suspenders and other with lots of fun, family activities too.
August 2nd - August 5th
The festival has another fun programme of events and activities to suit everyone in the family including sports competitions, kids tractor and trike run, Knockalough Lake family afternoon, street entertainment, cultural parade, monster field day, fireworks and maybe even some pig racing!
36) Sproai Street Festival, Waterford
August 2nd - August 4th
The Spraoi International Street Arts Festival will feature street artists from around the globe, presenting a thrilling selection of world class street theatre. The highlight will be the annual Parade that thrills audiences with amazing floats, costumes and a cast of over 200 volunteers.
37) Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
August 2nd -August 10th
The 51st programme includes a fantastic opening parade, the Ormand Flying Club's Annual Fly-In and display; the Olde Time Traditional Fair, free children's events, antiques and fine art fair, live music, sporting and literary events, nightly pub entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.
38) Beatyard
August 3rd - August 4th
Featuring Beatyard - with Groove Armada, Chvrches, Jungle, David Kitt and more - Eatyard, with over fifty food areas, demos and competitions and lots of family friendly activities.
August 7th - 11th
The Dublin Horse Show has something for everyone. With an array of national and international show jumping competitions and world class equestrian entertainment, great shopping, delicious food, music and fantastic daily entertainment.Kilkenny Art Festival August 8th - 18th For over forty years, Kilkenny Arts Festival has brought some of the world's greatest artists to the beautiful and intimate surroundings of Ireland's medieval city.
40) Carlingford Oyster Festival
August 8th - 12th
The Carlingford Oyster Festival is a four day celebration for the entire family based around local shellfish. There will be loads of children’s activities, including a magic show, face-painting, a teddy bear’s picnic and more.
41) Playstival
August 10th - 11th
Playstival, Ireland’s festival for kids and their parents celebrating play, fun and imagination returns to Airfield Estate, Dundrum. A must attend for parents and families passionate about positive play, fun and the power of the imagination!
42) Puck Fair
August 10th - 12th
Killorglin is the venue for one of Ireland’s most unusual street festivals – Puck Fair. The fair is one of Ireland’s oldest and longest celebrated and is held on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with twelve hours of free family street entertainment.
43) Camp Freddo
August 11-14th
Camp Freddo returns to Blessington, Co Wicklow this summer to give the whole family an outdoor adventure to remember. Daily sessions include canoeing, biking, picnicking, zip-lining through the forest and more!
August 15th - 24th
The Belmullet Festival is organised around Lá an Logha (day of indulgence) and has developed into a wonderful week of entertainment and activities for young and old with special events for children and families.
August 15th - 18th
The Big Grill will allow you to discover and learn about all kinds of BBQing grilling, smoking, meats and delicacies from around the globe, all washed down with a choice craft beer or cider. There will be demos, workshops from well-known chefs, eating challenges, children's play area with entertainment, a grand BBQ cook-off and lots more
46) Carrigaholt Family Festival
August 16th - 18th
Now in its 26th year, a fantastic three day fun-filled festival with music, drama, dance, heritage events, country sports and plenty of good old-fashioned games for the children including slow bicycle race, car treasure hunt, fancy dress parade and more.
47) Rose of Tralee International Festival
August 16th - August 22nd
The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee but it is also a week long programme of activities and events including street entertainment, concerts, Birds funfair, circus, fireworks and more.
August 17th - 25th
Many national and local community organisations participate by organising over 2,000 events throughout the country that highlight the abundance of great work that is carried out to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage. Events include children's bird-watching, traditional craft workshops, heritage fairs, guided tours of historic sites and buildings, traditional games day and lot more.
49) Totally Terrific Tomato Festival
August 17th - September 1st
A celebration of all things tomato at the National Botanic Gardens. The festival will feature over 250 varieties on display n the Teak House alongside a series of tomato talks and fun activities for children.
50) Elves & Fairies Day | Brigit's Garden
August 19th
The Fairy Queen and Elf King are on their way to Brigit's Garden in Galway for a day of fun and fairy magic including games, treasure hunt, crafts and more.
51) Tullow Show
August 18th
Tullow Agricultural Show has something to interest both rural and urban visitors of all ages! There are classes to suit all ages from cattle to sheep to horses and ponies, to art, flowers, farm produce, home and dairy, photography, crafts and much more.
52) Wild Child | Birr Castle Gardens
August 21st
A day for both young and old to show their “wild side” and reconnect with nature and the great outdoors. Go wild with creative art, butterfly nets, pond dipping nets and pooters with different discovery sessions held throughout the day.
53) Waterford Walls Street Art Festival
August 22nd - 25th
Amazing live painting by some of the world’s top street artists, along with a fun-filled family-friendly programme of activities including live music, workshops, guided art trails expert panel talks and a new children’s street art programme.
August 23rd - 25th
This year’s Festival will once again host local food producers in a tented village on the pier in Donegal Town, celebrating and promoting great local food and drink from Ireland.
55) Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival
August 23rd - 25th
The 3rd Trim Salmon of Knowledge is a free festival of family fun, music, dramatic performances incorporating the mythical story of the Salmon of Knowledge from the River Boyne, arts/crafts, culture, Boyne Valley Food producers and much more.
56) Loughrea Medieval Festival
August 23rd - 25th
Returning for a sixth year, the Loughrea Medieval Festival is a fun and educational free family event where Lords and Ladies of every age can experience the sights, smells and entertainment of medieval Loughrea as the town is brought to life with everything from the festival’s Jester to combat fighting on Sunday’s Walled Towns Day.
57) Oughterard Show
August 25th
The Oughterard Show takes place at Corribdale Grounds and Oughterard Community Centre with numerous animal classes and a domestic section suitable for everyone in the family from grandparents exhibiting their traditional skills to children exhibiting their drawings or painted hard boiled eggs.
58) Ould Lammas Fair
August 25th - 27th
The Ould Lammas Fair has taken place annually in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, since the seventeenth century. Celebrated on the last Monday and Tuesday in August, the fair marks the end of summer and beginning of harvest.
