A selection of some things to do in Ireland this weekend.
The Maiden of the Mournes International Festival
The festival continues all week featuring live music on stage every night, magic show, children's workshops, dog show, teddy bears' picnic and more. There is a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesday night and the Maiden of the Mournes 2017 is crowned on Saturday evening.
One of the largest international equestrian events in the world takes place in Dublin from the 9th - 13th of August.
But, it doesn't only feature world class competitions, as this year they are introducing new acts for the whole family to enjoy throughout the RDS venue. Music and circus acts will be roaming around the Showgrounds and a Kids' Zone will keep everyone entertained with an inflatable slide, bouncing castle and face painting.
One of the oldest and most popular fairs in Ireland takes place next weekend from 10th-12th with twelve hours of free family entertainment every day featuring live music, street acts, workshops and the horse and cattle fair. There will be a spectacular fireworks display to close the festival.
The Kilkenny Arts Festival runs from the 11th to the 20th August where some of the world's best musicians perform in the city’s historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens offer a magical setting for unique collaborations and intimate encounters between audiences and artists.
The Carlingford Oyster Festival is a four-day celebration from the 11th to 14th of August for the entire family based around local shellfish.
As well as tasting the various oysters, chowders and fish on offer in the markets and local restaurants, there will be a fun programme of events including Magic Show, Face Painting, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Free Kayaking in the Harbour, Children’s Funfair and Bouncing Castles.
Over 50,000 people will once again decent on Tullamore on 13th August for a fun-filled family day out featuring highly-contested livestock competitions.
There are also loads of workshops from the art of jam and jelly making to the do's & don'ts of photography, live music, fashion shows, local food and crafts, dog shows & agility, as well as €175,000 in prize money for the 1,000 different classes.
The Little Festival at The Big House
Wells House & Gardens in Wexford offer a fun family day out house tours given by Victorian Tour Guides, an enchanted woodland walks with fairies, adventure playground, animal sanctuary, craft court and more.
This weekend they are also running a Little Festival in association with Wexford Arts Centre featuring live music, puppet making, circus acts and Shakespeare in the Wood. It's great value too at only €10 per car.
The Dublin Rock 'n' Roll festival returns a third year featuring music, cars, hairstyles, clothing and everything Rockabilly for lovers of all things 50’s and 60’s. There is free live music all weekend and vintage car and motorbike displays.
Fun family festival with events and activities until the 22nd of August. This weekend there is Heritage Day on Saturday with prizes for the best fancy dress and a Family Sports Day on Sunday from 12-2 with lots of fun and games.
Admission may be cheap but the quality of the Festival certainly isn't. Live music over three days featuring The Blizzards, Aslan and more for only €3 makes this one of the best value festivals around. Also, children Under 12 are Free! There is a family fun day on Saturday afternoon too.
A jam-packed summer festival in the scenic surroundings of Killybegs in Donegal takes place this weekend. Events include Teddy Bears' Picnic, Sports Day, Fire Brigade Demo, Car Treasure Hunt, Live music and entertainment and more. Mohan's Fun Fair will also be there.
Ireland’s biggest small festival takes place over four days from August 10th - 13th. The Festival is a mix of live music drama, poetry, film and comedy. There are kids activities on Saturday and Sunday featuring games, workshops, face painting, weird science and more.
Malahide Castle & Gardens is set on 260 acres with fantastic facilities for all the family. This weekend Milo Bear is hosting a Teddy Bears' Picnic on the West Lawn from 12 - 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Family garden tickets are €18.50 (2 adults & 2 children).
The Dingle Racing Festival
Every year in August, the field at Ballintaggart changes into an enormous racetrack filled with horses, jockeys and horse racing enthusiasts from all over Ireland and the rest of the world. The Festival runs from 11th - 13th.
Comic Con, Dublin
Returning for its fifth year, Dublin Comic Con brings media guests from TV and film, Comic creators, artists, fans and professionals together for a weekend of talks, workshops, demos, interactive activities and all around great family fun.
As well as top class racing with the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, Sunday,13th August is also all about families!
There will be lots of free kids entertainment; Meet your favourite cartoon characters, Mr Tayto will be there as will the Front Runner Racing Club, Face Painters, a caricaturist and Reptile Zoo – a great day not to be missed!
Fun two-day event in the Showgrounds featuring military displays, trade stands, re-enactments and more
