Bubble Brunch
Dublin | 17th May, 2026

Get ready for a truly magical morning in Kidspace Rathfarnham where bubble fun & performance takes centre stage. Designed for boys and girls aged 0–8, the Bubble Brunch blends circus style bubble magic, interactive play and unforgettable moments the whole family will treasure.

Cavan Arts Festival
Cavan | 14th - 17th May, 2026

Cavan Arts Festival returns for four days of music, theatre, comedy, dance, circus performances and family-friendly activities across Cavan town. Con Smith Park becomes the centre of the festival weekend, with free outdoor entertainment including circus shows, storytelling, workshops, live music and interactive performances.

Families can enjoy activities such as the Carnival School Community Parade, a Pedal Parade for Bike Week, hula hoop workshops, animation workshops, circus acts and children’s performances across the weekend, alongside food areas and creative spaces in the park.  

Toddler Take Over
Dublin | 14th May, 2026

Draíocht hosts its 11th Toddler Take Over this week, transforming the venue into a creative space designed especially for children aged 18 months to 4 years. Families can explore a mix of artist-led and self-guided activities including music, storytelling, dance, drawing and sensory play across a range of themed spaces throughout the building.

Children are encouraged to explore, create and play at their own pace, with activities including painting, building, light installations and interactive performances designed for younger audiences and their adults.

Ballymaloe Festival of Food
Cork | 15th - 17th May, 2026

The Ballymaloe Festival of Food returns to East Cork for a weekend celebrating Irish food, seasonal cooking and local producers. Alongside cookery demonstrations and talks from well-known chefs, families can enjoy food tastings, live music, walks, workshops and children’s activities across the festival grounds.

A dedicated Cool Food School programme runs throughout the weekend with kids cooking classes, while younger visitors can also enjoy outdoor spaces, interactive workshops and a lively festival atmosphere across Ballymaloe. Children under 14 receive free entry to the festival.

International Literature Festival of Dublin
Dublin | 15th - 24th May, 2026

The International Literature Festival Dublin begins this weekend in Merrion Square Park, with a packed programme of talks, performances and family-friendly events across the festival village. Families can enjoy storytelling sessions, draw-alongs, comic workshops, music performances and interactive activities with writers and illustrators from Ireland and abroad.

Weekend highlights for younger audiences include events with Aoife Dooley, Philip Ardagh, Robin Stevens and Sheena Dempsey, alongside poetry walks, creative workshops and outdoor activities taking place throughout the park.

National Drawing Day
Ireland | 16th May, 2026

National Drawing Day returns this weekend with free drawing workshops, creative sessions and family-friendly activities taking place across museums, galleries and cultural venues around Ireland. Families can take part in outdoor drawing, messy art sessions, sensory-friendly workshops, collaborative chalk drawings and sketching activities designed for all ages and abilities.

Highlights include Drawing on the Lawn at the National Gallery of Ireland, family life-drawing sessions at Hugh Lane Gallery, nature drawing and sensory play at Butler Gallery in Kilkenny and Messy Drawing workshops at Draíocht in Blanchardstown. Museums in Dublin and Mayo also host free drop-in drawing activities inspired by exhibitions and historical collections.

National Biodiversity Week
Ireland | 15th - May 24th May, 2026

National Biodiversity Week begins this weekend with free family-friendly events taking place across Ireland, including nature walks, wildlife talks and outdoor activities. Families can join scavenger hunts and biodiversity events in parks, museums and nature spaces, with activities taking place in locations including Dublin, Mayo and Wicklow.

Highlights across the weekend include biodiversity events at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks and Turlough Park, wildlife and heritage activities in Glendalough and community-led nature events taking place around the country as part of the nationwide programme.

Africa Day
Dublin | 17th May, 2026

Africa Day returns to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this May for a free family event celebrating African culture, music and community. Families can enjoy live music, dance performances, food stalls, games, fashion shows and cultural activities throughout the day, with more than 40 acts performing across two stages.

Alongside the Dublin event, Africa Day celebrations also take place in towns and cities across Ireland with family-friendly events including music, art, film and food experiences.