We have carefully selected events that are outdoors and/or following safety protocols for social distancing.
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Energia Map 11th-13th September ☀️
Dublin
Ars Electronica Festival 2020
When: 9-13th September
Link here
International Arts, Technology and Culture festival hosts a range of events over the weekend, 3 are based in Ireland. Dublin is host to the European Headquarters for the most powerful and influential technology companies of this generation. Topics around the Dublin tours are based on data sovereignty, privacy and security. Ars Electronica Festival has a range of many art and cultural exhibitions internationally and virtually seen on their website.
Admission: Free
Totally Terrific Tomato Festival 2020
When: 11th-12th September
Link here
Last year a World Record was made by the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin for cultivating 261 types of tomatoes. This year they are holding their annual tomato festival to celebrate the fruit vegetable. Join them with the family for tomato talks and fun activities for the kids.
Admission: Free
Conservation in Action at the National Gallery of Ireland
When: 11th September
Link here
A rare opportunity to see conservation works at the National Gallery of Ireland. On Saturday, the restoration team will be working on Lavinia Fontana's painting of The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. You will be able to see these works from behind a glass panel, The National Gallery of Ireland asks you to be mindful of the social distancing guidelines.
Admission: Free
The People's Pavilion at IMMA
When: Ends the 20th September
Link here
Just outside the gallery walls of IMMA, The Peoples Pavilion hosts a range of activities, workshops and events. The grounds are a peaceful place to explore and be entertained which is just a few minutes outside the noisy city centre. Feel safe on the grounds and relax in socially distant circles marked on the ground.
Admission: Free
MusicTown Virtual Festival
When: 9-27th September
Link here
MusicTown was set up to unify the city, making music relatable and accessible to everyone. That's why this year Aiken Promotions and Dublin City Council decided to go ahead with the festival virtually this year. Bringing art, music and culture to your home at a time where we all need it much more. A range of virtual events will be hosted over the next 2 weeks.
Admission: Free
Meath
Brú na Bóinne
When: All year
Link here
Brú na Bóinne translates to ‘palace’ or ‘mansion’ of the Boyne and was home to people for 6000 years over 5000 years ago. It's one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes and it's right on our doorstep. It is on the World Heritage List meaning it is a masterpiece of human genius, reflecting a cultural tradition and civilization. Find out how our ancestors lived on your visit to Brú na Bóinne.
Admission: Free
Westmeath
Drawing Class at Belvedere House Gardens & Park
When: 12th September
Link here
Immerse yourself in art and surroundings at Belvedere House Gardens & Park in this drawing class. Liz Johnson will be the Art & Nature class teacher. The fascinating Georgian estate is available for you to roam around after the class, included in the ticket price.
Admission: €15 euro
Mollie Moo’s Pet Farm
When: All year
Link here
Mollie Moo’s Pet Farm is a family run business with an interactive village, sandpit, playground, go-karts and gives the kids a chance to feed the animals. A brilliant day out for the family in Westmeath.
Admission: €9 per person
Kildare
Kildare Maze
When: All year
Link here
Kildare’s maze is home to Leinster’s largest hedge maze, a wooden maze, zip wire and playground. Located in North Kildare it is easily accessible by the M50 and a budget friendly adventurous day out.
Admission: €6-8
Offaly
Clonmacnoise
When: All year
Sixth century monastic site founded in 548-9 by St. Ciaran Mac a tSaor is one of Ireland's most popular ancient site’s and a must see on your travels when re-discovering Ireland. This ancient monastery homes many stories by the people who lived here and are told by the ancient manuscripts they wrote.
Admission: Free
Kilkenny
The Farmers Market at Mountain View
When: Every Sunday
Link here
Artisan farmers market at Mountain View is held each Sunday and displays homemade and local arts, craft and produce. If you are interested in buying something unique, this market is a go-to. The market is tucked away in the hillside at Ballyhale.
Admission: Free
Dunmore Cave
When: All year
Link here
Ancient limestone cave was a hiding place for Vikings, it was called the ‘darkest place in Ireland’ in letters dating back to the 9th century. This fantastic piece of geology has been written about many times over the centuries, one 16th century manuscript described it to be the place of a Viking battle. It was excavated in the 1960s and found this was true.
Admission: Free
Wicklow
Ballinastoe Sli Trail
When: All year
Link here
Discover the Wicklow mountains on the Ballinastoe looped trail. It is a family and dog-friendly route to take which takes you up the slopes of the Djouce Mountain. On your way you can see fox, badgers, squirrels and deer in addition to many species of birds. Once you get to the top you can look on to the Sugarloaf Mountain.
Admission: Free
Galway
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
When: All year
Link here
Kylemore Abbey grounds are full of a mix of things to see. From the neo-gothic church, restored period rooms, garden houses, vegetable & flower gardens to the farm animals and playground. There is something here for everyone.
Admission: Free
Salthill Outdoor Yoga
When: 12th September
Link here
Located in Salthill in Galway, you are sure to connect with the nearby Atlantic, grass on your feet and people around you in this outdoor group session. You are advised to bring a yoga mat or towel and wrap up in case it gets cold.
Admission: €10
Mayo
Folklore Exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
When: Until 30th September
Link here
The Seamus Mag Uidhir Folklore exhibition finishes this September. Born in 1902 Seamus travelled across Mayo and recorded the many stories of folklore which were passed on from generation to generation. Many other interesting exhibitions are displayed in the National Museum of Ireland which tell tales of history and our ancestors.
Admission: Free
Kerry
Kerry Bog Village
When: All year
Link here
Experience the 19th century bog village located in the Ring of Kerry. The village has preserved thatched cottages which are displayed with ancient antiques. Outside you can see the rural farm equipment used by 19th century turf cutters and farmers.
Admission: €4.50-6.50
Killarney National Park
When: All year
Link here
Killarney National Park is a massive Biosphere reserve. The park homes Muckross House and Gardens, castles, many different wildlife and species. You can visit the visitor centre or opt for hour long walks across the park trails.
Admission: Free
Cork
The Importance of Being Earnest Theatre
When: 9-13th September
Link here
The Theatres are back open again, an exciting time. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is presented by Stage It productions and directed by Finula Doyle O’Neill. Enjoy a play full of eccentric characters, music and
Admission: €15
Waterford
Lismore Art Castle
When: All year
Link here
Lismore Art Castle homes contemporary visual art exhibitions situated in the stunning Lismore Gardens.
At the moment there is a light and language exhibition displaying art of different styles and mediums. If you are bringing the kids on this day out, Lismore Art Castle has printable activity sheets to encourage creativity & learning. Book in advance to visit.
Admission: € 0-8.50
Belfast
Titanic Belfast
When: All year
We all know the fatal story of the Titanic; this visitor centre takes you on a journey to understand the history of building the ship and why they were so certain it was unsinkable. This fascinating interactive experience is described as a ‘time capsule’ as you journey through.
Kids & healthcare workers go free this month.
Admission: Kids/Healthcare workers go free.
Tyrone
Gortin Glen Forest Park
When: All year
Link here
Located 6 miles from Omagh, Tyrone and just at the gateway to the Sperrin Mountains. The Gortin Glen Forest Park is a scenic woodland which can take you on a variety of trails. From the car park you are guided to pick a trail. Depending on the trail you could cross paths with the local deers and wildlife.
A playground and picnic benches are available in this family friendly and wheelchair-friendly park.
Admission: Free
Antrim
Antrim Castle Garden
When: All year
Link here
Antrim Castle Gardens is TripAdvisor’s Travellers choice of 2020 of things to do in Antrim. The 400-year-old Castle Gardens underwent a £6 million renovation to preserve the historic site. It’s a short trip outside the city and has a range of gardens to discover.
Admission: Free