PARENTHOOD.IE

Our favourite free and low cost choice of family getaways this August. You are probably be dying for your kids to start school, but here are a few suggestions that might make their last days of summer memorable.

Trad Fest                   Wednesday 4th – Friday 10th August

Experience Irish traditional music at Feakle Trad Fest in the County Clare and see many of Ireland's best musicians. Apart from music sessions there will also be workshops, céilís, concerts, singing and poetry.  Sunday will have children's activities with face painting and puppet show by Your Man's Puppets, at 1:30 pm.
Time and Venue: All day, Feakle, East Clare, co. Clare
Cost: Free
http://www.feaklefestival.ie/

Black Pig Festival            Thursday 5th – Monday 9th August

Festival to the mythological pig that was slain at Mackduff after devouring women and children. The festival hosts a colourful parade with a samba band, followed by the roasting of the pig and live street entertainment throughout the weekend. See also the popular Ed Masters Magic Variety Show including the TV characters Barney, Schooby Doo and Dora. Don't miss the Kids Go Wild Party, with  bouncing castles, face painters, entertainers and disco. There will also be both duck and pig racing.
Time and Venue: All day, Enniscrone, co. Sligo.
Cost: Most is free. Magic Show, €6 children, €8 adults. Kids Go Wild Party, €5.
http://www.discoverenniscrone.com/events-list-annual-events-in-enniscrone/black-pig-festival.html

Pig Racing           Friday  30th July to Monday August 2nd

Many fun activities over the course of the weekend at the Kilmihil Festival of Fun in Co. Clare with raft racing,rughby, hurling and soccer blitzes.Car boot sale on Saturday morning followed a 10K fun run/walk.The Sunday events will comprise of street entertainment and raft race. The ever popular Pig racing will take place on Sunday evening. Mondays events will comprise of street parade followed by more fun activities and vintage car and tractor show.

Time and Venue: August Bank Holiday weeken, Kilmihil. Co Clare
Cost: Free
http://www.kilmihil.com/

Puck Fair                    Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th August

Promising twelve hours of free family street entertainment, a day. With a packed programme of events, such as magic shows, fancy dress, pet shows, workshops, circus, music, storytelling, fireworks, and much more.
Time and Venue: 11am-9:30pm, Killorglin, co. Kerry.
Cost: Free
http://www.puckfair.ie/

Sand sculpting festival            Friday 13th – Sunday 15th Aug

View professional sand sculptures and enjoy a beach party with live entertainment and fireworks. See also the free street theatre show with the “Madcaps” and enter amateur sculpting competitions with the whole family. Smaller children can also attend the storytelling and fancy dress competition.
Time and venue: Duncannon Beach, Duncannon, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Cost: Free
http://www.visitduncannon.com/

Lady Well Fete                    Sunday 15th August

Fun events and activities for the family with drama, tug o'war, Irish dancing, dog trials, castle tours, sports day, bouncy castle, vintage cars and more. Browse the market stalls with food and crafts,  and be sure to see the dancing Chinese dragon.
Time and Venue: 12-6pm, Slane Castle, Slane, Co. Meath.
Cost: Free admission, €5 for carpark.
http://www.ladywellfete.com/

Wild Child Day            Saturday 21st August

Find an activity in your own county, arranged with the Heritage Council. Celebrating biodiversity the Wild Child Day is all about getting families and their children to enjoy the outdoors and connect to nature, regardless of the weather. With plenty of activities for children of all ages, and most will be free. See the link below and find an activity in your county.
Cost: Free
http://www.heritageweek.ie/index.php/whats-on/heritage-week-for-kids/

Free family art workshop                Saturday 28th August

Back to school workshop for the whole family with artist Sinead McGeeney. Bring new or old copybooks and revamp them for the coming school year. Create new designs and 3D effects for your favourite copybook.
Time and Venue: 3-4pm, Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin.
Cost: Free
http://www.hughlane.ie/


For more family getaways this August see http://www.mykidstime.com/