Plenty to do and lots of activities for families, even after school has started. Check out some of our suggestions, with choices for all pockets as many of them are free to attend.
Airshow 4th - 5th September
Marking the 70th Anniversary of World War II's Battle of Britain, the Northern Ireland International Airshow. A two day programme with air displays, sea displays, ground shows, exhibitions and stalls. Plenty of fun for children of all ages.
Time and Venue: 11am-7pm, West Bay, Portrush, Co. Antrim
Cost: Free
http://www.niinternationalairshow.co.uk/
Temple House Festival 10th - 12th September
Plenty of bands and music, but also many workshops and other activities on site. A lot of creative fun for children and families, and a nightly kids parade and bedtime stories for families. There are also allocated marquees in the family areas where smaller children can get some shelter. Enjoy the woodland walks, kid's play areas, gardens and of course the music, but also poetry reading, face painting, holistic therapies, art exhibitions, farmers' market and much more.
Time and Venue: Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Cost: €58.95 (early bird price), €79 (normal price), three day ticket with optional camping, two children per adult.
http://www.templehousefestival.com/
Family cycle event 11th September
Take a family friendly cycling tour with your family in Cork city by joining the An Post Rebel Tour. There are also longer tours for cycling enthusiast, from 80-160 km circuits, with a minimum age of 14. The Rebel Pedal, a cycling route specially adapted for families. It is a 10 km circuit of Cork city, starting from the Grand Parade and finishing in the Cork Showgrounds. There will be shower and toilet facilities, but also family entertainment such as clowns, music and face painting. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 8th September.
Time and Venue: Sign in at 11am, Grand Parade.
Cost: Free (family cycle)
http://www.corksports.ie
Theatre and magic workshop 12th September
Bringing to life Yeats character in Yeats paintings through theatre, magic and impromptu performance, by the Sligo Youth Theatre. Promising a fun event hoping to make children and adults participate. Book in advance.
Time and Venue: The Mall, Sligo
Cost: Free
http://themodel.ie/
Oyster Festival family fun 12th September
As part of the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival, that runs between the 10th and 12th of September, there will be a Family Fun day. With a lot of family friendly activities, such as fancy dress and art competition, town land tug of war, duck races and children's disco followed by Streetwise.
Time and Venue: 1:30pm – 6pm, Clarenbridge, co. Galway
Cost: €10 adults, €5 students, under 12 go free.
http://www.clarenbridge.com/
Harvest weekend 19th September
A day of farming traditions at Killinkere Visitor Farm, Co. Cavan. See traditional farming crafts such as threshing, butter and boxty making. But also enjoy performances of Irish dancing and Sean Nòs singing, and a vintage display exhibition. There will also be nature walks and dancing. Apart from the traditional animals such as lambs, piglets, goats, kittens and rabbits, Killinkere also has more exotic ones such as llamas, miniature horses, guinea pigs, deer chin chullas, rare birds and foul.
Time and Venue: all day, Killinkere Visitor Farm, Co. Cavan
http://www.killinkerevisitorfarm.ie/
Traditional harvest 26th September
Experience some of the activities that would have been prevalent during harvest time in rural Irish live over 100 years ago, at normal admission rate. You will see bread and butter making, thrashing, sheaf throwing, sugán chair making, performances of Irish trad music and Strawboys, traditional storytelling and also experience the counry school and see the village policeman in a traditional uniform. Children can also enjoy the playground with miniature castle, playhouse, maze and swings. Don't miss all the traditional cottages on display, which you can enter and get a feel of, the walled garden, farm animals and of course the castle.
Time and Venue: 2pm-5pm, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, co. Clare
Cost: €15.75 adult, €9 child, €33.60 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children)
http://www.shannonheritage.com/
Do you have any great tips to share?