Sunday scaries stand no chance against you when you get to attend your own cookie making workshops with Drunken Cookie! Out of all the unique things to do around Dublin, this one is the cherry on top – literally! If you’re a fan of a good dessert and want to make a seriously delicious one, now’s your chance. On throughout the whole of November, Drunken Cookie, are letting you build your own box of cookies! Get creative and design your own box - this event is perfect for anyone looking to have a good time no matter the skill level. The Drunken Cookie make large, New York style cookies that are extremely indulgent and absolutely delicious. They have tons of unique topping options, and are the definition of indulgence – no wonder their customers are always coming back for more! Options include a weekly mystery box of cookies and their monthly cookie boxes with toppings that are always changing, meaning there’s always something new cooking, and this time you can be part of that. When, Where & What Workshops take place every Sunday in November at 15 Fashion City in Ballymount , with tickets being bookable on eventbrite.com through this link. Tickets are €40.00, but the session lasts for 2 hours and they provide all the supplies you need to make 6 huge treats, just bring your imagination and get ready to decorate! The sky is the limit – seriously. Pack those toppings on. Don’t miss out on this sweet opportunity to indulge your taste buds and show off your decorating skills!

While the nightlife is good, a visit to one of Dublin’s hidden speakeasies makes for a great adventure – Here’s a guide to some of the best hidden speakeasies in Dublin, each with their own unique charm. These secretive bars often require a bit of insider knowledge to find, making the experience all the more exciting. 1. The Blind Pig Location - Hidden beneath an unassuming Italian restaurant in the city centre. The exact location is revealed when you make a reservation. The Blind Pig offers a true 1920s Prohibition-era experience. With low lighting, vintage decor, and a jazz soundtrack, the atmosphere is both cosy and elegant. The cocktail menu is extensive, featuring both classic concoctions and innovative creations. To add to the intrigue, the entrance is hidden, and you’ll need to follow specific instructions to gain access. 2. Vintage Cocktail Club(VCC) Location - 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Look for the black door with a discreet sign that’s easy to miss. Step inside VCC , and you’re transported to a different era. This speakeasy is ‘vintage glamour’ themed, with plush velvet seating, low lighting, and nostalgic decor. The cocktail menu offers drinks inspired by different periods, from the 1600s to the 1970s. It’s an intimate spot perfect for a quiet drink away from the busy streets of Temple Bar. 3. The Little Pig Location - Its exact location is kept secret and is shared with patrons upon booking. As a sister establishment to The Blind Pig , The Little Pig offers an even more exclusive and intimate experience. With a capacity of just 30 people, this speakeasy has luxurious decor with Art Deco influences. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring meticulously crafted drinks that highlight rare and high-quality spirits. The secrecy surrounding its location makes it a favourite for cocktail lovers. 4. Peruke & Periwig Location - 31 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Look for the Victorian townhouse exterior. While not hidden in the traditional sense, Peruke & Periwig offers a speakeasy-like vibe with an opulent interior. Spread across three floors, each with its own distinctive character, this bar combines old and modern mixology. The cocktail menu is themed around musical genres, giving classic and contemporary drinks a playful twist. 5. The Lucky Duck Location - 43 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. Hidden behind an unassuming facade that looks like a regular pub. The Lucky Duck is a beautifully restored Victorian pub with a hidden speakeasy upstairs. The intimate upstairs rooms are themed with period decor, making for a cosy and quite sophisticated atmosphere. The cocktail menu features a mix of classic and modern drinks. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends or a date night! 6. The Bar With No Name Location - 3 Fade Street, Dublin 2. Also known as “No Name Bar,” this spot is tucked away above a restaurant. The Bar With No Name is almost like an open secret for speakeasy lovers in Dublin. Enter through a nondescript door marked with a snail emblem and climb the stairs to find a spacious, eclectic bar. The interior features mismatched furniture, and some quite quirky decor. The drinks menu is huge, meaning there's something something for every palate, from creative cocktails to fine wines. 7. The Chelsea Drugstore Location - 25 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2. Behind a facade reminiscent of an old pharmacy. Named after the iconic London establishment, The Chelsea Drugstore is a modern speakeasy with a twist. The decor blends contemporary and vintage elements, creating a stylish and comfortable space. The cocktail menu is inventive, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. It's a great spot for unwinding after a long day! Exploring Dublin’s hidden speakeasies is a fun way to experience the city’s nightlife from a new perspective! Which one caught your eye?

We all love a good bite with a pint - so this summer, why not indulge in a delicious Oysters and Guinness combination? We've got just the right places for you to do so! Matt The Thresher (Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2) Formerly the old Pembroke pub on Dublin’s Pembroke Street Lower (just off Baggot Street and Fitzwilliam Square), this place has been transformed over the past decade, or so, from a good-but-quiet bar into a bona fide pull for seafood lovers. A wide variety of choice – including a great chowder – the menu also includes a nod to meat lovers, with a more than decent steak. But, enough of that…what about the oysters? Well, as well as the overall menu, Matt’s has its own oyster menu! Connemara Oysters, Carlingford Oysters, Grilled Louet Feisser Oysters, oysters as part of a wider seafood platter….you COULD say, the world is your, umm…oyster! Findlaters (Howth, Co Dublin) If you want oysters – or, indeed, ANY seafood – you literally cannot beat Howth; Dublin’s (and one of Ireland’s) seafood meccas. Findlaters is very conveniently located just opposite Howth Dart station, so you can easily fall onto a train after your feed if visiting for the day. The oysters are to die for and the Guinness is excellent, and the restaurant – with its red brick facade – literally calls to you like a beacon. SOLE Seafood & Grill (South William Street, Dublin 2) Oysters and seafood in the city centre?! It may not be Howth, but the food is fresh and direct from the boats there. SOLE Seafood & Grill is one of the hippest eateries in central Dublin, located on the uber-cool South William Street. The restaurant opened its doors in 2018 and has quickly established itself as one of the must-eat places for those wanting a taste of the sea. You can drink a Guinness in the nearby Grogan’s pub, but you can’t get oysters there…so, why not do both at SOLE?! Stoop Your Head (Skerries, Co Dublin) Along with Malahide, Clontarf and Howth, Skerries is one of North Co Dublin’s gems. And big into seafood and fishing, too. A sunny afternoon gobbling seafood and drinking Guinness and you’ll feel you’re in some idyllic French fishing village. And I mean, who doesn't want a bit of that this summer? Happy shucking!

Dublin Pride is set to be a fantastic celebration of unity, diversity, and inclusivity, offering a range of free events that invite everyone to join in the festivities. As one of the most anticipated Pride events in Europe, Dublin Pride continues to champion the spirit of equality and community, ensuring that no one is left out of the celebration. Here are some of the standout free events you can look forward to at this year’s Dublin Pride . Pride Parade The highlight of Dublin Pride, the Pride Parade, will take place on June 28, 2025. This colorful procession will start at the Garden of Remembrance and make its way through the city, ending at Merrion Square. The parade will feature a diverse array of floats, performers, and community groups, all coming together to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Spectators can enjoy the parade from various vantage points along the route, making it a truly inclusive event. Pride Village After the parade, the celebrations continue at the Pride Village in Merrion Square. This lively area will be filled with stalls from local LGBTQ+ organizations, food vendors, and entertainment stages. Visitors can enjoy live music, drag performances, and speeches from community leaders. The Pride Village is an excellent place to meet new people, learn about LGBTQ+ initiatives, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Drag Queen Story Time - 14.06 To celebrate the  Dublin Pride Festival , enjoy a story time with a drag queen in the Outhouse at 105 Capel Street. Including fun and face painting for all the family! Queer Spectrum Film Festival - 13.06-14.06 Welcome to the second edition of the Queer Spectrum Film Festival — a celebration of queer stories in motion. As Ireland’s first film festival dedicated to LGBTQIA+ people of colour and immigrant voices, QSFF highlights powerful narratives shaped by migration, nostalgia, and transformation. Organised by Queer Asian Pride Ireland (QAPI) and supported by Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride, and Maharani Gin, this festival honours those who carry echoes of home within them and find courage in new beginnings. Slow Art Tour Enjoy some time out and join the National Gallery of Ireland for a guided tour at a slower pace. Looking closely and moving quietly and mindfully through the Gallery spaces and the LGBTQIA+ collection, we will encounter each work with curiosity, allowing us to connect deeply with it. The tour will end with quiet reflection in silence and stillness. All public tours are fully accessible to people who are hard of hearing and use a tour guide system with T-loop capabilities. Dublin Pride is set to be an absolute blast, with a variety of free events ensuring that everyone can participate. For more information on upcoming events for Dublin Pride , visit dublinpride.ie!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for someone who says they have everything can be a daunting task. Instead of opting for the usual tie or socks, why not treat your father to an unforgettable experience? Here are the top 10 experiences to gift your Dad this Father’s Day in Ireland. Whiskey Tasting and Distillery Tour Location : Midleton, County Cork Experience : Take your dad on an immersive tour of the Jameson Distillery , where he can learn about the intricate process of whiskey making. The experience is topped off with a tasting session of some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys. Prices start at €26, for more information visit jamesonwhiskey.com. Golf at Ballybunion Location : Ballybunion, County Kerry Experience : If your father is a golf enthusiast, a round at the world-renowned Ballybunion Golf Club is a must. The stunning coastal views and challenging courses make for an unforgettable day on the greens. For more information, visit ballybuniongolfclub.com. Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Irish Countryside Location : Various locations across Ireland Experience : Soar high above picturesque landscape in a hot air balloon. This breathtaking experience provides a unique perspective of Ireland’s lush greenery and rolling hills. From €149 per person, Irish Balloon Flights  will take you on a (very) scenic route in one of their impressive hot air balloons. Fly Fishing in Connemara Location : Connemara, County Galway Experience : Connemara is famous for its beauty and excellent fishing spots. Spend a peaceful day fly fishing in one of the region’s pristine rivers or lakes, guided by local experts. Ballynahinch Castle offers a fly fishing experience alongside a stay in their beautiful accommodation, just 25 minutes away from Connemara National Park. Visit ballynahinchcastle.com for more information, including prices and stay availability. Driving Experience at Mondello Park Location : Naas, County Kildare Experience : For the dad who loves speed, a driving experience at Mondello Park offers the thrill of racing high-performance cars on a professional track. It’s an adrenaline rush he won’t soon forget. Prices vary depending on the course chosen, for specifics including booking please visit mondellopark.ie for more information. Private Tour of the Aran Islands Location : County Galway Experience : Skip the typical tourist trails and embark on a private guided tour of the Aran Islands. Discover hidden gems, learn about the unique culture, and enjoy the beauty of this remote part of Ireland. There are plenty of different tours available with different carriers, including boat excursions that can include the Cliffs of Moher. Visit getyourguide.com for a selection of Aran Island tours! Cooking Class with a Celebrity Chef Location : Various locations Experience : Treat your father to a culinary experience with a cooking class hosted by one of Ireland’s top chefs. He can learn new skills and enjoy a delicious meal that he helped create. We recommend Ballyknocken Cookery School in Wicklow, with courses led by Catherine Fulvio, Irish TV chef, food writer, author, and proprietor of Ballyknocken Houseand Cookery School. Prices vary based on course and event time, and you can visit ballyknocken.ie for more information. Sea Kayaking in Dingle Bay Location : Dingle, County Kerry Experience : Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Dingle Bay and explore its stunning coastline. Sea kayaking offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, perfect for a nature-loving dad. Irish Adventures host kayaking experiences in Dingle Bay, with plenty of dates available and prices ranging from €45-65 per person. Visit irishadventures.net for more information. Stargazing Experiencein County Mayo Location : Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo Experience : Take your father to one of the best places for stargazing in Ireland. Ballycroy National Park is part of the Mayo International Dark Sky Park , offering a spectacular view of the night sky. Under expert guidance, he can learn about constellations, planets, and phenomena in an inspiring setting. Terra Firma offer after dark experiences, including ‘Gastronomy & Astronomy’ as well as ‘Magic, Myth & Moonlight’ . Prices start as low as €25, and you can visit terrafirma.ie for more information. If you’re looking for a stargazing experience thats a little bit more wild (and free!) check out the camping rules and advice for the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park here. Falconry Experience at Ashford Castle Location : Cong, County Mayo Experience : Give your father the rare opportunity to engage in a falconry experience at the historic Ashford Castle . He can learn the ancient art of falconry, handle birds of prey, and witness these incredible creatures in flight. This unique and hands-on experience is both thrilling and educational, set against the backdrop of one of Ireland’s most beautiful castles. Ashford Castle also offer a range of additional activities, such as fishing, horseback riding, lake cruising and archery. Visit ashfordcastle.com for pricing and additional information. These unique experiences are more than just gifts; they are opportunities to create memories with your Dad!

The James Joyce Centre is delighted to be celebrating Bloomsday 2025 from June 11th-16th, with a programme of over 100 events in Dublin, plenty more around Ireland, and even some around the globe! Bloomsday always celebrates the date on which James Joyce’s Ulysses was set – the 16th of June, while events run throughout the whole week. This year also marks the 121st anniversary of Leopold Bloom’s adventures, and you’ll be sure to have your own with this fantastic lineup! Ulysses Ulysses was first published in 1922 and it has since been hailed as one of the most important works of literature in history. The novel follows Leopold Bloom as he walks the streets of Dublin, mapped in incredible detail, as he seeks to avoid going home to his wife, Molly Bloom. It is a story that crystalises Dublin and presents it to the world in true detail, no mean feat considering Joyce wrote the book while in exile (Joyce seldom returned to Ireland after leaving in 1904, and never returned after 1912). Exploring the deepest dreams and darkest fears of Leopold Bloom, Ulysses is a book that explores how it is to be human. Bloomsday Festival This year the James Joyce Centre is returning with Bloomsday Festival , the favourite holiday of all Joyceans. It is one of Dublin’s biggest festivals, with over one hundred events around the city (and many more around the country). Given the scope and focus on a particular novel and city, it is an unparalleled cultural event. Each year the day begins with the famous Bloomsday Breakfast , this year hosted at Belvedere College. Throughout the city there are recreations of different scenes of Ulysses. At 8am at the James Joyce Tower , there is a reading of the opening chapter of Ulysses , T elemachus , followed later in the day by Molly Bloom’s closing soliloquy. Anyone hungry can stop by Davy Byrne’s pub (frequented by Leopold Bloom himself) around lunchtime for the now famous gorgonzola sandwiches and a glass of burgundy. At Glasnevin Cemetery there is a recreation of the funeral of Paddy Dignam. For those looking to become more acquainted with the great novel, there are many different walking tours around the city on the day. The James Joyce Centre conducts two tours, Introducing Joyce’s Dublin and Footsteps of Leopold Bloom . There are further tours of the Monto (famous Edwardian red light district) and the south inner city. For more information on these tours, visit Bloomsdayfestival.ie. Finally, Bloomsday is a day when the city fills with music and performances. There are theatrical adaptions of scenes from Ulysses at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dalkey Castle and the James Joyce Centre , as well as community events organised locally in Rathgar, Ringsend, Blackrock and Drumcondra . There are more than 100 events throughout Dublin during the Festival, with hundreds more located globally and around Ireland. For a full list of global events, visit bloomsdayfestival.ie/global , and to find what events are coming up at the James Joyce Centre , see bloomsdayfestival.ie/programme for more information. The Programme Did you think that was all? The programme for Bloomsday doesn’t stop there, in fact, it goes way beyond. The Festival is packed full of unique performances, writing competitions and art exhibitions, as well as tours of historical sites and, most importantly, plenty of parties celebrating James Joyce and Ulysses. The full Bloomsday Festival programme can be accessed at bloomsdayfestival.ie. Pricing Most activities at Bloomsday are free, but certain exhibitions and events require a small entrance fee, usually below €10. You can find events at bloomsdayfestival.ie/programme, and click ‘find out more’ to see access requirements.

Get ready, foodies! Dublin’s most delectable festival is back for its 20th birthday celebration. This year’s   Taste of Dublin  will take place from June 12th to 15th. What’s Cooking at Taste of Dublin 2025 This year, 18 of Ireland’s finest restaurants will set up shop in the heart of the city, with over 70 dishes. Some of the top names include BIGFAN, known for its modern Asian street food, and Parrilla, bringing a taste of Argentina to the table. From the bold bites at NOMO Ramen to the South Asian fare at Daata, the food is as "Diverse as it is delicious". Bovinity will cater to meat lovers, while the crowd-pleasing favourites from Little Geno’s and the flavours of the Middle East from Shaku Maku round out a seriously tempting lineup. But Taste of Dublin is more than just sampling plates. The SuperValu Real Food Kitchen will offer live cooking demonstrations, while the San Miguel Spanish Bar invites guests to unwind with a refreshing cerveza in hand. You can also enjoy the Glendalough Distillery Masterclasses, or perk up your palate at the Caffè Vergnano coffee workshops. For those with a sweet tooth, Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Making Experience is not to be missed. Meanwhile, the Volvo Fika Lounge brings a slice of Scandinavian calm to the chaos, while the Around the Table with JYSK installation lets you kick back in comfort. The BORA Food Truck will be sizzling up gourmet treats, and the Sullivan’s Brewing Company Bar ensures your pint glass stays full. For those with a thirst for knowledge, the CKC Cocktail Bar, O’Briens Wine Masterclasses, and Fercullen Irish Whiskey tastings offer education with a side of indulgence. And all of this is soundtracked by live performances on the Bulmers Music Stage, because no great meal is complete without some great tunes. When and Where The festivities run across 4 days, from Thursday, June 12th through Sunday, June 15th, 2025. Each day is divided into two sessions, afternoon and evening, giving you the flexibility to join the fun when it suits you best. Sessions run from 12:00 to 16:30 in the afternoons, and from 18:00 to 22:30 in the evenings.  Tickets and Pricing Standard entry prices start at €20.50 for afternoon sessions on Thursday and Friday, with evening sessions going up to €35.00. Saturday and Sunday are naturally more popular, with tickets priced at €28.50 for both afternoon and evening slots. For those looking to elevate their experience, the Häagen-Dazs VIP Suite offers luxury and exclusivity. Saturday VIP tickets range from €72.50 to €82.50 depending on the session, while Sunday VIP access is priced at €57.50. If you're planning a special outing, the VIP Bundle tickets, which include added perks, start at €71.50 and peak at €96.50. Head to   tasteofdublin.ie  to grab your tickets. This is one birthday bash you won’t want to miss.

The five-star InterContinental Dublin welcomes the return of al fresco dining this summer on its elegant Garden Terrace — now with a refreshing Amalfi Coast twist in partnership with Malfy Gin. Diners can soak up the sun in beautifully relaxed, stylish surroundings, and enjoy exclusive al fresco  Mediterranean menus, curated by Executive Chef Alberto Rossi. Inspired by the stunning Amalfi coastal resorts with their colourful villages and dramatic scenery, the new Menu has an array of Italian snacks including CACIO E PEPE FRITTERS, ROSEMARY FOCACCIA and MOZZARELLA ARANCINI - perfect for pairing with an aperitif - followed by deliciously fresh seafood, summer pastas, and seasonal salads to tantalise the taste buds. Starters include FRITTO MISTO (sardines, prawns, calamari), PIATTO DI COSTIERA AMALFITANA (pesto infused burrata); CARLINGFORD OYSTERS; The Terrace FISH PLATTER with smoked salmon, oysters, prawn cocktail, lobster rolls, crab salad; CARPACCIO DI BRESAOLA E ZUCCHINI. Secondi plati includes BUCATINI ALLA CARBONARA; GRILLED FISH PLATE with seabass, Sardines, Calamari, Monkfish, the AMALFI BEEF BURGER with Smoked Aubergine Ketchup, fried aubergine and Auricchio cheese and the classic SPAGHETTI LOBSTER & CHERRY TOMATOES. Set against the backdrop of a long summer afternoon or evening, this outdoor dining experience in leafy Ballsbridge represents al fresco  dining at its most luxurious.  The social atmosphere, immersed in the outdoors with friends and family, while soaking up the scenery, sunshine and fresh air, is the perfect recipe for both a great appetite and a gorgeous meal. In the mood for A Malfy Gin! Open-air dining on The Amalfi Garden Terrace is complemented this summer by a new curated Malfy Gin drinks experience. The unique Italian gin collection is distilled with fine botanicals and fruits from Sicily and Amalfi, and can be enjoyed, on ice, straight from the Malfy Gin Cart by the garden’s lemon flower wall. Refreshing cocktails from the Malfy Gin Bar recreate the sun-kissed cliffs of Amalfi and the refined terraces of Ravello, exclusively on Dublin’s finest garden terrace.   Throughout the day, diners can indulge in a collection of sophisticated Italian cocktails crafted with exquisite ingredients including the finest Malfy gins, limoncello, prosecco, Galliano and Aperol spritz. There are some delicious playful desserts on the Terrace menu including a MALFY GIN LIMONCELLO SPRITZ, Creamy lemon and vanilla Ice Cream sandwich with an Amalfi lemon Sponge; SALTED CARAMEL ICE CREAM SANDWICH and CLASSIC WEXFORD STRAWBERRIES & CREAM. The Dublin hotel’s Executive Chef, expert mixologists, and dedicated restaurant team combine to deliver the city’s best five-star al fresco  dining experience this summer.  The spacious and beautifully landscaped Garden Terrace is an oasis of calm, where simple birdsong and the sound of the water fountain blends perfectly with animated chat and laughter, as the day or evening progresses. The Garden Terrace with Malfy Gin at InterContinental Dublin  can be covered for shade, and has outdoor heaters for comfort, if the evening becomes chilly.  La Dolce Vita, al fresco, awaits! Book a Garden Terrace table on 01- 665 4000 or email  reservations@icdublin.com Open from 1st June to 30th September, between 12.00pm and 10.00pm (weather permitting). Last orders for food at 9.30pm.  See www.intercontinentaldublin.ie

The mighty Metallica are Dublin-bound once again – with the metal behemoths set to bring their now two years-in planet straddling M72 World Tour to the Aviva Stadium for two nights next June. The band will play the Aviva on June 19 and June 21, 2026. It marks the first time Metallica have played here since 2019’s Slane Castle headline set. Tickets will be priced from €121.25 to €261.25 and will go on sale on Friday, May 30 at 10am. Next year’s European leg of the M72 tour will take in 16 shows in total and run across May, June and July. Support bands for the Dublin shows will be the reconstituted Pantera (who, themselves, played their first Irish shows in 20 years just last February) and Avatar on June 19; and Gojira and Knocked Loose on June 21. The ticket prices may be a far cry from the kind of money being asked back in the 80s when Metallica first came here and played the likes of Dublin’s SFX Centre and Dún Laoghaire’s Top Hat, but, then, so is the show. The M72 Tour – which is in support of Metallica’s 2023 album 72 Seasons – is the band’s biggest and most ambitious to date: an outdoor in-the-round tech-fest with multiple screens, pyro bombs and band angles no matter where you’re positioned in the crowd. The typical setlist, for the tour, has been a veritable greatest hits drive-thru – touching on all points of the band’s career to date (from 1983’s Kill ‘Em All to the aforementioned 72 Seasons ; via their multiple classics in between). An added incentive for repeat ticket buyers is that next summer’s shows will be part of Metallica’s No Repeat Weekend series, where the band plays a different set list on each night of a multiple run in a particular city.

Looking for a day out that’s equal parts history, adventure, and stunning scenery? Craggaunowen, located in County Clare, is the perfect spot for those who love stepping back in time. This unique open-air museum brings Ireland’s ancient past to life, showcasing how our ancestors lived over 1,000 years ago. Things to Do at Craggaunowen 1. Explore the Crannóg – A Lake-Dwelling from the Past Ever wondered what it was like to live in Ireland during the early medieval period? The crannóg at Craggaunowen is a meticulously reconstructed lake dwelling, just as our ancestors would have built centuries ago. Walk across the wooden causeway and step inside to see how people cooked, crafted, and survived in these remarkable homes. 2. Meet the Iron Age Roadway (Togher) One of the most fascinating discoveries in Ireland’s boglands has been ancient roadways, known as "toghers." Craggaunowen features a replica of these wooden pathways, giving you a chance to walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s earliest travelers. 3. Visit the Ringfort Get a close-up look at how wealthy farmers lived over a thousand years ago. This ringfort is an impressive reconstruction, complete with thatched-roof dwellings, farm animals, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Kids especially love watching traditional crafts and seeing how people worked with nature to build their homes. 4. Discover the Brendan Boat One of Craggaunowen’s most exciting exhibits is the Brendan Boat—a replica of the leather-hulled vessel that explorer Tim Severin used in 1976 to prove that Irish monks could have sailed to North America long before Columbus. It's a story of adventure and seafaring bravery! 5. Marvel at the Fulachta Fiadh – Ancient Cooking Methods See how Bronze Age people cooked their meals using heated stones and water-filled troughs. These ancient cooking pits, called fulachta fiadh, are one of the most common archaeological sites in Ireland, and Craggaunowen offers a hands-on demonstration of how they worked. 6. Explore the 16th-Century Craggaunowen Castle Standing proudly on the site is Craggaunowen Castle, a stunning tower house built in the 1500s. Climb the spiral staircase for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and imagine life as an Irish noble in the Tudor period. 7. Wander Through the Woodland Trails For nature lovers, Craggaunowen isn’t just about history—it’s also a fantastic place for a walk. The site’s woodland trails wind through greenery, offering peaceful moments to soak in the beauty of Clare’s landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer and rare bird species. 8. Meet the Animals Adding to the charm, Craggaunowen is home to some traditional Irish farm animals, including wild boars and ancient breeds of sheep. Kids love seeing these creatures up close, making it a great family-friendly activity. Essential Information for Visiting Craggaunowen Location:  Craggaunowen is located near Quin, County Clare, about a 20-minute drive from Ennis. Opening Hours:  The site is typically open from April to September. Be sure to check the official Craggaunowen website  for exact dates and times. Admission Prices: Adults: €10 Seniors & Students: €8.50 Children (5-16 years): €6 Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €25 Why You Should Visit Craggaunowen Craggaunowen offers a truly unique experience where history comes alive. It’s one thing to read about Ireland’s past, but quite another to walk through a crannóg, see a working ringfort, and stand beside the legendary Brendan Boat.

One of the long-awaited festivals in Dublin is Bord Bia Bloom in the Phoenix Park and it returns over the June bank holiday weekend. Now in its 19th year, Bord Bia Bloom is Ireland’s leading horticulture and food festival.   Bloom was conceived as a show-garden showcase, but it has long since outgrown that single identity: last year visitor numbers flirted with the 120-thousand mark, a figure more usually associated with rock festivals than flower shows. Bord Bia’s own research credits Bloom with nurturing a €1.5 billion domestic gardening market while simultaneously functioning as a shop-window for Irish food and drink. What is new — and next — in 2025 Element 2025 Highlights Show-gardens 21 gardens  exploring downsizing, balcony living, circular-economy design and children’s therapeutic spaces. Sponsors range from Citroën Ireland to the European Commission; crowd-pleasers include a “How to Train Your Dragon” fantasy garden and a Lego-brick plot. “Postcard” gardens 11 one-day builds by schools & community groups, supported by Tirlán CountryLife. New hubs The Botanical Hub  for live planting demos; Ask-the-Expert Tree Clinic  with Crann; plus returning favourites like Westland’s Potting Shed & the Plant Crèche. Food innovation A Taste of Bloom, curated by chef Neven Maguire  — a three-course ticketed dining experience showcasing ingredients traders are selling in the Food Village. Talks & workshops 300-plus sessions spanning biodiversity, seed-saving, up-cycling design, zero-waste cookery and bee-friendly planting. Why the gardening matters This year’s creative briefs tilt decisively toward sustainability and social wellbeing . Designers have been asked to show how Irish suburban gardens can be “downsized” without surrendering biodiversity; how balconies can become mini-meadows; how circular-economy thinking can turn waste timber into gabion walls. Charities such as Tusla Fostering and the Marie Keating Foundation translate their missions into planting schemes that invite reflection as much as admiration. The net effect is a living anthology of practical climate action - an outdoor classroom where visitors photograph planting plans, quiz horticulturists and leave with seed-packets. The flavour of Bloom Across an avenue from the gardens is the Food Village . The food experiences will include a range of indoor and outdoor dining along with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. There will so be a food market to buy some farm fresh and Irish made food products. In 2025 the Taste of Bloom  menu has tons of variety in a single sitting, with everything from Irish cheese, heritage vegetables and coastal lamb available. Family Activities  Play, Learn and Grow in the Budding Bloomers Stage. With a mix of interactive, educational and most importantly FUN activities, you are sure to find something to entertain children of all ages. A highlight for families who want to develop their knowledge of horticulture, food, science, literature, imagination and play, the Kids Zone hosts an exciting mix of fun and games for all the family to enjoy. Two children up to 16 are free with adult tickets.  Practicalities Tickets : Adult €30, concession €25, with two children (≤16) admitted free per paying adult; extra kids €5. Early-bird offers have finished. Getting there : public-transport planners recommend Luas to Heuston Station or Dublin Bus routes 46a/69, then the free Bloom shuttle. A colour-coded traffic map (above) details pedestrian and cycle gates. Accessibility : level pathways, a plant-crèche for bulky purchases, wheelchair-friendly viewing ramps at the main show-gardens and a sensory space for visitors with autism. Best time to visit : horticultural purists favour Thursday (judging day, smaller crowds); families gravitate to Saturday-Sunday for live music and children’s workshops; bargain-hunters linger on Monday afternoon when nurseries discount plants to avoid the haul home. Bloom begins on Thursday 30th of May to Monday the 2nd of June from 9.00am – 6.00pm, adults tickets are €25, two children under 16 free with each adults, buy tickets here .

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this Bank Holiday weekend, between Friday the 30th and Monday the 2nd of June across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Fleadh Nua - 24.05-02.06 Thousands of reels, set-dancing céilís, reed-making workshops and street sessions roll straight through the last week of May into the June bank-holiday. Read more here. Blackwater Valley Opera Festival - 27.05-02.06 Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream  in the castle gardens, candle-lit recitals in Georgian salons and picnics between acts. Read more here. Bord Bia Bloom - 29.05-02.06 70 acres of show-gardens, a 100-stall Food Village and daily chef demos! Read more here. Listowel Writer's Week - 28.05-01.06 Ireland’s friendliest literary gathering: workshops by day, stout-fuelled poetry slams by night. Read more here. Cat Laughs Comedy Festival - 30.05-02.06 Four riotous days of stand-up in medieval courtyards and pubs; the comedians’ own holiday. Read more here. Moby Dick Festival - 30.05-01.06 Quayside shanties, treasure hunts and a whale-sized salute to the 1954 film classic. Read more here.