If all the talk of doom and gloom and worldwide recession is causing you to pull in the belt a bit there are still lots of ways you can get out and have family fun with the children without breaking the bank. Here we put together a selection of some of the best free events around the country for parents and children.
Most local authorities, libraries and tourist offices will be running free events. The majority of these events are educational as well as a great way to have fun together as a family and get away from all the doom and gloom in the headlines at the moment. For families who want a day out paying for four, five or even six to events can really put a strain on your finances. We have lots more events here as well as this promises to be a busy month for activities.
The Moving Crib at Saint Martin' s, 42 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland
Far removed from the slick consumerism and the harsh commercialisation of the festive season, the Moving Crib in St. Martin Apostolate in Parnell Square in Dublin is still, for many people, one of the most charming aspects of Christmas in the City. It has fascinated generations of children from Dublin and all over Ireland, and 50 years after it first began it still draws the crowds. In this age of computer games and countless other attractions, the Moving Crib, with its old world charm, is a godsend to parents concerned with teaching their children about the birth of Christ.
The real meaning of Christmas is conveyed in an unforgettable and fascinating manner. It has been described in the various newspapers and on the radio over the years as ‘the best free show for children over the festive period’, ‘one of the nicest sights in Dublin’, ‘very charming. From the last week in November until the first week in January it is visited by many family groups and surprisingly by quite a few adults who drop in by themselves to see what has been a ‘must’ for many people, especially Dubliners, over all these Christmases.
The Moving Crib is like an expanded Nativity Play going back to Adam and Eve and finishing after the crib scene with the young Jesus teaching the Doctors in the Temple.
There are over 100 figures in the Crib arranged in 14 different tableaux. They cover various episodes of the Old and New Testament. The figures themselves are about a metre high, moulded in papier-mache and dressed in miniature clothes. Concealed motors control the movements of the arms, head and legs. All of these figures, motors, clothing etc. come from a world famous firm in Germany.
Recharge Festival, Dun Laoghaire, Sunday January 18th
In an effort to beat the January blues, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Co are hosting the colourful Recharge Festival on Sunday January 18th from 12pm to 3pm in the Peoples Park, Dún Laoghaire. The Recharge Festival is designed to lift community spirits. This unique one-day event for families to enjoy is filled with colourful street entertainment, giant inflatable games, bouncy castles, a children’s make and do corner, face painters and music. Children of all ages can take part.
As the first DLR event for 2009, Recharge is all set to beat blues day and set the trend for a great 2009.The ever-popular CoCo Markets will also be in the park on the 18th. Admission is free.
Drogheda Winter Festival - 28th Nov 2008 – 11th Jan 2009
Drogheda Winter Festival is an illuminated themed Wonderland by the majestic River Boyne, where families can enjoy the Christmas season together in fun.
Family Events at the National Library of Ireland
Yeats Children’s Tour every Saturday afternoon at 12pm.
Take a tour of the exhibition Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats. Learn about Yeats’s family, friends, poetry and plays in this tour specially designed for children. Admission free. Venue: National Library of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin 2. 01 603 0277.
Family Events at the National Library of Ireland- My Yeats family trail
Follow a children’s trail through the exhibition Yeats: the life and works of William Butler Yeats and explore the world of WB Yeats. Available from Monday to Saturday. Admission free. Venue: National Library of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin 2. 01 603 0277.
Hugh Lane Gallery Sunday 4 January 2009
Sunday Sketching for 7+ year olds.
Create a tree with all your New Year wishes! Sketching workshops take place on Sundays from 3pm – 4pm. During these workshops they explore paintings, sculpture and some of the architectural features of Charlemont House through discussion and drawing. The classes are aimed at 7+ years, are free and materials are provided. No booking is required for Sunday Sketching although numbers may be limited. Tickets and reservations for Children’s Art Workshops, Family Weekends, and Coffee Lectures are available from the gallery reception desk (Tuesday – Sunday):tel +353 1 2225564.
Hugh Lane Gallery Sunday 11 January 2009
3 – 4pm Sunday Sketching for 7+ year olds.
Exploring cold colours. During these workshops they explore paintings, sculpture and some of the architectural features of Charlemont House through discussion and drawing. The classes are aimed at 7+ years, are free and materials are provided. No booking is required for Sunday Sketching although numbers may be limited. Tickets and reservations for Children’s Art Workshops, Family Weekends, and Coffee Lectures are available from the gallery reception desk (Tuesday – Sunday):tel +353 1 2225564.
Hugh Lane Gallery Sunday 18 January 2009
3 – 4pm Sunday Sketching for 7+ year olds.
Primary colours for Primary Times! During these workshops they explore paintings, sculpture and some of the architectural features of Charlemont House through discussion and drawing. The classes are aimed at 7+ years, are free and materials are provided. No booking is required for Sunday Sketching although numbers may be limited. Tickets and reservations for Children’s Art Workshops, Family Weekends, and Coffee Lectures are available from the gallery reception desk (Tuesday – Sunday):tel +353 1 2225564.
Hugh Lane Gallery Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 January 2009 – Chinese New Year Workshops
12 – 1pm, 1.30pm – 2.30pm each day
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year Festival and the Chester Beatty Library, Belfast artist Chen Jing Lin will lead today’s Mono-Print workshop for all the family! Chen was born in Mainland China, Huizhou city in the Guangdong Province. He moved to Belfast City in 2001. Chen specialises in printmaking and mixed media work, and teaches art and craft workshops in the local community and schools. These workshops are part of a series of events due to take place in the Gallery, the Chester Beatty Library and in the Dublin City Libraries. Please consult www.dublin.ie/cny for further information.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Sun 4 January: 2.30-3.30pm
Theatrical Performance. The Mummer’s Play.
Watch the Sligo ‘Sidhe Gaoithe’ Mummers bring to life such characters as St. Patrick, Brian Boru and many more in this traditional Mummer’s play. All Ages. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Wed 14 January: 4.00pm-5.00pm
Junior Event. Family Life in the Past.
Join Lorna Elms of the Education & Outreach Department to explore family life in the past through role-play and art activities. Children under 6 accompanied by an adult. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Fri 16 January: 11.00am-1.00pm
Drop in Event. The Knitting Circle.
Exchange patterns, learn new techniques, bring along your knitting and join in. Adults and children over 7. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Sun 18 January: 2.00pm-5.00pm
Drop In Event. Rocks from Space- hold them in your hands!
Visit the temporary exhibition "Planet Earth Our Place in Space". Get to hold meteorites and see them through a microscope with Matthew Parkes, the Museum's Geologist. First come first served basis. Adults and children over 7. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Thurs 29 January: 2.30pm-4.30pm
Workshop. St. Brigid's Girdle.
Join Melanie Lorien and learn about St. Brigid's girdle and many other customs associated with St. Brigid in this hands on workshop. Adults and children over 7. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Fri 30 January: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Drop in Event. Astronomy Ireland Sky Watch. In Association with "Planet Earth - Our Place in Space” Temporary Exhibition. Venus to Blaze Next to Moon! To celebrate this celestial spectacle Astronomy Ireland will be setting up powerful telescopes all across Ireland to give close up views of the conjunction of Venus and the crescent Moon. All ages. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Sat 31 January: 11.00am-4.00pm
Drop in Event. Connacht Textile Crafters – Introduction to Silk
Come along to meet the group or join them for the day by bringing your own knitting, crochet, felting etc. All ages. All events are free of charge – booking required. Tel: 094 903 1751 or email: educationtph@museum.ie.
National Gallery of Ireland- Thursday 1 January
3.00 Supervised Family Time, Atrium. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Friday 2 January
3.00 Supervised Family Time, Atrium. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Sturday 3 January
3.00 Family Programme (ages 4-10) Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with Niamh Denham (Baroque Gallery). National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Sunday 4 January
3.00 Supervised Family Time – Atrium. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Monday 5 January
3.00 Supervised Family Time, Atrium. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Tuesday 6 January
3.00 Supervised Family Time, Atrium. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Saturday 10 January
3.00 Family Programme (ages 4-10) The Ice Queen’s Palace with Imelda Healy National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Saturday 17 January
10.30-4.00 Portfolio Preparation Workshop
(Tickets €25 from the Gallery Shop, Tel. 01 663 3518.)
3.00 Family Programme (ages 4-10) Arctic Animals with Beth O’Halloran. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Wednesday 21 January
3.00 New Mother’s Tour For parents, guardians and carers of newborn infants and children. (Meet Shaw Room). National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
National Gallery of Ireland Saturday 24 January
10.30-2.00 Leaving Certificate Art History Study Day
(Tickets €25 from the Gallery Shop, Tel. 01 663 3518.)
3.00 Family Programme (ages 4-10) Tales of Long Ago with Mary Broderick.
National Gallery of Ireland Saturday 31 January
3.00 Family Programme (ages 4-10) Open Sesame! With Eva Kieran. National Gallery of Ireland. Merrion Square West & Clare St., Dublin 2. Tel. 01 661 5133. Children’s Audio Guide for children ages 6-10 years, available free from the Information Desks. Events are free unless indicated.
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre –Art Carts January 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
The following themed ART CART events will take place every Sunday morning during January '09 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and are suitable for children aged 5+. Parental supervision is required. Admission free and all welcome Tel: 01 6770095.
January 4th - Save the planet! Discover Eco-Art.
January 11th - Birds and their habitats.
January 18th - Climate change - water, weather and wind!
January 25th - Medieval Life - Includes visit to Ashtown Castle.
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Saturday 3rd January 2009
Beat the winter blues with a visit to the restored Victorian kitchen walled garden beside the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre to meet the Phoenix Park Gardeners for ideas on the garden in winter. Wear suitable clothing and footwear Admission Free and All Welcome at 10.30 a.m.
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Sunday 11th January 2009
The wetland areas in the Park provide habitats for species that are rare elsewhere in the city. John Coyne, Central Fisheries Board, will give an illustrated talk on ponds, watercourses and fish life in the park. Admission free and all welcome. Tel: 01 6770095. 3pm.
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