Things to do in Ireland this weekend | Jan 5 - 7

A selection of things to do this weekend around Ireland.

Cork Simon Women's Little Christmas Lunch

This is a great opportunity for women to get together with family and friends to celebrate Little Women's Christmas in style in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery on Saturday. There will be a reception, 4-course lunch and live entertainment and talks all in aid of the Cork Simon Commuity, helping to find homelessness in the county.

Free Puppy Play Dates

Did your family gain a new member this Christmas? If so, this free event in the DSPCA in Rathfarnham is a perfect way to help socialise your new best friend.

Early puppy socialisation is critical.  Puppies that grow up in isolation – both from other dogs as well as from a wide variety of humans – have a greater tendency to develop behaviour problems later in life such as fear-based aggression. The play dates run every Satuday morning in January & February and although free, registration in advance is required.

David Bowie Festival

The third David Bowie Festival takes place in Dublin from January 4th - 10th and features twenty-eight events over seven days including movie and documentary screenings, Q&As, debates and discussions, literary, fine art and fashion events, merch markets, quizzes, a BowieOke sing-off, DJs and more.

On Sunday, 7th a fun family event takes place in Smithfield Sqaure, Space Oddity – The View From Major Tom's Tin Can. Kids can enjoy a 360 degree view of the galaxy as the Exploration Dome takes them on a journey through time and space with stunning graphics and advanced computer simulations all set to the music of David Bowie! 

Hunt Museum - Nollaig na mBan

Mums and Grandmas are invited to celecrate Nollaig na mBan at the Hunt Museum in Limerick on Saturday. Spoil yourself with a relaxing lunch at The Hunt Café, while the kids prepare a shadow puppet performance for you!

Their show will take place in our Captains’ Room. It’ll be their way of showing you thanks for all the great work you do! Spaces are limited so booking is essential.

A Selection Box of Natural History Mysteries

On Saturday from 11am-1pm in the Natural History Musuem, drop into the Discovery Zone to check out their selection box of mysteries from the natural history handling collection. Animal, fossil or mineral? From ages 8+ and no booking required.

Park Run

Start off your resolutions in style this weekend with a fun run, in one of seventy-two locations around Ireland.

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and they encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience.

Nollaig na mBan - Women's Little Christmas

Join the Natioanl Musuem of Country Life in Mayo to celebrate Nollaig na mBan with musician Emer Mayock and friends from 2pm-3pm on Saturday. All musicians and listeners are welcome. No booking required.

Precious Gifts and Where to Find them

Archaeologists often find precious objects under the ground but is everything found at the same depth? Call into the National Archaeology Museum on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm to find out! Create a special bookmark, decorate it with precious objects and decide if they should be close to the surface, or deep underground. Forfamilies with children 7+ and no booking is required.

Dinosaurs Around The World

Discover the age of reptiles in Dublin's Ambassador Theatre with their latest exhibition Dinosaurs around the World. You will be transported to the era of the dinosaur for a tour of an Earth very different from today. With advanced animatronics, a multi-layered narrative, fossils, authentic casts, cutting-edge research and immersive design elements you’ll experience the Age of Reptiles as it comes to life! 

Bosco Meets Hansel and Gretel

Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls.

After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the story of Hansel and Gretel through this completely interactive live experience on Saturday in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

The Three Little Pigs

Miriam Lambert Puppeteer presents The Three Little Pigs in the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray on Friday. In this pig’s tale, mummy pig is so proud of her little piglets, encouraging them to dream big and follow their hearts.

What the Ladybird Heard

Billed as the perfect show for Christmas, there are thirty performances over three weeks in the Pavillion Theatre in Dun Laoighre. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a plan of her own!

Winter Funderland

They're back!

Well, Christmas in Dublin just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to Funderland and thankfully, this year will be no different. There will also be i-Skate and a festive Christmas market running in the RDS until January 14th.

Dundalk On Ice

It’s time to get your skates again on for Dundalk On Ice – their real ice rink is fully housed in a festive all weather marquee so that means that rain, hail or snow you will be able to skate away to your heart’s content! They are daily in Market Square until January 7th.

The Moving Crib

The Moving Crib has been a feature of Christmas in Dublin for over sixty years. 

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

A magical night-time spectacular event, featuring giant colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures inspired by wildlife, is now open at Dublin Zoo.

It promises to get you into a festive mood with Chinese performers and craft market with foods and warm drinks.

Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore annual Winter Light Festival starts this weekend. The magic begins as you walk through the entrance gates and you are immediately transported into a world of light and wonderment. Adults are mesmerised by the whole experience, while children of all ages are enchanted as they make their way through this magical winter wonderland.

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