There is plenty of Bank Holiday weekend fun in Dublin

By Barry Lord    @bazneto

Another bank holiday is upon us and if you’re now fretting over how to spend your extended weekend never fear because there is plenty going on in Dublin over the coming days, for kids and adults alike.

Here are just a handful of historical events, outdoor activities and movies to capture the imaginations of all age groups.  

See what takes your fancy.

The Dublin Port River Fest: offers a wide range of activities on and around the River Liffey and the river quays for families over the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

The festival activities and attractions include a Festival of Sail along the River Liffey where you can visit large old sailing ships.

There will be a race in the River Liffey between Beckett and East Link Bridges; a Pirate Village with arts and crafts for children.

And there will even be a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with Water Canon on the river; face painters; balloon artists; port boat tours; a fun fair; food market; and live entertainment.

Admission is free and times may vary.

North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.

British Irish Chamber Raceday featuring Outdoor Movie:

Come for the racing but stick around on Friday evening at Leopardstown to see a free outdoor showing of a classic movie on a large outdoor screen after the final race.

You can stock up on soft drinks, popcorn, nachos, teas and coffees and chocolate snacks, all available for purchase.

There are a limited number of fold-out chairs available and will be on a first come first served basis. You are invited to bring along blankets, deck chairs, cushions to enjoy a unique atmosphere of an outdoor movie.

Gates open at 4.30pm, the first race is at 6.05pm and the last is 9.05pm. The outdoor movie begins at 9.15pm and there is free entry for kids under 16.

Sunday Sketching – Spring/Summer 2016

For the aspiring young Picasso in the family, this will certainly be of interest.

Dublin City Gallery, Hugh Lane, is offering workshops for 4 to 12 year olds, exploring paintings, sculptures and architectural features through discussion and drawing.

The event is free and no booking is required but get in quick because numbers may be limited

Sessions run every Sunday until June 19th, at 3pm to 4pm.

Dublin Fire Brigade and the 1916 Rising:

This exhibition at city hall, Dame Street, tells the story of Dublin’s firefighters during Easter week 1916, when the city centre burned and Dublin`s streets became a battlefield. The exhibition includes material from the Dublin Fire Brigade Museum and private collections, all brought together for the first time to create a unique, not-to-be-missed exhibition suitable for all the family.

Bloom

Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival comes to the Phoenix Park this June bank holiday weekend. The much anticipated and spectacular five-day event showcases exquisite gardens from the very best of Ireland’s landscape gardeners and designers.

The event boasts 100 Irish food produce contributors, as well exhibitions from top floral artists, experts on-hand for advice, children’s activities and floral display demonstrations.

Tickets range in price, day tickets: €13-20, a two day ticket 24-35 euro and season 40-60 euro.