Free Days Out
Jazz in the Parks
Enjoy a musical lunch break throughout the summer in various Dublin city parks. Venues include the Civic Offices Park (all Wednesdays in July, Thursday, July 15th and Monday, July 26th), Merrion Square Park (Thursday, July 1st, Tuesdays July 20th & 27th), and Herbert Park (Thursday July 22nd & 29th).
Classical Music in the Iveagh Gardens
BRING a picnic and enjoy lunchtime concerts performed by ensembles from the Royal Irish Academy in one of Dublin's gentlest parks (entry on Earlsfort Terrace). Thursdays at 1 p.m. from July 8th to July 29th.
Family Days in the Parks
Face painters, jugglers, magicians, musicians and other festive revellers for all ages in Marley Park on June 27th; Malahide Castle and the People's Park, Dun Laoghaire on July 4th; Ardgillan Castle and St Anne's Park, Raheny on July 18th, Blackrock Park and Fairview Park on July 25th, Bushy Park on August 8th.
Temple Bar
The ESB Sunday Circus brings different circus acts to Meeting House Square every Sunday until the end of August. For the next two Sundays, Boggle Circus for Skibbereen will teach children a range of circus skills and balloon modelling. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Other summer attractions in Temple Bar include free chess and backgammon every Sunday from 2 p.m. in Meeting House Square.
Summer Movies
The King and I
An animated version of this classic musical opens in cinemas across the country on Friday. Noteworthy among the character voices are Miranda Richardson, Ian Richardson and Darrell Hammond.
The Mummy
A horror movie for young cinemagoers, this tale involves the unearthing of a mummified body - with horrifying consequences. Starring Brendan Fraser, The Mummy goes on general release on Friday.
My Favourite Martian
A remake of the American television comedy show from the 1960s. Goes on general release on Friday, July 2nd.
Star Wars episode 1: The Phantom Menace
By far the blockbuster of the summer, this movie is expected to shatter all box-office records. It opens in cinemas across the country on July 16th.
Doug's First Movie
Doug Funnie (Thomas McHugh), the quirky 12-year-old star of Disney's Doug (as seen on RTE's Disney Club and Nickleodeon) hits the big screen for the first time in this animated comedy. Opens in cinemas throughout the country on August 6th.
Galway Film Fleadh: July 6th to 11th
This year's fleadh hosts the world premiere of two films for children. The first, The White Pony, was shot in Connemara. It follows the adventures of a young girl, a mischievous leprechaun and a mystical pony. (Free screening at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7th in the Town Hall Theatre). The second, Carnivale, is an animated film. (Saturday, July 10th at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Theatre).
Martin Duffy's The Bumblebee Flies Anyway, starring Elijah Wood as one of a group of teenagers coming to terms with illness will be screened on Sunday, July 11th at 2 p.m. in the Omniplex cinema. July 2nd is the closing date for entries for the family photographic competition which will be exhibited at the Film Fleadh. Tel: 091-751655.
Theatre And Puppet Shows
The Lambert Puppet Theatre
This ever-popular venue for young children is showing Jack and the Beanstalk and Bandicoat and the Egg throughout July, and Little Red Riding Hood and The Selfish Giant throughout August. Shows run on Saturdays and Sundays at 3.30 p.m. All tickets £4.50. Tel: 01-2800974.
Little Red Kettle Theatre Company
With a cast of 50 children, this Waterford summer children's project promises an enthralling slap-bang-wallop performance. Garter Lane Theatre, Waterford City (August 9th to 14th, 8 p.m.) The Ark, Temple Bar (August 18th & 19th at 2 p.m. Tickets £3. Tel: 051-879688).
