FREE DAYS OUT
Public Parks
If you are city-bound with young children, there is rarely a better place to be than in a park. Simply kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee can provide fun for all ages. Parks in the Dublin area make the most of their green spaces throughout the summer months with special family days. Check out the following:
Malahide Castle
Well known for its playground and the Fry Model Railway, Malahide Castle grounds will be the venue for music, dancing, comedy acts, face-painting and a huge bouncy castle on Sunday, July 2nd from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ardgillan Castle
Beautifully situated near the coastline between Balbriggan and Skerries, Ardgillan Castle will host a family day on July 16th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Newbridge House
One of the the most popular attractions on the north side of Dublin, Newbridge House has a large, new children's playground and a farmyard with a good variety of animals. It is the venue for a family day on Sunday, July 30th from 2 pm. to 6 p.m.
St Patrick's Park
Right in the heart of the city, this family day on July 2nd from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. should prove popular.
St Anne's Park
Show your support for this green space on the north side by going along to the family day on July 16th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The park's annual rose festival also takes place on the same day.
Bushy Park
This large park in Terenure has a good playground and lovely walks. Its family day goes ahead on August 13th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Marley Park
Situated at the foothills of Dublin with a great playground, Marley Park will have a family day on June 25th.
People's Park, Dun Laoghaire
Spend the morning on the beach and then head for the People's Park on July 2nd for its annual family day.
Other family days in the Dublin region go ahead on Sunday afternoons in Albert College Park on June 25th, Rathcoole Park on July 2nd, Tymon Park in Tallaght, Poppintree Park and Cabinteely Park on July 9th, Corkagh Park in Clondalkin on July 16th, Blackrock Park and Fairview Park on July 30th and Herbert Park on August 3rd. Also, many of the city's parks have free lunchtime concerts throughout the summer months.
Temple Bar
Meeting House Square is the venue again this year for Sunday afternoon performances by acrobats, jugglers, dancers and magicians. Irish dance company Rex Levitaties invites young people to explore movement on July 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th; French group Cinemarionettes bring a two-person puppet show to the city centre on August 6th and the Broli Circus makes a return trip on August 13th. Free tickets for events available in advance from Temple Bar Properties, 18 Eustace St, Dublin 2.
And, if you are in the city centre on Saturday, you can buy your lunch at the scrumptious Temple Bar Food Market on Saturday morning and head to the magnificent garden in Dublin Castle for a peaceful safe picnic with plenty of space for young children to run around.
Teenagers will enjoy the free Saturday night movies in Meeting House Square. An excellent programme which includes William Shakespeare's Romeo & Ju- liet (over 12s), and Like Water For Chocolate (over 15s). Free tickets available from 9 a.m. on the Monday before the event from Temple Bar Properties, 18 Eustace St, Dublin 2.
SUMMER MOVIES
Chicken Run
Animated feature from Nick Park, the creator of the magnificent characters, Wallace and Gromit. This time up, it's chickens fighting for their rights on a farm where production quotas (we're talking number of eggs per chicken) aren't being met. Opens in cinemas countrywide on June 30th.
Stuart Little
An enormous hit in the United States, this one is the tale of a mouse with attitude. From Rob Minkoff, the co-director of the Lion King. Opens in cinemas countrywide on June 30th.
Thomas and the Magic Railroad
Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans, now is your chance to indulge yourself in this part live-action, part animated new film. Mara Wilson stars as 11-year-old Lily, who ends up in the wrong town only to be introduced to the magic steam engine. Opens in cinemas countrywide on July 14th.
Titan A.E.
An animated science fiction movie in which humans find themselves as homeless refugees struggling to survive in a hostile galaxy. Opens in cinemas countrywide on July 28th.
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas
A prequel to the Flintstones' first movie but with a different cast. This time Mark Addy (The Full Monty), Stephen Baldwin (The Usual Suspects) and Jane Krakowski (Ally McBeal) play the members of America's favourite Stone Age family. Opens in cinemas countrywide on July 28th.
The Road to El Dorado
Elton John provides some of the soundtrack on this tale of friendship and adventure. Opens in cinemas countrywide on August 4th.
THEATRE AND PUPPETS
The Lambert Puppet Theatre
Always a popular option on a rainy Saturday or Sunday for Dublin-based children. The show running until the end of June is The King With The Donkey's Ears. Little Red Riding Hood and The Bandicott And The Egg run throughout July, followed by Jack And The Beanstalk for August. Performances begin at 3.30 p.m. Tickets £5. Tel: 012800974.
The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin
Puca Puppets in a production of the well-known fable, The City Mouse And The Country Mouse for six to eight-year-olds. Performances run from 11.30 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 3.20p.m. from August 14th-17th. Tickets £3. Tel: 016707788.
Little Red Kettle at the Ark
The Waterford theatre company brings its show to the capital for the fourth successive year. Suitable for eight-year-olds and upwards. Performances at 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15th and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16th. Tickets £3.50. Tel: 016707788.
Watergate Theatre
Mac the Mouse is the superhero of this show from Turboprop Theatre. Run as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival from August 14th-16th at 3 p.m. Tel: 05663663.
