Looking for something free and entertaining to do with the children in Dublin city centre? Why not pick up a copy of the Crafted Creatures treasure hunt trail at the Ark in Temple Bar or the National Museum at Collins Barracks. Then, follow the trail on foot or by Luas (hopping on at Jervis Street) to find dolphins, horses and other creatures on buildings along the route.
Once at the Ark, there’s an amazing four floors of soft toys, farm animals, underwater and mythological creatures made by craftspeople and lots of beautiful objects in glass cases at the National Museum. Children who finish the trail can enter in a prize draw for a family pass to Dublin Zoo. Best time to do the trail is on Saturdays – starting today – between noon and 5pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. The venues are also open from noon to 5pm Tuesday to Friday next week and during St Patrick’s Festival in March.
Also, today in the Ark from 2pm to 3.30pm, children can touch some astonishing pieces such as bear skins from the National Museum’s collections. For details, see Ark.ie or call 01-6707788, or museum.ie or call 01-6777444.