SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to live well with less cash
Family Fun (in the sun?)
If you’re looking for a good spot for a family picnic or somewhere to put your boots on for adventure, Castlecomer Discovery Park (The Estate Yard, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, tel: 056-4440707) is just the ticket.
Its 80 acres make it an ideal place for families, you can also discover the area’s mining heritage and enjoy science, fishing and craft (and food in the Jarrow Cafe, listed in Bridgestone 2011). There are three free family passes available for the new Tree Top Adventure Walk and the Coal Mining exhibition (worth €50). Email manager@discoverypark.ie to avail.
Wicklow Mountains National Park (Education Centre, by the Upper Lake, Glendalough, Co Wicklow) is running two free Family Fun sessions every week during the summer (for parents and kids from 4-12 years), with a different theme each week: July 24th/26th – bugs, July 31st/August 2nd – mammals, 2pm-4pm. Book one week in advance of the event by calling 0404-45656. See wicklowmountainsnationalpark.iefor details.
The Annual Organic Centre Garden Party is taking place tomorrow in The Organic Centre (Rossinver, Co Leitrim, tel: 071-985 4338). There will be a display with small farm animals and face-painting for the kids, while the adults can enjoy demonstrations on organic gardening. There are five free passes on offer to the first people to email hans@theorganiccentre.ie. Children go free.
Viking Splash Tours ( vikingsplash.com, tel: 01-707 6000) run unique amphibious tours of Dublin. There are six free family tickets (worth €60) up for grabs to the first people to email info@vikingsplash.ie, with your address for postage of the tickets. A family ticket entitles two adults and three children. Tours depart from St Stephen's Green North, Dublin 2.
The Family Fiesta is part of Bray Summer Fest 2012. Taking place today and tomorrow, there are a number of free family-friendly events, including a petting farm and a maze. See braysummerfest.comfor details.
Last but not least
Onsight is a series of free summer workshops in the grounds of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life (Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, tel: 094-903 1755). Families can help artists make site-specific art. No booking is necessary, but spaces may be limited. Next week you can help the artists create an installation of 1,000 windmills (July 17th, 18th, 19th, 11am-4pm). See museum.iefor further details.
