Festivals geared towards families make for the best days out. It can be a music festival or farmers fair. No matter what, there is guaranteed fun awaiting you and your family and wonderful memories to be made. This year we see the return of some of our favourites after a long interval and the summer also sees the annual comeback of epic weekend line ups. Here are our top five family friendly festivals happening this summer!
Bloom in the Park
Bloom in the Park is a national favourite as it swings into its 16th year. Celebrating and showcasing the best of Irish horticulture, food and drink, there is something quite unique about this family oriented festival. Not only is it a great day out for both adults and kids alike but there is lots to learn about, experience, and enjoy with practical live talks and demonstrations on how to grow your own fruit and vegetables to cooking and gardening.
Taking over 70 acres of the Phoneix Park in Dublin, Bloom showcases incredible show gardens, postcard gardens, and floral and botanical art displays. For the keen gardener, it’s a must do event. And with family friendly activities, the kids will have a ball too.
Where – Phoenix Park, Dublin
When – 2nd – 6th June
More Information – www.bordbiabloom.com
Carlow Arts Festival
With so many arts festivals happening every summer, it can be difficult to choose which to attend, but the Carlow Arts Festival is bound to top your list. This festival brings art, fun, and entertainment along with passion, vision, and introspection to the streets of Carlow. An incredibly eclectic mx of dance, street art, theatre and magic are on the cards for this years festival.
Where – Carlow town
When – 9th – 12th June
More Information – www.carlowartsfestival.com
Cork Midsummer Festival
The Cork Midsummer Festival takes over the city as it uses the oldest city in Ireland to showcase high-quality art events for all ages. With theatre and music events once again planned for this years festival, along with the Picnic in the Park, there is so much for families to explore and be inspired by as emerging artists showcase their work and their talents. The festival uses the city as their stage and you are bound to be enthralled by what they have to show you.
Where – Cork City
When – 15th – 26th June
More Information – www.corkmidsummer.com
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope has long been considered Electric Picnics little sister and it makes a fantastic return this summer at Russbourough House in picturesque Wicklow. This leading festival brings an incredible line-up of music to see the whole family bopping away, along with fun-filled creative workshops for both adults and children, and not forgetting its iconic vintage funfair.
This years headline acts include Feeder, James Morrison, and Dec Pierce’s Block Rocking Beats. With a “carnival of colour” expected this year, it’s a great time to introduce your kids to the festival atmosphere with bright art installations and brilliant performances promised over the three day event. Why not take advantage of the great atmosphere and pitch a tent with the kids and stay for the whole weekend!
Where – Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.
When – 24th – 26th June 2022
More Information – www.kaleidoscopefestival.ie
Flavours of Fingal
The largest free family festival resides in North County Dublin when the Flavours of Fingal festival comes to Newbridge House in Donabate. With bouncy castles, magicians, story telling, and jousting, this two day event brings unbeatable food, fun, and well, flavour to one of the best family days out.
Taking over the entire demesne of Newbridge House and Farm, the Flavours of Fingal festival is an agricultural and farming show with a wonderful twist. The two day event is “the ultimate farming experience for the whole family to enjoy.”
Where – Newbridge, House, Donabate, Dublin
When – 2nd – 3rd July
More Information – www.flavoursoffingal.ie
