Go Kids: Bernice Harrison on alternatives to movies and the mall
It seems as though we’re only just back into a routine after the long, chaotic Christmas break, but planning for midterm is already upon us. One trend to note is the rise in popularity of cookery classes for children. As school-break activities go they are, at least, more stomach fillers than time fillers – and, with luck, will teach lifelong skills.
At An Cnoc Banin Spink, near Abbeyleix, Co Laois, the organic farm's activity centre is holding day classes for children between five and 12 years old. They include crafts sessions, baking and pancake parties, from February 15th to 19th, for €35 a day. Call 057-8700054 or e-mail ancnocban@ireland.com.
In Co Kildare, chef Barry Hayden (pictured) will run baking classes over midterm for children aged four to 12 as part of the kids' club for residents of the Westgrove Hotel, in Clane. Hayden's idea is to balance nutritional information with easy-to-learn cookery skills. This sort of structured class makes a change from the usual kids'-club offerings, which can be filled with way too much fingerpainting. A family of two adults and two children can get three nights' midweek B&B, with dinner on two evenings, for €380. 045-989900, westgrovehotel.com.