From egg rolling to live music, walking tours to horse racing, there are plenty of activities going on around the country this holiday week and weekend
MULLINGAR
Easter egg trail running
There’s an Easter egg hunt this Sunday and next Monday from noon at Belvedere House and Gardens, which is set over 160 acres of parklands. Trails will be targeted at specific age groups and it runs until late afternoon. Family admission is €24. belvedere-house.ie.
Tel: 044-9349060
CLARE
Hill walk on Easter Sunday
Tour guide Tony Kirby is leading a hill walk in the Burren National Park on Sunday. The walk will be informative and take in the hill of Mullaghmore and a range of other natural features. It lasts three hours and costs €20 with concessions available. heartofburrenwalks.com Tel: 087-2925487
BELFAST
Crime-solving and egg rolling
Running until Monday, May 2nd, W5 – Ireland’s only purpose-built science centre – at the Odyssey complex in Belfast, is inviting families to participate in a futuristic egg-rolling activity.
There is a new display on forensics and spying as well as more than 200 interactive exhibits. Family tickets €27. w5online.co.uk Tel: 048-90467700
CORK
Children’s storytelling
Starting tomorrow, the Firkin Crane hosts a series of performances for children over the coming week. The shows include The Sunflower Show, which involves clowning and puppetry; Old Father Story is all about dressing up and treasure hunts; while A Trunk of Tricks is based on ancient Indian entertainment. Tickets from €4. firkincrane.ie
KILKENNY
Easter trail
The Castlecomer Discovery Park is holding its annual Easter Trail until May 1st. This year has a Winnie the Pooh theme. Families can follow the trail through the woodlands, completing puzzles on the way. Trail sheets available from reception any day from 10am to 4pm. It costs €10 per family and there’s a prize for every family to complete the trail. See discoverypark.ie. Tel: 056-4440707
WICKLOW
Easter on the farm
Three days of Easter fun begin on Saturday at Glenroe Farm in Co Wicklow. Events include egg races, face painting and spot prizes as well as a selection of farm animals and pets. The last egg race happens at 5.30pm daily, with the farm open from 10am to 6pm. glenroefarm.com
LEITRIM
Walking Festival
The 17th annual North Leitrim Hillwalking Festival takes place in Manorhamilton on this Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9am for the long walk and 10am for the medium walk. A bilingual ramble also takes place on Sunday. Prices range from €10-€28. Tel: 071-9147565
DUBLIN
Farmleigh fun
This Easter Sunday and Monday, Farmleigh is hosting two days of family fun and food-related events, including markets, live music, treasure and egg hunts as well as live birds of prey displays. All events are free and the activities begin at 10am. farmleigh.ie
ARMAGH
Easter discovery
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre hosts a traditional Easter day out this Saturday. Two sessions take place, one at 10.30am and the second at 2pm, and events include arts and crafts and a trail through the nature reserve. The costs are £4 per child and booking is essential. oxfordisland.com Tel: 048-38322205
KERRY
Family festival
Running from Friday until May 1st, the Tir Na nÓg Family Festival is Tralee’s annual Easter event, which transforms the town into a children’s playground. Events include a teddy bears’ picnic, funfair, Easter egg hunt and family night at the dogs. Children have free entry to the county museum. holidaytralee.com
CORK
Music and clubbing
This Saturday at the Pavilion, a venue that has been entertaining Corkonians since 1921, sees the highly acclaimed O Emperor (left) perform a string and bass set at 8pm. Club night Fish Go Deep is hosted by Greg and Shane at 11pm. See pavilioncork.com
MEATH
Horse racing
Running over the Easter weekend in Rathoath, the Fairyhouse Festival features the Powers Gold Cup on Sunday and the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. The most stylish lady competition is run with an emphasis on red this year, while a family fun day also takes place on Sunday. See fairyhouse.ie Tel: 01-8256167
WATERFORD
Tannery brunch
On Saturday, a morning demonstration takes place in the Tannery restaurant in Dungarvan (right) with chef Paul Flynn. The focus is on how to make the perfect brunch and runs from 10am until 1.30pm after which a meal is served. Cost is €50. tannery.ie. Tel: 058-45420
