SPECIAL PLACES
Mara Beo/Dingle Oceanworld Dingle, Co Kerry
Deemed to have the best aquarium in the country, the attractions include a harbour wall, shark tank and a touch pool. Tel: 066-9152111.
Turoe Pet Farm, Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co Galway
One of the best visitor farms west of the Shannon, this farm has lambs, donkeys, ponies, goats, cows, rabbits, an aviary, a duck pond and a pets' corner. Also, picnic area, nature trails and a children's playground which includes a sandpit for the little ones. Tel: 091-841580.
Newgrange Farm, Slane, Co Meath
Young children have the chance to bottle-feed kid goats, calves and lambs. Also lots of puppies, kittens, rabbits and even the occasional chicken may take kindly to stroking. A sand pit and toy tractor play area for the younger children, with pedal go-kart track for the older ones. Tractor and trailer rides and sheep races on Sundays. Tel: 041-9824119.
Skerries Mills Centre
With two working windmills and one watermill, this is a splendid place to visit within an hour's drive of Dublin. Go on July 30th and you can observe a traditional demonstration of reaping and binding from 2 p.m. onwards. Tel: 01-8495208.
Birr Castle and Historic Science Centre
The Great Telescope of 1845 is one memorable attraction. However, the new Halls of Science which celebrate the astronomical, photographic and engineering feats of the Parsons family will fascinate all. Tel: 0509-20336.
ANIMAL MAGIC
Dublin Zoo
Summer camps at the Zoo are always popular and often booked out in advance. Six to 12-year-olds can learn some ecology, art and craft and photography in the week-long courses (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily). Courses run from July 10th-14th, July 17th-21st, July 24th-28th and August 14th-18th. Also, new this year is a camp for 13 to 16-year-olds. Cost: £60 (members) £70 (non-members). Tel: 1890-923838.
Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork
With an emphasis on play, four to 12-year-olds learn about wildlife conservation and participate in animal arts and crafts and animal-themed sports days at this summer camp. Weekly courses run from July 3rd-21st. Also, from August 16th-18th, Fota Wildlife Park runs a three-day safari workshop. Tel: 021481678.
FESTIVAL FUN
Cork Midsummer Festival
The picnic in Bishop Lucey's Park on Sunday, June 25th from 1 pm. to 5 p.m. is the definite highlight for younger folk this year. The Dandelion puppet theatre and the Cork Community Circus are among the performers who will be bubbling over with creative energy to share with children of all ages on Sunday, June 25th from noon to 5 p.m. Tel: 021-550946.
Galway Arts Festival
A Scottish version of the Emperor's New Clothes (Black Box Studio, July 26th/27th, noon and 3 p.m.; a cosmic cocktail of comedy entitled The Flying Chestycoffs Attempt The History of Planet Earth (Black Box Studio, July 20th at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and storytelling by well-known Irish personalities including Pauline McLynn (APC's Archipelago, July 21st-23rd at 11 a.m.) are special treats for children at this year's arts festival. Also, the unmissable parade led by Macnas takes to the Galway streets at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 23rd. Tel: 1890-566577.
Kilkenny Arts Festival
Stilt dancers, drummers, artists and musicians from Neighbourhood Watch Stilts International are one of the major attractions in Kilkenny on Saturday and Sunday, August 19th and 20th from noon onwards. Also children's workshops in art, music and drama from August 14th-18th. Also children's films at the Kilkenny Cineplex from August 14th-18th at 11 a.m. Tel: 056-63663.
There are many festivals large and small happening throughout the country during the summer months. Some have family days and special children's events; others maintain the en fete atmosphere with live music on the streets, which together with sunshine and ice-cream for the younger folk can be a special afternoon out in itself. Check local papers for details.
SPORTS
Tennis
Boys and girls from six to 17 can brush up on their game or learn it from scratch at their local tennis courts throughout July. The five-week programme begins on July 3rd in various city and town venues throughout Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork, Waterford, Sligo, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Limerick and Donegal. Tel: 01-8338711.
Soccer
The Football Association of Ireland co-ordinates soccer schools throughout the Republic, run by FAI staff coaches. They are weeklong courses for boys and girls aged between eight and 16 held in various venues in June, July and August. Cost £30. Tel: 018900700.
Sailing
The Irish Sailing Association will provide a list of certified courses in sailing and windsurfing at various sailing schools around the country. Tel: 01-2800239. Also, Glenans offers courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing with French language lessons at its Co Mayo base on Collanmore Island, near Westport. It also offers cruising courses (land-based or live aboard) from its base in Baltimore Harbour, Co Cork. Tel: 01-6611481.
Horse-riding
Contact the Association of Irish Riding Establishments for details of lessons and ride-outs for beginners and experienced riders. Tel: 045-431584.
