For many parents, the long summer holidays are looming in front of them like a big growling tiger. Whether parents are organising their children's daily activities around their working schedule or one parent is full-time in the home, having their children home from school every day can seem like a nightmare scenario. Yet, once they begin, the summer holidays take on a rhythm of their own. Sylvia Thompson has compiled a selective guide of places to go and things to do this summer.
Each year we set about compiling this selective guide to summer activities, the mountain of material to choose from gets higher. The establishment of children's workshops in arts centres throughout the country and a more sophisticated programming of events for children in regional arts festival have been exciting developments. But remember, don't over-schedule the entire holidays, children also need time to loll around to cherish some home-based activities and sometimes to simply do nothing at all.
Art and Photography Workshops
National Gallery, Merrion Square, Dublin (01-6615133) July
The Little Masters workshops for 3-6 year olds can be booked as one-off classes or a group of consecutive classes (€6 per class); The Kids Art Attack for 7-12 year olds are week-long courses (€60) while the Teenage Portfolio and Drawing Course is a two-week course for those keen to develop their drawing skills, using the National Gallery's art collection as a source (€100).
The Ark, Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin (01-6707788) July/August
Seven year olds and upwards can use their creative skills to adorn a throne with mosaic patterns, children accompanied by an adult can make electro jewels with the help of scientists from Media Lab Europe and budding photojournalists can use the latest digital technology at this diverse range of workshops. One-off workshops €7/morning or afternoon sessions over four days €25.
Pine Forest Art Centre, Glencullen, Kilternan, Dublin 18 (01-2941220) June 17th - August 12th
This beautifully situated arts centre has an excellent reputation for its wide-ranging arts and crafts courses. Two-week courses for 5-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds focus on drawing outdoors and collecting natural materials (€185/€210). Two-week long Portfolio Preparation courses also run for 16-19 year olds (€235).
Hugh Lane Art Gallery, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1 (01-8741903) July
Week-long art and drama and art and music camps for 6-10 year olds drawing on the paintings in the gallery as an inspiration (€35). Also drawing courses for 13-17 year olds working directly from works in the gallery (€50).
Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (01-6714654) July 22nd- 26th
One week-long intensive course includes a comprehensive introduction to how a camera works and darkroom print techniques. For 13-17 year olds (€180).
Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 (01-2984301) July/August
Five-9 year olds can join one of the week-long art and craft courses in July (€70). Meanwhile 8-12 year olds get a chance to explore nature on the farm at Airfield through art activities in August (€85).
Draiocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (01-8852622) July
Twelve-16 year olds get hands-on practice with easy-to-use cameras while 7-12 year olds design 3D sculpture from recycled materials. Workshops run for four or five days (€15-€20).
The Botanic Art School, 29a Prospect Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (01-8304720) July/August
Five-day summer art camps for 7-12 year olds with drawing trips to the nearby Botanic Gardens. The course includes art tuition and drama classes (€110).
Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin St, Cork City (021-4272022) July/August
Everything from drawing, clay modelling and plaster casting to batik and silk painting in these summer courses for 6 to 8 year olds, 9-12 year olds and over-12s. Week-long or Saturday workshops (€50/€70 for 10 Saturdays).
Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo (094- 23733) June-August
Thirteen and 14 year olds can join in a project to design and construct a large temporary sculpture, 8-10 year olds can explore American-Indian culture while 4-9 year olds can freely paint and draw. Also an experimental photographic workshop for 7-9 year olds. Booking essential (€20-€30 per course).
Music and Dance
National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 (01-4170000) August 24th
Eclectic mix of music and dance workshops for babies, toddlers and school-age children. €6 per workshop
The Ark, Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin (01-6707788) July/August
Two-week workshop for 12-15 year old aspiring rock musicians, while 4-8 year olds are taken on a musical exploration using games, songs, stories and musical instruments. €60 for band workshop and €7 for one-off morning/afternoon sessions for 4-6/6-8 year olds.
Walton's New School of Music, South Great Georges St, Dublin 2 (01-4781884) July/August
Introduction to music and music-making for 5-7 year olds, run over a series of five Saturday morning two-hour long sessions (€90).
Newpark School, Newpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin (01-2883740) July 1st - 5th
Tutors introduce children to music and music-making through instruments and recorded music. For 4-7 year olds (€76 for five days, two and a half hours each day).
Draiocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (01-8852622) July
Eight-12 year olds can compose and record their own pieces of music at a drumming workshop while there are dance workshops for 10-17 year olds. Courses run for three or five days (€15-€45).
Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo (094- 23733) June-August
Courses include a dance summer camp for 13-15 year olds and a music summer camp for 4-7 year olds (€20-€30).
Cookery and Pottery Courses
The Busy Bee Summer School of Cooking, 54 Ballinclea Heights,
Killiney, Co Dublin (01-2858674) June - August
Well-established cookery school run by Bee Mannix-Walsh in which 11-16 year olds can learn culinary secrets. All equipment and basic ingredients provided (€170 per week, 10.30 a.m.-1 p.m.).
The Ark, Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin (01-6707788) July/August
Aoileann Garavaglia from Den 2 will take 4-8 year olds on a historical journey through the art of cooking. One-off morning/
afternoon sessions (€7).
Pompeii Paints at Leisureplex in Stillorgan/Blanchardstown, Dublin (01-2881656/01-8223030) July
Five-day courses in various pottery painting techniques (€55 for five two-hour classes).
Hey! Doodle, Doodle at Upper Salthill Road, Galway City (091-526450), 14 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin (01-6727382), Craic Pots Ceramic Painting Studio, 20 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal (074-25996)
All offer drop-in pottery painting suitable for all ages. A great way to spend a few hours on a wet day.
Film and Theatre
Gaiety School of Acting, Sycamore St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. (01-6799277)
Many well-known actors made their début at these summer schools. The extensive programme includes two-week drama courses for 8-16 year olds, week-long make-a-movie and make-a-play courses for 11-16 year olds. Also drama and film courses for over 16s. At venues in Temple Bar, Dublin, Howth and Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin and Cork City (€160-€195).
Act One School of Acting and Dramatic Art, 14 Rathgar Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6 (01-4961018) July
Courses for 6-13 year olds include dance, drumming, improvisation, role play and creating characters. Five-day courses for 6-8 year olds (€95, three hours per morning) and 9-13 year olds (€115 four hours per afternoon). Also a Youth Theatre summer course for 14-18 year olds with workshops led by well-known actors, directors and musicians (€127 for five days, five hours each day).
Betty Ann Norton Theatre School, Harcourt St, Dublin 2 (01-4751913) July/August
Summer Stage includes one-week courses for 6-17 year olds. Course content includes voice, acting, mime and singing (€115-€145).
National Performing Arts, Barrow St, Dublin 4 (01-6684035) July
Summer courses from drama to singing, musical theatre to street dance. Week-long courses for 4-18 year olds (€60-€112).
Harlequin Drama Studio (01-4944917) August
Speech and drama classes for 6-11 year olds, 12-15 year olds and over-16s run for one or two weeks at the Taney Parish Centre, Dundrum, Dublin 14 (€120/€190).
Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin St, Cork City (021-4272022) July/August
Nine-11 year olds will design and construct puppets and then create and build sets for the puppets to perform. Meanwhile, 7-13 year olds can join the drama camp which includes a range of games, improvisation, movement and mask-making (€50/€80).
Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo (094-23733) July
Thirteen-15 year olds can explore their lit-
erary talents at a week-long workshop (€25).
An Grianán Theatre, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal (074-20777) July/August
Week-long drama courses for 7-16 year olds. Booking essential (€35).
Sport
Summer Soccer Schools/countrywide June 24th - August 30th (01-6766864)
A new crop of Irish players will be trained by FAI coaches in venues throughout the Republic. The week-long soccer schools are open to boys and girls aged 8-16 (€55 per week). Also new weekend programme for goalkeepers (€35).
Soccer/Rugby Courses c/o David Deering (01-2882111)
Intensive soccer and rugby coaching for 6-14 year olds held in Blackrock RFC Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin; St Mary's College, Templeville Road, Tempelogue, Dublin 6 and Wanderer's FC Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (€50 for four days/€65 for five days, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. daily).
Mick Smyth Tennis Camp, 4 Mountown Park, Terenure, Dublin 12 (01-4505341) July/August
Well-established tennis camp is for beginners, intermediate and advanced players aged 6-16. Courses run 2.30 p.m.-4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (€65 per week).
Multi-activity Sports Camp/Tennis Camps, Westwood Club, Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Dublin 18 (01-2191827) and Fairview, Dublin 3 (01-8057813) July/August
Week-long multi-activity camps include basketball, swimming, football, for 5-7 and 8-12 year olds in Leopardstown and for 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13 year olds in Fairview (€65 members/€80 non-members). The Tennis Camps in Leopardstown are also for 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds (€70 members/€85 non-members). There is also an intensive tennis camp for 10-16 year olds (€115 members/€130 non-members).
Sailing Courses
Novice sailors and windsurfers can take lessons at one of the many sailing centres throughout the Republic. List of certified courses from the Irish Sailing Association (01-2800239). Glenans Irish Sailing Club runs junior dinghy, windsurfing and cruising courses for 14-17 year olds throughout July at its centres in Co Mayo and Co Cork (01-6611481).
Horse-Riding
Details of trekking, trail riding centres and riding schools throughout the country are available from the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (045-431584).
Multi-Sports Camp Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 (01-2984301) July
Volleyball, soccer, orienteering, treasure hunts, assault courses and arts and craft are included in this adventure camp for 8-12 year olds (€85).
Arts Festivals
Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, Carlow town (0503-40491) June 13th-23rd
Exhibition of children's art, the bi-lingual show, Peg!Peig! from Púcca Puppets on June 15th at noon/3p.m. in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow town (€6) and children's painting and card-making workshops on June 22nd (€5).
Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork City (021-4550946) June 19th - July 1st
Highlights include a free street theatre show in Emmet Place on June 18th at 10 p.m. (repeated in Ballincollig, Co Cork, on June 21st at 6.30 p.m. for younger children) performed by Boomerang Theatre Co, Teatro Guirigani from Spain, Instabillio Urgo from Italy and Jazzied from London. Also Mick an Cnoic, a hilarious production by live and animated characters from Dowtcha! Theatre Company (June 24th-29th) at 2p.m./4p.m in the Granary Theatre Studio (€5) and The Quest, an opera for young people set in Celtic times (June 19th at 8 p.m. in Cork City Hall, €8). Don't miss the carnival in Cobh on Saturday, June 29th.
Earagail Arts Festival, Co Donegal (074-29186) July 8th - 21st
Lots of children's shows at this dynamic festival. Highlights include Blunderfudge, free open air shows in Dunfanaghy, Dunlewey, Carrickfinn and Letterkenny from English company, Circus Fudge, also Catwalk, more free shows in Letterkenny from London-based Bedlam Oz as well as familiar shows from Puca Puppets and Turbo Prop Theatre Company.
Galway Arts Festival, Galway City (091-566577) July 15th - 28th
Unmissable for children this year is Very Yellow from the Yolande Snaith Theatredance company for 3-7 year olds (July 26th and 27th) at 11a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Black Box Studio (€5). Also worth checking out is Annabelle's Star, a magical non-verbal show set to original music (July 20th and 21st at 2 p.m. in Radisson SAS Hotel, €5). Then, for older children, there's always the Macnas show, centred on Grainne Mhaol, the Pirate Queen (July 15th - 20th at 9 p.m. in the Festival Big Top, €17/€15) and Rota, a colourful dance piece from the Brazilian Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker (July 23rd- 25th at 9 p.m. also 3 p.m. on July 25th, €19).
Boyle Arts Festival, Boyle, Co Roscommon (079-63085) July 26th - August 2nd
Children's workshops and performances are a staple part of this well-established and popular arts festival.
Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenny City (056-52175) August 9th - 18th
Highlights in this busy programme of workshops, readings, film and theatre shows for children include the beautiful dance piece, Romanzo d'Infanzia (A Childhood Tale) from Italian Compagnia Abbondanza Bertoni, Treasure Island from Scottish theatre company, Wee Stories and Humpty Goes Splat! from English company, Tutti Frutti.
Summer Movies
Spider-Man
Expect spectacular special effects and action sequences in Sam Raimi's mega-hit movie based on the comic character played by the generally serious Tobey Maguire. With Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst. Opens June 14th.
Big Fat Liar
A 14-year old boy (Frankie Muniz from Malcolm in the Middle) seeks revenge on a sleazy Hollywood producer (Paul Giamatti) who steals his short story and turns it into a hit movie. Opens June 28th.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron
The stallion, voiced by Matt Damon is the star of this new animated feature from Dreamworks. Opens July 5th.
Snow Dogs
A family comedy from Disney with Cuba Gooding Jr as a Miami dentist who inherits a mischievous team of sled dogs in Alaska. With James Coburn. Opens July 5th.
Scooby-Doo
A live action movie based on the cartoon series. The computer-generated Great Dane joins up with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr, Matthew Lilliard and Rowan Atkinson. Opens July 12th.
Stuart Little 2
The clever little mouse returns, again voiced by Michael J. Fox. Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie star as his human parents. Opens July 19th.
Spy Kids 2
Steve Buscemi plays the evil scientist with Emily Osment, Antonio Banderas and Carlo Gugino in another comedy adventure directed by Robert Rodriguez. Opens August 9th.
Diversions
Programme of free events in Temple Bar, Dublin: 21st Century Circus (01-6772255): No tigers, no tents but an international line-up of jugglers, acrobats, stiltwalkers and clowns. will perform free in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, August 23rd-31st.
Ten year olds and over can also join US juggler Michael Moschen or English circus maestros Circomedia in workshops at the Ark (August 23rd-25th/August 26th-30th €7/€8 per session or €50 for five-day workshop).
Also performing is the Irish troupe Barabbas which will challenge you to "showcase your funny-face" on Saturdays at the Temple Bar Food Market. Mime artists and magicians can also be seen on Saturday afternoons July 13th-August 17th in Cow's Lane, Temple Bar.
Museum Days (01-6777444):
The National Museum in Collins Barrack and Kildare St, Dublin, The Natural History Museum and the Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, are all fascinating places for children to visit.
The Natural History Museum is hosting free summer treasure workshops for 7-14 year olds on July 6th, 10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. or 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
The Museum of Country Life has regular craft demonstrations and children's workshops on Sundays, while the National Museum in Collins Barracks and the Natural History Museum also have free talks and workshops for children on Sunday
afternoons.
Puppet & Theatre Shows
Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin (01-2312929)
The Enormous Turnip: August 15th-17th, 11a.m./3p.m. The Armagh Rhymers presents this unusual tale of a soldier-turned-gardener. Most shows also include a workshop for 5-14 year olds (€8 show only/€11 show and workshop). Romanzo d'Infanzia (A Childhood Tale): August 20th at 7.30 p.m.
Following its wonderful show in the Ark earlier this year, the Italian dance company, Compagnia Abbondanza Bertoni, returns with its poignant tale about two children who feel neglected by their stressed-out parents (€11 children/€19 adults).
The Lambert Puppet Theatre, Clifton Lane, Monkstown, Co Dublin (01-2800974)
The Adventures of Sindbad, Saturdays and Sundays at 3.30 p.m. until the end of June. The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Little Red Riding Hood, Saturdays and Sundays in July and Pinocchio will be shown at weekends in August (€8.50/€9.50).
Wildlife Camps
Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork (021-4812678) July
Week-long summer camps for 4-12 year olds include seed planting, experiments and behind the scenes with the animals (€69.80). Fota Wildlife Park is also open to visitors Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (€7 adults/€4.20 children).
Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin (01-4748932) July/August
Children can explore the culture and ecology of rainforests through art, drama and environmental activites at these week-long courses (€77 members/€88 non-members). Camps for teenagers also run throughout July. Dublin Zoo is open to visitors Monday to Saturday, 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10.30 a.m. -6 p.m. (€9.80 adults/€6.15 children).
Free Days Out
Family Days in the Parks:
Well-kept parks with good playgrounds are perfect places to visit whether on holidays or on days out close to home. In the Dublin area, the various councils host free family days during the summer, featuring jugglers, face-painters and other wandering performers. In some venues, children can enjoy free rides on Thomas the Tank engine trains.
The family day in Malahide Castle, Malahide, Co Dublin, on July 7th features a special visit from a circus troupe from Belfast (2 p.m. -6 p.m.). The family day in Ardgillan Demense, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, on July 14th focuses on environmental awareness and recycling (2 p.m. -6 p.m.). The family day at Newbridge House, Donabate, Co Dublin, on July 21st follows a multicultural theme with music workshops and performances from around the world (2 p.m. -6 p.m.).
Family days in South County Dublin Council go ahead in Tymon Park on June 23rd and in Corkagh Park, Clondalkin on July 21st with midget car racing as a special attraction. Marlay Park in Rathfarnham will be the setting for a bumper family day on June 30th. In Dublin city, family days go ahead 3 p.m. -5 p.m. in Sandymount Green on June 16th; Le Fanu Park, Ballyfermot on June 23rd; Grattan Park, Inchicore, on July 7th; the Markeiviez Park in Ballyfermot on July 14th; St Anne's Park, Raheny (in conjunction with the Roses Festival) on July 21st; in Fairview Park on July 28th; in the Eamon Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road, Kimmage, on August 11th and in the Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on August 25th.
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin is hosting a gala family day on Sunday, June 23rd with garden trails, guided walks and art workshops.
Trips to the Forest:
Hot off the presses is Tree Trails of Ireland, an excellent free guide to forest and woodland parks throughout the 32 counties. Contact the Tree Council of Ireland on 01-2849211 or e-mail trees@treecouncil.ie
Bargain!
Dúchas heritage sites: Families keen to visit a number of heritage sites over the summer should consider getting a heritage card. Offering 12 months unlimited access to over 65 sites, it costs €19 for adults and €7.60 for children. For more information, tel:1850-600601. See also www.heritageireland.ie
