Dublin Maker Festival 2026
Why it matchesThis free festival at Leopardstown Racecourse offers a family-friendly celebration of creativity and invention. There are over 70 maker stands, 15 large outdoor exhibits, and interactive workshops.
Tell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis free festival at Leopardstown Racecourse offers a family-friendly celebration of creativity and invention. There are over 70 maker stands, 15 large outdoor exhibits, and interactive workshops.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch a large fireworks display with music and fire effects on Bray seafront. Arrive early to hear East Coast FM broadcasting live before the show starts.
Why it matchesVisit a working sheep farm in Wicklow. Watch sheepdogs, hold a lamb, and see how people lived and worked in the old farm museum. Learn about local heritage at the mass rock.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore two mazes, see farm animals, and follow nature walks and fairy trails. There are also three farm museums and a treasure hunt in summer.
Why it matchesTake a 1.5 hour tour of Olly's Farm to see organic fruit and vegetable growing and meet the farm animals. You can also try a 3 hour beekeeping experience.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a working thoroughbred breeding farm, see champion racehorses, and learn about their world at the interactive Irish Racehorse Experience. There are also two unique gardens to wander through.
Why it matchesChildren can play in the Activity Barn with ping pong, fuze ball, and an indoor beach. They can also pet and feed donkeys, ponies, pigs, and goats. There is a pedal go-kart track. Families can eat in the restaurant.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals and hold smaller pets like rabbits. There is an outdoor playground and a museum in a thatched cottage. You can bring a picnic or use the coffee shop.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and feed animals, build a teddy bear, play crazy golf, or take a railroad adventure. There are also seasonal events and an organic farm tour in summer.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a big hedge maze and a wooden maze, with an adventure trail, zip wire, assault course, and crazy golf. There is a play area for toddlers.
Why it matchesClara Lara Fun Park has water slides, an assault course, boating, and playgrounds. Families can also enjoy mini golf, picnics, and walks in the Wicklow countryside.
Why it matchesWatch a live sheepdog demonstration in a field next to Johnnie Fox's Pub. You'll see border collies working with a farmer to herd Wicklow Cheviot sheep, showing their skill and intelligence.
Why it matchesThis is a puppet show with songs based on the Tales From Acorn Wood books. You will see Fox, Rabbit, Pig, Hen, and Postman Bear. The show is 55 minutes long with no interval.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a tour of the Monastic Site, then join in with The Big Dig archaeology sessions or get creative at LEGO workshops.
Why it matchesFamilies can go camping in a tipi in a woodland setting by the Avonmore River. You can learn outdoor skills, go hiking, or just spend time in nature. They also run themed events.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the garden centre, see the vegetable exhibition, and let children play in the dedicated play area. There are picnic spots and a cafe for refreshments.
Why it matchesHire bikes for all the family and cycle along the Grand Canal Greenway. You can explore the history and nature of the canal at your own pace.
Why it matchesHire a campervan to explore Ireland. Choose a smaller one that drives like a car or a larger one with a kitchen and shower. Both sleep two adults and two children.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a guided tour of the stud farm to see mares, foals, and stallions. You can also meet retired racehorses. There are also the Japanese Gardens and Saint Fiachra's Garden to explore.
Why it matchesFamilies can go on VIP tours of stud farms, trainer's yards, and racecourses. There are chances to pet horses, try hands-on activities, and see interactive exhibits.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick a guided fat bike tour to explore beaches, bogs, forests, or mountains. There are options for all abilities, with bike rental available from their shop.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore these restored Victorian walled gardens, including a kitchen garden and an ornamental garden. There is also a sensory therapeutic trail. They run nature-based workshops for children.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Phoenix Park, which is a very large park with deer, walking and cycling routes. It is also home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin.
Why it matchesWalk high up through the trees on a wooden path, learning about the forest as you go. Climb a tall tower for views of the Wicklow Mountains, then slide down if you're brave enough.
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