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 matchesDublin's streets become a playground with street performances, interactive shows, themed activities, and creative workshops. Each weekend offers a new adventure.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy an evening of music and a fireworks display at Millennium Park to celebrate Halloween. The music starts at 6:30pm, with fireworks from 7:30pm.
Why it matchesThis free family festival has a sensory-friendly opening, a family party, and a fireworks display. There is also an open water swimming event.
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 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 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 matchesFamilies can visit a range of domestic and zoo animals, including alpacas, meerkats, and lemurs. There are three playgrounds, a bouncy castle, go karts, adventure golf, and an indoor soft play area.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an 18th-century Georgian house with period furniture and a Museum of Curiosities. There is also a working farm with animals like ponies, piglets, and goats, and seasonal events.
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 explore habitats with over 400 animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and orangutans. There are daily keeper talks and seasonal events.
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 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 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 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 matchesFamilies can explore Ashtown Castle, wander through the Victorian walled garden, enjoy woodland walks, have a picnic, and let the children play in the universal-access playground. The visitor centre has an exhibition on the park's history.
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 matchesTake a two-hour boat trip from Howth to see the coast and look for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The route depends on the weather and tides.
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.
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