Things to do with the kids for the Easter holidays on the Southside

WITH St Patrick’s Day running straight into the Easter Holidays this year, it’s going to be a long school break. Read Daniel O’Connor’s suggested activities to keep children entertained on the Southside.

DUNDRUM ON ICE

Located in the heart of Dundrum Town Centre, any children who missed out on an ice skating outing at Christmas will be catered for this Easter. Open seven days a week, children can avail for a full hour of ice skating for just €13, or €38 for a family of four.  Call (01) 5242101 or email [email protected]

KILMAINHAM GAOL

What better way to teach your child about the 1916 Rising? As the country celebrates its 100^th anniversary, Kilmainham Gaol runs daily tours of the prison where the rebellion’s leaders were executed that are suitable for the whole family. A word of caution, though: get there early as this is a very popular attraction at the moment for obvious reasons. Phone 01-4535984 or email [email protected]

IMAGINOSITY

Imaginosity boasts that it’s Ireland’s only museum completely dedicated to children. Based in Sandyford, the museum is running a number of events and workshops over the Easter break for both toddlers and older children that will educate and entertain. You’ll find them at The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford. Phone:(01) 217 6130 or email [email protected]

MARLAY PARK

Marlay Park in Rathfarnham is certainly one of the best in Dublin, offering plenty for the family to do without having to spend a penny. Whether your children want to spend time in the playground, go for a cycle, explore the woodland trails or just have a picnic, Marlay Park is the place to go (so long as you get a sunny day!). It’s located on Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Phone (01) 2054700

DUBLINIA

Christchurch’s Dublinia has gained a reputation as being one of the best museums in the city. As well as getting an interactive look at what life was like in Medieval Dublin, children can also avail of the museum’s Easter Big Dig, a simulated archaeological excavation taking place daily from March 23-30. Christchurch, St Michael’s Hill, Dublin 8. Phone (01) 679 4611 or [email protected]

GRAVITY CLIMBING CENTRE

Inchicore is home to one of the world’s biggest indoor climbing walls at the Gravity Climbing Centre. For the Easter holidays, the centre is running special kids’ climbing camps between now and April 1, catering for beginners. This is definitely worth checking out if your child is looking to start a new hobby. Unit 6a, Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8. Phone:(01) 7078585 or email [email protected]

AIRFIELD ESTATE

Containing a farm, children’s play areas, picturesque gardens and the Overends restaurant, Dundrum’s Airfield Estate has plenty to offer families looking to enjoy a relaxing day out. As well as seeing everything you would expect on a typical farm, Airfield are also hosting special children’s events for the Easter holidays including cooking classes and an Easter Egg Trail on March 26. It’s located on Overend Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Phone:(01) 969 6666 or email: [email protected]