With the meteorologists forecasting slightly warmer weather than average for this time of the year and no Covid restrictions preventing us from travelling to see family and friends this Easter, it’s a time to have fun together, enjoy the longer daylight hours and join in some of the many special events organised throughout the country. Here we include a sample of what’s on offer over the Easter Holidays, some of which will need to be booked in advance.

Easter Egg Hunts on Farms

Newbridge House and Farm near Donabate in north Dublin has created an Easter egg trail throughout the farm which children can follow until April 24th.  Young visitors will also enjoy the interactive farm discovery trail where they can learn all about the rare breeds whilst exploring the farmyard, pond and paddocks.

Blackwater Open Farm, Ballinaclash, Blackwater, Co Wexford is already well known for its indoor and outdoor children’s tractor track and pedal go-karting. It will host Easter egg hunts from 12-3pm on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 16th, 17th and 18th.

Clonfert Pet Farm in Clonfert, Maynooth, Co Kildare will host an Easter Festival from April 9th-19th with a fun fair, treasure hunt, teddy bears picnic and face painting.

The Nore Valley Park near Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny will host Easter Egg hunts on April 9th and from April 11th-16th.  Already popular for its crazy golf, go-karting and pet farm, children staying on the campsite or visiting for the day will enjoy exploring the special trails through the farm. 

Circle of Friends

April 13th-16th, Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick, 8pm, €30/€28

April 20th-May 14th, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, 7.30pm, from €16

The stage adaptation of Maeve Binchy’s classic novel gets its world premiere in Limerick before moving on for dates at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. It’s been called the Normal People of its day, so expect good-looking young people up from the country to attend college in Dublin and all the intrigue and sexual awakening that entails. Maeve Binchy’s evergreen novel of friendships and tested loyalties was made into a movie starring Minnie Driver, and now Elaine Murphy has adapted it for the stage, with Viko Nikci directing and Roseanna Purcell and Aisling Kearns starring as smalltown girls and best friends Benny and Eve, starting their first semester at University College Dublin in the 1950s. Soon, they’re mingling with the sophisticated folk from the Big Smoke, particularly the gorgeous Nan (Juliette Crosbie) and the good-looking Jack (Jack Hickey). Will this new social circle be unbroken? Whatever happens, Murphy promises this production will stay true to Binchy’s warm, funny and compassionate writing.

Easter Egg Hunts on Country Estates

Birr Castle in Birr, Co Offaly with its stunning variety of trees and vast parklands, is an amazing place to visit at any time. On Easter Sunday and Monday, April 17th and 18th, it will have a special Easter trail where children can meet the Easter Bunny, Henny Penny, Larry the Lamb, Quackers the Duck and the Mad Hatter. 

Belvedere House, Gardens and Park near Mullingar, Co Westmeath will host an Easter treasure trail from April 15th-17th with special activities along the way and characters to meet. Tickets include access to the house, park and play areas and under-threes go free. 

The recently re-furbished Johnstown Castle Estate, Agricultural Museum and Gardens in Co Wexford invites families to search for clues on its peacock trail to receive Easter treats from April 11-17.  

Westport House in Co Mayo will host an Easter treasure hunt on April 17th from 11am-6pm. The treasure hunt gives families a chance to explore the historic grounds of the Westport Estate while youngsters can sample rides at the Pirates Adventure Park. 

Children’s Creative Workshops

Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin has become a cultural beacon since it opened as a museum in 2016. On April 14th at 11am, historian-in-residence, Dervilla Roche will invite 9-12 year olds to learn about Easter traditions in Ireland, decorate egg shells and take part in an Easter egg hunt in the garden. 

The National Gallery on Merrion Square, Dublin will host themed children’s afternoon workshops from April 12th-14th (different age groups each day). 

Philo

April 11th-23rd, Bewley’s Cafe Theatre, 1pm, €10-€15

Two women with little or nothing in common suddenly find themselves working together on the frontline of the caring profession, and soon find themselves relating to each other in startling ways. Five Lamps Arts Festival is staging this poignant and frequently funny drama written and directed by Peter Sheridan and starring Neilí Conroy as mouthy inner city woman Philo and Karen McCartney as her boss, the thoughtful, restrained Sister Rosaleen. Both are working at the Good Shepherd Day Care Centre in Sheriff Street, and both are harbouring dark secrets from their past. When the truth starts to emerge, both women find they’ve more in common than they’ve realised.

Source: The Irish Times