5 things to do this month that will help ease any back-to-school blues

Kids feeling the back-to-school blues? Perk them up with these fun events: 

1. Festival of Food at Airfield Estate, Co. Dublin

Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th September; 9.30am – 5pm; Free

This September, the Airfield Estate Festival of Food promises a weekend packed with fun for all the family.

Budding young farmers, gardeners, bakers and chefs will enjoy fun, hands-on workshops throughout the day, followed by plenty of fresh air, rough-and-tumble at Naturescape, the Estate’s outdoor play area which features a 27 metre zip line, pendulum swing, slide, tractor tyres, rolling hills and balance beams.

With music throughout the weekend, loads of old fashioned lawn games, and more delicious, local, seasonal food and drinks than you can shake a welly at, the Airfield Estate Festival of Food promises a wonderful weekend of fun for all the family!

Click here for more info. 

2. Cork City Culture Night 2017, Co. Cork

Friday, 22nd September; various times

From live music, theatre and film to art exhibitions, crafts and street performance, Cork is a city steeped in culture and talent.  

North Main Street will host a street-wide line-up on the evening with film screenings including the popular Cork based movie The Young Offenders, musical performances, story-telling and Young Offenders-inspired window installations.

This fabulous one-street extravaganza is as a result of the efforts of St Peter’s Cork and The North Main Street Traders, who are inviting members of the public to enjoy a unique cultural experience on Cork’s oldest street. 

Click here for more info. 

3. Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk, Co. Cork

Sunday, 10th September; 11am; €15 for adults, €5 for children under 12; FREE with a sponsorship card

The Cork Association for Autism's fourth annual Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk will take place in Blackrock on Sunday, 10th September at 11am.  The route starts at the Old Railway Line and travels along by the water before finishing up near Blackrock Castle.A s the route is all off road its perfect for children of all ages to take part in. Also, buggies are more than welcome.  

All participants will receive a blue balloon and there will be snacks, facepainting an ice cream van and more at the finish line. All monies raised at this event will go towards the Cork Association for Autism. 

Click here to book your place.  

 4. Waterford Harvest Festival, Co. Waterford

Friday, 8th to Sunday, 10th September; various times

This year’s Harvest programme is packed with exciting, fun, food-themed events taking place in dozens of locations throughout Waterford city, its outskirts and the traditional top of the town, Ballybricken.

Garter Lane will host a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory along with Autumn Leaves and Tasty Treats, a free hands-on, creative-craft, Harvest-themed workshop for children. WIT’s Calmast returns with a host of free workshops and fun demonstrations exploring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

The Harvest Fit Food and Wellness area is a cornucopia of health-conscious workshops and demonstrations covering everything from meditation and mindfulness, diet and nutrition and achieving the best balance for a busy life.

Click here for more info.

5. The Enchanted Fairy & Elf Festival at Rathwood, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Fairies & Elves of all ages will begin the festival by decorating their very own fairy house; continue the journey with a train ride accompanied by some very special guests into The Enchanted Fairy & Elf Forest where you will stop off for some fun and games along the way.

To add to the atmosphere, you are invited to dress up in fairy and elf costumes, wear some fairy wings or come along dressed in your favourite fancy dress costume.

Click here for more info.