Entertainment
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Family events happening in Ireland
Stuck for something to do with the little ones? Don't worry! We've got plenty happening to help you and your bambino beat that boredom.
There’s a wide variety of family events happening in Ireland soon. We’ve got dance shows, dinosaurs, pantos, and a whole host of familiar favourites all stopping off in the near future.
Riverdance
Aptly named ‘The New Generation’, Riverdance 30 is the perfect opportunity to introduce youngsters to one of Ireland’s most famous exports. The spectacular production revives the much-lauded original show that burst on the scene in 1994 and adds a generous sprinkle of modern magic. Attendees can expect world-class choreography, fabulous costumes, and so much more.
Gaiety Theatre | Dublin | Until 7 September 2025
The SSE Arena | Belfast | 17 – 20 December 2025
Energia Family Fun Day – Leinster Women v Munster Women
On Saturday 16 August, Leinster Rugby host the Energia Family Fun Day before the team come up against Munster Rugby in the Vodafone Interprovincial Women’s Championship. There’ll be bouncy castles, face painting, bracelet making, and to top it all off, a great game of rugby between two old rivals.
Energia Park | Dublin | 16 August 2025
Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
Join Chase, Marshall, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, and Tracker for an epic voyage as The Great Pirate Adventure ships into Dublin and Kerry in 2025.
Mayor Goodway is getting everything ready for a massive Pirate Day celebration, but Cap’n Turbot has got himself into a bit of bother. There’s also the small matter of some buried treasure to find. Oh, and of course, that meddling Mayor Humdinger is on hand to throw a spanner in the works. In a situation like this, there’s only one posse of pups who can save the day, the Paw Patrol!
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre | Dublin | 12 – 14 September 2025
Gleneagle Arena | Kerry | 20 – 21 September 2025
Dublin Horse Show
A well-renowned fixture of the Irish summer events calendar, the Dublin Horse Show once again returns to its usual residence at the RDS this August. Not only is it the prime place for Equestrian enthusiasts, the annual event also serves as a fantastic day out for families.
There’s guaranteed to be no long faces at the RDS (other than the horses) with a dedicated family area that offers face painting, a climbing wall, roaming circus acts, and so much more. Even the adults might have a hard time reining themselves in with all of the excitement.
RDS | Dublin | 6 – 10 August 2025
Jurassic Wild
If you and your family have been pondering a trip back to the Mesozoic era, then boy, do we have the perfect show for you! Killarney is going to be chock-full of prehistoric creatures this August when Jurassic Wild stomps into town. Featuring astonishingly realistic dinosaurs with cutting-edge animatronics and award-winning puppetry, you’d be wild to miss it.
Gleneagle Arena | Kerry | 23 – 24 August 2025
The Nutcracker
This stunning production of The Nutcracker pirouettes into Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this November. Onlookers will be whisked off to a winter wonderland to join the brave Nutcracker Prince alongside dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The revered State Ballet of Georgia are the team behind the dazzling display of dance, while the acclaimed RTÉ Concert Orchestra have been tasked with bringing Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding score to life.
*Age recommended is 6 and up.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre | Dublin | 11 – 15 November
Beauty and The Beast
There aren’t many better family occasions than a trip to the panto, especially when the panto in question is a Gaiety panto! This year’s show is a tale as old as time that continues to transcend generations. Beauty and the Beast will embark on an enchanting run at the historic Dublin venue this festive season. Be our guest!
Gaiety Theatre | Dublin | 23 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero
Disney On Ice skates back into Belfast to take families on an ice-cold journey that is sure to warm the heart. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will be in attendance alongside a legion of your favourite courageous heroes and heroines from the Disney Kingdom.
Ariel is bound to make a splash when she makes an appearance. Rapunzel will need to make use of her luscious locks to get herself out of a hairy situation. And, Belle will have to be as brave as she is beautiful to tame the brutesome beast. It’s also your chance to see Anna, Elsa, and Olaf in the flesh/snow. Don’t let it go!
The SSE Arena | Belfast | 5 – 7 December 2025
Olly Goes To Oz – A Wicked Panto
Get ready to take a trip over the rainbow as The Wizard Of Oz and Wicked get stuck in a blender to create one side-splitting spectacle, 3Olympia style. An all-star cast will take to the Yellow Brick Road for an unforgettable journey that will have grown-ups and children laughing every step of the way.
3Olympia Theatre | Dublin | 19 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Wicked Wizard of Oz, Cirque Spectacular
This is the second Wizard Of Oz-based event on this list, but by no means are we complaining! Blending the awe-inspiring world of Cirque with the timeless charm of the classic tale, this breathtaking show is an experience for all ages.
Featuring jaw-dropping aerial feats and top-class production, this amazing event brings together the playful spirit of panto with the thrills of a circus. Starring Jordan Conway (Elf – The Arena Spectacular) as the hilarious Scarecrow and Kelly Banlaki as Dorothy.
Gleneagle Arena | Kerry | 4 – 6 January 2026
Bluey’s Big Play
Are you looking to pique your children’s interest in the world of arts & theatre? Then why not take them to see an Olivier Award-nominated play? That’s right, the Heeler family are on their way back to Belfast and Dublin with the stage adaptation of the universally adored TV show.
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli trade television for theatre and will put on a show that’s sure to give the crowd more than their dollarbucks’ worth. Featuring an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, plus the original voices from the critically acclaimed series.
Waterfront Hall | Belfast | 23 – 26 April 2026
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre | Dublin | 22 – 30 August 2026
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Join Peppa, little George, Mummy Pig, and silly Daddy Pig for an oinking good time at 3Olympia Theatre. The Pig family are preparing for a new addition to the household, but there’s a whole bunch of things to get done before the big day arrives. Will they get it all sorted on time? Toddlers will be like a pig in muck if you take them along to see this!
3Olympia Theatre | Dublin | 23 – 24 May 2026
Diversity
One of Britain’s Got Talent’s most successful alumni, the award-winning Diversity, are back with a brand-new show. Dancing across stages since 2009, the troupe are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The 2026 ‘Soul’ tour is based around the technological advancements of artificial intelligence, what the future holds, and what it truly means to be human within the digital age. Expect a performance that will bedazzle both the young and old in attendance.
Gleneagle Arena | Kerry | 1 May 2026
Convention Centre | Dublin | 2 May 2026
Waterfront Hall | Belfast | 3 May 2026
If you and your family are sports fanatics, check out our sports guide here. If theatre is more your thing, take a look at our theatre guide here. If you and the fam like to gigging together, then our concert & tours guide might be what you’re looking for.
