Things to do Stephen's Day with the Family
Christmas Day is over, waistlines are bulging, kids are already arguing over presents and you're sick of TV. What better way to avoid getting cabin fever than to bring the family out for a bout of fresh freezing cold air and some of the best family activities to do around the country. Most public places ( museums etc) will be closed but there’s still things to do that don’t involve eating leftovers. Here’s some of the best activities on the 26th:
Dublin and surrounding
Dublin has a few things to offer families on Stephen’s day with it’s usual staples of Winter Funderland, which has an ice-skating park and fairground in the RDS this year, and also the start of Leopardstown Races.
If you don’t fancy the Stephen’s day crowds* why not pull on some boots and wrap up warm for a walk/hike around the Wicklow Way or a guided walk around the Dublin Mountains. There are lots of differents starting points around south Co. Dublin/Wicklow and hikes are suitable for all levels of fitness and even small kids can join in at Marlay Park. Older kids will enjoy the break from their consoles and parents can walk off the excesses that the lead up to Christmas has brought.
If you are feeling brave and seal-skinned, why not try a quick dip in Dublin’s most famous bathing spot, the Forty Foot, at Sandycove for a post-Christmas body wake up! Sea temperatures in December on the east coast of Ireland are a balmy 12 degrees (average) only two degrees lower than average summer sea temperature. However, the temperatures outside the water are probably only half that. So get out your togs, hot flasks and a standby ambulance, if you dare!
*If you are tempted by the lure of Stephen’s Day sales at the high-street shops, remember the crowds, traffic and lack of public transport!
Around the country
There’s loads to do around the country starting with Wexford Winter Wonderland that will be open on the 26th for ice-skating fun, along with Christmas family movies being shown in Selskar Square.
For something truly alternative, check out Wren’s Day in Dingle, Co. Kerry where people take to the streets dressed in straw outfits followed by musicians in a street parade dedicated to Irish mythological traditions.
Limerick will also have its own Winter Wonderland with Limerick On Ice that is celebrating an 11 year run at Arthur’s Quay. The Limerick Horse Races will also begin on the 26th.
For more ideas, why not try a family day out with a panto, cinema, hill-walk or for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of the couch, check out our top 5 Christmas movies.
Every family has their own traditions and activities for Stephen’s Day, please tell us yours in the comments!
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