Category: Family Fun

Glasnevin, D9, t. (+353) (0)1 804 0319,
www.botanicgardens.ie, botanicgardens@opw.ie,
The National Botanic Gardens are an oasis of calm
and beauty in the city. They are noted for their
fine plant collections, holding over 16,000 plant
species and cultivars from a variety of habitats
from all around the world. They are home to over
300 endangered plant species from Ireland and
abroad. Famous features include the historic
and architecturally renowned Turner Curvilinear
Range, the Great Palm House, a native plants section, the organic fruit and vegetable
garden, the arboretum, the rose garden, the rock garden and the pond area. There is
an extensive programme of events including art exhibitions, lectures, themed walks,
workshops and demonstrations.
Open: Mon-Fri 9am–5pm, Sat/Sun/BH 10am-6pm
(Mar-mid-Oct); Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat/Sun/BH 10am-4.30pm (mid-Oct-Feb).
Admission is free. Guided tours €5 pp. Guided tours are available Mon-Sat
11.30am & 3.00pm €5 per person. Free tours on Sundays at 12.00pm and 2.30pm.

Think you know the Irish? Think again. What do Zorro, Billy the Kid, Pirate Queen Anne Bonny, and President Herzog have in common? They are all part of the untold stories of the Irish diaspora – the women and men that have left Ireland, spreading their influence around the world. Discover their extraordinary stories at EPIC Ireland, the dramatic new visitor experience that opened on May 7th, 2016. Through 21 high-technology, interactive galleries, explore the journey of a people told like never before – delve into the stories that will open your eyes to an Ireland that stands proudly on the world stage. Open: 9am-6pm (7pm May – Aug). Admission: €16 Adult, €8 Child, €14 Concession, €40 family (2 adults and 2 children).
The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, D 1.
t. +353 (0)1 5310762
www.epicirelandchq.com

Butlers Chocolates, Clonshaugh Business Park, D17,
t. (+353) (0)1 671 0599, www.butlerschocolates.com/book.
A visit to the unique and thrilling Butlers Chocolate
Experience is a must for chocolate lovers of all ages. Watch
the chocolate movie, explore the interactive museum and
discover the inner workings of the bustling Butlers factory
from the chocolate gallery – learning how Butlers create their
decadent chocolates and indulgent confectionery. Finally,
visit the chocolate experience room to paint your own
chocolate novelty to bring home. Afterwards, why not enjoy
a relaxing hot chocolate in the onsite Butlers Chocolate
Café and pick up some chocolate gifts at a special discount.
Tours run three times daily. Please note: the factory does not
operate at weekends. Tour times may be subject to change. Bookings must be
made in advance. Visit the Butlers website for bus and driving directions and
to avail of a 5% discount on entry price and special family rates. Don’t forget to
look out for other Butlers Chocolate Cafés in Dublin city centre.

St Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Lord Edward St, D8,
t. (+353) (0)1 679 4611, www.dublinia.ie
Travel back to Viking times and see what life was like
onboard a Viking warship, visit a Viking house and
take a trip down a Viking street. See the weaponry
and skills of being a Viking warrior. Try on Viking
clothes, become a slave and stroll down a noisy
street. Journey through Medieval Dublin and witness
the sights, sounds and smells of this busy city. Learn
about crime and punishment, death and disease and
even toothache remedies of 700 years ago. Enjoy
the spicy aromas in the medieval fair, learn to play
medieval games, visit a rich merchant’s kitchen and walk along a bustling medieval
street. See our magnificent artefacts on display, and find out how we have been
influenced by the Viking and Medieval era. Finish your visit by climbing a medieval
tower, a 96 step climb to the top, where you can see spectacular views of the city.
Open: March to September, 10am to 6.30pm (last entry 5.30pm) and October to
February, 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm). Admission Rates: Adult: €10.00
Student/Concession: €9.00, Child: €6.50 and Family (2×2): €26.00