Looking for ways to entertain the children this year? Then look no further! Listed are just some of the best children’s events that are due to take place in Dublin throughout 2009. Read on for more…

Temple Bar Traditional Festival

When: 28th January to 1st February 2009.

Where: Temple Bar

The Temple Bar Traditional Festival is a fantastic all round family event celebrating Irish music, dance and culture. There’s something for all the family and children are sure to be enjoy with this years programme.

From enchanting story telling sessions of times past, to wonderful children’s theatre, colourful street entertainers and much more a great time is assured at the Temple Bar Traditional Festival.

The festival also offers a special children’s programme at the children’s cultural centre - The Ark.

Find out more about various events at The Ark over the course of the festival.

Dublin Toy and Train Fair

When: Sun 8th February / Sun 24th May / Sun 13th Sep / Sun 15th Nov 2009.

Where: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Castle Avenue, Clontarf

The Dublin Toy and Train Fair is always a much anticipated event in the Irish calendar for the young - and not forgetting the young at heart! Now in its 9th year the Dublin Toy and Train Fair continues to grow and attract larger crowds year after year. Most visitors are happy to browse around at their leisure and purchase those ‘hard to get hold of toys’ that have enchanted them since their childhood days. From Antique dolls to books, lead soldiers to trains you name it the Dublin Toy and Train Fair has it.

Admission Prices: Adults €5.00 and Children €3.00.

How to get to Clontarf Castle Hotel:

Take bus number 130 from Lower Abbey Street.

The Children’s Book Festival

Where: various venues throughout the city.

When: 1st October to 31st October 2009.

Presented by ‘Children’s Books Ireland’ and in partnership with the YLG, the Children’s Book Festival is a nationwide festival that celebrates children’s books and reading. This festival is held every year during the month of October and normally runs from 1st October to 31st October inclusive. Details for 2009 have yet to be confirmed so for now pencil in October for a fun and jam-packed schedule with a range of book-themed entertainment and activities.

If you’re travelling to Dublin this year and need somewhere to stay, take a look at our Dublin hotels page.

As always we’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions.