Tots to Teens: All the fun of circus at a Cork fort

Children making memories at Birr Castle Demesne. Pic: Paul Moore

THE Pitch’D Festival Circus Picnic is a free activity families can enjoy this coming weekend. From 11am to 3pm on Saturday, August 23, Cork City’s Elizabeth Fort will be transformed into a fiesta of circus-themed fun.

All sorts of circus performers will provide the entertainment, including aerial acrobats, dancing Disco Dragons, and stilt walkers. Cork’s 96FM will be on hand to provide the music.

All you need to do is register in advance on eventbrite.ie and bring some snacks.

Birr Castle adventure

Children also go free on visits to Birr Castle Demesne in Co Offaly this August. The demesne is one of Ireland’s most historic and scenic country estates, offering a fantastic day out for all the family.

It’s got 120 acres of parkland to explore, ranging from landscaped gardens to woodlands, riverbanks, lakes, and waterfalls. Those with an interest in science will be intrigued by the Science Centre and its seven galleries of exhibits, and the Great Telescope, which dates from 1845 and was once the largest in the world. There is also a forest bathing area and a playground.

Birr Castle Demesne is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm and up to three children go free with every paying adult. For further information, see birrcastle.com.

Pluses and minuses

Lisheen Montessori's adding board.

Make learning basic arithmetic as easy as one, two, three with this popular adding board from lisheenmontessori.com. Lisheen Montessori is a Kerry-based family business set up by Montessori teacher Geraldine O’Connor and her husband, Pat, a joiner.

Children are given a simple problem to solve and then use the board with its individual, numbered holes and pegs to figure out the answer. While doing so, they learn how to recognise numbers and how to associate these numbers with the correct number of pegs.

The board is perfect for children starting junior infants this year or for older children who might be struggling with the concept of addition. It can be ordered directly from Lisheen Montessori for €25.

Sensory issues

Children with sensory issues often find the return to school difficult. It can be a challenge for them to sit still and focus. The Essential Sensory Mega Kit is designed to make all of this easier for them.

It contains a pair of adjustable ear defenders for blocking out unwanted noise, a hand massager ball, a fluffy ball, two oral chews, and a fidget toy to help manage sensory overwhelm.

The kit is available from sensationalkids.ie, a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with additional needs. It usually costs €55.75, but it is currently available for €51.50.

Pretty in pink

Girl's party dress from Happy Kidz

Little girls who like being pretty in pink will love this lace party dress. Made from a mix of extra soft cotton and polyester, it offers an ideal combination of comfort and style.

It comes in sizes that fit children from ages two to six years old and is available from happykidz.ie, a Dublin-based children’s boutique.

This dress is reduced from €24.99 to €14.99, and significant discounts are also available on a wide range of other children’s clothing.

Last days of summer

Only a week or so of the summer holidays are left. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to use that time best, check out the Instagram account of Máiréad Sullivan, @thegetoutmommy.

Sullivan is a Cork-based early years play specialist and her account shares great things to do in and around Cork city. You’ll find lists of all the playgrounds and soft play centres, suggestions for free or cheap things to do across Ireland, ideas for rainy day adventures, and lots of honest reviews of local attractions.