Dads are the best, aren't they? Have you even got your card?
Pamper your dad or help the children spoil their dad this weekend with our super list of fun things to do with your pops this weekend that doesn't include modelling socks.
From whale watching to car racing - we have something for every dad! If all else fails, you can just give them breakfast in bed!
1. Free Brunch
They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. If you are near Dublin pop into Union Cafe in Mount Merrion for a free meal for your dad. They are offering brunch or dinner on them for all the dads for father's day. We adore the soothing interiors, the steak sandwich is to die for, plenty of parking and there is a playground across the road!
2. Go racing
Book a track day with Rally School Ireland where you can watch your dad (or partner) feel the thrill of the throttle while flying over hills behind the wheel of a real rally car. This is great fun especially if your pops is a serious adventure junkie.
3. Walk off lunch
Lace up those hiking boots and get ready for a scorcher.
This weekend, the weather is expected to reach 26 degrees so there is no excuse for not exploring the Great Outdoors. Why not walk the Wicklow Way? Head towards Powerscourt Waterfall and start your walk in Crone Wood. There is a stunning mountain track within the Djouce valley. Take a peek at the magical Lough Tay and stop for a well-earned pint at Roundwood. Check out more routes and trails here.
4. National Gallery
Does your dad fancy himself as a bit of a Picasso?
Did he ask you for a bit of peace and quiet? A trip to the National Gallery in Dublin will provide both! Papa can pick up a pencil and improve his drawing skills in the 'creative space' with art materials to help inspire the imagination. Discover Goya's portrait of a Spanish actress or contemplate the iconic Irish painting The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife by Daniel Maclise. Or just go to the cafe and stuff your faces with the delicious buns. Heaven.
5. Whale watching
This could be a bit of a stretch at this stage but with the weather said to be fantastic and with your precious dad by your side, why not do something a little 'out there'.
Pop to Cork for a guided trip to search for whales, dolphins, porpoises (cetaceans) basking sharks and even Mola mola (sunfish) which are all found off the South Coast of Ireland, when they migrate here following the warm waters of the Gulf Stream from God knows where.
Ireland has a 200-mile exclusion zone which has been a whale and dolphin sanctuary since 1991, the first of its kind in Europe. A bonus is that this will be something ticked off the bucket list! There are still some spots available this weekend here.
Your dad is bound to have a WHALE of a time!
(sorry)
