Birthday Party Planner
We have organised many children's parties between us at the Primary Times office, some have been wonderful and a few have been disastrous! You may
not have the time to do certain things yourself and want to relax and call upon people who can do it for you. Children much prefer to see their parents happy and relaxed at their party, than racing around in a panic. Whether your party is at home or in a party venue, once all the guests have gone home remember to give your little one an extra hug and remember that you are celebrating the day that he/she was born and your life changed forever!
Ireland South
Ireland West
Leinster
Dublin
Ireland South
Breda Mackle of Birthday Gifts is the exclusive Irish distributor of the A4 Lil Davinci Art Cabinet made by Dynamic Frames Inc.
Birthday Gifts shopping for children made easy
Parents will be delighted to hear about the relatively recent launch of Birthday Gifts. Taking the hassle out of selecting gifts for children, this new Dungarvan business is built around the ethos of educating while playing. The brainchild of Breda Mackle, a mum of three young children, Birthday Gifts provides a select range of arts & crafts, fun educational games and toys.
Recent years have seen a growing trend towards more traditional toys and games for children with parents enticing their children away from the consoles. Birthday Gifts is right on trend with a range of educational games and toys that cannot be sourced locally. The business has a showroom in Dungarvan and a website birthdaygifts4children.ie where parents can browse and choose gifts from a select range of products aimed at 3 – 11 year old boys and girls. Birthday Gifts also supplies cards and free wrapping making the shopping process both easy and convenient.
According to Breda Mackle, “they say necessity is the mother of all invention and we’re no different! Last Autumn we heard Rory’s Story Cubes, an educational story telling game, being reviewed on the radio, we immediately  saw its value and tried to buy it locally. As it was not available we tried to source it elsewhere. During our search we identified numerous other games focusing on educating while playing. We realised that other parents were likely to see the benefit in this type of product and so Birthday Gifts was born. We road-test all our products on our own children so that we can offer products that come with a child’s seal of approval. We are continuously searching for new interesting products”.
Breda is particularly delighted with the results of the search for their latest product. The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet which looks like a frame but stores like a cabinet. The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet displays 1 A4 sheet of paper while storing 49. These cabinets can be used for Art work, School work, Poetry, Certificates of merit or photo collages made or printed on A4 paper. Such is the interest in these cabinets Birthday Gifts have taken a substantial number of orders already even thought the Cabinets are not due in until late September.
Breda tells how business has been since the launch in January with many customers purchasing all their children’s birthday gifts from them. “ Working Mums in particular see the value in being able to access a select range of Arts & Crafts, fun educational games and toys at a time that suits them,” Says Breda, “We are flexible and affordable, with prices ranging from 2 - 25.” For further information visit www.birthdaygifts4children.ie or call Breda on 087 9889889 or 058 24211.
Crafty Hands Pottery Parties are available in your own home, or at Susan Herlihy’s workshop in Midleton, Cork. Pottery art parties keep the whole group busy and entertained for two hours, and then all pieces are fired and returned to you within the week. Suitable for all ages, all party packages are catered to the persons needs. Susan is an experienced clay work and ceramics teacher, and practising artist who also runs after school clubs, Saturday classes, Halloween camps, drop-in sessions for all the family, and classes for children and adults. For a creative party and treasured art that will last a life time, call Susan on 087 9028186 or email: craftyhands@eircom.net
Looking for something different, how about a Hands on Science Party?
Hands on Science parties are a fun yet educational way of keeping your guests busy as they become real scientists in the comfort of your own home (or other suitable location)! All materials and equipment are provided, as scientists you’ll make chemical lava lamps, set off soaring rockets, and make bleeding hand prints or self inflating balloons, experiment with snow,  volcanoes, goo, elephant toothpaste or imploding cans. All safe but guaranteed fun! Suitable for six to 12 year olds. Customised invitations and spot prizes make yours the party they will all remember! Scientific goody bags and birthday cakes such as a soaring rocket cake or erupting volcano can also be ordered. Based in Cork, but will travel!
Hands on Science weekly workshops recommence in Kinsale on Fridays and in Carrigaline on Wednesdays. See www.handsonscience.ie for further details, and to see some video clips of parties! Hands on Science also runs workshops for schools; suitable for all primary age children. Workshops can be tailor made to suit your requirements or choose from a range of workshops on Kitchen Chemistry, Light, Forces, Electronics, Plant or Human Biology, etc. Workshops can be credited towards the DPS Awards of Excellence. Day workshops or a series of workshops options are available. A new interactive show “The Fizzy Factor” will be launched this autumn, as part of the RDS Science Live lectures. Book early for science week - “The Chemistry of Life” 13-20th November. Call Siobhan on 087 9506527 to discuss your party requirements or for further information on parties, classes or workshops.
Primary Times 2011 Star Award Winner
Perks Entertainment Centre Youghal offers fantastic ‘Back to School’ value on Birthday Party packages! With prices starting at €14 per child you canchoose  from a selection of activities including 10 Pin Bowling, Blackbeard’s Adventure Play centre, Lazer Tag, Disco Room and Kiddy Rides. 2011 Party Packages are: Regular parties €14 per child; Deluxe parties €15.80 per child; or Jumbo Deluxe parties €17.70 per child.
All Perks party packages include a Kiddies Meal choice from the party menu (hamburger or chicken nuggets or sausages served with chips and a soft drink), Ice Cream Birthday Cake, Return visit voucher & T-shirt for the Birthday Child, Card & Certificate, Party Hats, Party Bags and a Group photograph. You can even plan ahead and download your free party invitations to organise your party at Perks! Specially trained party co-ordinators provide a friendly and dedicated service for stressed out parents, and run the party with a friendly efficiency in true Perks style. Party kids can choose from a variety of activities including ten pin bowling, Blackbeard’s Adventure Play Centre, Laser Tag, and kiddie rides such as carousel, bumper boats, safari train and a ladybird ride for tiny tots.
Perks Entertainment Centre Youghal really  know how to celebrate in style for that important birthday…they recently scooped the Best Party Venue title in the South region, during the 2011 Primary Times Star Awards – congratulations!!
Don’t miss the Perks Spooky Halloween Party on Friday 28th of October -there will be a Disco with DJ Count Dracula and all your favorite party games and prizes for Best Costumes on the night. Also includes Playtime in Blackbeard’s Adventure Play centre. For more information on party packages, call 024 92438 or visit www.perksfunfair.com and follow Perks on Facebook.
Nail Art Party - for fun loving girls from five years to adult, have a party with a difference -with Nail Art, make-up, activity, for birthdays, pamper evenings or  events, it’s also great for hen nights. Have a fully trained nail technician set up a mini nail bar in your own home. All Nail Art designs are hand painted onto your own nails, so there's nothing false and designs can be modified to suit your own nails. Extras also available are raffles, tattoos, scented parcels, party bags and hair fashion. Have your face made up by a make-up artist, or have an activity party for little ones with painting, make & do, tattoos, games, raffle, hair fashion and much more. All parties suit individual needs and budgets. Call Emer on 087 2095167 for further details.
Kartworld Adventure Centre in Watergrasshill, Co Cork will give your child a  birthday party they’ll never forget! As well as a brand new fleet of Karts, why not sample a host of other exciting activities such as paintballing, pulse ranger, a high tech laser combat game, or battle it out in hilarious sumo suits, and try your hand at some archery or laser clay shooting! KartWorld has a purpose built; race themed party room where all you have to do is sit back and be entertained. Party packages include party invitations, karting, Sumo suits, hot food and a mineral, lap times and medals. The birthday boy or girl goes free with 10 or more children per party booking! For the thrill and fun of a lifetime, call the party hotline on 021-4889477 www.KartWorld.ie
Gate Cinemas Cork offer hassle free kids parties that are fantastic value at Cork Gate North Main Street, Douglas Cinema, Mallow Gate, and Midleton Gate. Prices are from €7.50 for movie & goodies, at 11.30am show only with Kids Combo (drink, popcorn, Smarties). Reduced tickets for later shows are also available. There is no queuing, the birthday child goes free and there is free chocolate for every child! For birthday present ideas, The Gate Cinema Gift Card is a great idea and the birthday child can choose when they get to visit instead! Buy online, or book your party package at www.corkcinemas.com
Eclipse Equestrian & Activity Centre birthday packages start from as little as €15 per child and include a treasure hunt and private use of their function room. Different party options are available for additional activities such as face painting, puppet and magic shows - and tailored to suit your requirements and budget. Horse riding can be arranged for parties, as well as outdoor activities such as archery, mud surfing, obstacle courses, raft building and more.
Set in beautiful South Kerry, call for details of party packages to 064 6682965 www.eclipseireland.com
Goal Birthday Stickers - Instead of buying a celebratory card for little friends that will go straight into the bin after a day or two, why not purchase a birthday sticker from GOAL and enhance the life of a child in the developing world? Giving a birthday sticker along with a present lets a child know that a donation was made to GOAL on their behalf. Stickers are €2 and available through GOAL on 01 280 9779, or you can order by email: fundraising@goal.ie
Oxfam Ireland’s Pass the Present works by asking a few guests to donate to Oxfam Ireland instead of buying your child a present. (All other guests buy a present as normal). After the birthday, Oxfam Ireland sends the birthday child a special certificate and puzzle sheets. Log onto www.oxfamireland.org/passthepresent and download Pass the Present Donation Forms & Invites or call 1850 30 40 55 to receive your Pass the Present pack by post.
Dublin
Does the mere thought of organising a children’s party bring you out in a cold sweat? Maybe you relish the idea of entertaining a classroom of children each year? Well one thing is for certain – the anniversary of that special day when your child came into the world will arrive, bringing with it carefully wrapped presents, vivid novelty cards, the re-appearance of more distant family members and – the obligatory birthday party! Help! Where Do I Start?—OK, don’t panic.
Find a suitably convenient time to sit down quietly with your child to discuss what type of party it’s going to be. Chances are their little imaginations will run riot, listing a huge variety of possibilities to create the best party ever; but be realistic.
Can you afford your child’s birthday dream? Will you have time to complete all the arrangements? Once you have decided on a theme or particular type of party, spend some time drawing up a countdown list to fathom how much work will be involved.
4–6 Weeks to go to the Big Day:
Choose a date on or near your child’s birthday and arrange a suitable time.
Phone around venues/party attractions to check availability.
If you want special entertainment, book a professional entertainer.
With your child, discuss the guest list.
Send out invitations with your child at school.
2–4 Weeks to go:
If your party venue doesn’t supply food, write up your menu.
Fill up your freezer.
Buying party food in advance will give you the opportunity to take advantage of three for two and ‘Buy one get one free’ offer that line the supermarket aisles.
Buy the non-perishable items.
1 Week to go:
Follow up non-receipts of RSVPs.
Finalise numbers.
Buy or order the birthday cake.
Shop for the party food either online or at the supermarket.
Re-confirm date and times with the venue and entertainer.
Arrange the party bags.
Remember to make up a couple of extras for brothers and sisters who might stay.
Sort out your child’s birthday costume.
On the Day:
Decorate the venue and prepare food and drink.
Collect the Helium Balloons and blow up any other balloons.
Write the name of each guest onto a stick-on label to attach to the cups.
This will avoid any potential upset.
Remember the bin bags, washing-up liquid and cleaning cloths.
And don’t forget the matches!
Keep track of who gave which present.
It helps when writing thank you letters.
That’s What I Call Entertainment!
Your child might want to curl up in a corner at the sight of Uncle Wayne ‘entertaining’ the guests with his rendition of ‘Is this the Way to Amarillo?’ whilst tap dancing Bruce Forsyth-style across the party table.
So a good idea to save your child’s school-life credibility is to book a professional entertainer.
Comical clowns, humorous puppeteers and mystical magicians can add that extra touch of sparkle to any ’do’.
Many entertainers will steal the show throughout the duration, leaving grateful Mums and Dads time to carry out the straightforward role of host – serving food and drink.
Remember: the best children’s entertainers are often booked up months in advance, especially on the popular Saturday and Sunday afternoon slots. Contact them as soon as possible.
Party Ideas
BOOK AN ALL! INCLUSIVE PARTY PACKAGE—The beauty of arranging a party at a local attraction is in its simplicity. Everything is done for you. This might save you not only time, but money, too. After all, it’s easy to get carried away buying bits and pieces for a Do-It-Yourself child’s party, totting up the overall cost, whilst many attractions provide an all-in package including invitations, catering; the cake and party bags. And the children will be quite content in the company of friends running riot in the ball pools, zooming down the drop slides at an Adventure Park, or getting close to nature at an animal park or zoo.
LET THEM GET CREATIVE—If you can’t face the prospect of over energized children, a surprisingly relaxing option is an arty-style party. Children are quite happy to while away a couple of hours painting and creating artistic pieces – either at home or at a local studio. ‘Paint Your Own Pottery’ has become especially popular as a child’s party option, as are art and craft parties where children make stuff to take home with them.
MAKE A SPLASH—Swimming parties will always be popular amongst children and will not overstretch the bank balance. Find out if your local swimming pool provides a lifeguard and if it adheres to a strict child-to-adult helper ratio. Providing a novel alternative, other popular water or beach-based parties include surfing, canoeing and diving.
GET FIT AND ACTIVE—Many local sport centres and football clubs provide attractive party packages for children, allowing them to get active and have fun with friends. For the more adrenalin-filled youngster, some local providers offer adventure-style parties.
DO IT YOURSELF—A party in the confines of your own home is likely to be labour intensive; yet will be easier on the budget. Spruce up a home party by using a professional face painter, or let the guests sample some beauty treats. Alternatively, if it will fit in your garden, a Bouncy Castle provides an affordable way to entertain the children for an hour or so.Once the guests have returned home, the dishes have been washed, the crumbs swept away, and the birthday child is sound asleep, put your feet up and treat yourself to a big chilled glass of wine! After all, you deserve it!
Kirsty Woodgate
Plan your dream party in Hamleys Toy Store
Every child’s dream is to have their party in a toy store and Hamleys Dundrum offers you just that. Hamleys Dundrum have relaunched their parties and can now accommodate for up to 40 children at a birthday party still giving them lots of space to run around. No matter what age your little one is there is something for everyone. Princesses, Pirates, Safari and LEGO themed and Teddy Bear’s Picnic for the youngers ones. Included in your party are Hamleys goodie bags containing lots of Hamleys products, store tour, hot food options and an entertainment team dressed to match your theme. For the ultimate party why not book the ‘Hamleys dream Sleepover’. You and your party will have exclusive access to the entire store for the night. The entertainment staff will keep everyone entertained with lots of games. Enjoy food and drink on arrival, raid the pick n mix, have a midnight feast and you’ll even get to enjoy breakfast the next morning. Call 01 2924901 or email dundrumparty@hamleys.co.uk
Horse Riding Parties
For a party with a difference why not try Horse Riding. The Paddocks Riding Stables, Kelly’s Equestrian Centre, Boswell Equestrian Centre in Ashford and the Kill International Equestrian Centre in Kildare all offer great birthday packages.
Carrickmines Equestrian Centre
A typical party consist of an introduction/assessment lesson, learning about ponies, horse care and grooming, hack out and finish off with a show jumping competition or pony club games. All horse parties are supervised by experienced instructors and no prior riding experience is necessary. Carrickmines Equestrian Centre will provide all the ponies you need, hats, party games and refreshments. A coffee shop is at your disposal for further celebrations. Carrickmines Equestrian is AIRE approved. www.carrickminesequestrian.ie Contact 01 2955990
Kill International Equestrian Centre
Kill International Equestrian Centre, also offer a range of options for birthday parties with the full package including 45 Mins Pony Play (to include introduction & safety awareness), 30 Mins of Fun & Games, Private Function room for 1 hour with balloons, birthday cake, party food, Group Picture and Birthday Rosette to be presented to the birthday girl or boy. Kill, Co Kildare Tel: 045 877333 www.killinternational.ie
Little Princess Parties
Pamper your princess and her friends at the party of her dreams. Snow White arrives and the journey of fun begins. They all sing and dance to a selection of songs. She then tells the magical story of how she became a Princess as the children colour themed pictures. The children take part in wonderful games, Limbo dancing, Princess Head Styling and Pass the Parcel (all receive a gift). Every little girl will be treated to a royal makeover, (eye-shadow and nails) and finished with a sprinkle of magical Princess dust. Snow White presents the birthday girl with a gift and an official ‘Best Friend Certificate’ stating that the Birthday Girl and the Princess are Best Friends Forever. Har Har Me Hearties!! They also cater for little boys Pirate Parties. Contact Carol on 086 1597364
Go Kids Go!
Go Kids Go! Dublin’s leading Play Centre and Birthday Party Venue. Located in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 (beside Powercity, Clonsilla Rd). Make your child’s day extra special; choose from 4 special themed private party rooms The Princess Room, Super Hero Room, Underwater Nemo and Jungle Safari. With an Indoor Football Pitch, Disco Room, Ball Cannon Area and Go Kart Track as well as two 3 level Adventure Play Frame for Ages 5-12 and for under 5s, Parties consist of 90 mins of playtime and 30 mins in a private party room, with chicken nuggets/sausages/chips, drinks . Parents bring the cake. Souvenir photo Invitations & Goody Bags included. Party Cost per child Mon – Thursday €14.50 Fri - Sun €15.50. Min 8 children per party. See www.gokidsgo.ie for photos or call 01 6405500
Paul The Magician
Professional Children’s Entertainer Paul the Magician, is celebrating 25 years in the business. The special fun packed show for Birthdays includes Cool Magic Tricks, Puppets, Balloons & Snowy the Rabbit. The Party Child is always the Star of the Show. For Schools Paul provides a full PA and there is always lots of audience participation. Paul is also very experienced in working with Down Syndrome & special needs children. Midweek special price of €99. www.paulthemagician.ie 087 8887171 Giddy Studios
Giddy Studios is a haven for the perfect birthday party. Birthday party groups create gorgeous memories of their special day by painting pottery together. Each guest chooses a piece from a set selection of pottery and has fun painting their ideas. The birthday boy or girl gets a second piece with their handprint in the middle and their friends thumbprints all the way around. Suited to all ages. Bring your own food or Giddy also offers crisps, chocolate bar, popcorn, jellies and a juice drink - cost €4 per person. Everyone brings their own cake. Giddy Studios Dundrum Town Centre 01 2960303 dundrum@giddystudios.com and Giddy Studios Grange Road 01 4240440 grangeroad@giddystudios.com.
Ireland West
Thomond Park Stadium is the ideal party venue to make your kid’s party a  memorable one. Come on a Stadium Tour of the iconic Thomond Park Stadium with your friends, followed by food in one of the state of the art rooms. The Museum Experience, containing interactive displays and touch screens suitable for all ages, showcases the proud history and heritage of Munster Rugby including the film “We are Munster”. See the match ball from the famous victory against the All Blacks in 1978 and the 2006 Heineken Cup trophy! Dream of what it is like to be a Munster Player on the tour of the stadium which takes visitors to places usually only accessible to players and officials, see what it's like to sit in the home dressing room and recreate the player's walk down the tunnel. The Full Stadium Tour consists of a museum visit and film, plus visits to pitch-side and the Munster dugout, as well as the home and away dressing rooms and post-match interview area. For more information please contact the Museum team on 061 421109 or Email museum@thomondpark.ie www.thomondpark.ie
This autumn, book a birthday party for your special boy or girl with donkeys or ponies at Slieve Aughty Centre! Parties can include donkey games, walks with a donkey (the donkey can even carry an organic picnic), pony rides, animal painting, pony trekking, face painting, dressing up, and their famous delicious pancakes. School tours can also include activities with donkeys or ponies. For adults, the donkeys or ponies make great companions for a family day out, or book a party for a child of any age and go for an hour trek in the forest, followed by a pizza party in the Italian pizza garden. The clay oven makes delicious hot pizzas in one minute, and you can choose from a variety of tasty toppings. Contact 090 97 45 246 or check out Family and Social at www.riding-centre.com.
Turoe Farm & Leisure Park is a great place for a fun-filled birthday party  with your friends. All-Weather facilities are provided with indoor seating area for you to enjoy your packed lunch. Feed & Cuddle the animals around the 14-acre park and see Dundee the Crocodile – Crikey he’s a Cracker! Bounce your way around Ireland’s first ‘Inflatable City’. Whirr! Have a go on the 25ft Slide (The biggest Indoor Bouncing Castle in Europe) and have some fun with your friends in Jungle Town. Indoor Play Areas are supervised. Birthday party packages available. Bullaun, Loughrea Co. Galway 091 841580 www.turoepetfarm.com
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park offers lots of ideas for birthday parties. The Adventure Play Kingdom is an enclosed and stimulating play area with towers, slides, climbing frames, roundabouts, swings, puzzles and other fun play equipment. The innovative, Weather Independent Boda Borg is a Swedish concept unique to Ireland and is challenging for both adults and children. Once you enter the two-storey Boda Borg only teamwork, ingenuity & trial and error will allow you to progress through its 47 rooms containing fun-filled activities, imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks. Birthday Party Packages include Boda Borg Questing or Adventure Kingdom and a birthday party menu! Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Contact 071 967 3122 www.loughkey.ie
Boda Borg
Teddy Mountain – The new build your-own-teddy bear factory in Galway. We specialise in Birthday Parties where every little girl and boy selects and  builds their very own Teddy Bear for keeps! At Teddy Mountain the birthday child receives special personalised attention and is made to feel like a little princess or prince. After all they are not just a number; on their birthday they are expected to be the centre of attention and the trained team of little party helpers ensure that this is the case.
They have a large selection of large and small teddy bears and every newly built teddy bear is accompanied with a “magical heart and wish” along with a colour photo of its new owner on its very own Adoption Certificate. In addition a wide selection of clothes and sounds are available to personalise any Teddy Bear.
Furthermore, as they don't supply catering, parents are free to bring in any party food that they believe is right for their little party group. A wide selection of party games are also played to ensure it is fun, fun through-out and a very memorable experience. How could a child forget it when every one leaves with their very own Teddy Bear and colour Adoption Certificate. All starting for as little as €11.95. Call today to learn more about their amazing parties! Note individual gifts and vouchers are also available. Address: Unit 13, Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway
Tel: 091-770910 Web: www.facebook.com/teddybeargalway
The recently opened Loughwell Farm Park in Moycullen, Co Galway is fast  becoming a favourite with families. It is a children’s paradise with over 12,000 sq feet of indoor entertainment, acres of outdoor fun and loads of friendly animals---so you are guaranteed a great time whatever the weather! There is a lovely tearoom which serves full meals and the fantastic barrel train which the children love to ride--again and again!! Loughwell Farm Park is very popular for birthday parties and great value. There are no time restrictions and for €13.95 per child, each child gets a party meal, entrance to the farm park, invitation and party bag. For more information please contact 091 868631 or email info@loughwellfarmpark.ie
Glendeer Pet Farm is five miles west of Athlone town, take exit 13 off M6 and follow signs for Drum. Children love this fun experience as they get to interact with the very friendly animals on the farm. Each child gets a bag of food to feed the greedy emu, donkeys, goats, deer, sheep, llama, pot belly pigs, alpacha, ostrich and lots more. You can pet & even hold some of the animals like puppy, rabbits and kittens. Not to forget the newest additions to the farm, the very cheeky monkeys, George and Gina, the wallabies, and the tortoise are all proving to be a big hit.
The children can play in safety on the slides, swings, seesaws and very popular glider swing in the large outdoor playground, while adults can relax and enjoy freshly ground coffee/tea and home-made treats. Also new is the new indoor adventure area with lots of slides and bridges, and a ball pool so Glendeer is perfect even on those wet days, with indoor pets’ corner and indoor and outdoor picnic areas.
For birthday parties they can reserve the party room and you can bring your own party food and decorations for a charge of 7 euro per person. The other option is to reserve the party room and provide hot food such as chips, chicken nuggets, and sausages, party food and drinks for an additional 7 euro. Parties can be booked for any day by appointment so just call 090 6437147 for any information. Open: 17th of March till the end of September. Opening times: Mon - Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 6pm Glendeer pet farm, Drum, Athlone. 090 6437147 www.glendeerpetfarm.ie
The Funshack is located just 20mins from Galway, Gort and Balinasloe and  only 5km off the new m6 (exit 16). Great fun for kids 0 to 12 years... with triple level play frame, soccer/basketball arena, bouncy castle, sky glide, monkey bars, dizzy disk, cargo nets, vertical/horizontal rollers and tons more... The slides are the main attraction with a twin lane wavy slide open to all ages and of course the drop slide which is for the over 8's. The coffee dock serves teas, coffees, pastries, sandwiches, etc. and the adults can relax and supervise the children at the same time. Parties last for 2 hours but if extra time required there’s no extra cost. Food consists of hot (sausages,nuggets and chips) or cold (sandwiches and fruit of your choice) FREE juice. Prices range from €10 to €15 pending on requirements & facepainting can be arranged for €2 per child extra. For information call 091 880106 www.funshackplaycentre.com
Book a pony party at Arun Nua equestrian centre, the fully certified organic farm spanning 160 acres at the edge of the magnificent Burren Mountains and nature preserve near Kinvara & Gort, only 30mins from Galway City. Kilometers of quiet lanes, cross-country treks and outdoor arena, make Arun Nua the perfect place for a birthday party, riding lesson or school tour. Arun Nua offers top class riding instruction to adults and children of all ages and skill levels. School tours can include lessons/stable management, nature trails & picnic and they also run Halloween Camps over the mid term break. Approved by A.I.R.E (Association of Irish Riding Establishments). Killina, Gort, Co Galway 087 2772919 or 087 2772914 www.arunnua.com
Leinster
“There’s no party like a funky party” in Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
VOTED BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE IN LEINSTER BY PRIMARY TIMES READERS 2011.
Every party to Lullymore can enjoy a healthy mix of indoor fun in the state of the art Funky Forest Play Centre and outdoor play in Fionn McCumhaills Adventure Playground with 18  hole crazy golf. Add great food, train trips, treasure hunts, and pet farm, woodland walks, the famous Fairy Bower, gardens, heritage exhibits and best of all - there’s no time limit! The Park offers such an abundance of activities – the only problem is fitting it all in!
Watch out for the new Fallabella foals Bonny, Oreo and April Bright and the ducklings when visiting the Pat Farm. The atmosphere is guaranteed with personalised posters, party hats and lots of decorations at your reserved table. The party itself includes chips & nuggets or sausages, drink, ice cream and goodie bags. For a fun-filled special day – Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is the place to go. For more information or to make a booking please phone 045 870238 / e-mail ray@lullymoreheritagepark.com or visit the website – www.lullymoreheritagepark.com for more info
For younger children from 1st birthday up to age 7, the Gymboree Play & Music  Centres have several different birthday party ideas involving music, colourful parachutes, bubbles and while Navan and Maynooth Studios have a play area for games etc, Celbridge has a playgym filled with tunnels, slides ramps and lots more. All parties include an hour of activities led by an entertainer, half an hour of tasty party food and a party bag for each child. Also now doing special themed birthday parties -Pirates, Princesses, Sports, Super Heroes plus lots more! Only ever one party in the Gym at one time. Parties at the Centres in Celbridge, Manor Mills, Maynooth and Navan or in your own home! Call 01 6274573 or 086 3953610. www.playandmusic.ie
Kill International Equestrian Centre doesn’t just do horse riding lessons  and pony camps, they also offer a range of options for birthday parties with the full package including 45 Minute Pony Play (to include introduction & safety awareness), 30 Minutes of Fun & Games, Private Function room for 1 hour with balloons, birthday cake, party food, Group Picture and Birthday Rosette to be presented to the birthday girl or boy. Kill, Co Kildare Tel: 045 877333 www.killinternational.ie
 The Chocolate Warehouse is celebrating 10 years of chocolate workshop and school tours. Ireland's original and best chocolate workshop were started by Natasha Caffrey, Grand Daughter of the late Thomas Caffrey known as "The Irish Willy Wonka" and all his famous products are available at The Chocolate Warehouse shop. At the workshop, enjoy the story of chocolate film, which shows the process the beans go through to produce chocolate, there is a demonstration of how chocolates and Easter eggs are made and then the fun part where visitors get to enrobe, decorate and package chocolate to take home. The workshops are great for school tours, summer projects or birthday parties cost €12.50 per visitor (teachers free) and must be pre booked. Halloween mid term break workshops. Santa visits in December and Easter Bunny visits at Easter. The Chocolate Warehouse is just off exit 10 on the M50 on the Greenhill's Road, Walkinstown Dublin 12. 01 4500080 or www.chocolatewarehouse.ie
Looking for a something different for your party? Why not have a science party with Anyone 4 Science. For 9 - 12 year olds the crime scene/murder mystery is the most popular. They bring a body, the suspects and all you need. They teach the children about crime scene investigation and some of the tests done by forensic scientists. All that then remains is for them to test the evidence and work out who did it! For younger children (6 - 8) they recommend a general science party where the children all get to do a variety of experiments. Other themed science parties are also available. For more information check out the website - www.anyone4science.com 0404-40563
Located in the M7 Business Park in Naas, Fun Factory is a children’s indoor play centre with a difference. The play centre caters for children from toddlers up to age 10. Features include wave and tube slides, ball shooters, ball pool, a pedal kart track and the really popular fairground style cup and saucer ride. Fun Factory offers a fantastic party package and they take the stress out of organizing and hosting your child’s party, whatever the occasion. The 2 hour party package includes a fun filled play session followed by a party held in one of the private party rooms overlooking the play arena, hosted by one of the party team. And if you want to make things even more hassle free they can provide an ice-cream dessert - good value and the big plus is the kids love it too! If the party kids have any energy left after playtime maybe consider booking Fun Factory’s Disco room as an optional extra where kids can show off their latest dance moves. For further information please call 045 988122 or check them out on facebook or at www.funfactory.ie
 Glendeer Pet Farm is five miles west of Athlone town, take exit 13 off M6 and follow signs for Drum. Children love this fun experience as they get to interact with the very friendly animals on the farm. Each child gets a bag of food to feed the greedy emu, donkeys, goats, deer, sheep, llama, pot belly pigs, alpacha, ostrich and lots more. Not to forget the newest additions to the farm, the very cheeky monkeys, George and Gina. There is also a new indoor adventure area with lots of slides and bridges, ball pool and party room where you can bring your own food or food can be provided for an extra charge. Mon - Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 6pm 090 6437147 www.glendeerpetfarm.ie
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