Family day events to blend entertainment, practical sustainability ideas

Families across Meath are being invited to enjoy four free DZ Family Fun Days taking place throughout September, offering a unique blend of family entertainment, practical sustainability ideas and community engagement.

Organised by Meath County Council as part of its Decarbonising Zone programme, the events will take place in Dunboyne, Kells, Dunshaughlin and Duleek, providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy a free family day out while discovering simple ways to reduce waste, protect & enhance biodiversity, save energy and make more sustainable choices in everyday life.

Each event will feature a wide range of activities for all ages including a toy library, facepainting, clothing swap shop, furniture repair café, jewellery upcycling workshops, sustainable gardening demonstrations, and expert advice on home energy efficiency and retrofit supports. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and pick up practical tips they can bring home and put into action.

The Toy Library will provide families with the opportunity to swap and share pre-loved toys, while the Clothing Swap Shop encourages participants to exchange unwanted clothing for something new-to-them. Repair cafés and upcycling workshops will demonstrate how furniture, jewellery and household items can be repaired, repurposed and given a second life, helping to reduce waste and save money.

For those interested in making their homes more energy efficient, the events will also feature an Energy Retrofit Van and Sustainable Energy Community mentors who can provide information on grants, supports and practical ways to improve home energy performance. Gardening enthusiasts can explore sustainable gardening techniques, learn about creating pollinator-friendly gardens and collect free sunflower seeds to take home.

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly said: “These free Family Fun Days are all about bringing communities together and showing how small actions can make a big difference. There will be plenty of fun activities for children and families, alongside practical ideas that can help people save money, reduce waste and create more sustainable homes and communities. I would encourage everyone to save the dates and join us in Dunboyne, Kells, Dunshaughlin or Duleek this September.”

Families are encouraged to mark the following dates in their diaries:

Dunboyne – Sunday, 6th September, Dunboyne Community Centre from 2-6pm

Kells – Sunday, 13th September, Headfort Arms Hotel, from 11-3pm

Dunshaughlin – Sunday, 20th September, Dunshaughlin Community and Sports Centre, from 11-3pm

Duleek – Sunday, 27th September, Duleek Community Centre from 11-3pm

All events are free to attend.