Your Alternative Easter Long Weekend Guide

The first half of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend is forecast to be bright and mild, providing plenty of opportunities to get moving outdoors or to simply relax in the back garden while the BBQ heats up.

Completely out of new ideas on what to do with your free time? Not to worry, we have put together some suggestions on how to enjoy your long weekend, as well as some activities to keep the kids busy. 

Treat Yourself — Easter Egg Hunts With an Adult Twist

Reverse Easter Egg Hunt

Want to relive your childhood for an afternoon? After the kids have finished their hunt, consider getting them to hide a few eggs for you. It's a win-win: they will have great fun doing it, and you might just end up enjoying yourself too! (as well as any tasty chocolate you find — mini Lindt eggs, anyone?!)

Charcuterie Scavenger Hunt

Fancy something savoury? Hide some of the ingredients of a charcuterie board — dry goods such as nuts, crackers, dried fruits and olive and chutney jars — around the house or garden. Then get the kids, your partner, or housemates to follow your clues and bring the ingredients back to the kitchen, where you can assemble the board together. 

Sound fun? Here are some more suggestions.

Discover Something New Within (or About) Your 5km

Delve deeper into the history of your town by taking one of our Self Guided Tours. If you're lucky to live close to a town where the tours are available, browse the 'Self Guided Tours' tab for a topic that piques your interest.

Learn more about the buildings lining your town's historic main street, discover the stories behind monuments in your local park, or explore the dark history behind town war memorials and famine architecture. 

Online Easter Camps For Kids

We have rounded up some Easter Camps to suit all budgets...

Creative Connections are running online creativity classes for children aged 7-11 and 12-16. The line-up includes classes in Drama, Creative Writing, Speech and Drama, Film Making, Arts and Crafts & Quizzes! Running from April 5th to 9th, the course is €90 with a 10% discount for siblings: book your place.

HealthyEverAfter.ie is offering a 2hr cookery class for kids on April 10th. Nutritionist and Chef Fiona McEnroy will guide children on how to prepare Chocolate and Coconut Macaroon Nests, Healthier Chocolate Tiramisu and a Cheesy Potato and Bacon Bake. You can book your place on their website and it costs €20.

Sports Campus Ireland are running FREE online classes from April 5th to 9th, with a series of exercises, quizzes, fun games, arts and crafts, baking and much more. Access the courses at Sports Ireland Campus and sign up to get reminders of when classes are going live. 

Don't Forget: Garden Centres, Butchers and Restaurants Are Still Open For Business!

Support Local Businesses

Pick up some new garden furniture, gardening tools or BBQ fuel! With beautiful weather promised this Friday and Saturday, it's the perfect excuse to pay a visit to your local garden centre. Check out the 'Shopping' tab of the Xplore app to find a garden centre within 5km of your home. 

Of course, local butchers, restaurants and cafés are also open for business. Support local businesses and consider treating yourself to a delicious takeaway from your favourite food joint or a Sunday roast from your butchers. You can find suggestions on where to buy by checking out the 'Food and Drink' & 'Shopping' sections of the app.