Special Events
All Things Irish Takeover
Date
SAT 14 MAR, SUN 15 MAR, MON 16 MAR, TUE 17 MAR
Time
11.00 am - 03.00 pm
Ticket price
All activities included with Zoo admission at no extra charge
Suitable for
All the family
All Things Irish Takeover: 14th–17th March 2026
From the 14th to the 17th of March, Dublin Zoo will become a vibrant celebration of everything we’re proud of – Irish warmth, humour, community and heritage – seen through the shared instincts of people and animals alike.
This immersive, site-wide takeover brings Irish traditions to life through live entertainment, storytelling, traditional music, creative crafty workshops and feel-good moments across the Zoo, showing that whether you’re human or animal… sure, it’s in our nature.
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition, exploring Dublin as a visitor, enjoying a day out with friends or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to discover throughout the Zoo.
Join the troop for:
• Shamrockin’ crafts, hippo-hoppin’ disco bingo & roarin’ puppet shows ☘️
• Mother’s Day magic & iconic Irish Mammy sayings paired with amazing animal mothers 🌸
• Traditional Irish Music and Storytelling Performances – St. Patrick’s Day only 🎶
💡 Planning tip: There’s plenty of activities every day of the All Things Irish Takeover! Scroll down to explore the day-by-day schedules from 14th–17th March.
Day-by-Day Schedule
Please note: All activities run for the full time slot shown, but you’re welcome to drop in at any point and stay for as long (or as little!) as your little explorers like, you don’t need to be in attendance for the entire slot to take part. The Discovery and Learning Centre is past the Family Farm at Dublin Zoo, please view our map here for guidance.
Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th & Tuesday 17th March – 11am – 3pm
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 – 11:30am | Live Action Puppet Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 12:00 – 12:30pm | Family Disco Bingo Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 1:00 – 1:30pm | Live Action Puppet Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 2:00 – 2:30pm | Family Disco Bingo Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Face Painting | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Shamrock Character Crafts | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Pipe Cleaner Shamrocks & Shamrock Rings |
Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Make Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Flag | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) 17th March Only |
Traditional Irish Music and Storytelling Performances |
Meerkat Café |
Monday 16th March – 11am – 3pm
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 – 11:30am | Story Time Puppet Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 12:00 – 12:30pm | Family Disco and Games | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 1:00 – 1:30pm | Story Time Puppet Show | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 2:00 – 2:30pm | Family Disco and Games | Discovery & Learning Theatre |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Face Painting | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Shamrock Character Crafts | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
| 11:00am – 3:00pm (rolling) | Make Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Flag | Discovery & Learning Classroom |
Get ready for Shamrockin’ crafts, hippo-hoppin’ disco bingo & roarin’ puppet shows
💚 Celebrating Care & Connection ☘️
At the heart of Irish culture is looking after others – a trait shared by animal mothers across the Zoo.
On Mother’s Day (Sunday, the 15th of March), we celebrate mammies and mother figures of all kinds, alongside fascinating animal mother facts woven into our live shows.
It’s a light-hearted and heart-warming nod to care, instinct and the bonds that connect us – across species and across cultures.
Special Events