GO KIDS: Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Few outings are more boring for small children than shopping. Even giant malls loose their shiny appeal very quickly. Outdoor markets are different, and over the past year or so Dublin has seen a burgeoning flea-market scene. They’ll probably never be like the ones in Paris, but they’re great for children (and they’re buggy friendly), particularly on a sunny day, and plenty of other children are always around, which adds to the fun.
Dublin Flea Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month – for April, that’s tomorrow. Older children should get a kick out of haggling for cheap jewellery or old board games while their parents browse the stalls for vintage knick-knacks, furniture and bargain clothes. Last month there were 20 stalls, and as the sun shone there was also an open-air game of Twister. The market is also a chance to spot up-and-coming designers, as several stalls feature new designers selling their wares. And don’t forget the food stalls, which sell open-air-market treats such as falafels and good coffee.
Dublin Flea Market is at the Co-op, 12 Newmarket, Dublin 8; dublinflea.ie