What ages is the course for?

The course is for children aged 4 to 12; classes are grouped to suit age and ability.

What’s included in the fee?

All art materials are included; the fee of €89 covers one class per week for six weeks.

When are classes held?

Sessions run Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 3:30pm–4:30pm, and Saturdays from 11:30am–12:30pm.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellations made at least 14 days before the start date are eligible for a 50% refund; no refunds within 14 days unless a waiting-list spot fills.

Where do I check in on arrival?

Please check in with Myra at Ardgillan Castle reception when you arrive.

How large are the classes and who teaches them?

Classes are capped at 10 students and are led by a qualified teacher who adapts projects to each child’s level.

Junior Da Vinci Art & Craft Course at Ardgillan Castle, County Dublin

At Ardgillan Castle, on the north County Dublin coast, the JUNIOR DA VINCI ART & CRAFT COURSE invites children to trade screens for sketchbooks and hands-on play. This six-week program runs at Ardgillan Castle and uses the castle’s lawns, gardens, and nearby sea-facing headland as a low-pressure studio where drawing, painting, collage and sculpture meet LEGO® breaks and guided play. Designed for kids aged 4–12, the course offers one-hour weekly sessions: Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 3:30pm to 4:30pm, and Saturdays from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Small classes are capped at 10 students under the guidance of a qualified teacher; all materials are supplied and the fee is €89 for six weeks. Check in with Myra at reception when you arrive. To contact Myra directly: 087 3890601 or [email protected]. What makes this course special is the setting. Ardgillan Castle itself provides a calm, historic backdrop and the adjacent grounds give children varied, inspiring subjects — from geometric garden beds and trimmed hedgerows to open lawns and distant water views. The mix of indoor table work and brief outdoor sketching keeps energy levels balanced for younger participants, while LEGO-building breaks give tactile downtime that fuels imagination. Practical details that matter to parents: sessions last one hour, materials are included, and group size is intentionally small to give each child attention. Cancellations made at least 14 days before the start date get a 50% refund; there are no refunds within 14 days unless a waiting-list spot fills. The meeting point is Ardgillan Castle reception. This course is a quiet way to introduce art skills—line, color mixing, collage layering and simple sculpture—without pressure. It’s also a social space where kids learn to share materials, present a small piece and experiment. While the teacher leads structured exercises, projects allow open choices so children can explore recognizable subjects or invent fantasy scenes inspired by castle architecture and seaside light. For caregivers, Brambles cafe nearby is a practical amenity: wait with a coffee while lessons run, or explore the grounds for a brisk walk. Classes are suitable for kids who enjoy hands-on making and a mix of indoor and outdoor rhythm. Spaces are limited; booking early secures a spot in the preferred weekday or Saturday slot. The program’s small scale, thoughtful mix of media, and the castle setting make JUNIOR DA VINCI at Ardgillan a standout local offering for families in County Dublin. Bring a waterproof coat on breezy days and label belongings; parking at the castle makes drop-off straightforward. Siblings under four cannot attend but can use nearby green space. Teachers adapt each project to ability and parents are invited to a brief end-of-course showcase. Reserve early to avoid disappointment and guarantee your child’s place.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1 hour.

Fitness level

No special fitness required; suitable for children aged 4–12 who can sit and use fine-motor tools for short periods.

Wildlife

local seabirds
butterflies and bees in the gardens

History

Ardgillan Castle is a historic estate with formal gardens and open grounds that have long been a local recreational destination.

Conservation

Please use reusable water bottles, stick to paths in the gardens and take all rubbish with you to protect the grounds and wildlife.

Ardgillan Castle Ltd, based in County Dublin, manages Ardgillan Castle and its surrounding demesne as a public historic site and events venue. The company offers a range of visitor experiences that showcase the estate's 18th‑century architecture and local heritage. Visitors can take the Ardgillan Castle Self Guided Tour to explore rooms associated with the Taylor family from 1738 to 1962, with a focused 30‑minute route and free tours for seniors on the first Wednesday of each month. Family-friendly workshops include Create Your Own Castle for children aged eight and up and a Weaving Workshop for Kids that combines storytelling with hands‑on weaving projects. Live cultural programming includes Trad Music in the Drawing Room, featuring performers Eoin, Molly, and Roisin on Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, Trad flute, and concertina. Garden experiences are led by head gardener Dominica McKevitt, who presents seasonal Garden Tours and Guided Garden Tours across the demesne. Ardgillan Castle Ltd emphasizes accurate interpretation and visitor safety, using trained guides and documented historical research. Facilities support accessibility, family visits, and school groups, and programming spans history, horticulture, craft, and music. As a steward of a recognised historic estate in County Dublin, Ardgillan Castle Ltd works with local partners to preserve the mansion, gardens, and community access. Clear schedules, published tour descriptions, and named event leaders provide transparency that visitors can rely on when planning a visit. Tickets and event details are published on official channels and seasonal schedules are regularly updated to reflect garden blooms and program changes frequently.

Base locationCo, County Dublin

Tours offered6+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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