Open House Junior, with the theme of Future Heritage, is the family strand of Ireland’s largest festival of architecture, offering a dynamic programme of events, workshops, and activities designed to engage young minds. Tailored for different age groups, events offer a space for young people to connect with Dublin city and county, cultivating a sense of responsibility and care for the built environment. Children and young people’s lived experiences and insights are invaluable to our evolving built heritage, reflecting the values and aspirations of future communities.
Creative Workshops at IAF House, Charlemont Square
In Scala’s Future City, street artist Asbestos appears as the mythical spirit Scala, guiding kids (Age 7+) to build a collaborative cardboard city atop his symbolic costume. The workshop balances imagination with the concept of urban harmony, blending old and new, public and private.
Dream Plaza (Ages 7‑12) takes young city-makers on a short walk to Portobello Square, then back to IAF House to sketch, collage, and model their ideas for transforming the space. In Memory Mapping, young people explore personal and imagined Dublin landscapes through craft and creative writing. LEGO® brick artist Jessica Farrell sets playful challenges for children to design and Build Together with LEGO®. These workshops spark creativity, curiosity, and civic imagination, helping children see, question, and reimagine the city around them.
Walk, Explore, Discover
For families who want to get outdoors this October, the guided Architreks are a highlight of Open House Junior. Children become curious explorers, uncovering the hidden patterns, textures, and stories woven throughout Dublin’s streetscape.
These walks take participants through historic quarters like Stoneybatter and Dublin 8, as well as newly designed spaces in Trinity College and Dún Laoghaire, combining storytelling with architecture. Along the way, young minds are encouraged to ask questions, notice details, and imagine how the city might evolve, turning every corner into an adventure in observation and discovery.
Heritage, Fun and Learning
Some of Dublin’s most iconic heritage buildings are opening their doors with special child-friendly tours. Rathfarnham Castle, Casino Marino, the Gate Theatre, the Goethe-Institut, and Christ Church Cathedral will all host Junior events that bring architecture to life. At Glasnevin Cemetery, young visitors can explore one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks with activities designed to spark curiosity about the past and its connection to the present.
Children and families can imagine the National Gallery of Ireland of the future in a hands-on workshop, design playful children’s areas at the National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks, and celebrate The Ark’s 30th birthday with a special tour and workshop. For older children and teens, there are workshops at Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library where traditional heritage meets digital creativity and recycling. Secondary school students can visit the Cairn Homes Mobile Training Unit at the TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman to experience careers in construction.
A Weekend for Families
Open House Dublin Junior invites children to take part in hands-on experiences where they can imagine and shape the city. From LEGO® builds and urban walks to digital design, every activity sparks curiosity about future spaces.
With this year’s theme of Future Heritage, the programme also introduces ideas of sustainability, inclusivity, climate, and heritage showing children they can influence the built world, not just inherit it. This October, explore Dublin’s streets, squares, and cultural spaces and see the city through Open House Junior.
Open House Junior runs 11-12 October as part of the Open House Dublin Festival of Architecture, presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Full programme at openhousedublin.com. Booking opens 24 September, 10am.
Feature Image: 3D Castles workshop at the Chester Beatty, Open House Junior
