Growing up a child in Ireland is a very particular thing.
Culturally, we have so much to pull from in terms of memory-building for our children including sports, language, music, history and folklore.
Our children get to hear and learn about Fionn agus Na Fionna, Gaelic football, The Giant’s Causeway, The Dubliners, Riverdance, why batch bread is superior to all other breads.. I could go on and on for hours.
Here are 8 of the most memorable Irish childhood experiences;
1. Your First Christmas Panto
The Panto at Christmas is a a locked-down annual event in most Irish family’s calendars. My dad used to take us to The Olympia Theatre in Dublin every year and we adored every moment of it.
2. The First Family Dog
My dad arrived home from work one dark evening with a little bundle under his leather jacket. That wriggling bundle turned out to be Rascal, our very first family dog, and his arrival was one of the most exciting moments in our little lives.
3. The First Family Holiday Abroad
Once my brothers and I were old enough to be managed on a holiday outside Ireland, my parents started taking us across the Irish sea on a ferry to a cool holiday camp in Rhyl, Wales. We literally could not contain our excitement to be going somewhere other than the usual caravan in Wexford trip – the glamour!
4. The First Day Of School
My dad elected to take me to school for my very first day of junior infants. As he tells it, he was a nervous wreck and wondered if I would cling to his leg and cry for him not to go. As it happened, I was Little Miss Confident and just issued a ‘Queens Wave’ goodbye and happily trundled in!
5. The First Match At Croke Park
My brothers and I had tin-foil wrapped ham sandwiches and bottles of fizzy orange in our backpacks as our dad helped us through the turnstile at Croke Park to see a Dublin game. The atmosphere was always electric and the epic dad hugs when the Dubs scored a goal were second to none.
6. Sunday Visits To Grandparents
Visits to grandparents were always the best because no matter what, you knew you were going to be spoiled. Lounging on the couch eating homemade buns slathered in jam and coconut and a fiver in your pocket going home – bliss.
7. First Selection Box
Nothing but nothing beats getting your hands on a selection box and choosing your favourite Cadbury’s chocolate to eat first. Buttons were always first in our house!
8. First School Sports Day
Who doesn’t remember the fun around learning how to participate in an egg and spoon race or a three-legged race. Half the battle was to try to stop laughing long enough to head for the finish line!
These little moments of joy were brought to you by Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons. Make more memories here.
