If you, like me, are a grandparent, often called on at a moment’s notice, or no notice at all, to look after one or more fractious grandchildren, in Dublin’s often inclement weather, then a new fun indoors play centre, opened recently in Dundrum Shopping Centre may be the answer to all your prayers!

While south Dublin has no shortage of parks and playgrounds, it is often the case that when it is your turn to babysit the “man above” seems to conspire against you and the heavens open destroying all your plans to get out of the house to give your grandchildren an opportunity to expend nervous energy in a safe environment.

Now, if for the sake of your sanity you need to get out of the house, you can head for the Dundrum Shopping Centre where Seamus Ó Loingsigh has opened the first Funky Monkeys’ Soft Play Cafe in the Republic of Ireland.

Funky Monkeys provides the ideal environment to allow children’s imaginations to run riot, to have wonderful adventures and to engage in active play.  At the same time you, the grandparent can relax, have a cup of coffee and a chat while keeping an eye on the young ones in case they become a bit over enthusiastic.

So I may see you in Dundrum sometime while we are on duty!