Emerald Park's Circus Show Is Back and It's Bigger Than Ever

If you’re quietly losing your mind trying to keep the kids entertained this summer, Emerald Park has just handed you a very good reason to pack everyone into the car. The Show by Robert Fossett is back for its tenth year — and this anniversary production is, by all accounts, the biggest and most spectacular one yet.

Ten years. That’s a decade of gasping children, wide-eyed toddlers and parents pretending they weren’t equally mesmerised by the acrobatics. The show has become one of those genuine family traditions, the kind you find yourself booking before the school holidays even officially start, because you already know it’s going to be a highlight of the summer.

What’s new this year

This year’s production takes place inside the iconic circus tent and runs for a spectacular 30 minutes — which, in terms of holding a six-year-old’s complete, device-free attention, is basically a miracle. The lineup includes incredible foot juggling, a mesmerising Cyr Wheel act, breathtaking solo trapeze and the irresistible comedy of clown KoKo. The whole thing is tied together by the charismatic Ringmaster Dena.

The headline addition for 2026 is a heart-stopping knife throwing act featuring a Joker and Harley Quinn duo — which is exactly the kind of thing that will have the kids talking about it for weeks and will also, let’s be honest, make you grip the armrest a little. The cast this year is genuinely international, with performers drawn from across Europe and beyond.

Spectacular circus acts light up the stage with comedy and acrobatics.

Robert Fossett, Director of Fossett’s Circus, said: “Reaching ten years at Emerald Park is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Every year we strive to create something fresh and exciting, and this anniversary production is no exception. We’ve brought together an outstanding cast of performers from across Europe and beyond, including spectacular new acts that audiences won’t have seen before. We can’t wait to welcome families into the big top once again.”

Performances run daily at 1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm until the 31st of August, so there’s plenty of flexibility to work it around nap schedules, lunch meltdowns and the general chaos of a family day out. Best of all, admission to the show is included with every Emerald Park ticket — no extra cost, no awkward moment at the gate.

A full day out beyond the big top

The circus is just one part of a genuinely packed day. Younger ones will love the Junior Zone, which has more than 10 family-friendly attractions, multiple playgrounds and the Emerald Park Zoo, home to over 250 animals. Lemur Woods and the Petting Farm are always a big hit — there’s something about children standing very seriously in front of a ring-tailed lemur eating fruit that never gets old.

Thrills and fun at the theme park.

This summer also sees the opening of Lost Valley – Land of the Dinosaurs, Emerald Park’s newly re-themed prehistoric adventure. The immersive land features the beloved Dino Dash coaster alongside the brand-new Swingosaurus, a dinosaur-themed swing ride that is going to be on every child’s must-do list. There are also Dino Meet & Greet experiences set amongst life-size prehistoric creatures — the kind of thing that makes for absolutely brilliant photos.

For families with older or more thrill-hungry kids, Emerald Park still has Ireland’s legendary Cú Chulainn Coaster, Na Fianna Force and The Quest in the Tír na nÓg land, and Viking Voyage — Ireland’s only flume attraction — for when someone inevitably needs to cool down.

Charles Coyle, Managing Director of Emerald Park, said: “For the past ten years, The Show by Robert Fossett has become one of our most popular family attractions during the summer season. We’re delighted to celebrate this incredible milestone with a brand-new production featuring outstanding international performers and exciting new acts. It perfectly complements everything Emerald Park has to offer, creating even more memorable experiences for our guests.”

How to book

The Show by Robert Fossett runs daily until 31st August 2026. Tickets for Emerald Park can be booked at EmeraldPark.ie. With the summer holidays well and truly underway, it’s one of those days out that genuinely earns its place on the calendar.