Planning a family trip to Ireland? Dublin is a fantastic place to have as a base. Ireland’s capital is compact enough to explore without spending all day travelling between attractions, while offering plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
From castles and animals to indoor adventures, Irish sport and family-friendly attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Dublin with kids.
Visit Dublin Zoo
A family favourite, Dublin Zoo is located in the beautiful Phoenix Park and is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Kids can see elephants, giraffes, lions, gorillas and much more while exploring the zoo’s spacious habitats.
During the winter season, the place becomes even more magical with Wild Lights, a spectacular after-dark experience featuring colourful illuminated displays and impressive light installations.
Allow at least a few hours for your visit, particularly if you’re travelling with younger children. The surrounding Phoenix Park is also ideal for a family walk or picnic.
Croke Park
For families looking to experience a real part of Irish culture, a visit to Croke Park is a must. Home of the GAA, Croke Park is one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues.
The stadium tour takes visitors behind the scenes, offering an insight into Gaelic games and the history of the stadium. Children can learn about sports such as Gaelic football and hurling while seeing the impressive stadium from a completely different perspective.
For an experience with a difference, families can also take on Skyline Tour Experience (The Highpoint). This unique 17 storey rooftop tour takes you high above the city, with spectacular 360-degree views of Dublin from the iconic Croke Park skyline.
It’s a great experience even for families who aren’t already familiar with Irish sport and an opportunity to discover something that is uniquely Irish. After the tour, you can also test your skills in the Interactive Game Zone and become part of the action!
Discover the National Wax Museum Plus
For something a little different, head to the National Wax Museum in the heart of Dublin. With famous Irish figures, historical characters, movie stars and plenty of interactive exhibits, there’s something to catch the attention of children and adults alike.
It’s a fun option for a family day in the city, particularly if the Irish weather isn’t cooperating.
Explore Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is a great introduction to Ireland’s history without requiring children to spend hours indoors. The castle has been at the heart of the city for centuries and its impressive buildings and gardens make it an interesting place to explore as a family.
For older children, it’s a chance to bring some of Ireland’s history to life while discovering one of Dublin’s most important landmarks.
Have Fun at Liffey Valley & Jump Zone
If your children need to burn off some energy, Liffey Valley is a great option for families. With plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment, it can easily provide a few hours of family fun.
Jump Zone is particularly popular with active kids, offering trampolines and plenty of space to jump, play and have fun. It’s a useful addition to your itinerary when you want a break from traditional sightseeing.
Experience the World of Illusion
Get ready to question what you see at the World of Illusion. This interactive attraction is packed with optical illusions, unusual rooms and photo opportunities that are guaranteed to keep children entertained.
It’s a great choice for families looking for something fun and different in Dublin and you’ll probably come away with plenty of memorable family photos.
Visit Airfield Estate
For a change of pace, spend some time at Airfield Estate in Dundrum. This working farm and heritage attraction offers families the opportunity to experience a taste of rural Ireland without leaving Dublin.
Children can enjoy seeing farm animals, exploring the grounds and learning about where food comes from. It’s an excellent choice for families who want to combine outdoor activities, nature and a little Irish heritage.
Making Your Dublin Trip Family-Friendly
The key to enjoying Dublin with children is not trying to fit everything into one day. Pick a few attractions on your self drive that suit your family, allow time for breaks and mix sightseeing with activities where the kids can run, play and have fun.
If you’re travelling to Ireland with children, we can help you plan a family-friendly trip that takes in Dublin and the best of what Ireland has to offer without the stress of organising every detail yourself.
Reach out to us online.