Attractions
Credit: Courtesy Dublinia – Dublinia recreates Viking Dublin
| Activity | Description | Location | Age Range | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublinia | Interactive museum exploring Viking and Medieval Dublin | Christ Church | All ages | Adult: €16.00 Senior: €14.50 Student: €14.50 Child: €9.50 Family (2 adults + 2 children): €44.00 Family (1 adult + 2 children): €30.00 | dublinia.ie |
| EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | Interactive museum showcasing the history of Irish emigration | Docklands | All ages | Adult (18‑64): From €15.00 Teenager (13‑17): From €12.50 Child (6‑12): From €8.00 Infant (0‑5): Free Seniors (65+): From €13.00 Student: From €13.00 | epicchq.com |
| The Viking Splash Tour | Amphibious tour of Dublin City with Viking theme | St. Stephen’s Green | 3+ years | Adults: €35 Children (3‑14 years): €29 Family (2 adults + 2 children): €110 Family (2 adults + 3 children): €135 | vikingsplashdublin.ie |
| The National Wax Museum Plus | Wax museum with celebrity figures and interactive exhibits | City centre | All ages | Adult: from €16.50 Children (under 12): from €11.50 Family: from €51.00 (2 Adults + 2 children under 12) | waxmuseumplus.ie |
| Explorium | Sports and science centre with interactive exhibits and activities | Sandyford | Varies by activity | Junior Explorium (2‑7 years): €15 (2 hrs) Science (8+ years): €30 (all‑day) Activities (8+ years): Varies | explorium.ie |
| The Ark | Cultural centre for children with workshops, classes, and performances | Temple Bar | 2‑12 years | Varies by event | ark.ie |
| GoQuest | Indoor challenge zone with physical, mental, and skill‑based challenges | Carrickmines | 9‑12 years (Junior), 13+ years (Arena) | Varies by challenge | goquest.ie |
| Zero Latency Dublin | Virtual reality gaming centre with immersive experiences | Smithfield | 5+ years | Varies by experience | zerolatencyvr.com |
| AquaZone | Ireland’s leading waterpark with slides and attractions | Blanchardstown | All ages | Varies by activity | nationalaquaticcentre.ie |
| The Chocolate Experience at Butler’s Chocolate Factory | Tour of a chocolate factory with chocolate tasting | Clonshaugh | All ages | Adult: €17.50 Child: €12.50 | butlerschocolates.com |
| Dublin Zoo | Home to over 400 animals from around the world | Phoenix Park | All ages | Adult: €22 Child (3‑15): €16 | dublinzoo.ie |
| Airfield Estate | Working farm with animals, gardens, and a playground | Dundrum | All ages | Adult: €15 Child: €8 | airfield.ie |
Parks and Playgrounds
Credit: Courtesy Fionn Davenport – The Tea Rooms in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
| Activity | Description | Location | Age Range | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Stephen’s Green | Historical park with a dedicated playground | City centre | All ages | Free | - |
| Marlay Park | Park with a playground, fairy tree, walled garden, and Sunday food market | Rathfarnham | All ages | Free | - |
| Merrion Square Park | Park with a playground inspired by Oscar Wilde’s “The Selfish Giant” | City centre | All ages | Free | - |
| Phoenix Park | One of Europe’s largest enclosed public parks with a playground and Dublin Zoo | Dublin 8 | All ages | Free | phoenixpark.ie |
| Sean Moore Park | Playground by the beach with a lighthouse climbing frame and zip wire | Sandymount | All ages | Free | - |
| St. Anne’s Park | Park with a playground, rose garden, and a massive Viking ship climbing frame | Raheny | All ages | Free | - |
| Bushy Park | Park with a playground, woodland walks, and a duck pond | Terenure | All ages | Free | - |
| Herbert Park | Park with two playgrounds, one for toddlers and one for older kids | Ballsbridge | All ages | Free | - |
| St. Catherine’s Park | Park with a playground, a lake, and a nature trail | Lucan | All ages | Free | - |
| Fernhill House and Gardens | Gardens with a playground, a maze, and a fairy trail | Sandyford | All ages | Free | - |
Museums and Historical Sites
Credit: Courtesy Brigita Bond – Fairy houses on the Malahide Castle Fairy Trail.
| Activity | Description | Location | Age Range | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Castle | Historic landmark with guided tours of State Apartments, medieval undercroft, and Chapel Royal | City centre | All ages | Adult: €8.00 Senior (60+): €6.00 Student (18+): €6.00 Child (12‑17 years): €4.00 Child (under 12 years): Free Family (2 adults + 2‑3 children): €20.00 | dublincastle.ie |
| Malahide Castle and Gardens | Medieval castle with guided tours, gardens, butterfly house, and fairy trail | Malahide | All ages | Adult: €14 Child: €6.50 Family: from €35 | malahidecastleandgardens.ie |
| Kilmainham Gaol | Former prison with guided tours (suitable for older children) | Inchicore | 12+ years | Adult: €8 Senior (60+): €6 Child (12‑17): €4 Child (under 12): Free | kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie |
| Trinity College and the Book of Kells | Historic university with the Book of Kells exhibition | City centre | All ages | Self‑guided: From €25 Guided: From €65 | visittrinity.ie |
| The National Museum of Ireland | Several branches with archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history exhibits | Kildare Street, Collins Barracks, Merrion Street | All ages | Free | museum.ie |
| The Little Museum of Dublin | Museum dedicated to the history of Dublin | St. Stephen’s Green | All ages | Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): €35 | littlemuseum.ie |
| The National Print Museum | Museum showcasing the history of printing | Beggars Bush | All ages | Adults: €8 Children (under 12): Free | nationalprintmuseum.ie |
| The National Leprechaun Museum | Museum exploring Irish folklore and mythology | Jervis Street | 7+ years | Adults: €18 Children (7‑17): €16 | leprechaunmuseum.ie |
Free Activities
- Áras an Uachtaráin (President’s Residence) – Free, hour‑long tours every Saturday morning. Tickets are taken on a first‑come‑first‑served basis at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
- Irish Film Institute (IFI) – Free screenings of classic and archive films on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Advance online booking is recommended.
- National Museum of Ireland – Natural History (the “Dead Zoo”) – Free entry to see the permanent collection of taxidermied animals, including an elephant and polar bear.
- National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin – Free admission to the gardens and glasshouses; family‑friendly workshops run on weekends.
- Dublin Port Greenway – A flat, traffic‑free path along the historic docklands leading to the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse. Open year‑round and free to use.
- Chester Beatty Library – Regular free family programmes, storytelling sessions and hands‑on activities for ages 3+. Events run throughout the year; check the library’s calendar for dates.
- Dublin Bikes – First 30 minutes of each ride are free; a handy way to explore the city centre without spending on transport.
- Kilmainham Gaol – Free Wednesday – The first Wednesday of every month offers free entry (pre‑booking essential).
- River Liffey Boardwalk – A scenic riverside promenade that’s free year‑round and ideal for strollers.
- Ha’penny Bridge – A short, free walk across Dublin’s historic cast‑iron bridge, great for a quick photo stop.
- O’Connell Street & GPO Museum – Free entry to the General Post Office’s exhibition on the 1916 Rising (family tickets available).
Indoor Play & Adventure
| Venue | Highlights | Location | Age Range | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumpzone | Europe’s largest inflatable sports park – dodgeball, obstacle courses, giant slides | Liffey Valley, Sandyford & Santry | 5+ years | From €12 per hour |
| Gravity Climbing Centre | Dedicated kids’ climbing wall, induction sessions for beginners | Inchicore | Under 10 (kids area) & 14+ (main wall) | From €10 for a session |
| Funky Monkeys | Jungle‑themed soft‑play centre with slides, nets and a café | Dundrum, Clarehall, Citywest | 0‑8 years | From €9 per child |
| Bounce n’ Beyond | Ireland’s biggest indoor trampoline and ninja park; also a VR arcade | Ballyboughal | 5‑17 years | From €15 per hour |
| Kidspace | Play‑centres with creative workshops, soft‑play and a café | Rathcoole & Rathfarnham | 0‑12 years | From €8 per child |
| Go Kids Go! | Multi‑level play frames, football pitch and disco area | Coolmine | 6 months‑12 years | From €10 per child |
| Rainforest Adventure Golf | Indoor jungle‑themed mini‑golf with arcade and café | Dundrum Shopping Centre | 4‑99 years | €8 per round |
| GoQuest | Escape‑room style challenges – Junior (9‑12) and Arena (13+) | Carrickmines | 9+ years | From €12 per challenge |
| Imaginosity | Creative play space with themed galleries, workshops and a story‑telling corner | Dublin 8 (near St. Patrick’s Cathedral) | 2‑10 years | From €10 per child |
| Sea Life Bray (just outside Dublin) | Aquarium with over 1,000 marine creatures, interactive rock‑pool and feeding shows | Bray, Co. Wicklow | All ages | From €12 per child |
| Fort Lucan Adventure Playground | Ireland’s biggest outdoor adventure centre – zip‑lines, towers, water slides, crazy‑golf and go‑karting | Lucan, Co. Dublin | 2‑14 years (dedicated under‑5 area) | From €15 per child |
| Emerald Park (theme park & zoo) | Ireland’s first dedicated theme park with rides, a zoo and Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster | Ashbourne, Co. Meath (≈30 min drive) | All ages | From €20 per child |
Nature & Coastal Adventures
Credit: Courtesy Failte Ireland – Portmarnock Beach, a sandy stretch perfect for bucket‑and‑spade play.
- Howth Head – A short DART ride takes you to this peninsula where families can enjoy seal‑spotting, crab‑fishing, and a gentle cliff‑top walk with panoramic sea views.
- Bull Island (North Bull Island) – Ireland’s first bird sanctuary; free walking trails reveal up to 180 species of birds and a chance to explore dunes and salt‑marsh habitats.
- Portmarnock Beach & Velvet Strand – Wide, sandy beaches ideal for picnics, sandcastle building and safe swimming in summer months.
- Dublin Port Greenway – (see figure above) offers a scenic, traffic‑free route to the historic Poolbeg Lighthouse, a striking photo spot.
- St. Anne’s Park & Phoenix Park Deer – Spot the resident fallow deer herd (do not feed) while enjoying expansive lawns and lakes.
- Zipit Forest Adventures – Located in Tibradden Wood, this tree‑top adventure park offers rope bridges, cargo nets and zip lines for children aged 7+. Check the website for pricing and booking.
- Beyond the Trees – Avondale Park – A short drive into County Wicklow; the award‑winning tree‑top walkway ends with a giant spiral slide. Open seasonally, family tickets available.
- Flynn Park – Near the M1, this 75‑acre activity park features inflatable water slides, climbing walls, paintball and a café. Ideal for a half‑day outing.
- Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo – During winter months the zoo transforms into a luminous wonderland with light installations and storytelling. Tickets are separate from regular zoo entry.
Creative Play Spaces
Imaginosity – Located in Dublin 8, this child‑centred museum blends art, science and storytelling. Interactive galleries change regularly, and the on‑site café serves kid‑friendly snacks. Sessions run two hours and should be booked in advance.
Sea Life Bray – Just a short DART or car ride away, the aquarium offers a 90‑minute “Sea‑Adventure” tour, feeding times and a touch‑pool. It’s a great rainy‑day alternative to outdoor attractions.
Fort Lucan – Situated in Lucan, this award‑winning adventure playground boasts zip‑lines, climbing towers, two massive water slides and a mini‑Fort for the youngest visitors. A café on site serves light meals.
Emerald Park – About a half‑hour drive north, Emerald Park combines a theme‑park vibe with a small zoo. Highlights include the wooden rollercoaster, a water‑flume ride and a dedicated children’s farm area.
Guinness Storehouse (Family‑friendly tip) – While the Storehouse is famous for its stout, families can enjoy a soda tasting for children and a fun interactive tour that ends with a panoramic view of the city.
Family‑friendly pubs – Many Dublin pubs welcome children. Notable options include the historic Brazen Head (est. 1198), the traditional music venue The Cobblestone in Smithfield, and the lively Temple Bar area where children are allowed until 9 pm.
Hop‑on‑hop‑off bus tours – Family tickets include ponchos for rain and audio guides that keep kids entertained while you see the city’s highlights. Buses run frequently and stop at most major attractions.
Dublin Bikes – First 30 minutes of each ride are free; a convenient way to zip between attractions on a sunny afternoon.
Free City Walks & Street Art
Dublin’s streets are an open‑air gallery. Follow the Molly Malone statue, hunt for the GPO’s bullet‑hole mural, and snap a photo of the Molly Malone statue (see our image catalog). The Hugh Lane Gallery runs free family workshops on weekends, and the National Gallery of Ireland offers free guided tours for kids.
Seasonal Highlights & Events
- Liffey Lights – A spectacular light and laser show on the River Liffey, usually running from November to January.
- Christmas Markets – Check out the Dublin Castle Christmas Market and the St. Stephen’s Green Winter Wonderland for festive treats.
- Family Workshops – The National Botanic Gardens, National Gallery, and Hugh Lane Gallery host free weekend workshops; check their calendars ahead of your visit.
- Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo – Winter illumination experience (see Nature & Coastal Adventures).
- Guinness Storehouse family soda tour – Available year‑round, with a special kids’ menu.
Practical Tips for Families
- Transport: Dublin’s public‑transport network is child‑friendly. The DART connects the city centre to coastal spots like Howth and Dún Laoghaire. Buses and Luas trams are free for children under 5.
- Rainy‑Day Plan: Most indoor venues listed above operate year‑round; check individual websites for opening times before you go.
- Food: Many parks have cafés; for budget‑friendly meals, look for food markets (e.g., Marlay Park Sunday market) or grab a bite at the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire on a Sunday.
- Safety: Keep an eye on the deer in Phoenix Park and stay on marked paths in coastal areas. Always supervise children near water.
- Tickets & Booking: Popular attractions such as Dublinia, Fort Lucan, Emerald Park, Guinness Storehouse and Wild Lights can get busy; pre‑book where possible, especially in peak summer months.
Enjoy Dublin’s blend of history, green space and modern play‑areas – there’s something to keep every child entertained, rain or shine!