There are lots of family friendly day trips to the suburbs or within close range of Dublin city that you can do with the kids and do not forget to check for family friendly events which are held on a regular basis throughout the year to keep the kids entertained. 

Fort Lucan in Westmanstown, Lucan

Fort Lucan in Westmanstown, Lucan is an adventure playground in County Dublin, where a fun day out is provided for all the family. There is a good range of activities for the kids, as well as a cafe and shop for those not so keen on the physical side of the centre. It should suit children of 2 to 14 years of age.

Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum

Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum is Dublinʼs only urban farm amid an ornate gardens and beautiful grounds, complimented by lovely restaurant and some farm animals. A good day out for all the family, Airfield is only a few minutes from Dundrum Town Centre for some retail therapy. Parent please check if this has reopened as it was closed for refurbishment.

Newbridge House and Traditional Farm, Newbridge Demense, Donabate

Newbridge House and Traditional Farm, Newbridge Demense, Donabate is a delightful 18th century manor is set on 350 acres of parkland, twelve miles north of the city centre. It boasts one of the finest Georgian interiors in Ireland. Each room has its own style of antique and original furniture - indeed the house appears more or less as it did 150 years ago. The grounds contain a traditional farm with farm animals which the kids will love.

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Dalkey

Dalkey is a great day trip for some sightseeing and relaxing later. Families can explore Goat Castle with its murder hole, bartizan, garderobe, machicolations and battlements. You can view models of Medieval Dalkey, the Atmospheric and Funicular railways and the much-loved trams, explore the folklore, customs and literary history of Dalkey, written by playwright, Hugh Leonard, visit 10th Century St. Begnet’s Church & Graveyard and see the Exhibition of James Joyce’s Dalkey connections.There are Heritage Trails & Historical Walks in Dalkey every day April - December which begin at Heritage Centre.

From May till October there are Living History Live Performances every half hour, weekdays 10am- 4.30pm, weekends 11am -5pm and at other intervals during the year so do check in low swason. Actors in medieval costume will bring the fascinating history of the castle to life, where all the family can see their customs, some barbaric, some comical, first hand. An Archer may accost you, a Medieval Cook may enlighten you, the Barber Surgeon may offer you a haircut and a tooth extraction as part of the Living History Live Performances. Adult €6, Conc €5, Child €4, Family €16.

Ardgillan Castle in Balbriggan

Ardgillan Castle in Balbriggan is a large country house with castellated embellishments. It stands on the elevated coastline commanding magnificent views of the Irish Sea. The castle features a Yew Walk, The Lady's Stairs, a pedestrian footbridge above the Balbriggan / Skerries Road and The Ice House. The ground floor rooms and kitchen are open to the public. There is a coffee shop on the site, a playground, a rose garden and a guided tour of the Castle is provided at regular intervals during the day.

The Fry Model Railway in Malahide Castle Demesne, Malahide

The Fry Model Railway in Malahide Castle Demesne, Malahide is a unique collection of handmade models of Irish trains, from the beginning of rail travel to modern times which kids of all ages will love. One of the world's largest miniature railways, the exhibition is unique in that it is a working railway covering an area of 2,500 sq. feet, gauge 1-43 scale.

The National Transport Museum, Howth Castle Demense, Howth

The National Transport Museum, Howth Castle Demense, Howth is Irelandʼs largest road transport museum. Over 120 years of trams, buses, trolleybuses, lorries, fire engines and military vehicles are there. The Museum has 60 vehicles in five displays - Passenger, Commercial, Fire and Emergency, Military and Utility.

Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham

Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham has a colourful and interesting history with 18th century interiors. The Castle is presented to visitors as a castle undergoing active conservation. Families can see, at first hand, the layers of the Castles earlier existence uncovered during research.  

Avondale House in Wicklow

Avondale House in Wicklow is the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres with tree trails and walks ranging in duration from one to five hours this is a great day out for the family to combine historical learning and walks and outdoor play. Kids can be introduced to this wonderful historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation. Other family friendly facilities include a restaurant, book shop, picnic areas, children’s play area, two orienteering courses and large car/coach park.

Russborough House in Wicklow

Russborough House in Wicklow is the finest house in Ireland open to the public. Built between 1740 and 1750 in the Palladian style by Richard Castle (Cassells) with fine stucco ceilings by the Lafranchini brothers. The House which is beautifully maintained and lavishly furnished contains paintings from the Beit collection, fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain and silver. Kids will love the maze which is open every day throughout the season.

Powerscourt Gardens

One of the world’s great gardens Powerscourt Gardens is situated 20 kms south of Dublin in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The garden was begun by Richard Wingfield in the 1740s and stretches out over 47 acres. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs which are great for a family day out. The 18th century Palladian house, now incorporates an innovative shopping experience and the Avoca terrace café (watch out for the cream cakes) and an audio visual history of Powerscourt House.

The National Sea Life Centre, Bray

The National Sea Life Centre, Bray invites visitors to enjoy a journey through the magical world of underwater wildlife. This is small by worldwide standards but still a good day out(especially a rainy day) and you can combine it with a walk on Bray's strand and the amusements just beside the centre. Featuring over 24 displays, it offers an insight into the marvels of Ireland’s freshwater and marine world, as well as the opportunity to view, at close quarters, creatures from all over the world. They include armour-plated starlet, ferocious red-bellied piranhas, cuckoo wrasse who change sex and seahorses whose males give birth. With over 70 different species on view, the visit culminates the ocean tank display, home to a collection of tropical sharks. Regular talks and feeds give an informative and entertaining introduction to freshwater and marine life, and highlight the many conservation projects that the centre is committed to. You can walk Bray Head afterwards for great views and fresh air.

Have a good family day out at the outdoor adventure Clara Lara Fun Park at Larragh which is dedicated to providing healthy and creative fun for families and groups of children. Set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside in the Avonmore River valley with tree houses, Tarzan swings, rope bridges, rowing boats, water slides, rafts, canoes, junior go-carts, BBQs, mini golf, picnic areas, a restaurant and lots more. The lakes are all man made with a flat gravel bottom and approximately 2 feet deep.

Glendalough "the glen of the two lakes”

Glendalough "the glen of the two lakes” is a great family friendly destination. It is an ancient monastic settlement and two clear water scenic lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep valley which was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. There are lots of walks and trails in the area including the Wicklow way. Swimming is not permitted in the lakes but there are plenty of places for picnics and opportunities for cycling, walking and riding nearby.

Glenroe Open Farm, Kilcoole

At Glenroe Open Farm, Kilcoole you can get close to a wide variety of farm animals and pets, including Sika deer, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, peacocks, hens and chicks. Pets Corner is where the young and curious visitors can hold and pet their favourite furry animals such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and chipmunks.

Greenan Farm Museums and Maze, Greenan, Rathdrum

At Greenan Farm Museums and Maze, Greenan, Rathdrum, there are nature trails; farm animals, solstice maze and a tricky Celtic maze will positively puzzle you! A stream flows through it to the pond in the middle and a viewing tower overlooks the excitement below. Unique in design, this hedge maze is the highlight of most people’s day.

Killruddery House & Gardens in Bray

Killruddery House & Gardens in Bray is surrounded by magnificent formal Gardens dating from the 17th century. Visitors can have a guided tour of the House and/or walk in the Gardens during the open season. They also run festivals and events.

Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford

Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford are laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, and have trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants from all parts of the globe planted in harmony with woodland and shade loving plants. There is an Avoca cafe which is family friendly but do book if you are there for lunch as it gets busy. Like all the great gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in spring, a blaze of summer colour and the wistful tints of Autumn, all elegantly set off by the crystal waters of the river.

Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry

Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry is a favourite area for family picnics, with woodland walks, a playground and masses of space. The Waterfall is Irelands highest at 121m (398ft.) and is surrounded by woods and specimen plants. A great day out for all the family.

Saving Money

Families should consider the Dublin Pass if they are going to be spending a concentrated amount of time sightseeing. It provides free entry to more than 30 tourist attractions, bypassing queues and discounts in some restaurants and shops. It also includes a trip on the air coach from Dublin airport. This can be bought here online at dublinpass.com before arriving.

Ireland visitor discounts is a fantastic free downloadable discount voucher for leading Irish cultural and heritage visitor attractions. You should download a form for each member of the family and bring this with you when you are travelling. Discounts include two for the price of one in leading tourist attractions, free admission at some attractions and between 10 and 20% off other attractions. This really could make a considerable saving for your family.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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