Here are some suggestions for family friendly and child friendly and things to do and see with the kids on rainy days in Dublin. Dublin has a huge range of things to see and do with the children and rainy day activities when the weather is bad or if you just want to combine an indoor activity with some outdoor sightseeing.

Have a look at our family events section for forthcoming family friendly events and things to do with the kids.

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

Dakley 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 is a Living History Live Performance every half hour, weekdays 10am- 4.30pm, weekends 11am -5pm. 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.

Dalkey has bistros, bars, cafes and hostelries galore to satisfy all tastes in food before or after your visit to the Heritage Centre and great walks - over Dalkey Hill, Killiney Hill, Vico road and over to Killiney beach.

The Ark, Temple Bar

The Ark is Europe's first custom-built children's cultural centre which promotes and hosts quality cultural work by children, for children and about children. It houses an indoor theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre, gallery spaces and a workshop. Events and programmes change regularly and you should check with the centre or with our family events section.

Imaginosity, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford

Imaginosity is a stunning striking 16,000 square fully interactive centre and children's museum in Sandyford, a Dublin suburb. There is good access via the Luas. It is packed with carefully designed exhibits and spaces are opportunities for crawling, climbing, planning, imagining and playing. There are two specially designed play areas for children under three and it is recommended for children up to the age of 10.

A word of warning though this is an exceptionally popular museum and is booked out regularly during school holidays and at the weekends. You should always book ahead and check availability before you set off.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is located on Merrion Square (which is a beautiful square if the weather clears up and includes a playground). The Irish work is impressive with many Irish and European Master paintings including many by Jack B. Yeats, Ireland's most important 20th century artist. Children will enjoy the new wing which houses a contemporary coffee shop and they run regular family programmes.

The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery has contemporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and runs activities including kid’s clubs workshops.

The National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown

The National Aquatic Centre is one of the biggest and most exciting indoor attractions for families. It includes a lazy river, bubble pool, pirate ship, wave pool, surfing machine, water roller coaster, a 50m pool and diving pools.

Fry Model Railway, Malahide Castle

The Fry model railway is a unique collection of model's Irish trains. One of the largest exhibitions cover is 250o sq ft. It is situated in the beautiful grounds surrounding Malahide Castle and is a treat for railway enthusiasts, children and adults alike.

Cinema

Dublin has a great range of cinema facilities within the city centre and in the suburbs. In the city centre you could try the Savoy or the Screen cinema. In the southern suburbs you have the option of the Ormonde Cinema in Stillorgan, UCI cinema in Tallaght and Movies @Dundrum. In the north of the city you have Santry OmniPark and UCI Coolock and Blanchardstown.

Many cinemas have Kids' clubs where you can see low- priced screenings of recent and
classic kids' movies and in some cases take young babies for parent and baby movies with like minded parets who understand that all may not be quiet all of the time. Call for details.They include

IMC Dun Laoghaire, Saturdays & Sundays at 12.15 (01 280 7777).

Santry Omniplex, Saturdays & Sundays 12.00 (01 842 8844).

Ster Century, Saturdays & Sundays at 12.00, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre (01 605 5700).

UCI, Saturdays at 11.00 at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre (01 812 8383).

UGC, Saturdays at 10.30 at Parnell Street, Dublin 2 (01 872 8400).

Activity centres

Dublin has a range of kids activity centres although they are mainly in the outer suburbs. They include Fun Fitness in Sandyford, ENRG play centres in Rathcoole and Artane, Leisureplex in Stillorgan, Blanchardstown and Coolock and Fit Zone in Leopardstown. Public transport to many of these locations may be difficult and a car is likely to be the best way to get there.

Teenagers may enjoy the Xbox live gaming centre in South William St, Dublin 2 which features Xbox consoles and Leisureplex.

Dublinia, St Michaels Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8

This is a great attraction for adults and kids alike and will bring the medieval history of Dublin to life. The award-winning Dublinia exhibition is expanded to include The Viking World. From the Vikings to Strongbow and beyond, visitors experience first-hand the turbulent history of early Dublin brought vividly to life. Using audio-visual, graphics and interactivity, Dublinia & The Viking World recreate the lifestyles of Vikings and medieval
Dubliners.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol gives the visitor a dramatic and realistic insight into what is was like to have been confined in one of these forbidding bastions of punishment and correction between 1796 when it opened and 1924 when it closed and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history.

Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained here. Such names as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, leaders of the 1916 Rising and DeValera are associated with the gaol. The visit includes a guided tour and exhibition. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.

Croke Park Experience

Founded in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is Ireland's largest sporting and cultural organisation. Croke Park is the home of Ireland's unique national games of hurling and gaelic football.

A visit to the GAA museum at Croke Park facilitates an interactive experience of an integral part of the fabric of Irish life and heritage. Historic exhibits and databacks provide an insight to the past. Touch screen technology brings you the historic moments, the great games and names. Specially designed interactives allow you to test yourself in the skills of Ireland's most popular games. In addition to the museum you may tour Croke Park, the fourth largest stadium in Europe. The tour offers an in-depth look at one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world and includes the dressing rooms, corporate suites, VIP section, media centre and, of course, pitch side.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. In fact the city gets its name from the Black Pool - 'Dubh Linn' which was on the site of the present Castle garden. The Castle stands on the ridge on a strategic site at the junction of the River Liffey and its tributary the Poddle, where the original fortification may have been an early Gaelic Ring Fort. Later a Viking Fortress stood on this site - a portion of which is on view to visitors at the 'Undercroft'.

The south range houses the magnificent State Apartments that were built as the residential quarters of the viceregal court. They are now the venue for Ireland's Presidencies of the European Community, Presidential Inaugurations and State Functions. The State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open to visitors.

Guinness Storehouse

A visit to the home of Guinness is the high point of any trip to Dublin although you should note that the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18. At the Guinness Storehouse you will discover all there is to know about the world famous beer.

It's a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity the sky bar. There you get a complimentary pint of Guinness (for adults only with a soft drink for children) and an astonishing view of Dublin City! Family tickets are available.

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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