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

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.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is located on Merrion Square (which is a beautiful square 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 and you can see details on our Family Events section. They also have a new innovative Audio Guide for children between 6 and 10 for the permanent collection.

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 Hugh Lane Gallery is a gallery of modern art and has a fantastic collection of works by artists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Jack B. If you would like to visit, the Gallery is open every day except Monday. On Saturdays and Sunday’s ask at the front desk for paper and crayons to make your own drawings inspired by your visit. The materials can be returned to the front desk when you are finished!

Children, teachers, families and adults can participate in innovative and enjoyable learning opportunities that explore the collection and temporary exhibitions in the Gallery’s children’s area and education resource room and they run regular educational art session many of which are free and you can see details on our Family Events section. 

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. The Museum presents a wide variety of art in a dynamic programme of exhibitions, which regularly includes bodies of work from its own Collection and its award-winning Education and Community Department. They often run events for fmailies and children on the weekends and you can see detial on our Family Events section.

Parks and playgrounds

The Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, with a total area of about 1,760 acres. It houses the biggest family tourist attraction in Dublin , Dublin Zoo as well as a host of walking tracks, running tracks, ornamental gardens, nature trails, expanses of grassland separated by avenues of trees and over 400 deer.

A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Centre. Here the visitor can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500 B.C. to the present day and can also view an audio-visual presentation on the Phoenix Park through the ages. Adjoining the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house that probably dates from the 17th century. There is also a restaurant in the grounds of the Visitor Centre. The Centre is sign-posted from the Phoenix Monument. They regularly run events for families which you can see on our Family Events section.

In the middle of the city centre just at the top of Grafton St there is St Stephen's Green which is a 27 acre park. Children can enjoy feeding the ducks and geese and there is also a playground. It is popular for picnics in the summertime and lunchtime concerts are held also in the summer.

Herbert Park in Donnybrook is also a good option for children and it has a newly refurbished playground as well as an older playground. Again feeding the ducks as a favourite pastime.

In North Dublin you'll find playgrounds in St Anne's Park, Malahide Castle and in South Dublin there are playgrounds in Blackrock Park, the People's Park in Dun Laoghaire, Marley Park and Bushy Park.

Beaches

Sitting on Dublin Bay Dublin has the benefit of many beaches within a close proximity to the city centre.

In south Dublin Sandymount Strand is a long stretch of beach perfect for walking a buggy or for an afternoon family stroll. The Pier in Dunlaoghaire is again ideal a family walk any time of the day and is populated by Dublin families, dogs, bikes and scooters.

Sandycove Beach is a small sheltered beach just outside the city and has a safe beach which is great for swimming in the summer. Killiney Beach, Bray Strand and Greystones Beach are stony but will still entertain children and adults alike. A trip out to any of these beaches can be a great day out if you go by Dart as they benefit from stunning coastal scenery on the way.

In north Dublin options include Portmarnock beach and the North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand.

Festivals

Dublin has many festivals and family events throughout the year filled full of fun and things to do for the family. About half of the events are free and there are special activities for children organised.

The St Patrick's Day festival is celebrated around the 17th of March and is a week-long festival of activities. The parade is the highlight of the festival and there are many other events including a firework display.

The Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire is held in August and features a wide variety of international performers.

The Street Performance World Championship is held in June in Merrion Square Dublin. It is free and brings the best street entertainers in the world to Ireland to compete for the title of the Championship. This free weekend event in Merrion Square sees acts such as sword swallowers, mime artists and award winning clowns come together to entertain all ages. Add in Ireland premier face painters, an international Balloon Artist team, world foods, and much more, this weekend is certainly one al the family will enjoy. See our blog on this for the 2008 event. 

Viking Splash Tours, Stephens Green, Dublin 2

An unforgettable family friendly journey around Dublin by land and water in a vintage WWII amphibious vehicles, the Ducks. Viking Splash Tours is a great way to learn about the history and sites of Dublin City for families. Costumed Viking tour guides lead you on a spellbinding experience through the streets of Dublin. Along with Viking Dublin, sights visited along the way include Dublin’s two famous cathedrals - St. Patricks and Christchurch, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking Duck splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands.

Children under the age of 3 are not permitted on the water section of the tour, and must alight with an adult for this duration. Viking Splash does not charge for children in this age bracket. Please note that although they do not charge for these children, they do need to allocate a seat to them for health and safety purposes. Therefore you must inform Viking Splash customer service agents of any children under the age of 3 in your party.

Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park

Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s No. 1 family visitor attraction. Visitors can explore the African Plains, which has doubled the size of the Zoo and is home to giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, lions and chimpanzees. Discover World of Cats, World of Primates, Fringes of the Arctic and City Farm and be sure to take a trip on the Nakuru Safari in the African Plains. Dublin Zoo is about fun, learning, and of course, conservation. Dublin Zoo works in partnership with zoos worldwide to make a significant contribution to the conservation of the natural diversity of life on earth.

If you are planning more than one visit in the year look into the annual pass as it is a great saving for the family as also covers the Fota Safari park in Cork.

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 families a dramatic and realistic insight into what is was like to have been confined. 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 families 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. Sporty kids will love it.

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 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 a great addition for a family on a trip to Dublin although you should note that the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18. At the Guinness Storehouse you'll 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 and a soft drink for children and an astonishing view of Dublin City!

National Botanic Gardens

Ireland’s premier Botanic Gardens, covers a total area of 19.5 hectares (48acres), part of which is the natural flood plain of the River Tolka. The Gardens contain a large plant collection, which includes approximately 20,000 species and cultivated varieties. It is great for kids to run around, get some fresh air and sometimes see some squirrels.

There are four ranges of glasshouses including the recently restored Palm House and Curvilinear Range. Notable features include herbaceous borders, rose garden, rockery, alpine yard, arboretum, extensive shrub collections and wall plants.

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

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 and enjoy Living History performances, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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