Travelling to Dublin with the kids in tow? Well you’re in the right place for a memorable trip with the family. There’s plenty of fun things to do in Dublin, from visiting one of the world’s oldest zoos, to workshops at The Chocolate Warehouse.
Here’s our guide on how to do Dublin with the family:
FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN DUBLIN
Imaginosity
Dublin’s children museum, Imaginosity, is a creative space designed with children in mind. The museum explores children’s imaginations on their journey from curiosity to discovery. Learning and play go hand in hand through a number of exhibits across 3 floors. Little ones can fully immerse themselves in a children’s theatre, puppet room, library and art studio. Suitable for children up to the age of 9 and their families.
The Chocolate Warehouse
Anything involving chocolate is a fun thing to do in Dublin. The Chocolate Warehouse in Walkinstown teaches children the history of the sweet stuff and where it comes from. Workshops involve exploring where cocoa beans come from and watching the magic happen at their chocolate factory. Children will then have a go at making their very own chocolate creation, which they can then take away with them and enjoy. The Warehouse is not just where chocolate is made, but family memories also.
Hop on, Hop off Bus Tour
Discover Dublin on a Big Bus hop on, hop off bus tour. Passing by all the best bits the city has to offer, hopping on and off at your family’s leisurely pace. From lively Temple Bar, darker Kilmainham Gaol, to the impressive Phoenix Park, your sightseeing tick list will be complete in one hit. A great way to get around the city.
For Dublin bus tour tickets, click here.
National Concert Hall
There’s plenty going on at the National Concert Hall that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours. From 30-minute Mini Music workshops, to Musical Stories and Experimental Concerts. Children’s creativity is explored and parent participation encouraged. A time to create and learn as a family. When the weather is good, the fun is taken outside with family picnic concerts and workshops. Do book ahead as spaces are limited.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin Castle
Take the family on a cultural trip to Dublin Castle, the historical heart of the city. Built on what was originally a Viking settlement, its grounds and gardens make for a fun family activity in Dublin. Tour the castle and learn the secrets held within its walls. Areas to note include the Record Tower (the last remaining original building), the Chester Beatty Library and the Dubh Linn Gardens.
Click here for more interesting facts about this historical treasure.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Dame Street / Dublin Castle
Phoenix Park
The largest enclosed urban public park in Europe, Phoenix Park is hours of fun for all the family. Spot the resident herd of fallow deer, and browse the Zoological Gardens. Visit the official residency of the President of Ireland and the US Ambassador. Follow the many walking and cycling trails and build up your appetite for a picnic in the park. And to learn a little more, see the exhibition on the history and wildlife of Phoenix Park, on display at the Visitor Centre, detailing from 3500 BC to today.
Red Line, Stop: Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest. Nestled in Phoenix Park, this place is home to over 600 animals today. An impressive 70 acres, it has recreated natural habitats from across the globe. Venturing through is like taking the family on a round the world trip. Monkey around at the Gorilla Rainforest, then travel through the Kaziranga Forest Trail to meet an Asian elephant. Dublin Zoo’s focus is very much on conservation, so you’ll get to learn all the worldwide and local projects its making a difference in.
For more information, and to find out which resident starred in Hollywood, click here.
Red Line, Stop: Phoenix Park
The Ark
A fun thing to do in Dublin is a trip to The Ark. A children’s theatre and exhibition space, indoor and out, in the creative quarter of Temple Bar. Children ages 2-12 years can enjoy engaging performances, fun exhibitions and hands-on workshops. The vision at The Ark was born from the belief that children have cultural entitlements equal to that of adults. Presenting programmes from classical to popular, traditional to cutting edge.
Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Dame St. / Temple Bar
All of the above activities are guaranteed to make your family trip to Dublin a memorable one. We’ve covered indoor fun and outdoor pursuits, so you’re covered whatever the weather. For more ideas on what to do in this lively city, click here.
