Bray Head Cliff WalkCoastal cliff walk from Bray to Greystones, with wide sea views and a manageable route for older children (6+). Take the DART to Bray and return from Greystones.
FreeAges 6+Outdoor space
Croke Park Stadium TourTour of Ireland's largest stadium and the home of Gaelic games, with a museum covering hurling and Gaelic football through interactive exhibits.
Dún Laoghaire Pier & East Pier WalkA 1.5km pier walk out to sea with views of the Wicklow mountains, a bandstand and Teddy's ice cream van at the end. Easy to reach by DART.
FreeOutdoor space
Glendalough Monastic Site & Lakeside TrailsUNESCO-listed monastic valley in Wicklow with a 6th-century round tower, ruins and lakeside trails. Buggy-friendly paths lead to the lower lake, with food trucks near the car park.
Grafton Street & LEGO StoreDublin's main shopping street, where the LEGO Store has free building stations that children enjoy.
FreeGamesIndoor
Ha'penny BridgeCast-iron pedestrian bridge over the Liffey, built in 1816 and one of the city's most recognisable spots. Free to cross and especially nice when lit at night.
FreeOutdoor space
Howth Cliff WalkCoastal walk on the Howth peninsula north of Dublin. The full loop is 7km, but shorter sections work well with children. The village is known for fish and chips, and the DART runs directly there.
FreeOutdoor space
Howth Village & Pirate PlaygroundAbout 45 minutes by DART from the city centre, with a pirate-themed playground on the pier.
FreeOutdoor space
Kilmainham GaolFormer Victorian prison where leaders of Irish independence were held, and one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites. The guided tour suits older children (10+) and tells the revolutionary story through the cells and execution yard. Free under 12.
Newgrange & Brú na BóinneA 5,000-year-old Neolithic passage tomb in Co. Meath, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dublin, and UNESCO-listed. Access is by guided tour from the visitor centre, with interactive exhibits that suit school-age children.