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Guide · Dublin

Dublin with kids

Dublin suits families because it is small. The centre is walkable end to end, the museums are free, and there is an enormous park a short bus ride from the middle of town. You can do very little planning here and still have a decent day.

The weather is the thing to plan around, not the sights. Rain arrives in bands rather than settling in, so a day rarely gets written off, but it does mean carrying coats in July and having somewhere indoors you can duck into. The national museums are free and central, which makes them a useful reset rather than an event.

For green space, Phoenix Park is the reason to bring a scooter. It is far larger than it looks on a map, has wild deer, and contains the zoo, so an afternoon there absorbs a lot of energy.

Open Dublin on the map

Family places in Dublin

🎠Activities 12

  • 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.
    Ages 4+IndoorPark
    Official website
  • 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.
    FreePark
    Official website
  • 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.
    Ages 10+Indoor
    Official website
  • 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.
    Ages 8+Indoor
    Official website
  • Trinity College & Book of KellsIreland's oldest university, with a cobbled campus that is free to walk through.
    FreeIndoorOutdoor space
    Official website
  • Zip It AdventureOutdoor zip line and adventure park in the Dublin Tibradden Woods with 6 zip line circuits. Ages 7 and up.
    Ages 7+Park
    Official website

🌳Parks 11

  • Beyond the Trees AvondaleTreetop walk through Wicklow forest, about an hour from Dublin, ending at a 12-storey viewing tower with a spiral slide. There is also a playground, forest walks and the Seed Cafe. Free under 3.
    Play area
    Official website
  • Cabinteely ParkSouth Dublin park with a well-kept playground, a walled garden, a nature trail and a cafe. Quieter than Marlay Park and popular with Dun Laoghaire families.
    FreeAges 2-12Play area
  • Farmleigh House & EstateVictorian estate in Phoenix Park with free guided tours, a walled garden, a boating lake and regular family markets. The Boathouse Restaurant overlooks the lake.
    Free
    Official website
  • Griffeen Valley ParkRiverside park in Lucan with a large playground, a duck pond, cycling paths and open fields. A popular family park in west Dublin.
    FreePlay area
  • Irish National Stud & Japanese GardensWorking thoroughbred stud farm in Co. Kildare, about an hour from Dublin, with guided tours, a fairy trail, Japanese gardens and a playground. Best from March to September. Free under 3
    Play areaPetting farm
    Official website
  • Killruddery House & GardensEstate near Bray, about 45 minutes from Dublin, with formal gardens, a sandpit, resident chickens, seasonal tree climbing and the Grain Store Cafe. It overlooks the Sugar Loaf mountain. Best from April to October. Free under 4.
    FreePlay area
    Official website
  • National Botanic Gardens GlasnevinBotanical gardens with Victorian glasshouses, a duck pond, a sensory garden and a children's discovery trail. Free to enter and usually quiet.
    Outdoor
    Official website
  • Phoenix ParkOne of Europe's largest city parks at 1,750 acres, home to wild deer, Dublin Zoo, the presidential residence and wide open space. Good for cycling, picnics and watching the fallow deer.
    Free
  • Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall47 acres of formal gardens in Enniskerry, about 45 minutes from Dublin, including Italian, Japanese and walled gardens. Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's highest, is nearby. Avoca cafe on site with garden views. Free under 5.
    Outdoor
    Official website
  • St. Stephen's GreenA central city park with a large playground, a duck pond, fountains and wide lawns for picnics. Free to enter and one of the best-known parks in central Dublin.
    FreePlay area
    Official website
  • Tymon ParkLarge park in Tallaght with a playground, a duck lake, a sensory garden and sports pitches. One of south-west Dublin's better family parks, with free parking.
    FreePlay area

🏛️Museums 4

  • Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)Contemporary art museum at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, with extensive grounds, a formal garden, a maze and regular family events. The gardens are worth a visit on their own. Free under 18.
    FreeAges 5+
    Official website
  • National Gallery of IrelandFree art museum with a Family Trail, children's activity packs including a self-guided tour for babies & toddlers. Highlights include Caravaggio's Taking of Christ and the Irish Impressionist rooms, with a good cafe for lunch.
    Free
    Official website
  • National Museum of IrelandFree museum on Kildare Street with bog bodies, Viking treasures, Iron Age gold and the Ardagh Chalice. No booking required, and a good rainy-day option for families.
    Free
    Official website
  • Natural History Museum (Dead Zoo)Victorian natural history museum, little changed since the 1880s, filled with taxidermied animals, whale skeletons and other specimens. Free to enter and a long-standing Dublin favourite with children.
    Free
    Official website

🏰Castles 2

  • Dublin CastleHistoric castle in old Dublin with guided tours of the State Apartments, the medieval undercroft and the Chapel Royal. The cobbled upper yard and gardens are free to enter. free under 12
    Free
    Official website
  • Malahide Castle Fairy Trail & Butterfly HouseA 30-minute DART ride from the city, with a fairy trail through old woodland, Ireland's only butterfly house, a large adventure playground and the Avoca cafe. Free under 3.
    FreePlay area
    Official website

🎡Theme Parks 1

  • Emerald ParkTheme park and zoo in Co. Meath, about 40 minutes from Dublin, with rollercoasters for older children, a Tir na nOg area for younger ones, and a zoo with giraffes and lions. Free under 2.
    Ages 2+Petting farm
    Official website

🎭Theatres 1

  • The ArkCultural venue for children in Temple Bar with music, theatre and dance shows, workshops and exhibitions.
    Games
    Official website

🦁Zoo & Animals 4

  • Airfield EstateWorking urban farm in Dundrum with pedigree Jersey cows, chickens, a kitchen garden and heritage gardens, plus a farm-to-fork cafe. Children can collect eggs, meet the calves and explore the restored 1930s house. Free under 2.
    Indoor areas
    Official website
  • Dublin ZooOne of the world's oldest zoos, set in Phoenix Park, with an African Savanna, a South American House, gorillas and a Family Animal Farm. Free for under-3s and a full day out for all ages.
    Play areaGames
    Official website
  • Newbridge House & FarmGeorgian manor house in Donabate with a traditional working farm where children can meet donkeys, pigs, cows and goats. Free-roaming animals in parkland, and one of north Dublin's better family attractions. Free under 3.
    Play area
    Official website
  • St. Anne's City Farm and Ecology CentreVolunteer-run farm and animal shelter where children can watch and pet the animals. There is a small greenhouse and a coffee corner with toys.
    FreeGames
    Official website

🛝Playgrounds 6

  • Malahide Castle Adventure PlaygroundLarge adventure playground in the grounds of Malahide Castle, among the best in north Dublin. Combine it with the castle, butterfly house and walled gardens for a full day.
    Free
  • Marlay Park Adventure PlaygroundOne of Dublin's largest adventure playgrounds, with a big wooden climbing structure set in parkland in Rathfarnham. Worth the trip to the south of the city.
    Free
  • Merrion Square PlaygroundColourful playground in Merrion Square with equipment for different ages, set in one of the city's Georgian parks. Well maintained.
    Free
  • Portmarnock PlaygroundLarge playground in Portmarnock beside the beach, popular with north Dublin families combining play with a beach visit. Easy to reach by DART.
    Free
  • St. Stephen's Green PlaygroundLarge, well-equipped playground in the middle of St. Stephen's Green, with climbing frames, swings, a zip line and a sandpit. A cafe is nearby. Free and usually busy.
    Free
  • Swords Castle & PlaygroundMedieval castle in the centre of Swords with free guided tours and a large playground on the grounds. A nice surprise for families in north Dublin.
    Free

💦Water Parks 1

  • National Aquatic CentreIreland's largest indoor water park, in Blanchardstown, with a wave pool, water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator and a toddler pool. A good rainy-day option.
    GamesIndoor pool
    Official website

🏖️Beaches 4

  • Bull Island & Dollymount StrandA UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a 5km sandy beach reached by a wooden bridge. Free and open, good for kite flying, paddling and birdwatching, with the Happy Out cafe at the north end.
    Free
  • Donabate Beach & BalcarrickQuiet Blue Flag beach north of Dublin with shallow, calm water, well suited to young children. The nearby Newbridge House farm pairs well for a combined day out.
    Free
  • Portmarnock BeachA long, wide beach north of the city with Blue Flag status and calm water for paddling. Easy to reach by DART, with a cafe strip in the village.
    Free
  • Sandymount StrandWide sandy beach about 3km from the city centre, with a vast tidal flat for rock pooling, sandcastles and kite flying. Made famous by James Joyce and easy to reach by DART or bus. Best at low tide.
    Free
    Official website

⭐Local Tips 3

  • Chapters BookstoreIndependent bookshop on Parnell Street with a large children's section covering picture books, young adult fiction and classics. A good rainy-day stop for families.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Dún Laoghaire Sunday MarketSunday market at the People's Park with artisan food producers, craft stalls and street food. A long-running weekend fixture, easily reached by DART.
    FreeOutdoor
  • George's Street ArcadeDublin's oldest covered market, a Victorian Gothic building with vintage clothing, second-hand books, gifts and food stalls. Free to enter and fun to explore.
    FreeIndoor
    Official website

🍔Kids Restaurants 21

  • Avoca Café (Suffolk Street)The main Avoca store cafe in central Dublin, serving Irish food, salads and cakes across several floors. A popular spot with families for a sit-down lunch.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Beshoffs Fish & ChipsTraditional Dublin fish and chip restaurant, established in 1935, with sit-down seating. Several locations across the city.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Brother Hubbard NorthBrunch cafe on Capel Street with Middle Eastern-influenced dishes and generous portions in a welcoming setting. Busy at weekends, so arrive early.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • BunsenBurger restaurant with a short, simple menu, popular with families. No reservations for small groups. Several locations including Wexford Street and Temple Bar.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Carluccio's DublinItalian restaurant on Dawson Street with a children's menu and generous pasta portions. A comfortable, family-friendly option in the city centre.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Happy Out (Bull Island)Outdoor kiosk cafe at Bull Island in Clontarf serving coffee, toasties and home bakes from a converted van overlooking the beach. A good stop on a family walk.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Happy Out (Dún Laoghaire Baths)The second Happy Out cafe, at the historic Dun Laoghaire baths, with sea views. A handy stop on the East Pier walk and easy to reach by DART.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • HerbstreetFamily-friendly bistro at Grand Canal Dock with a light, spacious room and a menu running from breakfast to dinner. Popular for weekend brunch.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Little Green (Portmarnock)Family cafe in Portmarnock village near the beach, serving breakfast and lunch in a welcoming setting. A good stop before or after the beach.
    Terrace
  • Milano (Grand Canal)Milano pizza restaurant at Grand Canal Square with a waterfront setting and outdoor seating, easy to reach by LUAS. Children's menu. Also on Dawson Street.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Pablo PicanteMexican burrito bar in central Dublin, fast and affordable. Children can build their own burritos and tacos. Several locations and a reliable family dinner option.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • Pi PizzaNeapolitan pizza near the George's Street Arcade, with wood-fired pizzas and quality ingredients. Small and lively, and popular with families for an easy dinner.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • Rascals Brewing CompanyBrewery and pizza restaurant in Inchicore with a large kid-friendly outdoor area and wood-fired pizzas. Relaxed at weekends and one of Dublin's family-friendly brewpubs.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • SabaThai and Vietnamese restaurant on Clarendon Street with a varied menu that suits both adventurous and fussy eaters. Lively and reliably family-friendly.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • The Anglers RestRiverside pub and restaurant on the Liffey in Chapelizod, with a large garden, traditional food and a relaxed setting. A scenic spot for family dining.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • The Boathouse Restaurant (Farmleigh)Restaurant in the Farmleigh boathouse overlooking the lake in Phoenix Park, with a seasonal Irish menu in a heritage setting. Free entry to the estate.
    Indoor
    Official website
  • The Cake CaféCafe tucked in a courtyard off Pleasants Street in Portobello, with home baking, lunches and a garden. A quiet spot that families enjoy.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • The FumballyCafe in the Liberties known for weekend brunch, serving wholesome, seasonal food in a large warehouse space. Family-friendly on Sunday mornings when the pace is relaxed.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • The Woollen MillsCafe-restaurant in a historic building by Ha'penny Bridge, with Irish food, cakes and a good brunch. A handy spot while exploring the north side of the Liffey.
    Terrace
    Official website
  • WOW BurgerSmash burger restaurant with several Dublin locations, offering good-value burgers in a casual setting. Busy with families, with decent options for children.
    Indoor
    Official website

Showing the 20 most central. See all 21 kids restaurants in Dublin

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Practical tips

  • The national museums are freeArchaeology, natural history and decorative arts all cost nothing. The natural history museum in particular is small enough to finish before anyone complains.
  • Take the coastal trainThe DART runs along the bay and out to the seaside villages. The journey is half the outing, and it works even when it is too cold for the beach.
  • Book the zoo aheadDublin Zoo sells timed tickets and sells out in summer and at weekends. It sits inside Phoenix Park, so a failed attempt still leaves you somewhere good.

If you have one dry afternoon, spend it outdoors and save the museums for the wet one. That order round is the difference between a good week and a damp one.