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I remember buying a Dublin Pass the first time my family visited Dublin. My eldest daughter was 1 and her favorite thing was the Dublin Zoo. Since that trip in 2005 I've used the Dublin Pass multiple times, during solo stays, a couples break, and when exploring Dublin with kids.

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The Best of Dublin with Kids

Dublin is such a compact city, very walk-able and easy to navigate on foot. But if little legs get tired you can rely on terrific public transportation options including the bus, Luas (light rail), and taxis.

You'll discover dozens of incredible sites and activities in Dublin, and many are included in the Dublin Pass, an exceptional city pass designed to help you save both time and money in Dublin.

I wanted my girls to have a chance to see the attractions available, so when we ordered our Dublin Passes we opted for delivery to our home. (You can also pick up your Dublin Pass in the city centre).

Dublin savings with Dublin Pass. Dublin with kids. Ireland travel tips. — Dublin Pass book filled with numbered tags.

And then my girls studied the books, marked the sites they wanted to visit, and even made a numbered list of the attractions they most wanted to see.

Dublin Pass savings exclusive to readers of Ireland Family Vacations

use code FAMILYVACATIONS
to save 15% off 5 day passes and 5% off 3 day passes at Dublin Pass
Offer expires 31st May 2019

Best Dublin Pass Attractions with Kids

Malahide Castle's hidden door. Dublin Pass. Dublin with kids. — A nearly hidden door at Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Located just outside Dublin city, and easily accessed via Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART), Malahide Castle (also pictured in the lead image) is fabulous. Owned by a single family since its construction in the 12th century, the castle tours here are outstanding.

The surrounding gardens and grounds are so much fun to explore! If your children love playgrounds you will find an exceptional one here. Plan to pick up some lunch at the Avoca Food Hall in the visitor center and spend the afternoon.

Free admission with the Dublin Pass.

Budding archaeologist at National Museum of Ireland Archaeology. Dublin with kids. Ireland travel tips. — My budding archaeologist at NMI Archaeology

National Museum of Archaeology

Whether you come for the Tara Brooch or the Bog Bodies, the Museum of Archaeology doesn't disappoint. We love the free activity sheets for kids to help them really ‘dig' into Ireland's past.

While admission to the museum is always free, the Dublin Pass gives you a free National Museum of Archaeology Guidebook (pick up in the gift shop).

Little Museum of Dublin

Located in a townhouse overlooking St. Stephen's Green, this quirky little museum is a history of Dublin – in 6 rooms.

Each room is packed with fun memorabilia that leads you through Dublin's cultural and social changes. Plenty of hands-on for the kids keeps them amused while learning a bit about Dublin's history.

Free admission with the Dublin Pass.

Dublin Zoo

Located in Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. The nearly 70 acre park features 400 animals in recreated environments – the African Savanna, Gorilla Rainforest, and Asian Forest are only a few.

Free admission with Dublin Pass.

Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship. Dublin with kids. Ireland travel tips. — See how your ancestors may have emigrated from Ireland

Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Museum

Step back to a time when the Irish were emigrating en masse with hopes of a better life across the ocean.

You'll be amazed at how small the ship was, how many people it carried, and the construction that held it together.

Free admission with Dublin pass.

Dublinia

Go back to a time when Dublin was known as Dubh Linn – or the Black Pool.

Recreated Medieval and Viking Dublin are viewed through life sized reconstruction, and kids can become History Hunters at an excavation site and view Medieval bugs under a microscope.

Free admission with Dublin Pass.