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 during solo stays in the city, but hadn’t spent enough time in Dublin with kids to really see the benefit of purchase for the family.

That changed this past fall when the girls and I spent 2 1/2 days in Dublin – and we put our Dublin Passes to use!

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 at the airport or in the city centre).

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.

Best Dublin Pass Attractions 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 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- 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.

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).

Loads of hands on displays like this slot machine make the Little Museum of Dublin fun for kids

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.

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.

More Top Attractions with Dublin Pass

Get free entry to these top attractions in Dublin with Dublin Pass:

Guinness Storehouse

EPIC The Irish Emigration MUseum

Old Jameson Distillery

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Bus

Plus discounts on dining and tours!

A Dublin Pass Bonus!

If Dublin is the first stop during your Ireland vacation be sure to utilize the free Aircoach bus into the city centre! The Aircoach staff are great at making sure you get onto the right bus- and off at the correct stop! Just remember- the Aircoach ride activates your Dublin Pass, so don’t use it if you don’t plan to start using your Dublin Pass right away!

 Read more: Should you Buy a Dublin Pass includes a sample itinerary & cost breakdown.