By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation | IrelandFamilyVacations.com
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Dublin With Kids from Toddler to Teen: Family Friendly Attractions, Activities & Eateries

Dublin is a popular city for most visitors to Ireland, and often the first or final location visited due to its proximity to Ireland's busiest airport.

For families visiting with children, from toddlers to teens, Dublin can be a bit overwhelming as some of the more popular attractions – like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Book of Kells – may not appear to be child friendly at first glance.

In fact, I didn't love visiting Dublin with my own kids until they were in their middle teen years. But that has been a while and since I first began taking my children to Ireland Dublin has become much more family friendly for tourists.

When in Dublin... with Molly Malone. A guide to enjoying Dublin with Kids. Ireland travel tips.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Garvan Rushe, the founder of Dublin Tour Guide . If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Best of Dublin for Families

The city centre of Dublin is quite small and very walkable, with most of the attractions located in an area that takes less than 30 minutes to walk across. The city is also very flat, making it an easy place to push a stroller (though the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar can be a bit rough).
Here are more tips on how to get around Dublin

Search for a Hotel in Dublin's City Centre

Must-Visit Family-Friendly Attractions in Dublin

Interactive & Entertaining Museums

Many family friendly attractions have opened in Dublin in the past few years – while older attractions have been updated. Dublin has quite a few fun museums designed to be interactive and entertaining.

EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum – this high-tech interactive museum shares the stories of the Irish who left. Each room has a different theme and an element to invite the visitor to learn more, whether it is touch screen, game, or even library books that ‘talk' to you.

Stamp you passport as you journey through EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin

National Museum of Archaeology – this museum is home to Ireland's historic treasures. Kids can grab the free ‘treasure hunt' booklet to help them explore. Don't miss the Kingship & Sacrifice Exhibit to view the bog bodies and the stunning monastic treasures.
Best of all, this museum is free to visit!

Budding archaeologist at National Museum of Ireland Archaeology. Dublin with kids. Ireland travel tips.

National Leprechaun Museum – learn about different types of fairies through Irish stories and myths. You can even feel like a fairy in the living room and walk through a rainbow.

The new Book of Kells Experience brings the famed book, and those in the Old Library, to life- and it is fascinating. I think this ‘reimagining' of these classic attractions makes them more accessible – and definitely more entertaining – for children and offers a deeper, and more imaginative, understanding of these treasures for adults.
Kids can grab the free Book of Kells Discovery Trail booklet as they enter.

Book_of_Kells_Experience_Long_Room_Reimagined
The Long Room Reimagined

Dublinia is a museum designed for kids ages 5-13 and shares the Medieval and Viking history of Dublin. It's a very interactive museum with a bit of a spooky feel as it is an older attraction in the city.
Tip: Dublinia is connected to Christchurch Cathedral via a medieval skyway. The church is worth a visit to see Tom & Jerry – the mummies in the crypt.

Sporty families should check out Croke Park to attend a Gaelic sporting event. If no games are on tours of the stadium are available.
If you would like to try your hand at Irish sports, book in to Experience Gaelic Games.

The Stags Head hosts storytelling with An Evening of Folklore and Fairies, which is available for ages 6 & up.

Dublin also has escape rooms if you are looking for a fun family experience (this is great for a day when you don't want to be outside!).

Money Saving Tip: Many of these museums and other sites are include in the GoCity Dublin Pass. Use code IRELANDVAC5 to save 5%.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature

Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a terrific spot for families with young children.

Phoenix Park is twice the size of Central Park in New York and used to be the royal hunting grounds. This is a terrific spot to rent bikes. You may even encounter the herd of deer descended from those original inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

lighthouse_Howth_Ireland

If you are using Dublin as a base utilize the DART (Dublin Area Rapid transit) train from Connelly Station to visit seaside towns like Dun Laoghaire, Howth, and Malahide. Or take a tour to County Wicklow and Glendalough.
Check out Day trips you can take from Dublin!

St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square both have terrific playgrounds.

Indulge in Dublin's Culinary Delights

Irish food isn't just fish & chips, Irish stew, and potatoes (though you can definitely find those!). Consider these family friendly spots when you're exploring Dublin.

KC Peaches has 3 city centre locations. Terrific for quick, healthy lunches and snacks.

Hanley's Cornish Pasties in Merchant's Arch in Temple Bar is a terrific option for eating on-the-go.

Boxty_Trio_Gallagher's_Boxty_House_Temple_Bar_Dublin

Gallagher's Boxty House in Temple Bar is an edible ode to the potato. Be sure to order the Boxty Sharing Platter.

The Abbey Tavern in Howth has a Traditional Irish Show at 12:30pm or 7:30pm. This is a smaller venue and the daytime performance is terrific for families.

If you are traveling with a larger group and don't have a reservation Brasserie 66 can usually accommodate you on short notice.

Super Macs is a terrific Irish fast-food spot with a location on O'Connell Street. (The garlic chips are delish!)

For a terrific vegan restaurant check out Glas.

If you are looking for toddler friendly cafes check out Social Fabric Cafe on Manor Street in Stoneybatter or Flour & Bean on Cork Street.

Murphy's Ice Cream. A must during your Ireland vacation. Tips for your Ireland family vacation.

Murphy's Ice Cream – on Wicklow Street in Dublin but available in other locations across the country – has a dozen uniquely Irish flavors (and free tastings). It's a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts.

For decadent chocolates visit Butler's Chocolates. Splurge on a hot chocolate and pick up a few treats. But if you want more of an experience, make an appointment at the Butler's Chocolate Factory for a tour and the chance to make and take home your own chocolate treat.

Dublin Tour Guide

Dublin Tour Guide specializes in private walking tours customized for your family or group.

The Songs & Stories Tour is a terrific option for families but if you're not sure which tour to choose just send an email or message them and they will help you choose the right tour for your group.

You can connect with Dublin Tour Guide on Facebook and Instagram.

Dublin Tour Guide Website – email bookings@dublintourguide.ie

Top 3 Dublin Recommendations for Families

Best for Littles: the Leprechaun Museum

Best for Children 5-11: Dublinia or EPIC

Best for Teens: Sports activity or Butler's Chocolate Factory

Whether you're exploring the city center, venturing into nature, or indulging in culinary delights, Dublin is sure to leave a lasting impression on both children and adults alike.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast episode 219

Jody Halsted
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