Best things to doin Dublin with 2 small children on a short break?

Question

Hi,

we're off to dublin next month for a v. short break, we only really have one full day and 2 half days, i have 2 children one 3 and one 6 and wondered if anyone could help to make the most of the trip, I have never been there before so all ideas welcome, as long as they're child friendly

Answer 1

Kids love Dublinia - an interactive exhibition of life in Viking times. They also love the Natural History Museum, which has the added benefit of being free. Across the road from the Natural History Museum is Merrion Square which has a nice little playground, perfect for smaller kids.

The Zoo is good, but pricey. Botanic Gardens is free, but there isn't much to see in Winter, although the Victorian glass houses are cool. Viking Splash tours will be closed for the winter.

Take the Dart and go to Howth Village on Sunday. See if you can get some salmon heads or skins from the fish mongers and feed the seals in the harbour. There is a farmers market on a Sunday and there is a playground. You can also walk along the harbour which is fun if the weather is good. Nice place for lunch too.

The National Aquatic Centre is good for a swim, but not so easy to get to.

Malahide Castle is worth a visit and has a super adventure playground. The kids can also have a run around on the beach if the weather is fine.

The Ark on Eustace Street is a cultural centre for kids. They do great shows. But you should book now as the shows sell out really quickly. http://www.ark.ie/culture/soon/soon_inde...

Answer 2

the zoo in the phoenix park would be a good option, other areas of the park are also child freindly, it would be too cold to visit the many beaches, but a visit to the botanic gardens might be an option,you could shelter from the cold in one of the many large greenhouses in the gardens,have a good time

Answer 3

The Viking Splash tour, Dublin Zoo. You could also see what's on in the Ark on Eustace St in Temple bar while you're here.

Bray in Wicklow is good fun too, seaside &amusements

Answer 4

Don't go to the wax museum. Its terrible. Full of semi-famous Irish people from the 1980's. You won't know any of them.

Answer 5

Hi, I love Dublin, and have been a few times go on a tour bus, they do family tickets for a single ticket it costs around 14 euros the tour bus is a hop on hop off all day bus and they take you to all the main tourist attractions which also includes Phoenix Park, and in Phoenix Park there is a zoo.  The shopping in Dublin is fantastic.  Have a great stay.