Visiting Dublin is above all about experiencing an incredible family adventure in the capital of the Republic of Ireland. In the heart of lively neighborhoods, you will alternate between visits to the museum, fun activities and expeditions to the great outdoors. Dynamic and warm, the city renews itself over time between tradition and modernity. Children will learn more about local legends and customs while having fun every day. A beautiful program in perspective, for a weekend or a week.
To help you get organized, we have found 5 things to do with your family near Dublin!
1. Dublinia, discovering the Vikings
The first family thing to do in Dublin takes you back to the Viking Age. If this Scandinavian population no longer sails our seas in their longships, it still fascinates as much. Dublinia pays homage to medieval Dublin through stagings, educational videos and reconstructions for young and old alike. The visit to this museum located in the city center begins with its atypical architecture. Indeed, a medieval bridge connects this lively place to Christchurch Cathedral.
Inside, you will discover two distinct parts: a first on the Irish medieval era and a second on the Viking invasions. In the middle, animators dressed as knights or lords tell you about medieval living conditions through shows. A fun way to interest children in Celtic culture without boring them.
2. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park is the green lung of Dublin, like Central Park in New York. Dubliners come here for a picnic during their lunch break or for a jog in the early hours of the morning between the lakes and the gardens.
This green setting also contains the house of the President of the Irish Republic as well as that of the Ambassador of the United States. However, the activity that will surely interest your children is Dublin ZOO nestled in the heart of this haven of peace. Ireland’s largest animal park welcomes your whole family for a day.
Get up close to Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers and snow leopards. Your tribe will also marvel at various species of monkeys, wolves, zebras, hippos, ostriches, red pandas and elephants.
3. Irish castles
Irish castles are an integral part of the heritage and history of the local population. The country has more than 3,000 scattered all over its territory towards Belfast, Galway, Kerry or Connemara. Discover these architectural beauties during your family trip to Dublin.
Dublin Castle
In the heart of the European capital, Dublin Castle shelters the history of the city behind its walls. This symbol, built in 1204, illustrates at the time the British domination over Ireland and the reign of the Anglo-Normans. Far from these conflicts, you can visit several rooms with one of their history-savvy guides. The latter will tell you the many secrets and anecdotes of this mythical place. It will also open the doors to the Bermingham Tower, the Record Tower, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity and even the Throne Room. Besides, his impressive throne will surely remind you of a famous series.
Malahide Castle
For this second castle, head for Malahide, 12 km north of Dublin. The castle of the same name appeals to families for its romantic allure and its perfectly maintained botanical gardens.
The guided tours therefore take you to the different rooms, including the Oak Room, which is made up of period furniture. Children will quickly get caught up in the game of castle life and will already imagine themselves as Irish princesses and princes. The banquet hall still bears the horrors of the many meals taken by the people of the court. The highlight of the show remains the Talbot Botanic Garden located behind the castle. It features several acres of plants, gardens, greenhouses and a Victorian-era conservatory.
After your immersion, we recommend that you visit the seaside town of Malahide. You will quickly fall under the spell of its fishing port, its colorful streets and its beach bordered by the Irish Sea.
4. Natural History Museum
Is the rain coming during your family trip to Dublin? Then head to the natural history museum in the center of the medieval town. The latter exhibits more than 10,000 stuffed animals from all over the world. Located in a Victorian-style building, it has unmissable skeletons like that of a 20-meter-long whale or giant stags. Like its colleagues in London or New York, you will discover species that are still alive and others that are extinct from many parts of the world.
5. Brú na Bóinne, a megalithic complex
Welcome to one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Ireland. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it brings together megaliths, stone circles and prehistoric tombs over approximately 780 hectares. During your expedition to the Boyne Valley (less than 1 hour from Dublin) you will visit four major sites. First of all Newgrange, the largest Neolithic tomb in Europe with Stonehenge in England. Moreover, for the anecdote, its age exceeds that of the pyramid of Giza. The circumference of the tumulus fascinates more than one: 80 meters wide and 13 meters high. Then discover Dowth, Kowt, two equally impressive cairns and Tara, the former capital of the Kings of Ireland.
Accommodation in Dublin
Faced with the expansion of Covid-19, many countries, including Ireland, have put their tourist activities on hold. As a result, without this international population, many establishments suffered from this exceptional and sudden closure.
“The Covid crisis has greatly affected accommodation abroad, while in France campsites had a slight drop in attendance during this period”, Benjamin from the comparator Univers-Vacances
However, since the reopening of the borders, Dublin is starting to live again to the sound of travelers treading its historic streets. Indeed, you no longer need to present proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test on arrival. The Irish capital is now looking forward to welcoming you.
Castle Hotel
Dublin is full of historic buildings and the Castle Hotel is no exception. Behind Georgian walls, you stay in a four-star hotel in the heart of the capital. The family rooms are dressed in a modern and old interior with warm tones and cotton sheets. In terms of gastronomy, the bar/restaurant has a magnificent exposed vaulted ceiling with original 19th century decoration. Here you can enjoy Irish and European specialties at every meal of the day. In addition, they have a children’s menu for your dear blond and dark heads. Something to delight the taste buds of the whole family.
The hotel organizes entertainment every evening to discover traditional Irish music. Clap your hands to the sound of the violin, banjo and bodhrán during an unforgettable show.
Fitzwilliam Townhouse
Nestled in a Georgian townhouse, the Fitzwilliam Townhouse offers family rooms during your stay in Ireland. Modern and spacious, they have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Recharge in the morning with the typically Irish savory breakfast of sausage, eggs and tomatoes. From your accommodation, then walk to the main points of interest in Dublin. Indeed, the Temple Bar district or O’Connell Street are accessible in 15 minutes on foot, as is Dublin Castle (20 minutes).
Are your children feeling tired after a day of walking around the city? No problem, public transport drops you close to the Fitzwilliam Townhouse.
Discover Ireland with our top 5 things to do with the family in Dublin. You can also visit Trinity College with the Book of Kells, the whiskey distilleries and admire the most beautiful Irish landscapes around the city.