If your ideal family trip involves laughing, visiting historical sites, eating delicious food, stellar hospitality, and unique excursions, then Dublin is the perfect destination to add to your travel bucket list. The city is home to the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Irish Emigration Museum. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is the ideal city to visit to immerse your family in the beautiful and unique Irish culture. 

What is unique about a trip to Dublin with your kids is that it is a magical place that feels like a medieval fairytale come to life as it has many historical elements but somehow can still feel modernized. Imagination is something that comes to life in Dublin as you learn about the city’s history and its influence on Irish culture. The city is kid-friendly and your little ones can enjoy activities such as the Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, and the National Leprechaun Museum. With the help of the Dublin natives who are known for friendliness, hospitality, wittiness, and unique sense of humor, your experience in this one-of-a-kind city is sure to be special.

 

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FAMILIES 

The Maldron Hotel

A long flight can be exhausting for both you and the little ones, and you may be looking for somewhere to stay that meets all your needs while also being close to the airport so you can relax a little bit after you land. The Maldron Hotel is a great option because it is located on the grounds of the Dublin Airport and it offers a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. Aside from the convenient location, they offer guests access to amenities at the nearby leisure club so that you can enjoy the hot tub or gym while your little ones splash around in the pool. 

Intercontinental Dublin 

You deserve to stay somewhere that offers you and your family exceptional service that truly makes you feel like you are on a vacation getaway. The Intercontinental Dublin is a 5-star urban resort that has been highly rated by its guests for its amenities, amazing staff, and convenient location. Family suites are available and your kids will thank you for booking this hotel as there is a 40-foot swimming pool and it is located on 2 acres of gardens that they can explore. Getting out into the city is easy when you stay here as Dublin’s city center is only a 10-minute drive away and Herbert Park is a 5-minute drive away. The hotel offers a spa as well so do not forget to treat yourself. 

The Croke Park 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience for both you and your children, this hotel is an amazing option. Free toys, puzzles, and board games are offered by the hotel to keep your kids entertained. If that’s not enough, they also have a children’s movie room and kids’ bathrobes, bubble bath, a healthy kids’ menu, evening storytime, and seasonal activities. You also don’t want to miss out on their convenient amenities such as free wifi, continental breakfast, and a fitness room. The Dublin city center is located within walking distance of this 4-star hotel.

 

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS 

The Dublin Zoo

Very few zoos have been open since 1831, but guess what? This one has. They recently celebrated having their 60,000,000th visitor! Your little ones are sure to have a blast here as they explore over 35 different species of animals. Check out the African Savanna exhibit to see some giraffes and rhinos. Little kids seem to love monkeys so make sure to check them out at the South American exhibit. 

Dublinia

This 4.5-star Viking and Medieval Museum is sure to be anything but boring for you and your family. A fun fact is that Dublin is known for its Viking settlements dating all the way back to 841 AD. In this museum, you get to learn all about Medieval Dublin and how the Vikings had a strong influence on Dublin culture. This is a great way for you and your family to incorporate history into your trip and learn what it was like to live in Dublin’s past! 

Butler’s Chocolate Experience

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Butler’s Chocolate Experience is the ultimate dream experience for all chocolate lovers. Butlers Chocolate is a famous Irish chocolate brand that has been around for nearly a century. The Butlers Chocolate Experience is hosted in Dublin and it is a tour of the Butler factory that allows you and your family to dress up as chocolatiers and learn how to make chocolate through their interactive museum. Take some time on your trip to satisfy your sweet tooth with this one-of-a-kind experience. 

The National Leprechaun Museum 

Dublin is such a magical city that truly allows the imagination to be exercised by both children and adults. The National Leprechaun Museum is just one example of a place that is designed to bring the imagination alive. This place allows families to learn folktales from Irish history while also having fun! The Irish are known for their witty storytelling so this is a perfect place to showcase this to your little ones.

Viking Splash Tours

When the weather is warm this is the ideal boat tour that goes on both land and water so you can learn all about the sights of Dublin. It has a 4.5-star rating on Google. It is located in St. Stephen’s Green which is a historical park and garden right in the center of Dublin.  I recommend doing this activity early in your trip so you can familiarize yourself with the Dublin area. 

Imaginosity: Dublin’s Children’s Museum

This interactive children’s museum is designed to allow children to have fun, learn, and explore. There is a two-story climbing structure, an art studio, a rocket to Rapunzel’s castle, and much more! If you want to treat yourself after the museum trip, it is located near Beacon South Quarter which is an upscale shopping center filled with retail stores. 

Phoenix Park 

No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting Phoenix Park. Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in Europe making it an amazing place to have a picnic with the family and let your little ones enjoy the outdoors without technology. It is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset or go for an afternoon walk. 

Fort Lucan Outdoor Adventure Land 

If your family loves amusement parks, then this is a must-see attraction for you on your trip. The tickets for adults are only 7 euros and children get in for between 14-26 euros. It is a fun activity that won’t break the bank. They have rides, an adventure playground, crazy golf, and a cafe to sit and relax. Your kids will thank you for taking them here.

Airfield Estate 

If your family loves animals, then this is the place to go. Learn how the farmers grow and produce food all while getting to meet the cute farm animals. There are over 38 acres of land to explore on the estate. You and your kids can have some hands-on farming experience at the estate as some daily activities include: collecting eggs, milking the cows, getting a food garden tour, meeting the farm animals, and getting to see vintage cars. 

Dublin Castle 

Have you ever heard of a castle built on the site of a Viking settlement? That would be Dublin Castle. The Dublin Castle is a unique building rich in history that was built in the early thirteenth century. There are daily guided tours that take you through the history of the castle. It is truly an amazing sight that can not be forgotten.

 

Tips: 

• Buy a Leap Visitor Pass when arriving at the airport. This will allow you to use the public transportation in Dublin

• You have to visit Trinity College Library- it is home to the historical Book of Kells 

• Dublin can be a rainy city. Make sure to pack some ponchos

• Book a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway

• BoBo’s Burgers on Abbey Street is a must-try 

• It can be tempting to buy yourself a Claddagh ring as a souvenir but the Irish have a superstition that buying this ring for yourself is bad luck. Someone must give it to you. 

• Dublin’s Temple Bar District is always lively with lots of restaurants, cute shops, and sights to see

• “Craic” is a word that Irish people use to describe an enjoyable conversation

• July and August are the most populated tourist months 

GET EXCITED BEFORE YOU GO 

READ 

• Let’s See Ireland!

• Let’s Visit Dublin!: Adventures of Bella and Harry

• Dublin in Sketches and Stories

WATCH 

• The Quiet Man 

• The Luck of the Irish

• Darby O’Gill and the Little People

• Song of the Sea

• The Secret of Kells

DON’T WASTE A SINGLE VACATION WITH YOUR KIDS

18 FAMILY-FRIENDLY VACATION DESTINATIONS SO YOU CAN GET AWAY FROM THE DAILY DISTRACTIONS AND ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN.

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