A visit to Dublin is first and foremost an incredible family adventure in the capital of the Republic of Ireland. In the heart of the city’s lively districts, you’ll alternate between museum visits, fun activities and open-air expeditions. Dynamic and welcoming, the town is constantly renewing itself between tradition and modernity. Children will learn about local legends and customs while having fun every day. A great program for a weekend or a week.
To help you get organized, we’ve come up with 5 things to do with your family near Dublin!
The first family activity in Dublin takes you back to Viking times. Although this Scandinavian population no longer sails our seas in their longships, they are still just as fascinating. Dublinia pays homage to medieval Dublin with staged events, educational videos and re-enactments for young and old alike. A visit to this downtown museum begins with its atypical architecture. A medieval bridge links this lively area to Christchurch Cathedral.
Inside, you’ll discover two distinct sections: the first focusing on medieval Ireland, the second on the Viking invasions. In the middle of the room, entertainers dressed as knights or lords will show you how life was in the Middle Ages. A fun way to interest children in Celtic culture without boring them.
Phoenix Park is Dublin’s green lung, like Central Park in New York. Dubliners come here for a picnic during their lunch break, or for an early-morning jog between the lakes and gardens.
This green setting also contains the home of the President of the Republic of Ireland and the U.S. Ambassador. However, the activity that will surely interest your children is Dublin ZOO, nestled right in the heart of this peaceful haven. Ireland’s largest wildlife park welcomes the whole family for a day out.
Get up close and personal with 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.
Irish castles are an integral part of the local population’s heritage and history. The country boasts over 3,000 of them, scattered across the four corners of the country to Belfast, Galway, Kerry and Connemara. Discover these architectural beauties during your family trip to Dublin.
Right in the heart of Europe’s capital, Dublin Castle houses the city’s history behind its walls. This symbol, built in 1204, illustrates British domination of Ireland and the reign of the Anglo-Normans. Far from these conflicts, you can visit several of the rooms with one of their history-loving guides. He’ll tell you all about the many secrets and anecdotes of this mythical place. It will also open the doors of the Bermingham Tower, the Record Tower, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity and the Throne Room. In fact, its impressive throne is sure to remind you of a famous TV series.
For this second castle, we headed for Malahide, 12 km north of Dublin. The château of the same name attracts families with its romantic allure and perfectly manicured botanical gardens.
Guided tours take you through the various rooms, including the Oak Room with its period furnishings. Children will quickly fall in love with castle life and imagine themselves as Irish princesses and princes. As for the banqueting hall, it still bears the scars of the many meals eaten by the people of the court. The highlight of the show is the Talbot Botanic Garden behind the castle. It includes several hectares of plants, gardens, greenhouses and a Victorian conservatory.
After your immersion, we recommend a visit to the seaside town of Malahide. You’ll quickly fall under the spell of its fishing port, colorful streets and Irish Sea beach.
Is it raining during your family trip to Dublin? Then head for the Natural History Museum in the heart of the medieval town. More than 10,000 stuffed animals from all over the world are on display. Housed in a Victorian-style building, it boasts some not-to-be-missed skeletons, including that of a 20-meter-long whale and giant deer. Like its counterparts in London and New York, you’ll discover living and extinct species from around the globe.
Welcome to one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it features megaliths, stone circles and tombs of prehistoric origin covering some 780 hectares. On your expedition to the Boyne Valley (less than 1 hour from Dublin) you’ll visit four major sites. First of all, Newgrange, the largest Neolithic tomb in Europe alongside Stonehenge in England. Incidentally, its age exceeds that of the Giza pyramid. The circumference of the tumulus fascinates many: 80 metres wide and 13 metres high. Then discover Dowth, Kowt, two equally impressive cairns and Tara, the ancient capital of the Kings of Ireland.
Faced with the expansion of Covid-19, many countries, including Ireland, have put their tourism activities on hold. As a result, without this international population, many establishments suffered from this exceptional and sudden closure.
“The Covid crisis has had a major impact on accommodation abroad, while campsites in France have seen a slight drop in visitor numbers during this period”, Benjamin from comparateur Univers-Vacances.
But now that the borders have been reopened, Dublin is once again alive to the sound of travellers treading its historic streets. You no longer need to present proof of vaccination, cure or a negative PCR test on arrival. The Irish capital is now looking forward to welcoming you.
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 decorated with modern and antique interiors, warm tones and cotton sheets. On the gastronomic side, the bar/restaurant boasts a magnificent vaulted ceiling and original 19th-century decor. Enjoy Irish and European specialities at every meal of the day. What’s more, they have a children’s menu for your little ones. Something to delight the taste buds of the whole family.
The hotel organizes evening entertainment featuring traditional Irish music. Clap your hands to the sound of the fiddle, banjo and bodhrán in an unforgettable show.
Set in a Georgian townhouse, Fitzwilliam Townhouse offers family rooms during your stay in Ireland. Modern and spacious, they feature flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. Build up your strength in the morning with a typical Irish savory breakfast of sausage, eggs and tomatoes. From your accommodation, walk to Dublin’s main points of interest. The Temple Bar district and O’Connell Street are just a 15-minute walk away, as is Dublin Castle (20 minutes).
Are your children feeling tired after a day out on the town? No problem, public transport will drop you off close to Fitzwilliam Townhouse.
Discover Ireland with our top 5 things to do in Dublin with the whole family. You can also visit Trinity College with the Book of Kells, whisky distilleries and admire some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery around the city.
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