Things to Do in Dublin with Kids, Practical Family Guide

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What to expect

Start with the courtyard for a clear sense of place, then head inside to see richly decorated state rooms and long corridors that photograph well. Choose a guided tour for lively anecdotes and access to hidden corners, or use the audio guide to explore at a relaxed pace. Expect some cobbled surfaces and steps, so wear sensible shoes. Exhibitions change, and the atmosphere balances formal grandeur with everyday city life.

Plan your visit

Purchase tickets online or onsite to suit timing, especially on busy days. Arrive early for fewer crowds and softer light in the courtyard. Pair the visit with a stroll through neighbouring streets and a stop at nearby cafes. Bring a charged phone for audio guides, and allow time to linger in the gardens after the tour.

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What to expect

Expect open-top double-deck buses, clear route maps at stops and onboard commentary. Drivers and guides keep things steady and punctual. You can use the service to move between attractions, rest between walks, or sit back and learn a few local facts as you pass key landmarks.

Plan your visit

Buy or reserve tickets in advance to skip the queue on busy days. Start at a central stop near the river so you can take a full loop first, then hop off where you want to explore on foot. Bring a compact raincoat for changeable weather and a small daypack for souvenirs and snacks.

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What to expect

Expect a mix of ancient stonework and richly furnished interiors: guided and self-guided tours uncover Viking ruins, impressive staterooms and vivid historical anecdotes. The Chapel Royal and state apartments showcase fine craftsmanship, while the central courtyard and gardens make inviting spots to pause and photograph. Accessibility is straightforward, though some areas involve steps and uneven surfaces, so sensible footwear is recommended.

Plan your visit

Located close to Temple Bar and other central sights, the castle is easily combined with a city walking route. Book a guided tour for richer context, or explore at a gentler pace on a self-guided visit. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and interior steps, and bring a camera for the courtyard and ornate state rooms.

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What to expect

Wide paths and organised routes make the zoo easy to explore. Enclosures favour space and natural planting, so animals often appear relaxed. Staff are helpful and happy to answer questions. You will find cafes, picnic benches and practical facilities for families scattered through the park.

Plan your visit

Head there early on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and a waterproof layer, the paths are mostly easy but you will walk a lot. Bring snacks if you prefer a picnic; benches and seating are plentiful. Pick up a map on arrival to plan the route and spot must-see animals without backtracking. Pushchairs and young children are well catered for thanks to changing and feeding rooms.

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What to expect

Board from a central Docklands pier, then cruise at a relaxed pace with live commentary about the port, architecture and city stories. Boats are compact and informal, with basic safety kit on board. Expect photo stops, a friendly local guide and practical commentary rather than long lecture-style tours.

Plan your visit

Book ahead in busier months and aim to arrive 10–15 minutes before departure. Wear layers and a light waterproof, since river wind can feel cooler than the city. Bring a compact camera or phone with a strap. Combine the trip with a short walk along the quays or a coffee at a nearby café after disembarking.

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What to expect

Bright, active galleries and workshop rooms designed for doing rather than just looking. Exhibitions change regularly and use play, craft and music to explain ideas. Expect guided sessions, drop-in activities and small performances that keep children engaged. Staff are patient and helpful, guiding projects and managing groups. Bring a sense of adventure, dress for messy activities, and allow time for hands-on exploration and relaxed play.

Plan your visit

Plan to combine the visit with a stroll around Temple Bar: several cultural stops sit close by. Book limited-capacity workshops in advance and arrive early for the most relaxed experience. Allow time for hands-on activities and a short break between sessions, especially with younger children. Pack a small bag with spare clothes and a sketchbook.

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What to expect

Hands-on exhibits and sensory displays that suit both adults and children. Costumed interpreters tell stories, dioramas recreate daily life, and plenty of touchpoints invite curious hands. The museum spans multiple floors and includes a tower with strong city views, plus lifts for accessibility. The space is compact and well organised, so highlights are easy to see without feeling overwhelmed.

Plan your visit

Aim for a weekday or early morning slot to avoid the busiest periods. Allow time for the hands-on zones and the tower climb, and wear comfy shoes for stairs. Collect a site map on arrival, ask staff for storytelling times, and pair the visit with nearby historic sights to make the most of the area.

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What to expect

Expect a highly interactive route through roughly twenty themed rooms, each pairing personal stories with multimedia and hands-on elements. Use a digital passport to collect stamps and personalise the experience, listen to downloadable audio commentary, and follow a clear, accessible layout that suits families and solo visitors alike. Staff are friendly and on hand to help, and the restored warehouse setting adds atmospheric architecture to the content.

Plan your visit

Book ahead online to skip the busiest queues, and download the free audio guide to get more from each exhibit. Bring headphones and a charged phone for the digital passport features, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the galleries. The museum suits mixed groups, from families with children to solo history buffs, and the layout makes it easy to move between displays.

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What to expect

Expect lively, guide-led storytelling that brings Irish folklore to life through atmospheric sets and imaginative stagecraft. Rooms are purposefully designed to provoke wonder, from playful mischief to darker, moodier moments for older visitors. Tours are theatrical rather than a static display, with plenty of audience interaction and sensory elements. The mood shifts between light-hearted and deliciously uncanny, so children and adults alike find delights and surprises around every corner.

Plan your visit

Book ahead to secure preferred tour times, particularly for themed or later sessions. Allow time for a calm entry, as groups move through a scripted route, and prepare younger children for dimmer, atmospheric scenes. Combine the visit with nearby central attractions, and travel light so guides can lead the story without delays.