Things to do in Dublin with kids, family friendly guide

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What to expect

Expect a compact, architectural experience: a spiral stair of roughly 250 to 260 steps leads to a glassed viewing terrace with two decks. The staircase is narrow and passing other visitors requires care. The air can feel warm on busy days, and the descent may make some heads spin, so take steady steps and pause as needed. Views stretch across the city, offering excellent photo angles by day and a glittering panorama by night. Not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone needing an elevator.

Plan your visit

Secure tickets at the adjoining Generator Hostel or check availability online before arriving. Wear comfortable shoes and travel light: pockets are better than big bags. Carry a small bottle of water and a camera. If claustrophobia is a concern, pick quieter times or skip the climb. Allow a little extra time to pause on the decks and enjoy the skyline.

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What to expect

Expect a wide sweep of collections, from fine furniture and silver to textile work and design pieces. Military galleries chart key moments in Ireland's past, and special displays spotlight designers such as Eileen Gray. Large rooms and quiet courtyards give the place room to breathe. Informative placards and occasional guided tours add context, though some upper galleries reflect the building's historic layout, so mobility can be uneven in places.

Plan your visit

Start with the ground floor galleries to get an overview, then head up to see the design and military displays. Pick up a map on arrival, wear comfortable shoes and allow time to pause in the courtyards. Weekend guided tours are useful for extra context, and the museum pairs well with nearby heritage sites if planning a fuller day out.

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What to expect

Expect a tidy, tranquil green space in the heart of the city. Manicured flowerbeds and lawns sit alongside ornamental sculptures and a distinctive Celtic knot design, creating a photogenic setting. Paths and benches make it easy to stroll or pause for quiet reflection, while the castle forms a striking backdrop. Ideal for a quick sightseeing stop or a calm moment between meetings.

Plan your visit

Start with the castle, then slip into the garden for a calmer pace. Bring a camera for close-ups of the stonework and sculptures, and use benches for a restful break. Combine the stop with nearby museums for a compact cultural loop. Travel light, keep to pathways, and allow a short window to soak in the atmosphere.

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What to expect

Expect a room-by-room, guided experience that brings the house to life. Knowledgeable guides share personal accounts and archival images, while subtle audio-visual displays add context. The visit balances historical detail with human stories, making it both informative and moving. The layout is intimate, accessibility is considered, and some rooms use recreated interiors to illustrate daily life. Check the house’s photography policy on arrival.

Plan your visit

Head to 14 Henrietta Street from central Dublin and allow time to join a guided tour, arriving a little early for ticketing. Wear comfortable shoes, the house sits on a cobbled street. Combine the visit with a short walking route nearby to get more of the city’s layered history.

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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 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.