Children’s entertainment is taken seriously in Dublin. It is no coincidence that Europe’s largest urban park and Europe’s first cultural center dedicated to children are located here. In this award-winning city “Travelers’ Choice: the best of the best”, a huge amount of entertainment for children of all ages. In addition, it is compact: You don’t have to spend the whole trip moving from one attraction to another with a grumbling toddler next to you. Read on about the route through the Irish capital that children will like and will be approved by parents.
Join the culture with the whole family, regardless of age
And now about the children’s art center. It may all sound too good to be true, but it’s all very real, and it’s as great as you can imagine. All events at The Ark are aimed at children: from live music during the day to art installations, where young guests are not just allowed to touch the exhibits — they are encouraged to do so. You can pre-book theatrical performances at the children’s theater or just come to one of the (free) creative workshops.
Meet the Viking (and be sure to take a picture)
Dublin is another museum that encourages interactive research and highlights the history of Dublin during the Middle Ages and the Vikings. Here you can stroll along a busy ancient street, dress up in Viking clothes and wander between the stalls of a recreated medieval market. Located in an excellent location, “Dublinia” is connected by an arch to the Cathedral of Christ and stands at the intersection of several important ancient streets.
Meet the street musicians on Grafton Street
Are you fed up with museums? Take a walk along Grafton Street to observe the people. Located between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green Park, it is full of the best shops in the city, but all attention is focused on street performers. From musicians to magicians, there is a lot to see on this pedestrian street. A quick stop at Murphy’s Ice Cream Cafe on Wicklow Street will be a great stop when the children want to refresh themselves with sweets.
Relax in the heart of the city
St. Stephen’s Green Park stands at the southern end of Grafton Street. This place, dotted with grassy lawns, is ideal for a picnic, and in the center of the park there is a fenced playground that small children love. If you want to try fine dining, check out the restaurant on the food court of the prestigious Fallon & Byrne or order a takeaway lunch at one of Dublin’s best sandwich establishments.
Or just escape the city
Riddled with hiking trails and hills and gorges that are always accessible for walking, the Dublin Mountains are a great place to take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many well-marked routes, including those convenient for children, and the views of Dublin Bay and its surroundings are worth the effort. There are parking lots in the mountain forests, including Tibradden Wood Forest Park, where Zipit Dublin is located. A rope course for children aged 7 years and older will take you on an adventure to the treetops, from where you can enjoy views of the island of the Irish Eye.
Let the children be children and get mad
If you want more nature, head to Phoenix Park, located west of the city center. This is Europe’s largest fenced park with an area of 1,750 acres, where you can watch a herd of wild deer, visit a military fort that is almost 300 years old, or look at the playground near the Tourist Center. Admission is free, but if you also want to visit the Dublin Zoo, surrounded by greenery on the northeastern edge of the park, you will have to buy a ticket.
Take a cruise in any child’s dream car: a hybrid of a boat and a truck
Do you want to see the city from both land and water in one trip? Choose Viking Splash sightseeing tours, which are conducted on an amphibious DUKW (this is, in fact, something between a boat and a truck). Take a ride through the streets of the city, and then sail to the docks of the Grand Canal. An experienced guide will tell you about all the main attractions through songs and stories in just an hour and 15 minutes — the ideal duration so that children do not lose interest. Excursions start and end at St. Stephen’s Green; children 3 years and older are allowed on board.