Family Friendly
Dublin Zoo is situated in Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe, where over 28 hectares. It is divided into habitats including the Himalayan Hills, Wolves in the Woods, the African Savanna, Kaziranga Forest Trail, South American House, Zoorassic World, Gorilla Rainforest, Orangutan Forest, Sea Lion Cove, and Family Farm. Dublin Zoo houses about 400 animals across 100 species and attracts over one million visitors each year.
Dublinia is a Dublin museum and not-for-profit charitable trust. Travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked before, step into Medieval Viking Dublin, find out about Dublin’s rich past and even climb an original Medieval tower, See Dublin from a new perspective and come away knowing more about its citizens through the ages!
Viking Splash Tours: Roar your way through Dublin City in a unique Land and Water experience provided by one of Ireland’s most unique sightseeing experiences. Let Viking Splash Tours take you around Dublin on one of their WW2 amphibious DUKWs. Guides provide a fun, informative and unforgettable experience for all ages and groups taking in our cathedrals, Georgian Dublin and much more before splashing into the Grand Canal basin for a short cruise by the iconic U2 studios.
Other attractions in Dublin
The Jeanie Johnston: The Jeanie Johnston tells the story of the thousands of Irish people who fled the Famine and embarked on a treacherous voyage in the hope of a better life in North America. Step on board and be transported back in time, joining them on their gruelling journey across the ocean.
The EPIC Museum: You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are an oasis of calm and beauty, and entry is free. A premier scientific institution, the Gardens contain important collections of plant species and cultivars from all over the world. The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are located in Glasnevin, just three kilometres from Dublin City Centre, and are famous for the exquisitely restored historic glasshouses. The National Botanic Gardens in Wicklow are located in Kilmacurragh, where the milder climate, higher rainfall, and deeper, acidic soils of this historic Wicklow garden, provide a counterpoint to the collections at Glasnevin. The two gardens have been closely associated since 1854. The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are operated and managed by the Office of Public Works.
Dublin’s City Hall, on Dame Street in Dublin City, was built by the Guild of Merchants and is a magnificent example of Georgian architecture for which Dublin is world-renowned. It is well worth a stop to view its beautiful dome, richly coloured murals, ornate marble floors, and statues.
Enjoy a truly unique cinema experience in the beautifully restored Stella Cinema, an iconic cinematic landmark. The cinema itself has been sympathetically restored to reflect the glamour and glitz of the 1920’s for an entire new generation of movie-goers. Originally opening its doors in 1923, the theatre was affectionately named The Stella, designed by architectural firm Higginbotham & Stafford it held 1,283 patrons, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time.
Airfield Estate Airfield is an agritourism site. Describing itself as “Dublin’s only urban working farm and gardens,” it incorporates Airfield House, an Anglo-Irish house, and welcomes visitors to learn about farming and the site’s history. A visit to Airfield Estate is something different to everyone: a haven for gardening enthusiasts, animal & food lovers, families and peace-seekers, giving everyone a great day out. A hidden gem where people go for a breath of fresh air in the heart of Dublin.
Dublin Parks: If the weather permits, May is a beautiful time to visit Dublins many parks, such as St Stephen’s Green, Phoenix Park, the Iveagh Gardens, St Anne’s Park, Herbert Park, and many more.
Visit Dublin Bay via DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport): Visit some of Dublin Bay’s beautiful coastal beauty spots such as Howth (which has a fantastic scenic cliff walk), Bull island, Dollymount Strand, or for a dip in the Irish sea for those who dare, The Forty Foot in Sandycove, or the Vico Baths. The Bray to Greystones cliff walk is spectacular and can also be accessed via DART.
Further afield:
The Dublin Mountains boast a number of scenic walks and viewing points such as the Hellfire Club, accessible mainly by car. If you venture this way, grab a bite to eat or a traditional Irish meal/entertainment at Johnny Fox’s.
If you decide to go further south, County Wicklow has an unlimited array of beautiful scenic areas to visit such as Glendalough (for hiking or just enjoying the beautiful scenery).
North of Dublin, in County Meath, is home to Newgrange, a 5,200 year old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East.