Discover the best of Dublin with kids, stress-free, fun-packed, and totally family approved!
Visiting Dublin with kids? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re flying in for a long weekend or staying a little longer, this 4 day itinerary is packed with playful adventures, cultural gems, and kid-approved pit stops that make exploring our glorious capital a breeze. From Viking history and wild zoo afternoons to great family friendly restaurants and secret gardens, Dublin has something magical for every member of the family. We’ve packed it all in! Mix the itineraries around to best suit you and dive in to explore Dublin’s charm, history, and energy together with your family!
If you’re planning to explore several of Dublin’s top family attractions, the Dublin City Pass is a handy all-in-one ticket to consider. With this pass you get unlimited access to over 40 attractions — everything from EPIC and Dublin Zoo to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and more.
Day 1
1. Breakfast at Brother Hubbard (North or South)
Start your day with breakfast at Brother Hubbard North or South, depending on your location. This café offers great food, from hearty pancakes to fresh pastries and eggs on sourdough toast, it’s a fun start to your family’s Dublin adventure.
2. St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is our gorgeous city centre park and the perfect spot for little legs to run wild. Wander around the duck pond, say hello to the swans, and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground. It’s a calm, leafy escape right in the heart of the city, ideal for a breather before the rest of the day’s adventures.
3. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Introduce the kids to Ireland’s fascinating history with a visit to the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street. Entry is free, and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Kids will love exploring the famous “bog bodies,” ancient artifacts, and Viking displays that make Irish history come to life.
4. National Gallery of Ireland
Just a short walk away, the National Gallery of Ireland is a lovely spot to pop into with the kids and even better, it’s Free Admission. They’ve got brilliant family friendly bits like art packs to keep little hands busy, and there’s a great Creative Corner where younger kids can sit and draw. Have a wander through the galleries and see what catches their eye, from big bold paintings to quirky sculptures. The gallery often runs family tours and drop-in workshops too, so it’s worth checking their What’s On before you go.
5. Lunch at The National Gallery of Ireland
A total hidden gem for a family lunch in the city centre! The airy, light-filled café at the National Gallery is super welcoming and ideal lunch with the kids. Think fresh salads, hearty soups, sandwiches and really pastries, plenty to keep everyone happy (and fed!) before heading back out to explore.
6. Merrion Square Playground
Merrion Square Playground is another great find right in the heart of the city. With its brilliant wooden play structures, slides, swings, and climbing ropes, it’s sure to keep the little ones entertained. Set within the leafy Merrion Square Park, home to the famous Oscar Wilde sculpture, it’s a great spot to run around, have a picnic on the grass, and soak up some culture before heading to your next stop.
7. Viking Splash Tour
For a fun and unique tour of the city, hop on the Viking Splash Tour. This amphibious vehicle takes families through Dublin’s streets and canals, with guides dressed as Vikings, adding plenty of humour and historical anecdotes. The tour is great fun for kids and offers a quirky way to learn about Dublin’s history! Book in advance as tickets sell out.
8. MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland) and Lunch!
Step into a world where stories come alive for all ages. At MoLI, children can listen to captivating tales, get creative in their dedicated kids room, and even craft their own poems. With hands-on exhibits and a playful approach to storytelling, the museum makes literature an exciting adventure for the whole family.The MoLI café is super kid friendly and a hidden gem in the middle of the city. There’s a little secret entrance to the magical Iveagh gardens that is definitely worth an explore.
9. Dinner at Dunne & Crescenzi
Wrap up your day with an Italian feast at Dunne & Crescenzi on Frederick Street. This family-friendly restaurant is a perfect for kids whol will love the pasta and pizza options, and adults can enjoy classic Italian specialties, from risottos to fresh salads.
Optional Evening Treat! Finish your adventure with a stop at Murphy’s Ice Cream, where kids can try fun Irish-inspired flavours like Irish coffee, caramelised brown bread, or Dingle sea salt. Yum!
Day 2
1. Tang Café
Tang Café a vibrant spot serving nutritious and flavourful dishes. Located at 23C Dawson Street, it’s just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green, making it a perfect stop before heading out for the day. Their menu offers a variety of options, including shakshuka, avocado eggs, and buckwheat pancakes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
2. Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Head to Trinity College for a quick walk through its beautiful grounds. The highlight here is the Book of Kells exhibit, a vividly illustrated medieval manuscript that tells Ireland’s ancient story. Older kids will enjoy the history, while younger ones will be fascinated by the Long Room Library’s towering bookshelves. Make sure to book tickets in advance! Even if you don’t visit the Book of Kells, a walk through Trinity is worth the trip alone!
3. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Step into the story of Ireland’s global journey at EPIC, an award-winning interactive museum. EPIC brings history to life with touchscreens, motion sensors, and immersive exhibits that captivate kids and grown-ups alike. Discover how Irish emigrants shaped the world, from music and sport to politics and science. A must-stop for curious minds and proud hearts! Kids can stamp their “passports” as they learn about the global Irish diaspora, making history come to life. It’s a fantastic family friendly museum loved by all ages.
4. Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
Right beside EPIC, step aboard the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and sail back in time! Moored on the Liffey, this full-scale replica of a 19th-century famine ship offers a powerful and moving glimpse into Irish emigration history. Fascinating for older kids and grown-ups alike, it’s a hands-on history lesson that brings Dublin’s past to life.
5. Lunch at Herbstreet in Grand Canal Dock
Located in the vibrant Grand Canal Dock area, Herbstreet is a great spot for a family-friendly lunch. With options like pancakes, salads, sandwiches, and hearty burgers there’s something for everyone, a bonus is the scenic setting by the water!
6. Dublin Zoo at Phoenix Park
One of the oldest zoos in Europe, Dublin Zoo in the beautiful Phoenix Park, has an impressive collection of animals and conservation projects. Kids will love seeing lions, giraffes, and elephants up close, and there are plenty of spots to relax with a snack or drink. Pop to the Meerkat Cafe for some lunch if you haven’t grabbed any, and sit beside the adorable little meerkats!
7. Bike Ride or Playground in Phoenix Park
If you have the energy after exploring the zoo, rent bikes and cycle around the vast Phoenix Park, where you might spot some of the resident deer! Alternatively, stop at the park’s playgrounds near the Visitor Centre for a bit of a run around before heading back to the city.
8. Dinner at Krewe
End your day with dinner at Krewe North or South, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant. Krewe offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu that combines Cajun and Creole flavours with Irish ingredients! Kids will love the mac and cheese!
For alternative dining options visit EAT!
Day 3
1. Breakfast at The Fumbally
A relaxed, vibrant and trendy café loved for its incredibly food, fresh, locally sourced ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere. The Fumbally offers super tastey wholesome options like scrambled eggs on sourdough, pancakes, and fresh pastries that are great for all ages. Closed Mondays.
2. Dublinia: Viking and Medieval Dublin
Step back in time at Dublinia, an interactive museum where kids can learn about Viking and medieval Dublin. Perfect for curious kids and history-loving grown-ups, Dublinia brings Viking and Medieval Dublin to life with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and even a chance to try on a Viking helmet. Climb the medieval tower for epic city views and let little imaginations run wild—history has never been this fun!
3. Dublin Castle and Gardens
Head over to Dublin Castle for a quick look at its historic architecture and beautiful State Apartments. Be sure to visit the Dubhlinn Garden, a lovely green space behind the castle where kids can run around, explore the hedged paths, and see the unique Celtic-inspired designs in the grass.
4. The Chester Beatty
Located on the grounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty museum is a hidden gem for families. The museum houses fascinating artifacts from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with rare manuscripts, prints, and art. Kids will enjoy the museum’s colourful exhibits and interactive workshops, which often include crafts inspired by ancient cultures.
5. Lunch at the Silk Road Café (Inside Chester Beatty)
Enjoy a great family-friendly lunch at the Silk Road Café. With dishes inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, the café has something for everyone, including kid-friendly options like hummus, fresh salads, and baked goods. The bright, open setting offers a nice break between museum visits.
6. Christ Church Cathedral
Visit the nearby Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral’s medieval crypt is fascinating for families to explore, and kids will love discovering the ancient architecture and mysterious artifacts housed here. The crypt is Dublin’s oldest structure and now home to a new family dress up area. Families are welcome to try on costumes inspired by the history of the cathedral, in both child and adult sizes!
7. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Take a walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. This grand Gothic cathedral is a must-see with its stunning stained-glass windows, towering arches, and fascinating history. Kids will enjoy exploring the gardens outside, and the cathedral offers family-friendly guides to keep younger visitors engaged with the stories of Ireland’s past.
8. Dinner at Gaillot et Gray
Wrap up the day with a family dinner at Gaillot et Gray, a relaxed and cozy spot best loved for its amazing wood-fired pizzas and super delicious salads. It’s lively, laid-back family and dog friendly vibe make it the perfect place for unwinding after a busy day of exploring.
Day 4
1. Breakfast at Avoca Café on Suffolk Street
Start your day with breakfast at Avoca Café, with great pastries, hearty breakfast options, and coffee, you’ll all enjoy freshly baked treats before diving into another day of exploration!
2. Little Museum of Dublin
Dive into Dublin’s modern history at the Little Museum of Dublin. With fun exhibits and engaging guides, kids can learn about the city in a hands-on way, with interactive artifacts like old typewriters and early Dublin memorabilia.
3. The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children
The Ark in Temple Bar is a dedicated cultural centre for children. Enjoy interactive, art-focused experience designed just for kids. With changing exhibitions, workshops, and performances, The Ark offers hands-on opportunities for kids to explore art, music, theatre, and storytelling.
4. IMMA – Irish Museum of Modern Art and Lunch
IMMA is Ireland’s leading modern art museum. Housed in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, with free admission, IMMA offers a blend of beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits that make art accessible for all ages. Kids can explore the large sculpture garden, run around the grounds, and enjoy creative workshops, making it a fantastic stop for families. Their café is also great and favourite spot of ours for brunch or lunch at the weekend.
5. Collins Barracks (National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History)
Explore Irish history at Collins Barracks with free admission, which has a collection of exhibits showcasing everything from military history to decorative arts. The museum offers a variety of hands-on displays that make history fun and accessible for kids. They also run tons of brilliant family events throughout the year, check out their upcoming events to see what’s on.
6. Dinner at The Woollen Mills
A family-friendly restaurant on the River Liffey. Known for its relaxed vibe and delicious Irish inspired menu, it offers a variety of dishes that both kids and adults will enjoy. Parents can savour hearty Irish cuisine, while kids can choose from options like burgers and pasta. The views of the Ha’penny Bridge make for a memorable dining experience!
