Dublin is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year and an excellent choice for family holidays close to the UK. Suppose you’re planning a trip to Dublin with kids or teenagers. In that case, you might want to arrange a couple of activities to keep everyone happy. And it couldn’t be simpler!
With so many fantastic family-friendly days out in County Dublin, you’ll be spoilt for choice no matter who you’re visiting with.
The best family-friendly day trips to take from Dublin include:
If you’re up for a drive, you can be rewarded with one of Ireland’s most famous natural landscapes – the Cliffs of Moher. It’s just three hours of scenic road to the country’s west coast, where this favourite visitor experience provides a perfect day out for the whole family.
Walk along the paved pathways and enjoy stunning views of the famous cliffs and the sprawling Atlantic Ocean. As well as the cliffs themselves, stop by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre for informative exhibitions and the on-site theatre for a virtual-reality cliff-face adventure!
For adventure closer to Dublin, visit the beautiful fishing village of Howth. Set on a peninsular at the northern boundary of Dublin Bay, Howth is packed with independent seafood restaurants, pubs, and shops to explore. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Dublin to Howth. But for something a little different, hop on a boat from Dún Laoghaire, Dublin’s coastal suburb, and enjoy a beautiful hour’s sail to your destination.
Walk up to Howth Lighthouse, recognised as a symbol for the Irish fight for independence, and enjoy Howth Castle and Grounds tour while you’re in the village.
If you plan your trip for a weekend or bank holiday, you’ll be treated to charming Howth Market. Discover arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, antiques, and local produce as you wander around stalls, chatting to local traders. Street food vendors serve up tempting bites all afternoon, so you can grab lunch on the go and continue exploring this unique Irish village.
Just 30 minutes drive south of Dublin, Malahide Castle is a superb choice for a family day out of the city. The medieval castle boasts an impressive 800-year history which visitors can discover during a visit. Hear stories of the Talbot family, who have lived in Malahide Castle for generations, and explore beautiful rooms and collections as you wander around inside. Learn about Malahide Castle ghosts, some connected to past residents and others with more mysterious origins.
Or, if the sun’s shining, head outside to explore 260 acres of parkland and gardens. 5,000 plant varieties live at Malahide, including rare trees from around the world. Nature-lovers can look for Lebanese cedar, Tasmanian pencil pines, and Chinese Ginkgo trees.
Malahide Castle is also home to one of Ireland’s four botanical gardens and the only butterfly house in the Republic of Ireland. Inside the glasshouse, 20 species flutter around their colourful environment. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or older children, a day trip to Malahide Castle is a magical adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
If you have a car in Dublin, take a day to explore County Wicklow. The region lies south of the capital, famous for its picturesque coastline, county estates, and Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The Wicklow Mountains National Park conserves some of Ireland’s most breathtaking biodiverse landscape and is an idyllic space for recreational activities with the family. Enjoy way-marked walking and nature trails, starting at just half an hour to a longer four-hour hike. Pass lakes and waterfalls on-route, stopping for a swim or paddle to cool off.
County Wicklow is also home to Powerscourt House and Gardens, an immense country estate boasting unparalleled beauty. Explore the 13th-century castle-turned-house, set among the Wicklow Mountains, and enjoy lots of family-friendly activities when you visit.
Powerscourt House itself is voted among the Top Ten Houses and Mansions Worldwide by Lonely Planet. With some of the best views in Ireland and lots of beautiful spaces to explore, it’s easy to see why. Inside today, visitors can enjoy bespoke shopping for Irish-designed fashion, jewellery, furnishings, and aromatics.
When you’re ready for refreshment, head to Avoca Terrace Café, a stunning setting to relax with a hot drink and freshly made soup, salad, sandwich, or sweet treat. If the sun’s shining, find a table on the extensive terrace and enjoy panoramic garden views with Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop.
Powerscourt is home to Irelands highest waterfall, an absolute must-visit while you’re in the estate. It’s six kilometres from the house, but visitors can drive, and park close to the waterfall, enjoying walking trails and children’s play areas nearby.
The Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve is another family-friendly day trip less than two hours drive from Dublin. Ireland’s most significant state-owned nature reserve boasts 2300 hectares of space to explore. There’s an extensive mountain range at its centre and plenty of walking and cycling trails to discover. Whatever way you spend your day, Slieve Bloom is a perfect place to get away from the city bustle and enjoy some of Ireland’s best countryside.
Walking is a beautiful way to spot some of the nature reserve’s rare birds and colourful wildflowers. There are way-marked routes to suit every age and ability. If you’re visiting with little ones, a four-kilometre stroll means plenty of time for stopping to enjoy the landscape.
Leonardo hotels in Dublin are ideal for any family trip to the Republic of Ireland capital. We have two comfortable, convenient locations to choose from, so you can pick the one that suits your plans and feel settled from the moment you arrive.
Our Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch is just a short walk from lots of the city’s cultural gems, including the ever-popular Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. Or pick Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street, north of the River Liffey. Our Parnell Street hotel is close to the Henry Street shopping district and just 20 minutes from Croke Park Stadium.
No matter which Leonardo hotel you choose for your trip, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, a comfy bedroom, and easy access to the best of the Dublin area.
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