Family-Friendly Adventures in Dublin, Ireland!

Dublin Phoenix Park

Why Visit?

Morning: Dublin Zoo

Start your family adventure at Dublin Zoo, located in the heart of Phoenix Park. Open from 9:30 AM, the zoo is accessible by bus (routes 25, 26, 46A, 66, 66A, 66B, 67) which all stop nearby, or by car with plenty of parking available. Explore diverse habitats and see over 400 animals. Don"t miss the family-favorite African Savanna and the enchanting Kaziranga Forest Trail to spot Asian elephants.

Midday: Picnic and Playgrounds

By lunchtime, enjoy a picnic on the lush grounds of Phoenix Park, which spans over 1,750 acres, making it one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital. The park"s numerous picnic areas provide a perfect spot for a family meal outdoors. After lunch, let the kids burn off some energy at one of the playgrounds located near the Visitor Centre or Ashtown Castle.

Afternoon: Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle

Post-lunch, head to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, easily reachable by a short walk from the main picnic areas. Engage with interactive exhibitions about the park’s history and wildlife. Make sure to visit Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower house that often captivates children’s imagination.

Late Afternoon: Deer Watching and Exploring

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk to see the famous Phoenix Park deer. These deer are descendants of the original herd introduced in the 17th century. Walking paths are well-signposted, and deer are often visible in the grasslands. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your day, enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of Phoenix Park.

Each attraction offers unique insights and fun activities that can make your family visit to Dublin’s Phoenix Park a memorable one.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Christ Church Cathedral

Why Visit?

A delightful day awaits your family at the historic Christ Church Cathedral, a gem nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. Here"s how you can make the most of your visit:

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early to make the most of it! Christ Church Cathedral is conveniently accessible by the Dublin Bus or the LUAS tram, which stops at St. James"s Hospital, just a short 10-minute walk away. Upon arrival, marvel at the cathedral’s stunning architecture. Built nearly a millennium ago, the church features impressive Gothic and Romanesque styles.

### Mid-Morning: Fascinating Tour

Join one of the guided tours available at 11 AM. The tour will reveal enthralling stories such as the cathedral"s connection to famous historical figures like Strongbow, a pivotal figure in the Norman invasion of Ireland. Children will be captivated by the tales of the cathedral"s crypt, one of the oldest in Britain and Ireland, currently home to an intriguing exhibition that includes the famous mummified "cat and rat."

### Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a picnic at the nearby Dublin Castle gardens, just a 5-minute walk away. Pack some sandwiches and snacks, and if the weather permits, enjoy the lush surroundings and a bit of sun.

### Afternoon: Interactive Activities

After lunch, head back to participate in the cathedral’s family-friendly workshops, often held in the afternoons. These could range from stained-glass making to historical reenactments, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.

### Late Afternoon: Bell Tower Tour

Cap off your visit by climbing the cathedral’s Bell Tower for a nominal fee. It"s a bit of a climb, but the view from the top is breathtaking and offers a panoramic view of Dublin. The children will also enjoy the chance to ring the cathedral bells.

### Departure

As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk back through the cobblestone streets of Dublin to your accommodation or a nearby tram stop, filled with memories of a day well spent exploring historical wonders.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

St. Michan"s Church

Why Visit?

St. Michan"s Church Family Visit Itinerary

Morning: Arrival at St. Michan"s Church

Start your day at St. Michan"s Church, located on Church Street in Dublin"s city center. Easily accessible via public transport, the church is just a 5-minute walk from the Luas Red Line stop at Smithfield. Alternatively, Dublin Bus routes 83, 83A, and 46A stop nearby.

10:00 AM: Guided Tour of St. Michan"s Church

Begin with a guided tour of this historic church, famous for its ancient Viking origins and 1095 establishment. The tour, captivating for both adults and children, highlights the church’s unique underground vaults. These vaults are known for their naturally mummified remains, including the legendary Crusader. Children are often intrigued by the tales of the historical figures buried here.

Interesting Fact: St. Michan’s organ is reputed to have been played by Handel while composing the Messiah!

11:30 AM: Attend a Short Organ Recital

If your visit coincides with a recital, enjoy the mesmerizing sounds of the church"s organ. This experience beautifully showcases the acoustics of the historic building, creating a memorable atmosphere.

Afternoon: Lunch and Leisure at the Phoenix Park

Just a 15-minute bus ride from St. Michan"s, head to Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Have a leisurely lunch at the Tea Room and then explore the park. You could visit Dublin Zoo, or simply enjoy a walk or a bike ride around the scenic grounds.

Interesting Fact: Phoenix Park is home to a large herd of Fallow deer, which have been present since the 17th century!

3:00 PM: Playtime and Deer Watching

Conclude your day with some fun playtime at the park’s playground, and don’t forget to watch for the famous deer. It"s a perfect ending to an engaging day filled with history, music, and nature.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kilmainham Gaol

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Morning Arrival

Start your day at Kilmainham Gaol, one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, rich in Irish history. The Gaol is easily accessible via public transport. Take the Dublin Bus route 79 from Aston Quay, located in the city centre, directly to the jail or hop on the Luas Red Line to Suir Road, followed by a short walk.

Ticket Purchase

It’s best to purchase tickets online in advance due to the popularity of the tour. Family tickets are available, providing an economical option for the whole group.

Start Your Tour (Approximately 1.5 hours)

Begin your exploration at around 10 AM once you arrive. The guided tour will take you through the restored cells, Victorian wing, and the chilling execution yards where leaders of the rebellions were executed. Guides are excellent at engaging with visitors of all ages, ensuring that the stories are accessible without being too intense for younger children.

Interactive Exhibits

Post-tour, visit the onsite museum which features interactive exhibits. These are perfect for children as they can engage with visual and tactile displays that bring the history of the prison and its inmates to life.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic in the Royal Hospital Kilmainasonry Gardens, just a 5-minute walk from the Gaol. It’s a beautiful spot for a relaxed lunch and for kids to play.

Afternoon Activity

Conclude your visit by participating in a family-friendly workshop often held in the afternoons (check the schedule before your visit). These workshops might include storytelling sessions, historical dress-up, or craft-making, all themed around the rich history of Kilmainham Gaol.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 3 PM, allowing you to reflect on the profound stories and sights of the day, or continue exploring other nearby attractions in Dublin.

This engaging journey through Kilmainham Gaol not only educates about Irish history but also makes it palpable and intriguing for all ages, ensuring a memorable family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Temple Bar

Why Visit?

Welcome to Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter and a vibrant hub perfect for family exploration! Here’s an engaging itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Morning: Explore the Streets

Start your day at the Temple Bar Square, easily accessible by Dublin Bus or a short walk from the Trinity College area. Meander through the cobblestone streets and enjoy the colorful murals and street performers. Pop into the Gutter Bookshop for children"s books, offering readings on weekend mornings.

Mid-Morning: Visit the Ark

Located right in the cultural heart, the Ark is a unique cultural centre for children, offering interactive workshops and performances. Check their schedule in advance as events can fill up quickly! It’s just a stroll from the square, surrounded by cheerful cafes where you can grab a snack.

Lunch: Enjoy Local Eats

Grab lunch at the Temple Bar Food Market (open on Saturdays), where you can sample artisanal cheeses, hand-made chocolates, and other local delicacies. It’s a great spot for everyone to choose something they like, and it"s just a short walk from the Ark.

Afternoon: Time Travel at Dublinia

Post-lunch, head over to Dublinia, an exciting historical recreation museum that’s about a 10-minute walk from Temple Bar, near Christ Church Cathedral. Here, your family can learn about Dublin’s Viking and Medieval past through interactive exhibits.

Late Afternoon: Wind Down at Meeting House Square

Wrap up your day with some downtime at Meeting House Square, which often hosts free outdoor movies and cultural events under its retractable canopy—perfect for any weather! Check local listings for any family-friendly events during your visit.

Throughout your journey in Temple Bar, enjoy the area"s rich history, from its 17th-century origins to its present-day status as a cultural heartbeat of Dublin, ensuring a memorable family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.