“The best things in life are the people you love, the places you’ve seen and the memories you’ve made”
With no shortage of family activities to partake in, Dublin could very well be known as the most family-friendly city in all of Ireland. As the capital of the Republic, it is home to an abundance of historical and entertaining venues for your family to be immersed in when in town. Whether it be the oldest zoo in the world, or the “dead” zoo, medieval castles or Viking tours, there is something for everyone’s liking in Dublin City. Here is a compilation of our favourites that have come highly recommended. Not sure if you can squeeze them all in, but your family is sure to find something everyone will enjoy while visiting the great city of Dublin!
1. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Where can you go to see creatures from all corners of the globe, from today as well as long ago, side by side with mythological figures? The Natural History Museum, known as the museum of museums, is famous for the world’s finest collection of over 2 million species in what is known today as the “dead zoo”. The Natural History Museum was opened to the public for the first time in 1857 and has since then educated and inspired the knowledge of life through its vast and wonderfully diverse displays of human evolution through the ages.
Free admission for all! Operating Hours: 1 Jan – 31 Dec, Mondays closed. Tuesday -Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 Sunday 14:00 – 17:00
2. DUBLINIA
Have you wanted to take a trip to the Viking or Medieval era? Now is your chance! Dublinia is located in the crossroads of the medieval city at Christchurch and is known for fusing modern and old Dublin into one. History is brought alive here, where you not only learn through sight and sound, you are immersed completely in a different time period. Want to learn about the Vikings? Try on Viking clothes, become a Viking slave, visit a small smokey Viking house, learn the Viking Alphabet, then hear the poetry, myths, and mysteries surrounding their legacy. How about the Medieval times? See the city as it would have looked then, smell the spicy aromas, play the games of the times, visit a merchant’s kitchen, learn of warfare, crime and punishment as it was back then.
After visiting Dublinia, you and your family will have a new perspective of Dublin and its citizens throughout the ages!
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 10.00am to 6.30pm (Last entry 5.30pm) March to September.
10.00am to 5.30pm (Last entry 4.30pm) October to February.
3. IMAGINOSITY
Does climbing; past a Wizard’s Lair or taking the Rocket Ship to Rapunzel’s Castle sound inviting for your children? If so, your family will truly enjoy the Dublin’s Childrens Museum, a space specifically designed for adults and children to engage in creative play. There are an abundance of interactive experiences to engage all people of all ages and a wide range of workshops and classes that take place every day in arts and crafts, music, computers, and theatre located in the Art Studio, in the Children’s Theatre Space and in the Cyber Room.
Opening hours: Monday 13:30 – 17:30, Tuesday to Friday 09.30 – 17:30, Saturday to Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
4. AIRFIELD FARM
Do you have a family member who loves nature? Airfield Farm is a perfect destination.Established by the Overend family in 1974 for educational and recreational purposes, the working farm, gardens, and heritage experience offer families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about where their food originates, popular farming techniques, and growing crops. History and heritage are taught in a natural and relaxed environment designed for children to enjoy and immerse themselves in the experience. Keep your eyes open for the local chickens and deer roaming in their habitats!
Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, make sure to call them ahead to check whether or not they’re open, or if they have restrictions.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for PREMIER SUITES Dublin Leeson, a luxury hotel alternative located in the centre of Georgian Dublin which houses lavish suites and refined penthouse apartments. This travel buff has got a lot to say about travel, dining, cultural enjoyment, and lifestyle.
