Dublin Travel Guide for Families

Imagine this: You’re sitting at the kitchen table, staring at a map of Dublin, Ireland and a host of tabs are open on your computer showing several tourist attractions around the city. You were overjoyed when you clicked ‘purchase’ on those international flights... the dream of family travel is finally beginning to materialize! But now, staring at the map of Dublin, doubt slowly wraps its fingers around your enthusiasm.

Is Dublin Really the Best Place to Kick Off Your Family’s International Adventure?

You’ve heard the stories—charming streets, rich history, incredible food—but Dublin wasn’t on your original list of "easy" family destinations. While the lack of a language barrier and much less potential for culture shock make it a good starting point for international travel, you picked it because it was the most economical international flight you could find for the whole family.

In your mind, you picture arriving at Dublin Airport, exhausted from the flight, kids cranky and jet-lagged. Will the airport transportation be chaotic? Will you be able to find your way to your hotel without losing your mind? How can you be sure you'll find the best family-friendly activities in Dublin or the places to eat that your kids will actually enjoy? How easy will it be to navigate unfamiliar streets? Can Dublin really be the perfect family destination?

Then it hits you: wasn’t this why you booked the trip in the first place? You want your family to experience something real, something bold. Adventure doesn’t come without uncertainty. You finish packing your bags with newfound resolve, ready to face Dublin head-on!

In the next section, we’ll share exactly what you need to know to conquer Dublin with kids—from transportation hacks to activities that will keep them engaged (and you stress-free!). Read on to discover our tried-and-tested tips for making the most of Dublin with your family!

Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.

Family Arriving in Dublin

After a long 24-hour plus journey, including a lengthy layover in Paris, we finally touched down at Dublin Airport, ready to start our family’s Irish adventure. Here’s how we navigated Dublin stress-free, starting with an easy airport arrival.

Dublin airport was easy to navigate. Since we travel with only one carry-on bag and one backpack each, we didn’t even have to retrieve our bags. Our only hold up was a relatively long line to get through immigration. Once our passports had been stamped, we headed straight for the transportation area to secure an Uber that was large enough to carry all 5 of us, along with our bags. 

Stepping out of the airport, the cool, crisp Dublin air hit us. We scanned the bustling transportation area, tired but eager to start this adventure. Our Uber arrived quickly, and as we drove into the city, Dublin’s charm began to unfold—a patchwork of modern life and historic beauty. Our Uber driver was friendly. While not a native of Ireland, he had lived in Dublin for a number of years and was knowledgeable about the city, giving us some suggestions for places to visit during our time there. He pulled up outside our accommodation and helped us unload our bags quickly and efficiently.

Experiencing Our First Family-Friendly Hostel

Dublin, like most cities around Europe, is a bit pricey for a hotel. In addition, for our family of 5, we would have had to book 2 rooms which would further drive up the overall cost. Instead, we decided to try something different (and totally out of our comfort zone). We researched hostels in Dublin and found one that was highly rated and could accommodate our entire family in one room with our own small bathroom.

We arrived at Ashfield Hostel and immediately connected with Conor who was running the front desk that evening. He gave us a warm welcome, provided us with a map of the area and even gave us some suggestions on the best places to visit and eat that were within walking distance. We received our keys and carried our bags up the 3 flights of stairs to our room.

Our room, though relatively small, provided us with everything we needed. There were 3 sets of bunk beds, all with fresh linens laid out for us. We made our beds and stowed our luggage while Kevin searched for a quick and easy dinner. 

By this point, we were feeling both very tired and hungry. As a result, we were getting hangry and the pressure to feed the family quickly led him to select a familiar option. He ordered a large pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut to be delivered, via Uber Eats, to the hostel for us. Unfortunately, a large pepperoni in Dublin is quite small (the equivalent of a personal thin-crust in the U.S.). We made the best of our first meal in Ireland, supplemented by leftover baguette sandwiches from our layover in Paris, and headed for bed.

Despite the no-frills setting of the hostel, we each found our beds quite comfortable and slept well. We slept so well, in-fact, that we were awoken around 10:30 the next morning when a staff member (not expecting us to still be sleeping) entered to clean our restroom. She came out of the bathroom to find 5 sleepy people sitting in their beds staring at her. We all laughed about it, she apologized and exited, and we all went back to sleep. All-in, we slept for a total of 14 hours before finally rising to explore the city and get some food!

Ashfield Hostel is such a convenient location! It sits just steps away from some of the best family-friendly activities in Dublin. From Trinity College and O’Connell Bridge to some of Dublin’s most iconic locations, including Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and tons of wonderful pubs and restaurants, everything is at your fingertips! We could not have asked for a better home-base to tour the city of Dublin.

In addition to its amazing location, Ashfield Hostel has a welcoming atmosphere, a helpful staff, and some great amenities. En-suite toilets and showers (in the private family rooms) help provide extra privacy. A common area downstairs gives guests the opportunity to relax and meet fellow travelers. Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms and common spaces helped us get work and school done while we were there. There is even a fully stocked kitchen where guests can prepare meals, store snacks and groceries, or enjoy a cup of coffee to start the day. To top it off, Ashfield Hostel makes Dublin affordable for families!

Our girls particularly connected with Conor who worked part of the day at the front desk and who made us feel like part of a family during our stay. When we checked in, he acknowledged that I would be celebrating a birthday while there. When he arrived for his shift on the afternoon of my birthday, he came bearing a gift of delicious tea cakes and serenaded me with a birthday song to make me feel special. Each evening, he treated us all to music, including his singing and harmonica, making the common area feel festive and inviting. Rachel and Sophie even drew pictures of Conor to post on the community bulletin board before we checked out. If we should ever return to Dublin, I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else!

Best Family-Friendly Activities in Dublin

After settling into our cozy hostel and getting some much needed rest, we were ready to dive into all the history, culture, and flavors of Dublin! There is so much to explore in this vibrant city. Before you get started, do yourself a favor and consider purchasing the Dublin City Pass. This pass gives visitors the opportunity to bundle over 40 tours and admissions for one discounted price, giving you access to many of the best family-friendly activities in Dublin. 

Almost all of the activities below are included! You can purchase a single or multi-day pass that will provide admission to some of Dublin’s most popular sites. It also includes a ticket for the Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour that stops at all the major attractions throughout the city. Passes range in options from 1-5 days and start at just €74 for an adult pass!

• Guinness Storehouse – Guinness is a staple in Dublin having first been produced in the city in 1759! You’ll find it in every pub, and even in some of the dishes served throughout the city. The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most visited locations in Dublin. There are several options for touring this iconic site from a basic self-guided tour to an experience that ends with your selfie on the head of your own pint of Guinness! Yes, kids can come along for the tour—they will just have to choose a kid-friendly beverage when the tour comes to an end and the pints are served. 

Pro Tip: Go early to avoid afternoon crowds. 

• Trinity College & the Book of Kells – Explore Trinity’s Old Library and view the world-famous Book of Kells. Learn about the symbolism and artistry of the 1,200-year-old manuscript and get a close-up look at the current pages on display. The tour even includes an audio guide!

   

This was a tour that we were all really looking forward to but our timing was off. While we could have seen the Book of Kells, the equally famous Long Room was going through a major refurbishment. As a result, nearly all of the books in the Long Room are currently off the shelves. While the books are gone, the Book of Kells is still on display and the library invites visitors to experience Gaia, a spectacular illuminated artwork by Luke Jerram, on display in the Old Library. 

We did very much enjoy walking around the grounds of the college where some of the world’s most famous people, including Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, have attended.

Pro Tip: Check the website before your visit to see whether the renovations have been completed and to learn what other exciting exhibits are planned.

• Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – This 800 year old building is the largest cathedral, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites, in Ireland. It is built on the site of an ancient well that is believed to have been used by the very saint it is named after. Saint Patrick is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. 

Pro Tip: Book an August visit well in advance for a once a year chance to tour the belfry!

• Christ Church Cathedral – Located in the heart of Dublin city center, Christ Church was originally a Viking church and has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years. You can take a self-guided tour or join one of the tour guides on a guided tour.

Pro Tip: Take the guided tour where you can climb the belfry and even ring the famous bells! 

• Temple Bar – Did you know that Temple Bar is both the name of a specific pub AND a district in Dublin? While visiting the Temple Bar district, you can stroll through the lanes behind Fleet Street, called Icon Walk, dedicated to a community–led art project. You can browse vintage shops that have been in business for decades. And, of course, you can have a pint at the famous Temple Bar, where patrons have enjoyed Irish music and a warm welcome for 160 years!

Pro Tip: Wave to your friends back at home on the live webcam outside Temple Bar.

• Jameson Distillery Tour – The factory on Bow Street that was founded by John Jameson in 1780 is now home to one of the most popular distillery tours in the world. Over 240 years later, Jameson still proudly uses the same triple distillation process to make their world-famous Irish whiskey! They use locally grown barley and water from the Dungourney River that flows through the distillery. 

In addition to the tour, adult visitors can take a cocktail-making class or attend a whiskey tasting. While kids under the age of 18 will not be able to taste the whiskey, they are welcome to enjoy the tour. Many visitors have even said their children found it interesting and fun. You know your children best, so use your own judgment.

Pro Tip: Arrive in the early afternoon to beat the crowd.

• Dublin Castle – This castle, which dates back to the early 13th century, has been a Viking settlement, a Norman fortress, a Georgian palace, and a seat of government for the British. It was handed over to the newly independent Irish state in 1922. A guided tour, which lasts 1 hour, includes the State Apartments. There’s also an audio guide available which we highly recommend as a way to keep kids engaged during the tour. 

Pro Tip: Tour the nearby Chester Beatty Museum for free and learn about various world religions.

• Dublinia – For a fun family experience, head over to Dublinia and walk in the footsteps of the Vikings! This unique museum introduces visitors to the history of Dublin through interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and even a Viking warship! In addition to Viking legends and history, visitors can learn about crime and punishment in Medieval Dublin. The museum is open daily and it takes about 90 minutes to work your way through it. 

Pro Tip: Check the website to take advantage of special events and exhibits during your visit.

• Dublin Zoo – The Dublin Zoo has been around since 1831 and initially offered Sunday admission for just a penny. Today, the zoo attracts over 1 million visitors each year and is considered Ireland’s biggest family attraction. The zoo is committed to quite a few conservation projects around the world that benefit species like rhinos, apes, tigers, and more.

Families can observe world-class habitats including the Orangutan Forest, Wolves in the Woods, Sea Lion Cove, African Savanna, and Gorilla Rainforest. The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm and there are seasonal events and workshops throughout the year.

Pro Tip: Book online a few days early for discounted admission!

Where to Eat in Dublin with Kids

There are so many wonderful places to eat in Dublin. You can choose traditional Irish fare like Guinness Stew, Fish ‘N Chips, or Bangers and Mash. Here are some of the places we enjoyed while we were in the city and we would definitely recommend any of them if you find yourself near one. 

• O’Shea’s Traditional Irish Restaurant – We thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Irish foods at O’Shea’s! We arrived for an early dinner, beating the crowds, and were seated immediately at one of the few tables that could fit all 5 of us comfortably. The service was friendly and efficient and 1 look at the menu assured us that our first “official” dinner out in Ireland was off to a great start! (We’re just going to forget about the tiny pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut that we ordered when we were hangry.)

Rachel and Sophie both opted for Fish ‘N Chips, Ellie and I selected Guinness Beef Stew, and Kevin ordered Whisky Sausages, mashed potatoes, and mushy peas. Every single one of us enjoyed our dinner (let’s just say it got pretty quiet as we all dug into our choices). Despite being full, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a couple of desserts. We chose Bailey's Cheesecake and an Apple Crumble to split. Both were quite delicious!

• The Rolling Donut – This chain has several locations throughout the city. We took a short walk from our hostel on the morning of my birthday and ordered a scrumptious assortment of sourdough donuts. They were just as beautiful as they were delicious. We weren’t sure what to expect with a sourdough donut, but we were pleasantly surprised with the texture and the flavor. Their donuts are made from scratch every day and they have a nice selection of vegan options available as well.

• Doheny & Nesbitt’s – This pub, centrally located on the famous Baggot Street, is one of the oldest family owned pubs in Dublin. It is stop 9 on The Original Baggot Mile pub crawl list. Perhaps even W.B. Yeats and Bernard Shaw spent time here. Our night was well-behaved and we felt quite fortunate to land a couple small tables upstairs as the crowds gathered around us to socialize and grab a pint or 2 with friends after a work day.

Here, Kevin, Ellie, and I each ordered a Shepherd’s Pie which was a really generous serving that also included chips, salad, and coleslaw. Rachel ordered the BBQ Chicken Wings Appetizer and Sophie ordered the Chicken Goujons (similar to tenders) and Chips. We were still celebrating my birthday so we made sure that each of us had a fun drink. Kevin got a pint of Guinness (which Ellie and I also tried), Ellie got a half pint of Carlsberg, and I got a cocktail while the girls joined us with a “Cranky Ginger” (a mocktail that our server recommended). 

• Lemon Crepe & Coffee Co. – On our final morning in Dublin, we were short on time. We found ourselves at this cafe that was located just a few blocks from our hostel. It is counter service and there is limited seating both inside and outside so you have to order and hope that you’ll find a place to sit. We were fortunate to find a space where we could all fit and enjoy a quick breakfast. This stop filled the need for providing us with both protein and caffeine to get us on the right start for the travel day ahead of us. 

Dublin Travel Tips with Kids

Traveling with kids in Dublin (or anywhere for that matter) can be challenging. There are more things to be considered when you’re bringing little ones (or even teens) along. From affordability of food and accommodations to finding enjoyable activities and even getting around town, there’s a lot to plan when you travel as a family. Here are some recommendations to help make your trip to Dublin an enjoyable experience for everyone in your family.

• Getting Around: We found Dublin to be a very walkable city! Once we arrived in downtown Dublin, we were able to get everywhere we possibly wanted to go on foot. So, wear comfortable shoes and you should be able to navigate on foot to most locations.

To make the 6 mile trek from the airport, you can take a Taxi or an Uber. We were able to get an Uber for our family of 5 (and all of our luggage) within just a few minutes of clearing immigration in Dublin. Another option to consider is the Leap Card for convenient travel on public transport. There is no online option for the card, but it can be ordered and delivered to your home address before you travel or you can obtain it from an authorized vendor at the Dublin airport. Look for the “Leap Card” logo. 

If you have little ones or prefer to catch a ride from place to place, you can consider one of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours around the city. You can purchase tickets online for a specific number of days. If you purchase the Dublin City Pass, which we mentioned above, this bus is included.

• Look Out for Statues: Sprinkled all throughout Dublin, you’ll find statues and monuments that are dedicated to the city’s famous writers, poets, and performers. As you wander the streets, you might run across Molly Malone, Phil Lynott, or James Joyce. There are even 10 talking statues! These statues with a blue plaque, allow you to scan a QR code and receive a call from the person featured on the statue. George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, and George Salmon will tell you about their lives and nearby attractions. 

If you spend any time in Dublin, you’ll begin to notice the intense sense of humor shared by the locals. They are proud of their history and love a good laugh. So it should come as no surprise that some of the local statues have tongue-in-cheek nicknames that are a little naughty like “the Tart with the Cart” and “the Hags with the Bags!”

• Prepare for the Weather: Dublin weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and an umbrella. We were there in early September and the weather was uncharacteristically gorgeous! We enjoyed fewer crowds, very little rain, and temperatures that allowed us to wear lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants, adding a sweater or light jacket in the evening. Rain is a frequent occurrence, though, so be prepared with an umbrella, raincoat, and some waterproof shoes so a rain shower won’t dampen your plans. 

• Discover Beautiful Parks: Dublin has many parks; they’re great for a picnic or just letting the kids play. When traveling with kids in Dublin, be sure to take advantage of some of the many park options. Here are just a few:

  • Phoenix Park was created in the 17th century to provide a hunting ground for visiting monarchs. Today, it is home to the official residence of the President of Ireland. It contains walled gardens and monuments, including the Wellington Monument.

  • St. Patrick’s Park is located adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the tallest cathedral in Ireland. As a matter of fact, you’ll find some of the best views of the cathedral from the park. So, grab your lunch to-go and lay a blanket down for a lovely picnic with a great view.

  • St. Anne’s Park is the 2nd largest park in Dublin. These 240 acres were  once part of the Guinness Family estates and are now home to animals like hedgehogs, badgers, and rabbits. A stroll through the park will grant you access to a Pompeian Water Temple and a Roman viewing tower.

  • St. Stephen’s Green is one of the most accessible parks in downtown Dublin. You’ll find monuments and busts of historical figures, including Arthur Guinness. 

Honest Review on Dublin with Kids

Honestly, Dublin was on our “bucket list,” but, relative to other places, it was ranked much lower. We didn’t see how traveling with kids in Dublin, a city known for its pub scene, would actually work. We simply selected it because, considering our Delta credits that were soon to expire, it gave us the cheapest option to get all 5 of us from North Carolina to Europe during the time period we were traveling. 

It’s not that we weren’t interested in Ireland, we just assumed that we would land somewhere in the Schengen Zone on mainland Europe. When the lower airfare consistently pointed us to Dublin, we started doing our research and realizing just how much there was to see and do. In addition, it was a great way to start our 12-18 months of international travels because we could get used to being on the road again without having to worry about language barriers.

In the end, our worries about Dublin melted away as we discovered a city rich in culture, warmth, and family-friendly adventures. We fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere and made the most amazing memories. The people were friendly, the food was delicious, and we wished we could’ve stayed even longer! 

If you’ve ever doubted whether Dublin is the right place to kick off your international family travels, let our experience reassure you: it absolutely is! Now, it’s your turn—take the leap and let Dublin’s charm win you over. Ready to pack your bags?

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