In relation to walkways in the locale, all of them are wide (unheard of in Dublin) and newly pedestrianized. The best places to stay in Dublin City Centre are as close to OConnell street as possible. A glacial valley in County Wicklow, Glendalough is renowned for an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. I truly enjoyed reading this post x, Thanks so much, that comment means the world to me . There is a small kiosk for snacks and drinks and a childrens playground for them to enjoy should they get bored of the waterfall or walks along the river. It also happens to be one of the closest neighbourhoods in the city centre to the Guinness Storehouse too. Thanks so much. See more photos Add to shortlist. One of the best weve found, and used, was the Hop On Hop Off Bus in association with the Dublin Pass. The major bonus of The Mespil Hotel is that children under the ageof twelve can stay for free! I figured that any hotel with a resident dog is bound to be receptive to the younger market. Wow! Best of all, the Docklands is within walking distance from Dublin city centre. And if castles are something your family enjoys visiting, check out this post about some of the best castles to visit in Ireland with kids. Check HERE for prices and availability for your dates. No matter how much time you have you wont fit it all in. More recently, the Magazine Fort has been opened to the public as a museum and free tours are available on Sundays. Here you can enjoy the story of modern Ireland through interactive exhibitions, re-enactments and daily walking tours. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo are just 10 minutes away. The first thing you need to decide is how long you are going to spend in the city and which of the main Dublin tourist attractions you want to visit. Overall, a distinctive pull for families to stay at The Mespil Hotel is down to the central location. This is especially true if you are going to choose an AirBnB over a hotel. Home to the Overend family since the late 1800s, it was left in trust to the people of Ireland by the trailblazing sisters, Letitia and Naomi in 1974. For something a little different, wander out into the south-eastern suburbs of Dublin and find yourself in Dalkey. You can fly with the many airlines that fly direct into Dublin Airport. The ticket machines can be hard to locate, permits are expensive, the street signage isnt always clear, and the roads are super narrow with cars flying past. If you are planning on adult-type activites, make sure you have something else fun planned for the kids. This guide offers a full breakdown of all the neighbourhoods and areas in Dublin so you can decide which is best for you. Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Docklands:Jacobs Inn HostelIsaacs HostelPaddys Palace, Budget Hotels in Docklands:Hazelbrook House B&BGate HotelMy Place Dublin Hotel, Mid range Hotels in Docklands:Clayton Hotel Cardiff LaneFerryman HotelIFSC ApartmentsThe Spencer Hotel Dublin, Family Friendly Hotels in Docklands:Hilton Garden Inn Dublin The Samuel HotelThe Mayson DublinBeckett Locke, North Docks, Affordable Luxury Hotels in Docklands:The Marker HotelClontarf Castle Hotel. The Emerald Isle. So, as we did with our guide to the best family hotels in Ireland, we asked our 260,000 strong community on Instagram for their thoughts. I always wanted to visit Dublin and it is good to know that there are so many kid-friendly places here in this city. Some of you may prefer to lodge outside the city centre when it comes to where to stay in Dublin with kids. All rooms have Wi-Fi, mini fridge, Nespresso coffee maker and room service/ The Health Club has a swimming pool with special kids hours. We always love to plan it out so this will be a great resource. In a past life, I was a finance managing guru by day and a travel blogging enthusiast by well day too! If you are taking a rental car and trying to do street parking with kids in Dublin, it will more than likely cause you stress. There are some fun hostels in this neighbourhood and a wide variety of dining options for all budgets. Great post and very informative! On the second floor youll find an art zone, workshop, theatre and construction area, while the third floor houses the roof garden and badgers set. DART (the light rail service) and Luas (tram) tickets can be bought from vending machines at stations and take cash and cards, with change given when using cash. I have been to Dublin alone but never with the kids. O'Neills Dublin 8 rooms from 144. Your email address will not be published. Weve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program. Malahide is lovely as well as suggested and you could also check out Dun Laoghaire . It was occupied by British Forces until 1922 when it was then turned over to the Irish Defence Forces. Today, tech companies and banks have moved in and the area is becoming built up with high-rise modern buildings. If you want you could let the kids have a wander about the area there - it's close to St Stephens green, Grafton Street with all the buskers to listen to. The hotel even has a family mascot to welcome kids on arrival. While technically this top Irish tourist attraction is located within Dublin County, it is not easily accessible from the city centre, being 9 miles or 14km north of the city centre. Rooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with private bathrooms, free WiFI, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities. Yes, unfortunately you need to go prepared for anything, weather-wise! A townhouse dating back to Georgian times, this family hotel in Dublin city centre offers nice family rooms and is famous for its exceptionally helpful staff. That said, youll also find an array of family-friendly establishments for lunch or dinner with traditional folk music performances. That said, it is worth visiting with kids. Mytaxi does work within Dublin for booking and calling a taxi up to 4 days in advance. Right beside Temple Bar, but on the quays (so, more quiet at night). Dublin is divided in two by the river into the northside and southside. I imagine it will take some good planning like you did to see and do everything on your list. Other seasonal family-friendly deals include extras such as the Dublin Pass sightseeing card with free entry to over 30 attractions. If youre wondering where is the best part of Dublin for nightlife and live music, Temple Bar is without question where you should stay. The 10 best cheap hotels in Dublin, Ireland The farm is huge with different areas dedicated to different animals and aspects of farming. Dublin, and Ireland for that matter, are very child-friendly and no matter where you go, you will be welcomed. To ensure you get to enjoy many of the top activities in Dublin and some of the best things to do in Dublin with kids, ensure you do some planning before you arrive. This means that if you click on a link and then make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Good memories. Its relatively quiet and clean, with its modern, glassy skyscrapers overlooking a few parts of the Dublin Docklands. Have a rough idea of what you want to cover while you are there. Where to stay in Dublin (Best Areas + Map for 2023) - The Irish Road Trip As a parent and regular to the hotel, I would recommend Camden Court mainly because of the staff. If you are looking to rent a car during your visit to Dublin, we recommend Rentalcars.com. With older kids, you have more options of what you can cover if you have just 2 or 3 days in Dublin. Typically, the hotel attracts business tycoons, luxury shoppers, and socialites, but its also surprisingly child friendly. 18 Things to do in Killarney That People Actually Do! Check availability and prices for the Clayton hotel here. With the combination of my financial knowledge and travelling experiences I aim to show you, with a little planning, the right budget and a realistic goal you can fulfil your travel fantasies and explore the world whatever your budget or desires may be! A great option for getting around the city with kids. Imaginosity is open 7 days a week and operates a timed-ticketing entrance. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Entry to Kilmainham Gaol is via guided tours only which are operated on a timed-ticket basis and prebooking is essential. Best Places to Stay in Dublin: Three Seaside Villages Worth Exploring: If you'd rather get out of the city, Dublin has some lovely seaside villages less than an hour from the city centre. For ticket prices, opening hours and more information, visit the Airfield Estate website. While this is different from other childrens museums we have visited, it ensures every child will find something to capture their attention and imagination. There are daily activities to delight visitors including egg collecting and calf feeding. However, it is one of Dublins hippest neighbourhoods with tons of exceptional fine-dining options, cafes, and pubs. Lyft does not currently operate within the city either. You can also choose to take your own car and reach Ireland via ferry. Reason why? I appreciate all the transportation help and hotel recommendations. It is now part of the Church of Ireland (Anglican) religion. Good, waterproof adult walking shoes and similar waterproof kids walking boots are advisable. Check availability and prices for the Merrion hotel here. If you are travelling with young kids, ensure you mix up sightseeing activities with fun things for the kids. Something deep inside me feels its important and vital I introduce him to his heritage and what better way than regularly visiting Dublin with him. On the first floor you can see specimens from around the world including Asian Elephants, cheetah (my personal favourite) and many more. These include zoos, aquariums and childrens museums. I agree when traveling with kids its much more convenient to stay close to the city rather than far away! The museum was closed until restoration and repair work was completed on the ground and first floors, after which the museum reopened in 2010. At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas including the city highlights. The hotel is nestled away on a quiet street off a famous shopping boulevard called Grafton Street. Dublin Cheap Hotels Dublin - 165 cheap hotels found See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. Im very proud of my hometown and plan many more visits to see all it has to offer families. Good tips! Many of these old-world buildings contain raucous pubs and clubs full of tourists in the city for a long weekend and locals alike. Located in the Dublin Docklands, it is a modern museum that also tells the tale of the 10 million people who left Ireland and how theyve influenced and shaped the world. An absolutely fabulous choice for families. Finding out where not to stay in Dublin is a tricky one. Prebooking is essential as visitors are limited, as mentioned, for what is one of the most interesting things to do outside Dublin. What a thorough guide! The area is served by regular bus routes. A more piously-named neighbour to the Temple Bar district is Christchurch, where youll find its eponymous cathedral. Standard rooms are a decent size while the suites are extremely spacious with fun design touches. Go prepared for all weathers. #fearlessfamtrav, very extensive guide! As mentioned in a previous section, the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable. To the northern end of the park lies a large lake which is home to many ducks and water fowl. In all honesty, Dublin is a city that can be enjoyed no matter what time of the year. From exploring castles and cathedrals to strolling through lush parks and gardens, theres something for everyone in this charming city. St Stephens Green has many large grassy areas for kids to enjoy themselves and quite a large playground which was refurbished in 2010. Its known as one of the hipster parts of town with lots of vintage shops, independent cafes and bookshops as well as pubs and restaurants that are Dublin institutions and have been around for decades. Book one of the family rooms and youll get Dublin bus tour tickets thrown in! If travelling by car, check there is on-site, free parking. . The 10 best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland In relation to walkways in the locale, all of them are wide (unheard of in Dublin) and newly pedestrianized. Local exploring - Located in the heart of Dublin, this is a great base for exploring the city's historic sights. You can even request a childs tepee for your stay. family friendly hotels in Dublin. Wow what an incredibly detailed post, which will no doubt be so helpful to anyone planning a trip to Dublin. It was the seat of the British governments administration in Ireland until it was handed over to the newly formed government, led by the famous Michael Collins in 1922. Stoneybatter is further west of Portobello along the Grand Canal next to St Jamess Park, so this area is a bit further out of the city centre. The fusion you never knew you needed. Our Partnership with Booking.com. This means you can get around Dublins inner city with kids and strollers, easily, in 15 minutes or less. In relation to how it would appeal to parents, there is no sacrificing of style for family-functionality. When we visit new cities with our son, we always seek out kid-friendly activities. Its one of the many castles in Ireland on our to-do list and makes for great family days out near Dublin. Its wonderfully situated close to Dublins extensive Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo where you can visit at feeding time to see some of the 400 animals at their best. A former prison, it is now a museum and is an extremely important historical site in Ireland. How you reach Dublin is very much dependant on where you are travelling from. Although we are yet to visit, I have heard nothing but great things about this place, with people saying it is one of the best family things to do in Dublin. It is primarily used for the Gaelic football and hurling finals which draw huge crowds to the city. There is temporary accommodation for them while their owners visit the zoo. We are eager to bring our son to this historical site. The 134 rooms are pleasant and modern with great golf course views. I hope you enjoyed this selection of family hotels in Dublin and it helped you decide where to stay in Dublin with kids on your next visit. This is the best area to stay in Dublin with kids if you want access to green spaces and local shops. | Stylish Self-Catering Hotel | Contemporary | Temple Bar | Oven & Kitchen. Thanks for such a comprehensive guide. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can visit the large Megalithic passage graves of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth as well as some 90 additional monuments. WHERE TO STAY in DUBLIN - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave I even have wellies and a rain suit at the ready for our son for our visit. Truly, traveling with kids is a real struggle, but can be really fulfilling, especially if you have planned the trip well. Hi, Im Sam. Handpicked selection of the best family hotels in Dublin for location, comfort, style and family friendliness chosen by an expat mom who made Dublin her home. Youll also find the Irish Jewish Museum here and Whelans live music venue is just on the outskirts. THE 10 BEST Hotels in Dublin for 2023 (from $96) For money off your first AirBnB booking, click this link. This is slightly detached form the centre and requires public transport to go to Dublins main landmarks but has some attractive features including proximity to the sea, lovely local feel and something many would consider a huge plus: a castle hotel! Camden Court is a solid choice for families with small kids. Theres one reason why I thought to include The Mont Hotel, and thats because it is named after a French bulldog who actually lives in the hotel. Merrion Square Park, Fitzwilliam Square and St Stephens Green are all charming green spaces and theyre lined with famous 18th-century townhouses. Passports and Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Trust me, this becomes a saving grace when your three year old has a meltdown in the lounge. With that being said, lets jump straight to our recommendations. The Luas tram system is also an excellent option for getting around the city quickly. What a lovely guide for visiting Dublin. You always have great guides for traveling with kids. These are popular and beautiful neighborhoods for tourists that offer a wide variety of . So, where is the best part of Dublin to stay? Although the area of Dublin Bay has been inhabited since prehistoric times, Dublin celebrated its millennium year in 1988, a thousand years after it was settled by the Vikings. For days out, ride the DART train (2 minutes from the hotel) into Dublin and explore the parks, museums and zoo. While these are just some more of the additional childrens activities in Dublin to enjoy during your visit, some might not be suitable for younger kids like Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse and Glasnevin Cemetery. Would love to bring the kids sometime. Portobello - where to stay in Dublin for families 4. Each room has a TV Portobello Hotel However, if you are looking for family-friendly hotels, Dublin has plenty to offer budgets of all ranges. Family packages include a family bedroom for 4 with full Irish breakfast, evening meal and a family pass to Dublin Zoo. He loved spotting animals he has watched on TV and seen in zoos alongside more interesting specimens. Having had several uncles serve in the British Royal Navy in the 1950s and 1960s, I have a love of old, military ships and this extends to other historical ships. The hotel staff is attentive to family needs and has a list of recommended family activities in Dublin to help you make the most of your family time in the city. It is amazing how travel changes as we get older.Thank you for this fantastic guide. The price is the same for you and we get a small commission that helps support our helpful blog content. This includes the hotels 18 meter swimming pool, which is complete with an onsite lifeguard. Explore the docklands by the Samuel Beckett Bridge and check out the large Luke Kelly Head Statue that pays tribute to its namesake Irish folk singer. on the go. Ive been lucky enough to attend school sports events at Croke Park and also two music concerts and its an amazing stadium, definitely worth a visit if you have some sporting fans on your hands. Guided tours of the stud are available. If you are staying in the very centre of Dublin, then getting around with kids is relatively easy. The clientele who stay in this hotel are easy going as well, which makes for a welcoming and casual environment. The 10 BEST family hotels in DUBLIN, Ireland When they occupy the fields near the Papal cross, they are easier to spot. Something like this one can get the kids interested and you can fill it in during lunch breaks or at the end of the day. Learn how your comment data is processed. The IFSC is the financial centre area of Dublin and it may look like an unusual recommendation for families. This area is still part of the city centre but has a different feel from Merrion square and therefore I believe deserves its own paragraph. Rooms include a king-size bed plus sofa bed or queen and two single beds. Need help planning your trip from start to finish? The best areas to stay in Dublin for first-timers are O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, Trinity and Grafton Street, Portobello, Phibsborough, The Docklands, Smithfield, Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square. Despite being in the city centre it can be quite a tranquil place among the hustle and bustle of a city centre and is a major draw for tourists in Dublin, mainly thanks to the fact it houses one of the most famous books in the world, the Book of Kells. This will also have an impact on where you decide to stay in the city. There are plenty of things to do in this gorgeous neighbourhood that you will never get bored of it. The hotel strikes a good balance between convenient location and quiet rooms and it is just in front of one of the most popular kids attractions in Dublin, Dublinia! Your full Irish breakfasts are the same as our full Scottish breakfasts apart from the white puddings. This is a good area to stay in Dublin with kids for quality of hotels. Last but not least, unlike other localities even in Ireland, Dublin hasnt got many hotels presenting themselves as family hotels and this means you need to spend a good bit of time to research weather the establishment you like is suitable for a family or not. Now, Ill be honest and say I hadnt known that there was a Dublin Childrens Museum until I returned to Ireland over Easter in 2018 and was on the hunt for kids activities in Dublin. For latest prices and availability, and to secure your slot and book your tickets, click HERE. In this section Im going to share with you what I think are the top 10 things to do in Dublin with kids, to give a starting point for planning your trip to Dublin. Parents with young children will also be relieved to know there are spacious walk-in showers with non-slip coating. Childrens menus are available and breakfast is included in the room price. The sandy beach is right on the doorstep and Killiney Hill Park has a playground and plenty of paths to explore. The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club is a comfortable, spacious property with a resort feel, outside of the center of Dublin. Originally dating from the 12th century, this castle featured in the film Braveheart. Make sure you get some memorable photos from your trip. The second section of the guide focuses on the more luxurious family friendly hotels in Dublin many of which are a stones throw from the best things to do in Dublin with kids. I remember visiting it as a child and enjoying it, but its gotten better with expansion and the introduction of the African Plains area. They are easier to coax into walking, getting on buses or trams and will generally be more interested in some of the attractions in Dublin geared towards adults than younger kids. "}}]}, 8 Of The Swankiest 5 Star Hotels In Belfast For A Luxury Night Away, 12 Best Vegan Restaurants In Belfast (+ Spots That Do Top Vegan Food). Family hotels Dublin: Where have we missed? With a capacity of over 82,000 it is the third largest sporting stadium in Europe, having been rebuilt in 2004. Id argue that the Castleknock Hotel is the best of the family hotels Dublin has to offer for a 2-night stay, as youve the Zoo and heaps of other attractions on your doorstep. I know they would love Dublin, so thanks for this helpful advice! Thanks for sharing! That said, it is not unheard of for Dublin to have hotter summer days, just dont expect them to be Mediterranean all the time, even in July and August. I dont have kids but there are some great tips in here for the child-free too! Check the Imaginosity website for details on prices and opening hours. It covers the best areas to stay in Dublin if youre on a budget and the best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland if youre travelling with your family. This one is small enough to fit into your day backpack and wont weigh you down. You should allow several hours for your trip to take into account transport to and from Dublin city centre if that is where you are staying. For ideas on what to put on your Ireland bucket list, check out this post which my fellow bloggers helped put together. Thanks so much Elizabeth, love yours too. You have both at this aparthotel. The rooms have a double bed and single-size sofa beds. So, be realistic and have realistic expectations. Molly Malone is a famous lady around Dublin and her statue used to be found at the end of the pedestrianised part of Grafton Street until she was moved to Suffolk Street. Nearby Phoenix Park has several Dublin attractions, including The Dublin Zoo, Viking Cemetery, Ashtown Castle and the American Ambassadors residence. And if youre visiting Dublin with a baby and are eating in a pub, ask for a baby bowl. When people ask me how many days in Dublin with kids is enough, I tell them it very much depends on what you want to see, what you want to do and whether they already have an idea of the places to visit in Dublin with kids they want to cover. After a pancake breakfast or other choices from the special childrens menu, head out for the day to Fort Lucan Adventureland. Find the latest prices and availability, and pre-book your Jeanie Johnston tickets HERE. So, where is the best part of Dublin to stay? It looks fab! Where to Stay in New York City with Family: Best Areas for Families Pro Tip:Its easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. If looking at the northside, and travelling to Dublin with kids, I would personally avoid accommodation close to the North Circular Road, Gardiner Street and Amiens Street, above Connolly Station. Please note: this post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Trinity:Ashfield HostelAbigails Hostel, Budget Hotels in Trinity:ONeills Victorian Pub & TownhouseTravelodge Dublin City CentreStaycity AparthotelsDublin Citi Hotel, Mid range Hotels in Trinity:Trinity Townhouse HotelKildare Street Hotel by theKeyCollectionWren Urban NestTrinity City Hotel, Family Friendly Hotels in Trinity:The Davenport HotelTemple Bar HotelThe Merrion HotelFitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, Affordable Luxury Hotels in Trinity:The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance HotelConrad DublinDylan Hotel DublinInterContinental Dublin. This nicely furnished four star guest house in pretty Ballsbridge has a relaxed ambience and goes the extra mile to welcome families. The thought of potentially annoying other guests is my #1 stress trigger when traveling with kids, so theres no fear of that at Camden Court. Just pack some earplugs as Dublins nightlife is thriving seven days a week! There are a dozen Staycity Aparthotels around Dublin, but I suggest the Dublin Castle location as a top family-approved venue. And lastly, for your days out and about in Dublin with the kids, a small first-aid kit would be advisable. One of the finest castle hotels in Dublin, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel has gorgeous family rooms to pamper parents as well as catering for kids needs. Opened in the first half of the 1800s, Dublin Zoo has undergone a huge transformation within my own lifetime. Top 10 Free Things to Do Nighttime Travel back through 1500 years and discover Irish influence in the world of art, literature, music, dance and design. Ballsbridge is a secure and affluent district in south-eastern Dublin with that very goal in mind. These family day trips from Dublin will require a car or for you to book a guided tour. At the same time though, it doesnt mean you have to become a martyr for parenthood while abroad. Families - With family rooms available, and children's meals on offer in the restaurant, this is a good option for families. Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, lush parks, and excellent dining options. And as you said the weather should not but anybody off during something. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Again to the South of the centre, this area makes my list for its family friendly, residential feel and abundance of green spaces. Heading to the Irish capital with the whole family? There is so much choice of things to do in and around Dublin, that planning your itinerary can leave you feeling exhausted. Click the banner below to check out the Lonely Planet Store. To boot, The Grafton Hotel is located in a very safe part of town off St. Stephens Green (Irelands version of NYCs Central Park). To illustrate, these rooms equip two adults and two children with a king-sized bed, one single bed, and a pull-out sofa bed. The mission of the farm today is to help people make better food choices through informative events and educational programmes. 17 Things to do in Galway That people Actually Do! Thanks, Im glad you enjoyed it. It was built beside the dark pool, or Dubh Linn, after which the city of Dublin gets its name. Though, you must call directly to organizations that offer. While it is not the cheapest camera on the market it is a good alternative to a DSLR as it has many of the same functions as my beloved Canon 5D Mark ii, but doesnt weigh as much or take up as much hand luggage space. Enjoy a day at nearby Sandymount Beach with sandcastles, ice creams or tackle the Poolbeg Lighthouse walk. Check availability and prices for the Fitzwilliam Townhouse here. Take a guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery. I hope youve found this complete guide to visiting Dublin with kids helpful and informative. There is a wealth of fun family things to do in Dublin and you really need to make a list of what you really want to see, plot them on a map and decide your best route to cover the fun things to do in Dublin, Ireland during your time there. With a population of only 80,000,, View Post 17 Things to do in Galway That people Actually Do!Continue.