Planning a family trip to Dublin? We spent a few days exploring this beautiful city with our toddler, and I’ve put together a 3-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with kid-friendly fun.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Dublin with little ones, plus some helpful travel hacks to make things easier!
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Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Dublin
Morning:
- Dublin Castle – Start your trip with one of Dublin’s most historic landmarks. While it may not be the most exciting place for toddlers, bringing a favorite stuffie or toy can make it more fun. Tip: Book your tickets online to save money and avoid long lines. If your toddler gets restless inside, take breaks in the outdoor courtyards.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Just a short walk from Dublin Castle, this iconic cathedral is a must-visit. Kids might not find it thrilling, but it’s a great way to introduce them to history and architecture in small doses. Hack: Look for the small park nearby, which is a great place to let little ones run around before heading to the next stop.
Lunch:
- Zaytoun – A great spot for Mediterranean food with a cozy atmosphere. Hack: Call ahead to see if they have high chairs available, and bring some simple toddler snacks to keep your little one happy while waiting for food.
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Afternoon:
- St. Stephen’s Green & Playground – Let the kids burn off energy at this fantastic playground in the heart of the city. Walking around the park is a great way to relax before the next adventure. Hack: Bring a lightweight travel blanket so you can have an impromptu picnic while your toddler plays.
- Temple Bar Area (Kid-Friendly Options) – While known for its nightlife, Temple Bar also has plenty of family-friendly activities. Walk along the cobbled streets, check out The Ark (a cultural center for children with interactive exhibits and performances), and stop by Gutter Bookshop for a cozy book-browsing experience. Hack: Visit in the late afternoon when it’s quieter, as evenings can be lively and less kid-friendly.
Evening:
- Dinner at Trocadero – A family-friendly restaurant with a warm atmosphere and delicious food. Tip: Try dining a little earlier (around 5:30 or 6 PM) to avoid the dinner rush, which makes for a calmer dining experience with kids.
- Early bedtime at Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center – A well-located hotel that makes getting around Dublin easy. We loved staying at this hotel, it was clean and had a really wonderful breakfast buffet included in the cost of the hotel room too! Having breakfast at the hotel helps avoid dealing with a hangry toddler.
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Day 2: Culture & Play
Morning:
- Trinity College & The Book of Kells – While the library itself may not be toddler-friendly, the open space outside Trinity College is a great place for kids to run around. Parents can take turns checking out the famous library. Hack: If you’re traveling with a partner, one can explore while the other lets the toddler roam outside. This is what we often opt to do so we can really enjoy the experience, if the place is not toddler-friendly.
Lunch:
- Gallagher’s Boxty House – A great spot to try traditional Irish food with kid-friendly options. We rarely get anything from the kids menu and always eat family style!
Afternoon:
- Imaginosity Dublin Children’s Museum – A fantastic hands-on experience designed for kids, with interactive exhibits and creative play spaces. Perfect for a fun, educational afternoon! Hack: Buy tickets in advance and aim for a mid-afternoon visit when kids might need a more active experience after a calmer morning.
Evening:
- Casual Dinner at The Woollen Mills – A great spot with a mix of Irish and international dishes.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher
All Day:
- Paddywagon 12-Hour Bus Tour – This might sound intense with a toddler, but with plenty of stops and beautiful sights along the way, it’s actually very manageable. The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see, and this tour gives you the opportunity to explore more of Ireland beyond Dublin.
Survival Hack: Pack lots of snacks, a small activity kit (stickers, water coloring books, etc.), and dress in layers since the weather can change quickly. Bring screens as a back-up in case you need it. We only ended up using it for less than 5 minutes and my toddler fell asleep as soon as I put on the show 7 hours into our trip.
Dinner Back in Dublin:
- Casual Takeaway or Room Service – After a long day, keeping dinner simple is the best option! Hack: Pick up some fresh fruit, yogurt, and simple meals from a nearby grocery store so you don’t have to rely on eating out every night. Our hotel room had a fridge too so it made it easy to save some $$ by resorting to these options for snacks or quick bites.
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Final Tip: Getting from the Airport
If you’re flying into Dublin, I highly recommend taking the Dublin Express from the airport. Since we didn’t bring a car seat, this was the best option for us, and it made airport transportation stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Dublin is an amazing city to visit with kids! By balancing sightseeing with playtime, choosing a centrally located hotel, and planning some downtime, you can have a stress-free and fun trip.
Final Hack: Always have a lightweight, foldable stroller for longer walks and a small backpack with essentials like wipes, a change of clothes, and easy snacks.
Have you traveled to Dublin with kids? Let me know in the comments!
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