Family Activities

Dublin Zoo, in The Phoenix Park, is a real family favourite. Set on 28 hectares, it is Ireland’s biggest family attraction, attracting over 1 million visitors a year. It is not only a great day out for all, but also a journey of learning and discovery about the world’s precious wildlife.

One of the world’s oldest zoos, it is home to some 400 animals in a safe environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience! Open year round. See www.dublinzoo.ie

Airfield Estate is a 38 acre working farm, gardens, café and heritage experience offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about Irish food, farming and nature in a natural and relaxed environment. It is situated in Dundrum, Co. Dublin – a 20 minute drive from Killiney. Open year round. See www.airfield.ie

Nearby Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is well worth a visit and a great family experience. There are guided tours throughout the day and the visitor experience includes and interactive live theatre performance with costumed actors. Actors will take you back in time to Tudor days with Barber Surgery, Archery and Cooking. Climb to the battlements for magnificent views of sea and mountains. You can also spend time browsing the interactive screens in the new state of the art Heritage Centre or you can explore the Writers’ Gallery where over forty writers and creative artists from Joyce and Beckett to Bono and Binchy hold sway. Open year round (except Tuesdays). Visit www.dalkeycastle.com

Walk to Killiney Hill, near our Holiday Homes, where the native red squirrel has been re-introduced to its natural habitat. Children will love the play area with its swings. The park is crossed by various walking tracks and, with its spectacular views in all directions, is a popular destination for walkers and hikers from the surrounding areas. Stroll along the nature trails to the top of the hill where you will find the Obelisk and see ‘The Witch’s Hat’.

Viking Splash Tours is a truly unique experience – showing you the sights of Dublin on both land and water in a World War II amphibious vehicle. Tours are exciting and engaging as Viking driver-guides humorously deliver an informative, entertaining and engaging commentary which is sure to have everyone captivated.

Learn about Viking, Medieval and Georgian Dublin and enjoy spectacular views of the Mansion House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to name but a few – all while practising the now legendary Viking Roar on unsuspecting ‘Celts’ as you hurtle through the street!  Operates February to Mid-December. Visit www.vikingsplash.com

Dublinia is an exciting heritage attraction in what was the heart of medieval Dublin. There are three themed exhibitions to enable you experience Dublin city as it was in times past – ‘Viking Dublin’, ‘Medieval Dublin’ and ‘History Hunters’.

Go back to Viking times in Dublin. See what life was like on-board a Viking Warship. Learn of their long and challenging voyages, their weaponry and the skills of being a Viking warrior. Try on Viking clothes, become a slave (watch those heavy chains) and stroll down a noisy street. Visit a smoky and cramped Viking house, learn the Viking runic alphabet and hear their poetry and sagas. Enjoy the myths and learn of the mysteries surrounding the Vikings and their legacy. Open year round. See www.Dublinia.ie

Dublin has two major sports stadiums that are well work a visit and both offer tours.

Croke Park is an iconic stadium, steeped in history, and has been at the heart of Irish sporting and cultural life for over 100 years. It is also one of Europe’s largest and finest stadiums with a capacity for 82,000 spectators. Take a trip there and enjoy an unrivalled state-of-the-art interactive visitor experience and find out more about Ireland’s unique national games and the fastest field game in the world – hurling and Gaelic football. Visit the home dressing room, players’ tunnel, dugouts, and go up to the top for a bird’s eye view of Dublin. Open year round. Visit www.crokepark.ie

Experience the culmination of 150 years of Irish and world sporting heritage at the Aviva Stadium – the birthplace of Irish rugby. The Stadium wows all visitors with its stunning architecture and advanced engineering. The Aviva Stadium Tour moves and resonates with every visitor of any age and interests. Get inspired to find your own greatness by getting closer to your heroes’ actual blood, sweat and tears. Open year round. Visit www.AvivaStadium.ie