'Dublin is a city with many sights for both the young and the young-at heart,' says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert at Cheapflights.co.uk. Indeed, the friendly atmosphere, wide variety of kids' activities and stunning scenery make Dublin the perfect getaway for families.
Flights to Dublin from the UK start at just £53 per person and Nadine recommends a tour of the city to kick off your holiday: 'A fun tour will give families the lay of the land and you can take in the sights without having to cover much ground, which can be difficult for little legs,' she says.
- Viking Splash Tour<p> For a twist on the usual city exploration, a <a href="http://www.vikingsplash.ie/">Viking Splash Tour</a> is a great way to see the sights of Dublin- on land and water. Travelling on board an amphibious World War II vehicle, the ‘Viking tour guides’ will tell you all about sights including St Patricks and Christchurch cathedrals, Trinity College, the Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. At the climax of the tour, the vehicle splashes into the water at the newly-developed Grand Canal Docklands, home of U2’s recording studio.</p> <p> Departs daily<br /> Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) €60</p> <div firebugversion="1.5.4" id="_firebugConsole" style="display: none;"> </div>
- National Museum of Ireland – Natural History<p> Admission is freeto all National Museum of Ireland sites – and kids will love the <a href="http://www.museum.ie/en/intro/natural-history.aspx">NaturalHistoryMuseum</a> in Merrion Streetwith its collection of over two million scientific specimens. Famous for its Victorian exhibition style, this zoological museum showcases examples of wildlife from Irelandand across the globe, including contemporary species as well as long-extinct ones.</p> <p> Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm, closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday.<br /> Admission is free</p> <div firebugversion="1.5.4" id="_firebugConsole" style="display: none;"> </div>
- Jurys Inn<p> For great-value accommodation and a family-friendly vibe, you can choose from three <a href="http://dublinhotels.jurysinns.com/">Jurys Inn hotels</a> in Dublin. Each hotel has a menu for kids aged 12 and under and cots are available on request, free of charge. At the Christchurch hotel there are 182 newly-refurbished, spacious bedrooms which each accommodate two adults and two children and include a multi-channel flat-screen TV.<br /> Rates from €59 per night.</p> <div firebugversion="1.5.4" id="_firebugConsole" style="display: none;"> </div>
- Dublinia<p> More fun and interactive than a regular museum, <a href="http://www.dublinia.ie/">Dublinia</a> includes three main exhibitions – Viking, Medieval and History Hunters. Located in the city centre, it allows visiting families to learn about Dublinfrom a unique perspective, finding out about the citizens of the city throughout the ages and sharing in their experiences.</p> <p> </p> <p> Open daily 10am to 5pm (April to September) and10am to 4.30pm (October to March).</p> <p> Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 2 Children) €20</p>
- Leprechaun Museum<p> The <a href="http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/">National Leprechaun Museum</a> takes youdeep into Celtic culture, discovering the truth behind tales of leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold. Dedicated to the world of Irish myth, it’s a fairytale attraction, allowing visitors to experience what it’s like beneath the rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, and to live in a leprechaun-sized world. Some of the stories have a ‘twist in the tale’, so this attraction is better-suited to older children - teens can even have a Facebook profile picture taken in the Giant's Chair.</p> <p> </p> <p> Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6.30pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 10.30am to 6.30pm.</p> <p> Family ticket (2 adults and up to 2 children) €27</p>
- Dublin Zoo<p> It’s perhaps an obvious choice for families, but <a href="http://www.dublinzoo.ie/inside.asp?sectionId=1">Dublin Zoo</a> is hugely impressive. Close to the city in the vast Phoenix Park, the 60 acre zoo will take you and the kids on a journey from the fringes of the Arcticto the Plains of Africa - via the Indian Rainforest. Recognised as one of the most modern zoos in Europeyou’ll see elephants, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, hippos and giraffes. Children love Pets Corner, the Meerkat restaurant, City Farm and the Nakuru safari ride.</p> <p> </p> <p> Open daily apart from Christmas Day and St. Stephens Day (check website for seasonal opening hours)</p> <p> Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 2 Children) €43.50</p>
- Dublin Docklands<p> <a href="http://www.ddda.ie/">Dublin Docklands</a> is becoming a must-see destination with its mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, art galleries and boat trips including the Sea Safari, a fun-filled sea tour of the DublinBayarea for children aged eight and over. A short stroll from the city centre, there are festivals throughout the year and you can ride the 60m Dublin Wheel there too.</p> <p> </p> <p> Check website for details of upcoming events and prices for river tours, observation wheel and admission to the art galleries.</p>
- Imaginosity<p> <a href="http://www.imaginosity.ie/imaginosity/index.php">Imaginosity</a> is a child-centred creative space for children up to nine years of age and their families. The exhibits are educationally-designed to inspire life-long learning through play – kids can become mechanics in The Garage, examine an x-ray in Dr Apple-a-Day’s surgery and cook up a storm at the Dublin Diner. They can also sing, dance and dress-up in The Theatre and present the News at the TV Station.</p> <p> </p> <p> Open Monday 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm and Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30am to 5.30pm</p> <p> Adults and children (3 years and over) €8.50, toddlers (1 to 2 years) €7.50 and babies (6-12 months), €2</p>
- Clarence Hotel<p> Families are welcome at <a href="http://www.theclarence.ie/">The Clarence</a>, a boutique hotel on the river Liffey. It offers family rooms or children under-16 sharing with their parents can have a complimentary extra bed in the room. Kids can also sample non-alcoholic 'Clarence Kids Cocktails', kids VIP gifts and there is ‘milk and cookies’ at bedtime for children aged three to 12. Ownedby Bono and The Edge, staying here is a surefire way to impress teenagers too.</p> <p> </p> <p> Rates from €109 per night.</p>
- The Ark<p> <a href="http://www.ark.ie/">The Ark</a> promotes and hosts exhibits and performances by children, for children - and about children. In collaboration with Irish and international artists The Ark develops original, inspirational and playful programmes for children aged three to 14, presenting cutting-edge theatre, visual arts and music for schools and family audiences.</p> <p> </p> <p> Check website for programme of events and ticket prices</p>
