🌍EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Science Gallery Dublin is an interactive space where science and art collide, offering ever-changing exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Kids can touch, play, and explore hands-on installations that spark curiosity about topics like genetics, robotics, and climate change. The gallery is known for its vibrant, youth-focused approach, with many exhibits created in collaboration with researchers and artists. Recommended for ages 10 and up, but younger children can enjoy many of the interactive elements with guidance. The venue is free, indoor, and ideal for a rainy day. Facilities include a café and shop. Check the website for current exhibitions and family-oriented events like workshops and talks.

EPIC is an award-winning interactive museum that tells the story of Irish emigration and the global Irish diaspora. Located in Dublin's Docklands, it features 20 high-tech galleries with hands-on activities, touch screens, and immersive exhibits. Families can explore the stories of famous emigrants, trace their own Irish ancestry, and enjoy a digital passport activity that kids love. The museum is suitable for children aged 6 and up, but younger kids can also enjoy the interactive elements. - Highlights: The digital passport trail, the 'Leaving Ireland' gallery, and the 'Famous Irish' wall. - Facilities: Baby changing, buggy-friendly (lift access), and a café on site. - Practical tips: Allow 1.5-2 hours; book online to avoid queues; the gift shop has unique Irish gifts.

A scenic riverside park stretching along the River Liffey in Chapelizod, Dublin. Provides a peaceful natural escape with walking and cycling paths, picnic spots, and abundant birdlife. - Highlights: River views, wildflower meadows, playground (small, suitable for toddlers), and a community orchard. - Facilities: Benches, bins, informal paths, limited parking nearby. - Practical tips: Best for families with young children (ages 2-7). Not fully paved, so strollers may struggle on some sections. Combine with a visit to nearby Phoenix Park or Chapelizod village.

An exciting amphibious boat tour of Dublin's top landmarks in a converted World War II vehicle. The tour includes a land portion cruising through city streets and a water portion on the River Liffey. Kids love the 'Viking helmet' and the interactive 'viking roar' from the guide. - Highlights: Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Temple Bar, and a splash into the river. - Ages: Suitable for all ages, but especially fun for 4-12 years. No minimum age, but very young children might need ear protection due to loud roars. - Facilities: No onboard toilets, but stops available. Seats are comfortable. Dress warmly as open-topped on water. - Practical tips: Book in advance, especially in summer. The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes. No food or drink on board, but you can bring a camera.

The Little Museum of Dublin is a charming museum dedicated to telling the story of Dublin and its people through a collection of donated artifacts. Families can enjoy a guided tour that lasts about 30 minutes, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the exhibits to life. The museum is housed in a Georgian townhouse on St Stephen's Green. Highlights for kids include the 'U2 room' featuring memorabilia from the band's early days, a 'Staircase of Famous Irish Writers', and a variety of quirky objects from everyday Dublin life. The museum offers a 'Family Trail' activity sheet to keep young visitors engaged. Children under 12 can enter for free. - Guided tours run every 30 minutes; best to book online in advance. - Baby-changing facilities available. - Wheelchair accessible on ground floor only. - No café, but many family-friendly options nearby. - Small souvenir shop with Dublin-themed gifts.

Viking Splash Tours is a unique amphibious tour that takes you through the streets of Dublin and then splashes into the Grand Canal Dock. The tour uses a World War II-style amphibious vehicle, and passengers are encouraged to wear Viking helmets and join in with 'Viking roars'. - Highlights include seeing Dublin's main landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and then the thrilling splash into the water. - Ideal for kids aged 4 and up who enjoy interactive and fun commentary. Younger children may need ear protection due to loud roars. - The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes. It operates in all weather, but it's open-air, so dress appropriately. - Facilities: There is a gift shop, but no dedicated play area. Toilets are available before departure. Not wheelchair accessible.

The Dublin Writers Museum celebrates Ireland's rich literary heritage, featuring exhibits on famous authors like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. It's housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse on Parnell Square. While the museum is not heavily interactive, it offers a unique cultural experience for families with older children who enjoy reading or history. - Highlights: Original manuscripts, first editions, portraits, and personal memorabilia of legendary Irish writers. Special exhibits on Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. - Ages: Best suited for children aged 8+, though younger kids may enjoy the ornate rooms and the 'Garden of Remembrance' nearby. - Facilities: Small gift shop, no café, but close to restaurants. The museum is mostly self-guided with some audio guides available. - Practical tips: Allow 1–2 hours. Combine with a stroll through Parnell Square or visit the nearby Hugh Lane Gallery. Check for family tickets to save on admission.

The National Gallery of Ireland is a free art museum in Dublin, featuring an extensive collection of Irish and European art from the Middle Ages to the present. Families will appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, with activities such as 'Art Start' trails for children aged 3–12, art workshops on weekends, and a dedicated family room. - Highlights: Caravaggio's 'The Taking of Christ', Vermeer's 'Woman Writing a Letter', works by Jack B. Yeats, and the Yeats Archive. - Facilities: baby-changing rooms, pushchair access, free lockers, café, and shop. - Practical tips: drop-in art activities most Saturdays; no booking required for general admission; audio guides available for a small fee. The gallery is fully accessible and a perfect rainy-day destination. Suitable for all ages, though children under 5 may need engaging with the art more actively.

This stunning Victorian museum in the heart of Dublin houses over two million artefacts spanning from 7000 BC to the 20th century. Kids will be fascinated by the famous Iron Age bog bodies, prehistoric gold treasures, Viking weapons and jewellery, and ancient Egyptian mummies. The elegant marble rotunda features mosaic floors depicting classical mythology. Families can pick up free activity trails at reception, including the Viking Challenge and Treasure Trail, which make exploring fun for all ages. Highlights include Ireland's Gold exhibition (featuring Europe's finest prehistoric gold collection), the Treasury with medieval treasures like the Ardagh Chalice, and interactive rubbing activities. Free guided tours and workshops are offered year-round. - Free admission to all galleries - Baby changing facilities and accessible toilets throughout - Gift shop in the rotunda - No café on-site, so plan meals before or after - Most suitable for children aged 5+ who can appreciate history, though younger kids enjoy the hands-on elements - Allow 1-3 hours for your visit The impressive landmark building itself is worth admiring - designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and opened in 1890. It's an ideal rainy day destination and easily combined with nearby attractions like Trinity College and Merrion Square's playground.

The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin offers a welcoming environment for families, with free admission and a range of activities designed to engage children of all ages. Highlights include masterpieces by Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Irish artists, plus a dedicated family trail that makes exploring the collection fun with interactive tasks and spotter sheets. - Free admission (special exhibitions may have a charge) - Baby-changing facilities and buggy parking available - Family workshops on weekends and during school holidays - Children's audio guides and activity backpacks at the information desk Practical tips: Plan for 1-2 hours with young children. The gallery is spread over four buildings, so start at the main entrance on Merrion Square. The on-site café is kid-friendly with high chairs. For toddlers, the quieter rooms on the ground floor are good for a quick visit.