1. Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt, Co.Wicklow
Powerscourt is a great day out for all the family. Located in Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow, just 45 minutes drive from Dublin, this is an ideal place to visit for a day adventure. The Waterfall is the main attraction, but you will not be disappointed, it is awesome to watch. The kids will get their kicks from the noise of the waterfall and climbing the rocks below. There are plenty of picnic benches dotted around the estate and the capability to have a BBQ. Dogs are welcome once they are on a lead. The estate hosts a good children’s playground and there is a kiosk on site that serves hot snacks and ice-creams. Well worth a visit for a lovely day out if the weather is on your side, at just €6 per adult and €3 for under 12 (under 2’s go free), Opening hours are 09.30am until 7.00pm during the summer months.
2. Funtasia & Bettystown Beach, Bettystown, Co. Meath
Funtasia fairground in Bettystown, Co.Meath is an ideal spot for those thrill-seeking kids. The indoor fairground is ideal for a visit during a spot of rain and there are plenty of rides & attractions to keep the kids amused. The fair uses a token system, which can be bought in machines on site. Tokens are €2 each and in general each ride is 3 tokens.There are 3 floors with various rides for toddlers to teens, such as the Ferris wheel, train ride and bumper cars there is something for everyone to enjoy. Restaurant facilities are on site and kiosks selling the usual fairground candyfloss and popcorn. Tickets and online packages can be bought via their website in advance for reduced rates, at http://www.funtasia.ie/buy-tickets/. Good day out for kids of various ages.
Just across the way from the fairground is Bettystown Beach, which is a fine sandy beach, ideal for family activities such as kicking a ball or badminton. The beach stretches out so you can also enjoy a nice leisurely walk.
3. Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Farmleigh House located inside the Phoenix Park, host a beautiful historical house, extended gardens and walkways with some interesting sites along the way including a clock tower, walled gardens and various horses and donkeys. The estate is host to various events throughout the year, including a regular food market. The boathouse is a cozy and classic boathouse restaurant offering tea, coffee, scones & pastries and sandwiches and hot food. Or if you decide to bring a picnic, there are some picnic benches and plenty of grass in front of the house, if you managed to remember to bring along the picnic blanket. Nice relaxing, simple and free day out for all the family.
4. Ardgillan Castle, Ardgillan, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
Ardgillan Castle has lots to offer. The spacious estate and magnificent sea views alone are worth going for. There are plenty of woodland walks and cycle paths, so no problem if you want to take along those bicycles. There is a fantastic playground for the kids, a dog friendly cafe and plenty of space to have a picnic. There is a fairy tree tail for the little fairy obsessed kids and plenty of events take place here throughout the year. For a full list of events click here.
Malahide Castle is one of my favourite spots to visit on a Sunday afternoon. The playground is one of the best around, with a long zipline and huge slide to sandpit diggers, this playground has it all. The walkways are simple and the Castle tour is good. The visitor centre is impressive, with souvenir shop and an AVOCA giftstore, foodstore & cafe. Cafe is not the cheapest so an alternative is to bring along a family picnic and enjoy at one of the many picnic benches. Otherwise the garden centre across the way has a more reasonable priced and tasty menu at the gardenhouse cafe.
6. Newbridge House & Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin
Newbridge House offers a truly unique farm experience. There are plenty of animals all within reaching distance and some unusual creatures and birds such as peacocks roaming the farm and gardens of Newbridge House. The kids will love it here. Adults are €5.00 into the farm and children under 12 are €4.00, children under 2 go free. There is a coffee shop on site selling hot food and snack however the picnic areas are extensive with onsite BBQ facilities. There is also a large children’s playground. This is the type of place you could easily spend a full day at, especially if on the rare occasion the sun is shining.
7. Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Dublin Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in the whole of Ireland and I’m not suprised. The zoo has come on leaps and bounds over the years and constant upgrading of animal enclosures and onsite facilities makes it a perfect day out. Lots of amazing animals and if your lucky you get to see the latest cubs and calves which can make it such a magical experience to watch them in their daily activities. The zoo offers plenty of onsite restaurants and places to eat if you bring your own packed lunch. Adults are €17.50 and kids 3-16 years are €13.00. Kids under 3 go free ! Family tickets can also be purchased. For further details click here. Opening hours are 09.30-6.00pm daily during the summer months.
8. St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5
Located along the coast of north Dublin, not far from the famous dollymount strand beach, St. Anne’s Park is one of the most adventurous parks in Dublin. Walking and perhaps some running around the woodland areas is the most exciting thing for kids to do here. With lots of follies to discover along the way. The park offers a good playground and the recent refurbishment of the red stables which is now home to Olives Rooms, a new sophisticated cafe.
9. Phoenix Park Visitors Centre.
This Visitors Centre is located just off the entrance to Aras An Uachtarain the centre of the park. The visitor centre offers a free indoor exhibition on the history of the park and its wildlife. There is large gardens and a tower-house on the grounds. There is a walled garden and playground onsite and picnic benches. There is an onsite cafe with an extensive outdoor courtyard area to enjoy some lunch or tea if the weather is fine. On Sunday mornings from 11.00am – 12.00pm there is free children’s workshops on nature awareness, history and heritage and arts and crafts, suitable for ages 6-12 years. Materials are provided, adult supervision necessary. Great free day out for all the family.
10. Bray Seafront & StarLeisure Amusement Centre
An oldie but a goodie. A daytrip to Bray is just as good, if not better than ever before. There is lots for the family to do here. From a climb to the top of Bray Head to a simple leisurely walk along the long promenade with an ice-cream from the classic Teddy’s kiosk, the simple pleasures of this seaside town make you feel like you are on your holidays. The outdoor funzone carnival has plenty of rides for the younger kids to enjoy. If the weather doesn’t hold up, fear not, there is plenty of attractions at the indoor StarLeisure Amusement Centre, from game machines to kiddie rides, at just €1, you can curtail the spending. For more information click here.
Treasure Tales 