@WhereinDublinVisiting Dublin with your family can be a memorable experience, but planning your outings and attractions can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that many of Dublin’s top attractions offer family passes that make exploring the city both easier and more affordable. From my own personal experience, securing a family pass not only saves money but also reduces waiting times, allowing you to focus on enjoying quality moments together. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 ideal Dublin spots where you can buy family passes, including the highlights of each place and tips to make the most of your visit.
1. Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest and most popular zoological gardens in Europe, making it a must-visit for families. Located in the picturesque Phoenix Park, the zoo houses over 400 animals from around the globe.
Why buy a family pass:
A family pass provides unlimited entry for two adults and two children, allowing you to explore at your own pace without worrying about buying tickets each time.
Top tips:
Arrive early to avoid crowds at popular enclosures.
Check the schedule for animal feeding sessions—they’re interactive and fun for children.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the park area nearby.
2. National Aquatic Centre
If your family loves swimming and water fun, the National Aquatic Centre is the perfect destination. With indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and leisure areas, it promises a full day of activity.
Why buy a family pass:
The family pass provides unlimited access to pools and water attractions, making it ideal for multiple visits within a season.
Top tips:
Check for special toddler-friendly areas if you have younger children.
Bring waterproof sunscreen for outdoor pools.
Arrive early during weekends to secure lockers and seating.
3. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC is an interactive museum that tells the story of Irish emigration in an engaging, digital format. It’s educational yet entertaining, perfect for older kids and teenagers.
Why buy a family pass:
The family pass saves on individual tickets and gives priority entry, which can be very helpful during peak tourist season.
Top tips:
Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the museum thoroughly.
Use the interactive kiosks to let kids engage with history in a hands-on way.
Don’t miss the final gallery showcasing contemporary Irish life around the world.
4. Dublin Castle
A historical icon, Dublin Castle has stood at the heart of the city for centuries. Family visits allow you to explore the State Apartments, medieval undercroft, and the Chapel Royal.
Why buy a family pass:
Family passes combine entry fees for multiple areas within the castle, offering convenience and cost savings.
Top tips:
Opt for guided tours—they provide context that children often find fascinating.
Explore the gardens outside for a break between indoor exhibits.
Photography is allowed in most areas, so don’t forget your camera.
5. Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum
Designed for children aged 2–9, Imaginosity is an interactive museum that encourages creativity, learning, and play.
Why buy a family pass:
The pass allows repeated visits during a season, which is perfect for local families or longer stays in Dublin.
Top tips:
Pre-book sessions to avoid disappointment, as time slots fill up quickly.
Pack a change of clothes for messy play areas.
Let children explore at their own pace—it’s their experience to enjoy.
6. Phoenix Park Bike Tours
Phoenix Park is vast, and cycling is one of the best ways to explore it. Family bike tours give you a fun, active experience while seeing deer, monuments, and open spaces.
Why buy a family pass:
The family pass covers multiple tours or rentals, which is ideal if you plan to visit more than once.
Top tips:
Ensure everyone has helmets and comfortable clothing.
Bring water bottles and snacks for the ride.
Take a map of the park to plan shorter or longer routes depending on your family’s energy levels.
7. Dublinia
Dublinia is a Viking and Medieval Dublin experience that immerses visitors in the city’s past. Interactive exhibits, costumes, and reconstructions make history tangible for children.
Why buy a family pass:
A family pass provides access to all exhibitions, including special Viking activities, which can save both money and time.
Top tips:
Plan at least 90 minutes to explore the Viking and Medieval sections.
Encourage kids to try on costumes for photos—it makes history fun.
Check for seasonal workshops for added interactive learning.
8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
As Ireland’s largest cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers a combination of historical, architectural, and cultural experiences.
Why buy a family pass:
The pass often includes access to the cathedral and nearby exhibitions, which is cost-effective for families exploring multiple sites.
Top tips:
Attend an organ recital if available—it’s a unique experience for kids.
Explore the gardens and grounds outside for a relaxed break.
Look for family activity sheets or guided tours designed for younger visitors.
9. Dublinia’s Viking Splash Tours
For a mix of land and water adventure, the Viking Splash Tours take families around the city in amphibious vehicles.
Why buy a family pass:
The pass offers discounts for multiple rides and allows you to return for a different route if you wish.
Top tips:
Dress in waterproof clothing—you might get splashed.
Bring a camera for fun action shots.
Book in advance, as tours often sell out during peak season.
10. Croke Park Stadium Tour
Sports fans will love the Croke Park Stadium tour, which explores the history of Gaelic games, the stadium itself, and offers interactive experiences.
Why buy a family pass:
The family pass covers multiple areas, including the GAA Museum, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
Top tips:
Plan your visit on a non-match day for a quieter experience.
Allow children to try interactive displays like hand-passing games.
Check if special family audio guides are available.
11. Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens
This attraction combines beautiful gardens with a working stud farm, offering a unique educational experience.
Why buy a family pass:
The family pass provides access to the gardens, farm tours, and exhibitions in one package.
Top tips:
Allocate a full morning to explore both the stud and gardens.
Take a picnic to enjoy in the serene Japanese gardens.
Children will enjoy feeding horses in designated areas—always follow staff guidance.
12. Howth Cliff Walks and Harbour
While not a traditional ticketed attraction, Howth offers family-friendly walking trails and activities. You can combine this with family ferry passes to explore surrounding areas.
Why buy a family pass:
Passes for ferry rides or local attractions make the day trip budget-friendly while giving access to multiple points of interest.
Top tips:
Wear comfortable shoes for cliff paths.
Pack snacks and water for the walk.
Visit Howth Market for local treats and crafts.
Final Thoughts
From my own personal experience, investing in family passes in Dublin not only saves money but also makes your visit smoother and more enjoyable. These passes give you flexibility, convenience, and sometimes exclusive access to experiences that single tickets do not provide. Whether exploring the vibrant city center, educational museums, historical sites, or natural beauty spots, Dublin offers countless family-friendly options.
Planning ahead, knowing where to buy family passes, and prioritizing experiences suited to your children’s interests can turn your Dublin trip into a stress-free and memorable adventure. With these 12 ideal spots, your family will have endless opportunities to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together.
