Dublin sits at the centre of the east of Ireland with excellent public transport and easy car access to dozens of family-friendly day trip destinations. Within 90 minutes by DART, bus, or car, families can reach cliff walks, beaches, theme parks, working farms, ancient passage tombs, and the Wicklow Mountains. This guide covers every major Dublin family day trip with practical detail on transport, prices, what each offers for different ages, and how to plan a perfect family day out. Most of these trips can be done on public transport without renting a car, making them accessible to international family visitors.
Pair it with our complete guide to Dublin for families for the full overview.
DART Coastal Day Trips (No Car Needed)
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) coastal train is the most family-friendly transport for Dublin day trips. The line runs from Howth in the north to Greystones in the south, opening up several excellent family destinations at €3–5 each way.
Howth (25 minutes north)
Howth is the most popular family DART day trip from Dublin. The fishing village offers the Howth Cliff Walk (easy 6km loop with sea views), Beshoffs fish and chips, harbour seal watching, the West Pier walk, Howth Castle (private but views from outside), and the Howth Sunday Market with crafts and food stalls. Allow 4–6 hours for a family visit. The cliff walk is fully family-friendly with most parts pram-accessible (though strollers struggle at the lighthouse end). Howth Castle Cookery School runs occasional family cooking classes.
For lunch, Beshoffs of Howth has been serving fish and chips since 1934 — €14 adult portion, €9 kids’ portion. The harbour-front Fish Shack and Crabby Jo’s offer alternative seafood options. Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas suits more adventurous eaters. Total day cost for family of 4 on DART: €20 transport + €50 lunch = €70 plus optional snacks.
Dún Laoghaire (20 minutes south)
Dún Laoghaire is the easiest DART family trip with extensive outdoor and indoor options. The East Pier (1km walk, perfect for strollers), the Sandycove Forty Foot bathing place, ice cream at Teddy’s on the seafront, the National Maritime Museum (€6 adult, €3 child), and the Lexicon Library (free, with dedicated children’s area) all sit within walking distance of the DART station. The Pavilion Theatre runs family programmes including pantomimes.
For lunch, Hartley’s on the seafront has reliable family menus. The People’s Park hosts a Sunday morning food market with kids’ activities. James Joyce’s Tower at Sandycove (the opening setting of Ulysses) is reachable by short coastal walk and is free to visit on summer weekends.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk (35 minutes south)
One of Ireland’s most scenic coastal hikes, the Bray to Greystones cliff walk runs 6km between two DART stations. The path follows the coast around Bray Head with constant sea views, wildflowers in spring/summer, and occasional dolphins offshore. Reach Bray by DART (35 minutes), walk to Greystones (2–3 hours including stops), return by DART. Most of the walk works for ages 7+; younger children need to be carried on harder sections.
Bray seafront has Sealife Centre (€15 adult, €11 child) and good ice cream. Greystones harbour offers excellent fish and chips at the Beach House and the Burnaby. The Sugarloaf Mountain visible from the cliff walk makes a tempting additional family hike for older kids. Total day cost: €30 transport + €60 lunch + €50 Sealife = €140 family.
Theme Parks Near Dublin
Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park, 45 minutes north)
Emerald Park near Ashbourne is Ireland’s biggest theme park. Major rides include the Cú Chulainn wooden roller coaster, Viking Voyage water ride, Air Race, the Drop, and Endeavour. The park includes a zoo section with monkeys, sloths, alpacas, and parrots. The Tayto Factory tour is included with admission. Indoor entertainment for rainy weather includes a play structure and animal exhibits.
€42 per person regardless of age. Open Easter through October, with reduced winter weekends. Best for ages 8 and up — many rides have height restrictions. By car: 45 minutes from Dublin city centre. By bus: Bus Éireann route 109 from Busáras (1 hour 15 minutes), €15 return adult, €10 child. Allow a full day. Combo tickets available with the National Aquatic Centre.
National Aquatic Centre (Blanchardstown, 30 minutes west)
Ireland’s largest indoor waterpark with wave pool, multiple water slides, lazy river, surfing simulator, and dedicated kids’ zone. €20 per person. Open daily. Reach by bus 38 or 39A from city centre (30 minutes). Combines with Blanchardstown Shopping Centre for a full family day with shopping and dining.
Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough (90 minutes south)
The Wicklow Mountains National Park lies just south of Dublin with hundreds of family-friendly walking trails, lakes, and historic sites. Glendalough monastic city (founded 6th century by St Kevin) is the most popular family destination with stone churches, a round tower, two glacial lakes, and easy-to-moderate hiking trails.
Glendalough is free to visit; the visitor centre charges €5 adult, €3 child for the multimedia history exhibition. The Spinc Walk (6km loop) is one of Ireland’s most scenic hikes — ages 8+. The Lower Lake walk (1.5km flat path) suits stroller families. The Greenrock Brewery in Roundwood offers family lunches with kids’ menus.
Reach by St Kevin’s Bus from St Stephen’s Green (€25 adult return, 1 hour 45 minutes each way). Driving is easier with kids — 90 minutes from Dublin centre, free parking at the upper and lower lakes. Allow a full day. Pack waterproofs and warm layers — the mountains are 5°C cooler than Dublin and weather changes quickly.
Powerscourt House and Gardens (45 minutes south)
Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry offers an excellent family day out combining formal gardens, the Tara’s Palace dolls’ house museum, a children’s playground, the Pet Cemetery walk, and the Powerscourt Waterfall (5km away by car). The 47-acre Italian Gardens, Japanese Gardens, and Tower Valley work well for stroller-friendly family walks.
House and Gardens: €14 adult, €7 child, €40 family. Powerscourt Waterfall: €7.50 adult, €3.50 child. Combined ticket €18 adult. Reach by car (45 minutes from Dublin centre, free parking) or Bus Éireann 44 from Connolly Station (1 hour). The Avoca cafe at Powerscourt serves family-friendly meals.
Working Farm Family Experiences
Causey Farm (50 minutes north)
A working dairy and sheep farm offering family experiences including bread making, butter churning, sheep dog demonstrations, archery, farm tours, and the Causey Encounter (full day with farm activities, dancing, music). €19 per person basic experience, €55 per person for Causey Encounter. Open year-round but bookings essential. Driving 50 minutes from Dublin centre.
Wells House and Gardens (90 minutes south)
Wells House in County Wexford offers extensive family programming including falconry, archery, treasure hunts, fairy trails, and house tours. €15 adult, €12 child for general admission; activity packages add €5–15 per person. Open year-round. The drive from Dublin takes 90 minutes south.
Airfield Estate (Dundrum, 30 minutes by Luas)
The closest farm experience to central Dublin — a working dairy farm in suburban Dundrum. Cow milking demonstrations, vintage car museum, gardens, and the Overends Kitchen restaurant. €12 adult, €6 child. 30 minutes from city centre by Luas Green Line. Combines well with Dundrum Town Centre shopping for a family city-and-country day.
Ancient and Historic Family Sites
Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne (45 minutes north)
The 5,200-year-old Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre runs multimedia exhibits about prehistoric Ireland before the bus shuttle to the actual tomb. Children love climbing into the passage tomb itself (allowed during standard tours). €18 adult, €9 child, €45 family ticket. Open daily 9am–6pm in summer, reduced winter hours. Book ahead online — the daily quota often fills up in summer.
Trim Castle (45 minutes northwest)
The largest Norman castle in Ireland (1172), famous as a Braveheart film location. Children love the medieval atmosphere, the keep tower, and the riverside walks. €5 adult, €3 child. The OPW Heritage Card (€40 adult, free children) covers Trim plus all state heritage sites. Drive 45 minutes from Dublin or take Bus Éireann.
Kilkenny (90 minutes south)
The walled medieval city of Kilkenny makes an excellent family day trip with Kilkenny Castle (extensive grounds and free playground), the Medieval Mile walking route, Smithwick’s Brewery family-friendly tour, and the Kilkenny Castle Park playground. Kilkenny Castle: €8 adult, €4 child. The OPW Heritage Card covers entry. Reach by Bus Éireann (€25 adult return) or train (€30 adult, family discounts available).
Beach Day Trips
- Portmarnock Strand (25 minutes by train) — Blue Flag beach with safe family swimming and miles of sand. Sutton DART station then short walk.
- Velvet Strand at Portmarnock — Wide sandy beach, free parking, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Brittas Bay (90 minutes south by car) — Wide sandy beach, often warmer water than Dublin Bay due to southern aspect.
- Greystones South Beach — Family-friendly beach at the end of the Bray-Greystones cliff walk.
- Killiney Beach (40 minutes by DART) — Pebbly beach with strong sea views and the Vico Road walk.
- Sandycove Forty Foot — Famous Dublin sea swimming spot for hardy families.
- Burrow Beach Sutton — Sheltered beach near Howth with safe family swimming.
Dublin Bay beach water quality is monitored throughout summer at irishwater.ie. Blue Flag beaches have lifeguards, accessible parking, and toilets. Pack warm layers regardless of season — Irish coastal weather is unpredictable.
Island Day Trips
Dalkey Island (30 minutes by DART then ferry)
Small uninhabited island just off Dalkey village. Wild goats, seabirds, ancient ruins, Martello tower. Ken the Ferryman runs trips from Coliemore Harbour for €10 adult, €5 child. 15-minute crossing. Allow 2–3 hours on the island plus DART travel. Excellent picnic destination in good weather.
Ireland’s Eye (Howth, 25 minutes plus ferry)
Another small uninhabited island off Howth. Seabird colonies, beach, ancient church ruins. Ferry from Howth Harbour €10 adult, €6 child. Excellent for older kids interested in wildlife.
Day Trip Recommendations by Age
Toddlers and preschoolers (0–5)
Dún Laoghaire pier walk, Airfield Estate dairy farm, Howth harbour seal watching, Phoenix Park playgrounds, the National Aquatic Centre, Bray seafront and beach. Avoid full-day theme parks and long cliff walks at this age.
Primary school (6–11)
The sweet spot for Dublin family day trips. Emerald Park, Causey Farm, Howth cliff walk, Powerscourt Gardens, Wicklow Mountains family hikes, Newgrange, Sealife Centre Bray, Wells House. Most attractions work for this age range.
Tweens and teenagers (12–17)
Longer hiking (Bray-Greystones cliff walk, Spinc Walk Glendalough), Trim Castle, Kilkenny Medieval Mile, Newgrange historical depth, Emerald Park’s major rides, the Smithwick’s Brewery tour at Kilkenny. Older teens can sometimes handle independent DART trips to Howth or Bray within agreed boundaries.
Day Trip Planning Tips
- Use the DART for coastal trips — Most family-friendly and stroller-accessible transport in Dublin.
- Renting a car works for inland trips — Wicklow Mountains, Newgrange, and Causey Farm are much easier with a car.
- Pack waterproofs every day — Irish weather changes quickly. Don’t cancel a day trip based on morning rain — afternoons often clear.
- Pack picnics for outdoor day trips — Restaurant options vary widely outside Dublin. Tesco at Dublin’s suburban stations has full picnic supplies.
- Check ferry and bus schedules — Some services run less frequently than the city centre.
- Book Newgrange tickets online ahead — Daily quotas fill up in summer.
- Use the OPW Heritage Card — €40 adult covers Newgrange, Trim Castle, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle, and dozens of other state sites. Children free.
- Start early on theme park days — Arrive at opening time at Emerald Park to maximise ride time before peak crowds.
- Combine destinations — Howth + Sutton beach, Powerscourt + Glendalough, Newgrange + Trim Castle all work as combined day trips.
Two-Day and Three-Day Family Trips from Dublin
For families wanting to extend beyond day trips, several two- and three-day adventures from Dublin work well. Galway and the Cliffs of Moher (2 days): Train or bus to Galway (2.5 hours), overnight in family-friendly Galway hotels, Cliffs of Moher day trip with stops at the Aran Islands or Burren. Galway hotels typically €120–160 family rooms. Kilkenny and Wexford (2 days): Train to Kilkenny (1.5 hours), explore the medieval city, drive to Wells House for family experiences, optional Hook Lighthouse visit. Belfast and the Causeway Coast (2–3 days): Enterprise train to Belfast (2 hours 15 minutes), Titanic Belfast Museum, Giant’s Causeway day trip from Belfast.
These multi-day trips work best with primary-school-age children (6–12) who can handle longer transport but benefit from non-Dublin experiences. Pack lighter and use hotel laundry services for clean clothes. Most train operators (Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Aircoach) offer family discount tickets when booked online ahead.
Seasonal Family Day Trips
Some Dublin family day trips work better in specific seasons. Beach day trips and outdoor cliff walks work best May through September when weather and temperatures cooperate. Bray Sealife Centre, Powerscourt Gardens, and the National Aquatic Centre work year-round. Emerald Park runs full operations Easter through October with reduced winter weekends; it generally doesn’t make sense to visit in winter due to closed outdoor rides.
Winter family day trips work well for Glendalough (atmospheric in winter, fewer crowds), Newgrange (the winter solstice illumination period is December 18–23, with a lottery for tomb access), Kilkenny (the medieval city is particularly atmospheric in fog and frost), and the National Aquatic Centre (warm indoor environment when Dublin is cold). The DART coastal trips work year-round but obviously beach swimming is summer-only. Pack waterproofs regardless of season — Dublin weather changes rapidly.
For Christmas season family experiences, Funtasia in Drogheda runs Santa’s Grotto programmes from mid-November. Bunratty Castle in County Clare (3 hours from Dublin) runs medieval Christmas family programmes. The Dublin Zoo Wild Lights (October–January) anchors the Dublin Christmas family calendar. Many Dublin City Council parks run free family Christmas events — check the Dublin City Council What’s On listings each December.
Renting a Car for Dublin Family Trips
Many Dublin family day trips work without a car, but renting one significantly expands your options. Car rental for a 24-hour day trip costs €45–80 from city centre or Dublin Airport branches. Family-friendly rental options include estate cars and small SUVs with proper child seat installations. Most rental companies provide booster seats at €7–10 per day or full child car seats at €10–15 per day — reserve when booking. Driving in Ireland is on the left, the same as the UK.
Use the Irish Tolls App to pay road tolls electronically (cheaper than paying at booths). For multiple day trips, picking up a rental car at the start of your Dublin visit and returning at the end can be cheaper than daily rentals. Compare options at Argus Car Rentals, Enterprise, Hertz, and Europcar — prices vary significantly between providers. Always check the small print on family insurance coverage including child seats and extra drivers.
Dublin Family Day Trips: FAQ
What is the best Dublin family day trip?
Howth is consistently the most popular Dublin family day trip — 25 minutes by DART for cliff walks, fish and chips, harbour seal watching, and beach exploration. Excellent for all ages, easy transport, low cost. For theme park lovers, Emerald Park (45 minutes north by car) offers the most ride-focused family day.
Can we do Dublin family day trips without a car?
Yes — most major Dublin family day trips work on public transport. DART covers Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Bray, Greystones, Killiney, and the coastal beaches. Bus Éireann reaches Newgrange, Kilkenny, Trim, and Glendalough. Only Causey Farm and some specific Wicklow Mountain trails really require a car.
What is the best DART day trip with kids?
Howth (25 minutes north) is the most popular and works well for all ages. Dún Laoghaire (20 minutes south) is easier and more suitable for toddlers and strollers. Bray (35 minutes south) combines with the cliff walk to Greystones for older kids. All cost €3–5 each way.
Is Newgrange worth visiting with kids?
Yes — Newgrange is one of Ireland’s most impressive ancient sites and children find the 5,200-year-old passage tomb fascinating. The visitor centre prepares kids for the visit with multimedia exhibits about Stone Age life. Inside the tomb, the simulated winter solstice illumination is a magical moment. Best for ages 7+. €18 adult, €9 child, €45 family. Book ahead.
What about theme parks near Dublin?
Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) near Ashbourne is Ireland’s biggest theme park — 45 minutes north of Dublin by car. €42 per person. Best for ages 8+ due to height restrictions on major rides. The National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown is an indoor water park option for all ages.
How much do Dublin family day trips cost?
Free walking day trips (Howth cliff walk, Phoenix Park, beach trips): €15–30 transport plus lunch. Mid-priced family day trips (Sealife Centre, Powerscourt Gardens, Wells House): €60–100 family total. Premium day trips (Emerald Park, Causey Farm Causey Encounter): €150–220 family total. Most attractions offer family tickets at 15–25% discount versus separate tickets.
Is the Wicklow Mountains day trip too far with kids?
No — 90 minutes drive each way is manageable as a day trip even for families with young children. Glendalough has stroller-friendly Lower Lake walks alongside more challenging hikes for older kids. Bring snacks, waterproofs, and plan a lunch stop at Roundwood, Laragh, or Glendalough hotel.
Should we get the OPW Heritage Card for family day trips?
Yes if you’re planning 3+ heritage site visits within a year. €40 adult, free children. Covers Newgrange, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, Trim Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Casino at Marino, the Pearse Museum, and dozens of other state sites across Ireland. Pays for itself after 3–4 visits and children always free.
Keep Reading
- Dublin Playgrounds, Parks & Outdoor Spaces for Families — Dozens of free playgrounds across the city, from compact Georgian squares to full suburban facilities.
- Visiting Dublin with a Baby or Toddler — Naps, strollers, changing facilities and feeding — the logistics nobody writes about.
- Dublin Family Itinerary: 3-Day Plan with Kids — An hour-by-hour three-day plan that balances the big sights with the downtime children actually need.
- the Howth Cliff Walk — a related guide from elsewhere on the site.
