fun things to do with kids in dublin ireland - family travel   Travel for Kids
Ireland
   
     
   

Dublin

Dublin
Dublin, so named when the Vikings sailed their ships into Dublin Bay in 836 and set up their trading base near a "black pool," called Dubh Linn by the local Irish people. The Vikings were followed by the Anglo-Normans, then the English, and in 1921, Dublin became the capital of the independent Republic of Ireland. Traveling around Dublin with kids is easy – downtown is very compact.
Dublin Photo Album
    Old City – Viking and medieval town
  City Centre
    Dublin day trips
    Dublin: Vikings and Celtic treasures – Read our blog post, setting out to search for history of Vikings and ancient Celtic treasures in Dublin.
    Walk along the River Liffey – If anyone in your family loves bridges, this is the place to go. The river is criss-crossed by all sorts of bridges – pedestrian bridges, wide car bridges, elevated train brides, and each one is different. Walk west along the river, checking out each bridge.
    Aquazone National Aquatic Centre – Need an afternoon to relax in a huge indoor water park? It takes a car to get there, but the National Aquatic Center has a wave pool, water slides, surfing machine, giant flume, water coaster and lazy river.
travel tools dublin ireland

A super way to explore Dublin is a hop on – hop off bus. 20 stops around the city, including Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museums. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you can board the double-decker bus anywhere on the route:

Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus
Get the Dublin Pass, an all-in-one card for entrance to Dublinia, Christ Church, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Malahide Castle, Aquazone National Aquatic Centre, Aircoach from the airport. Savings for the whole family:
Dublin Pass
kids books dublin
     
kids Dublin: A 3D Keepscape Cityscape  

Open the small box and fold out a charming miniature cityscape of Dublin – 12 different places, including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Merrion Square, Trinity College, and fun facts about each landmark. (Mini book)

 

     
Viking Ships at Sunrise (Magic Tree House)
Mary Pope Osborne

When the magic tree house whirls Jack and Annie back to ancient Ireland, they visit a monastery filled with books of wonder. Will they escape the Viking raiders with their jeweled treasure? (Easy reader)

Also non-fiction companion book: Vikings

 

 
viking ships at sunrise
     
Viking - Eyewitness Books  
Viking (Eyewitness Books)
Susan M. Margeson

Get to know the Viking world – warriors, weapons and warships, Viking forts and trade, jewelry (brooches, necklaces and bracelets for men and women), gods and legends. Rich detailed illustrations (Picture book)

 

     

Fabulous animated feature, a quest to complete an incredible book that will illuminate the darkness – the Book of Kells. Brendan, a young monk, must search deep in the forest for tiny berries to make colors, defeat the monster Crom Cruach, and save the book from Viking raiders. Magical! (DVD video)

 

 
The Secret of Kells
TfK Blog
TfK Blog