- Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library
Located right in the heart of the city, Dublin Castle boasts great historical significance with parts of it dating back more than a millennium. Along with imposing architecture and storied past it also has beautiful grounds and ample space for kids to be let loose! First though, why not get them involved in the art and culture of one of the world’s most renowned libraries, housed on the grounds. The Chester Beatty Library houses a magnificent collection but also has a huge amount on offer for children, with art workshops, activity packs and a host of other events geared towards the younger generation.
Find out about the Library’s summer activities here and learn more about the Castle itself and what it has to offer here.
- Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum
Croke Park is a proud monument to our unique sporting heritage and the achievements of our amateur games. Outside of the obvious joys of a visit on match days, the stadium also offers a great day out for you and the kids during the week too. The GAA Museum charts the history of hurling and football from ancient times, and the contribution to Ireland’s history and culture the organization itself has made. It’s not all history though as there are also interactive zones allowing everyone to have their sporting skills put to the test, guaranteeing some “friendly” competition!
The Museum is the starting point for the tour of the stadium itself, taking in the stands, dressing rooms and getting you pitchside, sure to inspire any young boy or girl to want to return in front of a full house. As an extra element the Etihad Skyline tour allows you to get up on the roof and experience the 17-storey-high panoramic view of the whole city. With so much to see and do and only a short walk from the city centre, Croke Park is a great destination for all ages and on any day.
You can get all the information you need on times and pricing here.
- Surfdock Watersports
Water sports in the city you say? Surprisingly yes. Only a short walk from Grand Canal Dart station and the city centre in general is Surfdock which has been teaching water sports in the Grand Canal basin for more than 20 years. Their summer camps are highly regarded and run all throughout the summer. There, children learn windsurfing, kayaking, water safety, kitesurfinhttp://www.surfdock.ie/find-us/g and a lot more. Running from 10 – 16.30 from Monday to Friday they are the perfect way to get any kid out and active, meeting lots of new friends in the process. All the gear is provided by Surfdock, with wetsuits available to rent cheaply.
Surfdock’s premises is only a short distance from many of our apartments at YHFH and can be combined for a great mini-holiday to the city. Find out more information about what they have on offer for kids here.
4. The National Leprechaun Museum
In modern Ireland, with smartphones and laptops taking over every facet of people’s lives, the young and old alike, many have lost touch with our folklore and fascination with the unexplainable. Fortunately, the National Leprechaun Museum is on hand to remind us all of the indisputable fact that we also share our island with a race of rare and mystical beings, the leprechauns! With a guide well versed in the lore surrounding our miniature compatriots, you can take a journey through the history and culture of the “little people”. You will follow their story through the exhibits and, best of all, you can experience what modern life is like for a leprechaun as you try to negotiate oversized furniture and implements, the makings of a very surreal phot opportunity!
Find out about times and tickets for the Museum here.
- Imaginosity
A short Luas journey outside the city brings you to the veritable children’s play palace of Imaginosity. With nearly 20 educationally designed interactive exhibit spaces, and an adventurous exploration circuit, “The Climber”, kids will have hours of fun and still want to come back for more. Leading children through a huge variety of learning and physical activities, Imaginosity is one of Ireland’s best loved indoor play and learn venues for young children. Themes range from the practical to the magical so as to suit every child’s own personal preferences in play. There are also a series of summer camps throughout the summer break for the 4-6 and 7-8 age-groups.
Find out everything you need to know about Imaginosity and what’s on offer for your kids here.
With so many excellent activities to get the kids involved in around the capital, it’s a great time to take a trip to Dublin and enjoy everything it has to offer, and finally have a good answer to any boredom related comments!
Our luxury apartments at Your Home From Home are perfectly located near many of the main attractions of the city and with all the mod-cons and facilities you could want, it will be just like having your own family home in the city!