A zoo in Phoenix Park with habitats including the African Plains. Plan time for the animal habitats you want to see; some animals may be off show for care or maintenance.
Ireland's national botanic garden in Glasnevin, free to enter, with lawns, plant collections and historic glasshouses. A calm, free half-day outing with space for children to walk.
A walled Victorian garden tucked behind St Stephen's Green, with a cascade tumbling over rocks from all 32 counties, a small box-hedge maze, rustic grotto, fountains and wide lawns. A quiet place for a picnic and a run-around in the city centre.
The walled gardens behind Dublin Castle, on the site of the original 'Dubh Linn' or black pool that gave Dublin its name. A central garden is surrounded by four smaller corner gardens with sculpture.
A 1.2 km sandy beach in Sutton on the Howth peninsula, a walk from Sutton DART station. Good for sandcastles and paddling on calm days.
Ireland's historic observatory on the north-west edge of Dublin, which opens on booked winter visitor nights for talks, demonstrations and, when the sky is clear, stargazing through its telescopes.
A small park off Cathedral Lane near St Patrick's Cathedral, laid out on a 17th-century burial ground whose gravestones still line the walls.
A Temple Bar cultural centre made for children, with shows, exhibitions and creative workshops. It is ticketed by event.
An indoor waterpark in Blanchardstown with slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a pirate-ship play area for younger children. Sessions are about 2 hours and should be pre-booked.
A castle with large parkland, walled gardens and a big playground, reached by DART from the city centre.