Cultural Center in Ashbourne

"Dublin's 'Dead Zoo' – officially the city's Natural History establishment – has been preserved as a classic Victorian mausoleum-of-a-museum. Inside, you'll find a building filled to the rafters with all manner of stuffed animals large and small, preserved insects and spiders – in short, every species under the sun. It's unendingly fascinating, in a horrifying sort of way."

"Another amazing attraction just 10 minutes’ walk from Maldron Pearse Street. Known affectionately by Dubliners as “the dead zoo”, a visit to the Natural History Museum is a must for all families but make sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy this great attraction."

"Collins Barracks as it's popularly known is a very child friendly museum. The huge central square in the barracks is a massive hit and is frequently as popular as anything inside. The Museum is rich with artefacts and is a treasure trove of past centuries."

"The national museum features four total branches, three of which are located in Dublin. Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History, and the Natural History Museum buildings are within walking distance of other major Dublin attractions. The collections found here are entertaining, enlightening, and awe inspiring."

"National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland"

"Located in Trinity College Dublin, the Science Gallery describes itself as the place where science and art collide in a series of interactive themes and exhibitions. The Science Gallery doesn't have a set collection - the themes change every few months, meaning they're sometimes closed to the public while preparing the next exhibition. But it's definitely well worth checking their site to see what they're running during your city cycle."

"Photo courtesy of the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Scientific debates usually take place between the pages of academic journals, but the Science Gallery at Trinity College helps bring the issues to life for visitors of all ages. The cutting-edge exhibits touch on human perception, biomimicry, and the future of technology in the workplace."

"Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you. The striking Poolberg Lighthouse is the perfect conclusion to a stroll along the Great South Wall © Cezzar 1981 / Getty Images"

"Collins Barracks have a collection encompassing millennials of mesmerising objects, from jewellery and coins, through clothing and furniture, to weapons and vessels. Given that there are four floors of artifacts to see and depending on your child’s age, you may like to reference the guidebooks or floor plans. This will help you to manage the tour and potentially make it more focused on specific items for younger children."

"National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits."

"The Martello tower in the seaside village of Sandycove, about 7 miles from Dublin’s City center, is where Irish writer James Joyce spent six nights in 1904. Known as the James Joyce Tower and Museum, it left such an impression on Joyce that inspiration for the opening scenes of his novel, “Ulysses,” came from there. The living area of the James Joyce Tower and Museum, which features in Joyce’s novel, Ulysses."

"James Joyce is brought to virtual life in this beautifully restored Georgian house. As well as some wonderful interactive details, the exhibits include some of the furniture from Joyce’s Paris apartment; a..."

"This museum is located on North Great George’s street in Dublin city and offers insight into the life and work of the great Irish writer, James Joyce."

"Originally built as a tobacco store with vaults beneath to store wine, the Chq Building is steeped in local history and, traditionally, locals knew it as the …"

"This restored soldiers barracks is today a state-of-the-art exhibition space and venue that pays tribute to its colourful history and Ireland’s heritage."

"Temple Bar Gallery and Studios was first founded in 1983 as one of the country’s first artist-led arts organisations. A non-profit funded by the Irish Arts Council, today it consists of a contemporaryexhibition space and 30 visual artists’ studios, located at the epicentre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. As well as exhibitions, they run regular talks, masterclasses and events for aspiring artists."

"Featuring installations and performance art as well as sculpture and video, the Temple Bar Gallery works hand in hand with Artists Studios. It’s a really interesting and engaging concept and it puts you right into the heart of the artist’s community here in Dublin. Past exhibitions included Declan Clarke, Amie Siegel and Barbara Knezevic."

"At the beginning in 1983 the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios was the first DIY artist-centred initiative in Ireland, they started in a shirt factory and this is now a big gallery. Thanks to the fame of Temple Bar the gallery became notorious but it still supports upcoming artists."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"The last item on our list is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind in 2010, and its contemporary, angular style ties in perfectly with its home in the ultra modern Grand Canal area. The design ties into its theatrical theme with a striking composition of a ‘red carpet’ with bright resin-glass paving extending from the theatre, covered with distinctive red glowing angled light sticks."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kanakari used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a performing arts venue located in the Docklands. It is the city’s biggest fixed-seat theater and was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Ranging over four floors on the western edge of Temple Bar, this pub began flying the microbrewery flag over 10 years ago, and today it's still going strong. Come here for a range of excellent in-house Irish brews: from dark, velvety porters (try the Oyster Stout made, yes, with fresh oysters) to red ales (try the fruity Porterhouse Red). This place can be touristy and very packed: but still, well worth a visit."

"Producing the very best lager in the world, it’s no surprise you can’t get moved here on a weekend. Welcoming stag and hen parties with open arms, the award winning Porterhouse Central is a multi-level gem in the Temple Bar. Opening its doors in 1996, this is Dublin’s first pub brewery, and has continued to grow in popularity since the very day it opened."

"Emma Devlin and Cathal O’Donoghue founded Rascals Brewing in 2014. It’s a bit of a journey out past Kilmainham Gaol, but Rascals Brewing Company is one of the most innovative breweries in Dublin. Going beyond the standard styles found at every other brewery, Rascals has unique beers such as Chardonnay Saisons, Mint Chocolate Stouts, & Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake IPAs."

"Rascals have a pretty healthy-sized outdoor area, but part of it is covered over with massive covers and canopies. Stillgarden Distillery situated beside Rascals also have a big marquee set up for those looking for cocktails. You can find Rascals in Inchicore off the Tyrconnell Road, visit their website for booking information."

"Located in temple bar, right in the centre of Dublin, The Ark is a space dedicated to teaching art to children. A good address especially on a wet day, their programme involves workshops for kids to familiarise and experience theater, literature, art and creative endeavours of all types. A wonderful creative space just for kids with amazing facilitators."

"The Ark is a fantastic creative hub and dedicated cultural centre for children, located in Temple Bar. It hosts performances of music, theatre and dance, including workshops and exhibitions for kids. Go there, and create opportunities for children, families and friends to discover and love art."

"The LAB Gallery supports emerging art practices and focuses on fresh ways to develop engaged audiences for visual arts. The LAB is open Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturday 10:00-17:00 and admission is free."