Mentioned by dublincitymum
Free Family Activities in Dublin
"Just on the other side of the Liffey from Phoenix Park, in Kilmainham, the Irish War Memorial Gardens are a beautiful quiet spot for a first look or your wedding portraits. Just like with St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, you’ll need to get permission from the OPW. In return you’ll get one of the most beautiful backdrop of wisteria, roses or ivy – depending on what season you find yourself there!"
"Located in Islandbridge, Dublin, the National War Memorial Gardens is a beautiful but somber memorial. The property is dedicated to the nearly 50,000 Irish soldiers who sacrificed their lives during The Great War from 1914-1918. The First World War had such an earth shattering impact throughout Europe that various countries sought a suitable way to pay homage to those who lost their lives."
"A walk around Dublin War Memorial Gardens is a must for anyone planning to visit the Phoenix Park. The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during the first world war.The gardens are home to ‘rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree-planting’ and are a great place to go for a stroll, relax and reflect."
"Airfield is a lovely farm in Dublin, a wonderful piece of countryside in the heart of Dublin South!. You can spend a few hours or a full day here and the kids can see animals, participate in workshops, run, play at the zipline and the whole family can indulge in cake and food at the local cafes. Events and camps are organised regularly and they are always fun and educational."
"If you have ever wanted to experience farm life, then Airfield Estate is the place to visit with your kids as it is a working farm that allows guests of all ages to learn about farming, food, and nature in a relaxed environment. Address: Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14, D14 EE77, Ireland"
"Dublin's only open farm, Airfield Estate offers a super day out for the whole family. See the wonderful farm animals, explore the extensive gardens, see the exhibition in the stunning historic house, and enjoy afternoon tea too!. Plan your visit to Airfield Estate now!"
"Some secrets are too good to remain hidden, which is why you’re about to find out about Iveagh Gardens, often known as Dublin’s secret garden. Laid out by the 1st Earl of Clonmell and once a fashionable public space called Coburg Gardens, it fell into disrepair before being rescued and revived by Sir Benjamin Guinness in 1862; the family then cared for the gardens before donating them to the Irish nation in 1939. You can now enjoy a rustic grotto and cascade, fountains, wilderness woodlands, a maze, a rosarium and archery grounds – there are few better things to do in Dublin if the weather is good."
"These idyllic gardens, designed in 1865, are among the finest and least known of Dublin’s parks and gardens and are often referred to as Dublin’s Secret Gardens and the entrance located to one side of the National Concert Hall would indeed have you think that as you walk through leaving the essence of the bustling city behind and entering a mystical and magical oasis of greenery and fountains. Inside there is a rustic grotto, a cascade, a yew maze, a rosarium, an archery grounds and woodlands. The Iveagh Gardens are popular with small and unique food and music festivals throughout the summer."
"One of Dublin’s favorite secret gardens, this one is located a few blocks further south of St. Stephen’s Green. What began as an earl’s lawn now hosts a yew maze, rosarium, fountains, and the cascade, a stunning site for wedding photos. A Human Rights memorial bears witness at these gardens."
"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."
"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."
"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"
"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."
"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."
"Wicklow's most visited attraction is this magnificent 64-sq-km estate, whose main entrance is 500m south of Enniskerry town. At the heart of it is an elegant Palladian mansion, but the real draw is the formal gardens and the stunning views that accompany them. Most of the house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops to be enjoyed, while the grounds are home to two golf courses and the best hotel in Wicklow."
"Covering an area of 78 acres, Farmleigh is a huge estate that was developed as an accommodation for visiting dignitaries and for the recreation of the general public. A visit to this estate will remind you of the Edwardian period and aura. There is a kind of eclecticism that defines this estate as it combines a variety of architectural designs and decors."
"A historic house holding important collections, an art gallery, a working farm, and the official Irish State guest house, Farmleigh House and Estate is open seven days a week, all year round."
"A stunning mansion in the Elizabethan Revival style, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon family (earls of Meath) since 1618 and has one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The house is impressive, but the prizewinner here is the magnificent orangery, built in 1852 and chock-full of statuary and plant life. If you like fancy glasshouses, this is the one for you. It's 6km north of Greystones just off the R761 coast road."
"Diep Le Shaker is dedicated to the preparation and presentation of authentic Thai cooking, carefully blended to stimulate each of the five taste sensations-sweet, sour, hot, salty and neutral. The ethos: taste buds should be stimulated to the limit"
"Nunki Tea House opened at the start of the summer and it's the most darling spot for a cup of tea or bubble tea. Along with tea in precious Japanese porcelain cups, they serve delicious sweet treats including a classic bubble tea waterfall cake. It's a really cute spot, deffo worth a visit."
"If you find yourself hungry or thirsty in Dún Laoghaire, Nunki Teahouse is always a good call. For some serious refreshment, they have a range of cold fruit teas including pineapple, orange, watermelon, and a totally tropical mango cloud yogurt tea."
"You’d be forgiven for walking past Platform 61 and not knowing what you’d missed. This underground eatery, tucked away on South William Street, is inspired by New York’s Track 61, a secret underground passageway for VIPs that was built in 1913 and is thought to still be in use. Platform 61 opened in 2015, but is a little-known Dublin gem."
"Set in the beautiful St Anne's Park in Clontarf, the Red Stables Food Market is ideal for a romantic stroll, a day out with the family, or just a browse with your mates. It runs every Saturday from 10am to 5pm (10am to 4 pm in winter) and is set against a Victorian two-storey building which features design studios, artist workspaces, a commercial gallery, café and courtyard area where the market takes place."
"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."