Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Bray

"The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre – located within the sprawling grasslands of one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks – offers an enjoyable exhibition on the history of the surrounding park and an introduction to the many types of wildlife that call this area home. The visitor centre adjoins the park’s walled gardens and has a universal-access playground and café. Dublin Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is also situated within Phoenix Park."

"As Europe’s largest enclosed city park, it’s hard to define what a walk of the Phoenix Park should entail. One that encompasses all the major sights would be great but we are talking about walks here, not a road trip. So we will propose a 7 km looped walk, one that begins with a Luas ride on the red line to Heuston Station and a walk up Parkgate Street to the entrance."

"Trinity College Dublin is also just a 10 minute walk from Maldron Pearse Street, and is a central attraction in Dublin – an architectural and cultural highlight of the city. Guided tours of the college campus are offered, showing you the history of the building and the institution and incorporating the science gallery, the zoological museum and the infamous Book of Kells – a beautifully hand written book written on vellum, dating back to roughly 800AD."

"Stop Three: Trinity College, Long Room Library and The Book of Kells Of all the Dublin attractions, visiting Trinty College and The Book of Kells was tops on my wishlist!. There is an optional paid guided tour of Trinity College, which I decided to do. The college is very prestigious and it is difficult for aspiring students to attain acceptance."

"As part of your visit, you will also have access to the Book of Kells – the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. This is a 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels, and is generally regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"Source: Photo by user Andreas F. Borchert used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Worship at this dated Irish cathedral in Dublin dates back to medieval times, and is still open today for public services!. Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral, where for almost 1000 years, believers have found a common sanctuary beneath lofty ceilings."

"Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt."

"After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, you may be forgiven for thinking that it can’t get any better in terms of gorgeous churches in Dublin. A short walk from here will lead you to Dublin’s other ‘iconic’ church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Many would argue that St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the church to visit if you are considering what to do in Dublin in one day."

"St. Patrick’s Cathedral was founded in the 12th century and is Ireland’s largest church, situated in the heart of Dublin City. There is plenty of history here; Jonathan Swift (author of “Gulliver’s Travels”) who was the dean of the Cathedral from 1713-1745 is buried here. The cathedral regularly hosts choral concerts and is worth experiencing."

"This stunning cathedral welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year. Some come to worship god while others visit as tourists. There is a free app available as well as guided tours."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"It is spectacularly ornate, completely unique and impeccably preserved. During your visit, you’ll also pass through Trinity College’s iconic Long Room Library – which is worth the trip alone. Right in the heart of Dublin, this attraction should be one of the first you tick off your list."

"Although the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire is one of the smaller Dublin parks, it punches well above its weight!. An immaculately landscaped oasis of calm just moments from the harbour, the two-hectare park is well worth a visit, especially if you’re down here at the weekend when local vendors show off their colourful collections of arts, crafts and local produce. Opened in 1890 and designed in the formal Victorian style, check out the wrought iron railings, stone walls, large gates and bandstand typical of the time period."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Many of the best castles near Dublin have a stony gray appearance because they date back to medieval times. Grand Rathfarnham Castle is different because it dates back to Elizabethan times. The building is the earliest example of a fortified house in Ireland and was constructed around the time of the Norman invasion."

"It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, a Yorkshire man who came to Ireland as Lord Deputy. He would eventually become Lord Chancellor of Ireland and was heavily- involved in the opening of Trinity College. The castle is now open as The Office of Public Works."

"A short walk from St. Audoen’s Church is a much more modern construction dating back to 1874. John’s Lane Church was constructed on the site of a former hospital and today is famous for the towering spire and steeple that rises over 200 feet above the city. The tallest spire in the city of Dublin, this was originally constructed solely as a unique aspect of the church and not to hold bells which were later added."

"Located a short walk from the city centre, John’s Lane Church is nestled in the centre of a bustling high street. Built in 1874, John’s Lane Church is one of Dublin’s younger parishes but still has a rich history. The beautiful structure combines grey and red bricks with a green roof which makes it an ideal spot for Instagrammers."

"Bejeweled with stunning mosaics and stained glass, construction began in 1862 on this French Gothic inspired church. Located in Dublin’s historic neighborhood, The Liberties, you’ll have lots to see around this landmark."

"Unashamedly modern, recently extended and upgraded, and enjoying a delightful location on the edge of its namesake manicured park, the Herbert Park Hotel offers smart service, space, comfort, excellent facilities and lovely views in a tranquil and relaxed south Dublin setting."

"The venue anchors the north end of Smithfield, a long rectangular public space that once played host to the city's horse market. Changes come and changes go, but The Cobblestone remains apparently impervious to all. This old pub – ramshackle on the outside; all dim lighting, photograph-laden red walls and polished wooden fittings within – is still home to a dedicated Irish traditional music scene."

"Let's kick things off with a traditional cuisine that brings together food and music. It's touristy, but for a good reason:. Within the historic neighborhood of Smithfield, you'll find incredible street art, great eateries, youths canvassing the place with no parental supervision, and The Cobblestone."

"The perfect night in Dublin includes a live trad session in The Cobblestone with a bag of crisps and a pint. This truly is a hub for Irish music and it has been for more than five generations. The trad sessions run seven nights a week so you can literally call in any time."

"This is a great option for some summer pints, containing two beer gardens that can hold up to 250 people. Both Coolock gardens are modern and well kept. Owner Dave Clarke told Dublin Live: "The staff are all feeling excited to get back to work to see all our regulars. We are introducing a new cocktail menu and have partnered with inferno 911 woodfired pizza and brick oven to create a new pizza menu along with our full bar menu as well."

"All accommodation facilities include, spacious ENSUITE bedrooms, selection of King and Twin bedding with 13.5 tog Duvet, Bright White Sheets, multi channel tv, trouser press, in-room safe, hairdryer, lounge seating, desk and chair and there is access to affordable WIFI.We know what you want from a city hotel.A GREAT LOCATION, A great room that works, nice people that look at you in the eye and say welcome, a smile and homely feeling that oozes passion for looking after you and most of all a fair price. That is what we will provide, along with some surprises!. Address: 146 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge,Dublin 4."

"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!"

"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."

"These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens."

"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."

"A less known spot a stone’s throw away from St Stephen’s Green, Iveagh Gardens is quieter and more intimate. Yet it’s one of the best locations for wedding photos in Dublin if you want a little oasis of calm in the middle of the city. It even has a magnificent fountain."

"As local Dublin experts, who know the city better than anyone, we’re only too happy to let you know the best spots in the city, and Iveagh Gardens is one of our favourites!. Hop off the city tour at St. Stephen’s Green, and it’s just a short stroll away!"

"One of Dublin's most beautiful restaurants, The Ivy is well-loved and constantly frequented by locals and visitors to the city alike. The perfect place for a special occasion, this London export brings its classic all-day gastro menu and iconic botanical interiors to Dawson Street."

"Pretty as not one, not two, but something like 1000 pictures, not only is The Ivy Dublin a treasure on the restaurant, it's a fun and elegant dinign spot that will have you gushing over everything from the interiors to the plates."

"The Ivy completely knocks it out of the park when it comes to having a fancy bathroom. Long mirrors, bright lights, patterned wallpaper, marble floors and classic stools - I wish this was my own bathroom."

"You don't think of the word beer garden without thinking here. Located On Cathal Brugha Street in the city centre, it's one of the best places to get a pint while watching the match. The Living Room told Dublin Live: "We’re really lucky in the sense that The Living Room has always had a great outdoor space and our large beer garden is the perfect size to allow for the current government guidelines with regards social distancing."