Things to do in South County Dublin

Looking for some family time inspiration? We’ve taken care of it!

We’ve chosen some of our favourite family activities, restaurants and playgrounds in South County Dublin. Have a look and see where your next family time adventure might take you.

Family Activities in South County Dublin:

Imaginosity

Imaginosity is Ireland's only interactive children's museum. It provides children with the means to learn about life through hands on experience. Suitable for children aged 9 and under, Imaginosity has three floors of interactive, educational exhibits to inspire children's imagination. There's daily arts and crafts workshops at the museum and these are included in the €8 admission fee.

Dublinia

Dublinia brings Dublin's history to life through their four exciting exhibitions. You can visit Viking and Medieval Dublin, see archaeology and climb St Michael's tower. Get ready to see Dublin in a new light and learn about its citizens through the ages.

Mr B’s

Located in Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Mr B's is home to a family friendly arcade and indoor play centre. The arcade is suitable for ages with a great collection of games including pool and air hockey. The soft play centre has a 1500 square foot bouncing castle, climbing frames, slides and a large ball pool.  Mr B's is available for private hire for children's parties and there's over 1,000 free parking spaces nearby.

Viking Splash Tours

Each tour with Viking Splash Tours is a new adventure. See Dublin like never before on land and water in a custom-made floating bus. See Dublin's tallest cathedral, hear stories about Medieval Dublin and its Viking heritage, splash into the Grand Canal Basin to see U2's recording studios and, most importantly, wear your Viking helmet and learn to roar like a true Viking!

The Chocolate Warehouse

The Chocolate Warehouse is a real-life chocolate wonderland that gives families the chance to experience the joy of making chocolate. Their two-hour workshops include a video on the story of chocolate, a chocolate demonstration and a hands-on chocolate making experience where guests can create and decorate their own chocolates to take home. The workshop ends with a quiz and participants are awarded with a Chocolate Warehouse Certificate.

Child-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in South County Dublin:

The Happy Pear Clondalkin

The Clondalkin Happy Pear café is the first Dublin-based café from the Happy Pear brothers: Dave and Steve. Family orientated; the café caters for all serving healthy, nutritious food that will leave you feeling good. The café takes coffee very seriously and they even roast their own beans on site. Apart from good food, the café also known for hosting wellness events such as talks and yoga sessions.

Beaufield Mews

Beaufield Mews is Dublin's oldest restaurant - it's been run by the same family for nearly 70 years. Their menus are created from local, artisan Irish produce served with a French twist. Beaufield Mews is split into two parts - The Loft Brasserie and The Coach house and Garden. Both are family friendly and have delicious menus.

Gourmet Food Parlour Dun Laoghaire

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner just minutes away from Dun Laoghaire Pier, Gourmet Food Parlour is a favourite among family diners. And with friendly staff, a home from home atmosphere and great food it's easy to see why! There's veggie, vegan, gluten free and children's options on their extensive menus making it the perfect spot to keep everyone happy.

The Step Inn

The Step Inn is a landmark pub in Dublin thanks to its stunning location at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. The pub is made up of two bars and two restaurants - all known for friendly hospitality, great food and lots of parking. Their modern pub grub menu includes options such as Thai red curry and steak on the stone. There's live music every weekend too.

The Gables

The Gables Restaurant and Wine Bar in Foxrock serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and brunch on the weekends. They're famous for specially selected wine list and are on hand to recommend a wine to match your dish. They also have an extensive kid's menu. For just €9.50 your child can enjoy a soft drink, a scoop of ice cream and a main course such as chargrilled chicken or grilled Atlantic cod. 

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