5 Top Dublin Day Trips for Families (2024)

DUBLINIRELANDGUIDE
Written By Jocelyn Lee

Unleash the fun: Five kid-friendly destinations near Dublin for outdoor dining and play.

A father holding a baby and crepe at the Killruddery Farmer's Market in Ireland.

What is the best day trip from Dublin you ask? If you have kids also, look no further!

One Dublin attraction for families is that there is no loss of kid-friendly places to see outside the city. From farms to castles and charming estates, the minute you step outside of Dublin, you may not return….

All of our recommended day trips from Dublin take into consideration options for food close by. We are a family travel blog for foodies after all!

I'm thrilled to share the best family-friendly day trips from Dublin for those looking for a bit of adventure and fresh air with a side of something tasty.

 
 

Before you go, check out these Ireland guides perfect for families.

Why day trips outside of Dublin make great family fun

Day trips with kids outside of Dublin offer families the perfect opportunity to escape the city and embark on exciting adventures in new places. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle allows for quality bonding time and a chance to relax and unwind. Fortunately, the areas surrounding Dublin provide ample opportunities for thrilling activities, cultural immersion, and, our personal favorite, indulging in delightful foodie experiences. Check out these fun day trips in Ireland to spark inspiration and adventure with your kids!

5 half-day trips from Dublin for Ireland family fun

 

01 | KILLRUDDERY HOUSE - 40 MINUTES FROM DUBLIN

WHAT

  • A bio-diverse working farm on a Tudor-style estate. Killruddery House is one of my top favorite day trips from Dublin with kids because the estate offers many different things for families to do. In good weather, you could spend a whole day here.

The estate also recently expanded it’s Wood Fired pizza hours by adding a permanent pizza shed!

FOOD OPTIONS

  • Tea Room

  • Saturday Farm Market

  • Wood Fired Pizza at their pizza shed.

  • Farm fresh menu at the Grain Store

DISTANCE FROM DUBLIN

  • 44.0km

  • Just under an hour's drive

ATTRACTIONS

  • Tudor Mansion. Tours available

  • 17 century-style gardens

  • Woodlands

  • Farm Shop

 

02 | MALAHIDE CASTLE & GARDENS - 20 MINUTE DRIVE FROM DUBLIN

Malahide Castle and Garden's a day trip from Dublin

WHAT

  • A majestic medieval castle with over 800 years of history. When you are done visiting Malahide Castle, you can go into the town and find more places to eat. This day trip option from Dublin is filled with options the whole family will love. When everyone is done seeing the gardens, butterfly house, and fairy trail, you can grab a bite to eat at Avoca Store.

FOOD OPTIONS

DISTANCE FROM DUBLIN

  • 18.4.km

  • 20 mins

ATTRACTIONS

  • Castle Tours

  • Botanical Gardens

  • Butterfly House

  • Fairy Trail

03 | BURTOWN HOUSE AND GARDENS - ONE HOUR DRIVE FROM DUBLIN

WHAT

  • Another great day trip with kids from Dublin is this Georgian-style villa that dates back to the first part of the 18th century. Burtown House is a beautiful family-owned place. Perfect for families looking for a more quiet and intimate day trip experience from Dublin.

FOOD OPTIONS

DISTANCE FROM DUBLIN

  • 71.7km

  • One hour drive

ATTRACTIONS

  • Gardens that are open to visitors. Admission fee.

  • Jo’s Pantry, artisanal food shop.

  • Guest houses on site are available for stays. For families looking for a farm-to-table experience, this is the perfect place.

 

04 | AIRFIELD ESTATE - 30 MINUTE DRIVE FROM DUBLIN

WHAT

  • A working farm and gardens. This day trip with kids from Dublin option is all about the farm. Airfield Estate offers youngsters the opportunity to experience Ireland with animals. I can’t think of a better day trip from Dublin if you have a toddler that needs to run and play. Go on a Friday or Saturday to catch the Farmers Market.

FOOD OPTIONS

  • Enjoy a menu around their weekly harvest at Overends Kitchen.

    • Check out their all-day Brunch menu here.

    • Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays.

DISTANCE FROM DUBLIN

  • 10. km.

  • 30 mins.

ATTRACTIONS

  • Farm and gardens as well as Heritage Experience

 

05 | HOWTH MARKET - 30 MINUTE DRIVE FROM DUBLIN

Howth sea a great day trip from Dublin with kids

WHAT

  • A farmer’s market and the perfect family day trip for those looking for some fresh sea air. Open Saturday and Sunday. Day trippers from Dublin with kids can enjoy the beach, sea air, and farmers market in Howth.

DISTANCE FROM DUBLIN

  • 35 min drive. 17.8 km.

  • Howth Market 3A Harbour Road Howth Co Dublin Ireland.

ATTRACTIONS

  • Baked treats, fresh produce, and a selection of Irish and international foods.

Before you go, check out these Ireland guides perfect for families.

 

What are your favorite day trips from Dublin with kids?

 
 

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A girl running in a garden at a castle in Ireland

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A girl going horseback riding in Ireland

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A girl playing at the ocean in Howth Ireland

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Jocelyn Lee

Jocelyn Lee is full-time parenting a tween and toddler, dabbling in Duolingo, and preaching a clutter-free life despite any dismay from said, family members. You can follow her on Instagram.

https://apoppyplace.com
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