Dublin · With kids
WITH KIDS
A zoo in a deer park, a Victorian dead zoo, and a cliff walk at the end of the DART.
Dublin Zoo
In Phoenix Park, with a good African savanna section and a farm area for smaller children. Half a day; book online for the cheaper fare.
The Dead Zoo
The Natural History Museum is a free, unreconstructed Victorian hall of skeletons and taxidermy, including three enormous Irish elk. Ages four up.
DART to Howth
Half an hour by train to a fishing harbour with seals, chips and a six-kilometre cliff loop that suits confident walkers from about seven.
Imaginosity, Sandyford
A purpose-built children's museum in Sandyford with a climbing structure, play town and craft rooms. Sessions are timed; aimed at two to nine.
Rain gear and pub food
Waterproofs matter more than sunscreen. Children ride cheaply on a Leap card, and most pubs serve food from noon and admit families until early evening.