Destinations Europe
Juvy Garcia
Dublin, Ireland is famous for being the home of Guinness beer and whiskey, so you might be wondering if it’s a good place to stay for your family vacation to the Emerald Isle. The answer is yes. With a mix of the old and the new, the ancient city offers families a taste of the country’s rich history, culture, cuisine, and fantastic tales.
One neighborhood, in particular, stands out as a family-friendly place to stay while in the city: the Dublin Docklands. It encompasses both sides of the River Liffey from Talbot Memorial Bridge to 3Arena and from Sheriff Street to the Pearse Square Park area. Situated east of the city center, the Docklands is just minutes away from O’Connell Street, the city center’s main avenue, as well as to many of Dublin’s attractions, such as the Trinity College where the Book of Kells is housed, Merrion Square, Kilmainham Gaol, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (per Lonely Planet).
Family-friendly attractions and activities at the Docklands
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The Docklands features plenty of sites to see and things to do that families will enjoy. Topping your list should be the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, per TimeOut. The museum includes interactive exhibits showcasing stories of Irish emigrants. Learn about Irish literature at the Whispering Library and look at the letters Irish emigrants sent home. There’s also the Irish Family History Centre at the gift shop, where you can request the assistance of resident genealogists in filling out your family tree and discovering your family history.
Afterward, take a short stroll to the Famine Memorial at Custom House Quay, where the first voyage of the period sailed off (per IrishCentral). The collection of statues shows famished Irish people heading toward the docks. Other public art is scattered throughout the Docklands if your family has the inclination and the time.
Complete the famine story with a visit to the Jeanie Johnston ship. A paid but informative tour takes you on the Irish emigrants’ journey to leave their famine-stricken land to embark on a new life in the United States. Then join a Liffey River Cruise, a Dublin Bay Cruise, a Viking Splash Tour, or a Liffey Ferry No. 11 boat ride to tour the city from the waters. Or, go kayaking or enroll your kids in Surfdock’s paddleboarding, wind surfing, and wing surfing classes.
Where to stay and eat with family in Dublin Docklands
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When you tire of exploring the city, you know it’s time to refuel. Cafes and restaurants populate the riverbank and the Grand Canal Dock, so you should be able to fill up without a problem. A top recommendation is Herbstreet, which serves dishes made from sustainable ingredients, according to TimeOut, which means your kids will be eating healthier. Or, head to the CHQ Building at the Custom House Quay for more healthy food choices or sample some traditional and Irish food from The Bakehouse. There’s also a Starbucks here for your caffeine fix.
When your day is over, a number of family-friendly hotels will help your family settle in for the night. The Hilton Garden Inn at the Custom House Quay is an upper-middle-range hotel that’s packed with value, per Oyster. It features connecting rooms and a special kids menu, while the bar serves Guinness. Beresford Hotel, a mid-range kid-friendly hotel (per Oyster) near the International Financial Services Centre, offers spacious rooms and huge suites. Spencer Hotel also has family rooms where kids can stay free, a pool with exclusive swimming hours for children, and a kids menu.
