Brought to you by VisitDublin
Time to add a pop of culture to your next winter break.
Dublin is bursting at the seams with galleries, museums and cultural experiences the entire family are bound to enjoy, and, as winter approaches, it is the ideal time to take them all in on a city break.
Indeed, visiting the city’s most fascinating cultural experiences – both indoors and outdoors – is a brilliant way to embrace the cooler weather and be transported to a whole other world. Take in the cool air on board a replica of a 19th century tall ship in the Dublin Docklands, step into the shoes of GAA legends with a tour of Croke Park or weather-proof your plans with a visit to some of Dublin’s most picturesque libraries. And, while a post-museum hot chocolate goes down a treat in all weathers, it tastes particularly delicious when it’s cold outside.
So, ready to weather-proof your next family break to Dublin? Here is a mix of indoor and outdoor cultural spots and museums to help you make the most of your city break, whatever the weather.
National Maritime Museum
With a visit to the National Maritime Museum on your next short break, you and your family will get the chance to enter a whole new world and learn all about Ireland’s incredible relationship with the sea. Inside the walls of this impressive building, you’ll discover the museum’s collection of pictures, paintings and documents that tell this story.
Once you’ve taken in this fascinating history, soak up that fresh cool sea air with a walk along the Dun Laoghaire pier. When hunger strikes, nab some fish and chips from The Fish Shack and enjoy them while looking out on the sea – the ideal warming meal when there’s a chill in the air.
The Jeanie Johnston
To be truly transported on your next city break to Dublin, climb aboard The Jeanie Johnston, a replica tall ship in the Dublin Docklands. During the Jeanie Tour, you and your family will follow in the footsteps of those who fled the famine. Your little ones will get the chance to play captain of the ship and there’s even a Master Mariner’s Activity Trail to keep young visitors engaged.
After your visit, enjoy a walk to Grand Canal Dock and warm up with some hearty, healthy dinner from Nutbutter. As the night draws in, wrap up warm and as you stroll along, admiring the view of the docklands, now glowing with pretty lights.
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
One brilliant way to awaken your family’s imagination on your next trip to Dublin is with a visit to Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre. During the Living History Tour, you and your children will step into a 14th century medieval castle that has been brought to life by a cast of colourful characters, including a cook, a barber surgeon and an archer.
Once the tour is finished, embark on a family adventure with a bracing walk up Killiney Hill, which offers incredible views of both the Irish Sea and Dublin City. Finish up your day in Dalkey with a warming family dinner in DeVille’s Restaurant.
Experience Glasnevin Ireland’s National Cemetery
Glasnevin Cemetery is the resting place of 1.5 million people, and on a tour of this impressive cemetery you’ll discover the lives of those who lay there, including Countess Markievicz, Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell. Your children will learn about Ireland’s most prominent figures as they ramble through this peaceful cemetery and breathe in the crisp air. On your visit, make sure you ascend the O’Connell Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city in the soft light of autumn and winter.
Afterwards, stroll to the nearby National Botanic Gardens and explore the grounds on a brisk walk. Before you leave, pop by The Garden Tearoom and treat your children with a cosy hot chocolate. After a day of adventuring, they will have more than earned it!
Chester Beatty
Autumn and winter breaks are made for strolls around Dublin’s bustling city centre, and as you explore the capital, pay a visit to the Chester Beatty Museum, which is home to some truly breath-taking works. Feast your eyes on East Asian, Islamic and Western manuscripts, prints and objects at this peaceful and sumptuous gallery. After your visit, sample some of the Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean dishes and treats on offer in the adjoining Silk Road Café.
Following your visit to Chester Beatty, explore the grounds of the neighbouring Dublin Castle and then embark on an evening stroll around the city centre, taking in the buzzy atmosphere as the buskers of Grafton Street provide the night’s soundtrack.
Marsh’s Library
Another hidden gem waiting for you to discover it during your winter break in Dublin is Marsh’s Library. Nestled in the buzzy Dublin 8 neighbourhood, this preserved library invites visitors to step into the 18th century. Peruse the beautiful bookshelves, explore the fascinating collection and participate in the mini-figure hunt – fun for kids and adults alike! When you’ve finished inside, enjoy a moment of calm in the peaceful garden of the library.
After your visit, pop by the neighbouring St Patrick’s Cathedral and admire the stained-glass windows and atmospheric interiors in the precious winter light. Round off you trip to the Liberties with a family pizza dinner at Lucky’s Café and Bar on Meath Street.
GAA Museum, Croke Park
Embrace your inner camogie, hurler or football player on your winter break with a family trip to the GAA Museum at Croke Park. Take in the history of this one-of-a-kind sports association and get up close and personal with the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups, visit the Hall of Fame and then put your own hurling and Gaelic football skills to the test at the Interactive Games Zone.
After your visit, explore the leafy suburb of Drumcondra and admire the historic houses that make up this picturesque neighbourhood on a peaceful walk. After taking in a healthy dose of refreshing winter air, warm up with a toasty Middle-Eastern feast from Shouk. This popular restaurant even has a kid’s menu, so diners of all ages will find something tasty to enjoy here.
Brought to you by VisitDublin.
Whatever the weather it’s always perfect weather to Keep Discovering. Plan your next short break at VisitDublin.com
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this autumn and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
