Things to Do Outside Dublin City Centre: 10 Activities

1. AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre

Snugborough Rd, Deanestown, Dublin 15

Described as ‘Ireland’s Favourite Waterpark’, AquaZone is the place to be for some poolside family fun. There are eight exciting attractions including the three slides, a surf simulator, the Lazy River and Wave Pool. For younger children, there’s a Pirate Ship section with water guns, smaller slides and lower water levels. There’s a section for parents too, take a seat in the bubble pool for a few moments of relaxation.

2. Airfield Estate

Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Located opposite Dundrum Shopping centre, Airfield Estate will have you feeling like you’ve left the city and entered a blissful country escape. There’s a working farm, animals, fascinating gardens, exhibits and a restaurant that uses ingredients collected from the farm to create tasty and sustainable dishes. There are daily activities such as feeding and grooming sessions with the animals and a brilliant playground on site too.

3. RainForest Adventure Golf

Unit 6, Dundrum South Dundrum Town Centre, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Also in Dundrum, RainForest Adventure Golf spans over two floors at Dundrum Shopping Centre. There are two 18-hole courses: the Mayan and the Aztec. Each course comprises of fun, whacky holes that will test your skills, and sometimes, your patience! Suitable for all ages and members of the family, Rain Forest is fully wheelchair accessible and there are mini clubs available for toddlers. Between courses you can enjoy pizza, nachos and other items from their Canopy Cafe.

4. Emerald Park

Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Emerald Park can be found in Ashbourne just a short drive from Dublin. Both a theme park and a zoo, Emerald Park is fast becoming one of the top attractions in Ireland. The top billed attraction is the mystifying roller coaster that will whizz you to the highest point in the park where you can soak up some amazing views before you’re whizzed back down on a thrilling drop. Older children will love it! There’s a variety of amusements in the park to suit all ages including a climbing wall, high ropes course, zip lines, trampolines, soft play area and lots more. Head to the zoo section to see tigers, monkeys, buffalo and a whole host of other amazing animals.

5. Killruddery House & Gardens

Southern Cross Rd, Kilruddery Demesne West, Bray, Co. Wicklow

Located just south of Bray, Killruddery House & Gardens is a perfect spot for families and history lovers alike. It is a historic house of Ireland, home to three generations of the Brabazon family who have been living here since 1618. This 800-acre estate is a sustainable bio-diverse farm and offers garden admission and house tours. If you are visiting on a Saturday, don't miss the Killruddery Farm Market, offering fresh local produce, artisan food, vintage items, and crafts.

If you've time to spare, take a scenic stroll along the seafront promenade in Bray, a charming seaside town in Wicklow that makes for a perfect day trip from Dublin. 

6. Newbridge House and Farm

Hearse Road, Donabate, Co. Dublin

Recognised as ‘Dublin’s best kept secret’, Newbridge House and Farm is the perfect location for a family day out in Dublin. See the 18th century style working farm, follow the interactive farm trail and enjoy some food at their Coach House Café. You can also take a tour of the house and learn of its history – it was built in 1747! Newbridge House and Gardens opens daily from 9.30am to 5pm.

7. Explorium

Blackglen Rd, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Visit Dublin’s newest world-class sports science museum, with so much to do for both adults and children. Set on 25 acres, you’ll experience more than 300 exhibits and enjoy hours of fun. You’ll be sure to get your money’s worth with a trip to Explorium. You can choose to visit any of the three different areas of the museum: Junior, Science and Sport. With fun and unusual activities such as Movieworld, gravity rooms, the makers’ lab and the world’s largest indoor cave, you’ll receive an experience like no other. See Ireland’s 1st robot waiters and hold real lightning in your hand! The closest hotel to Explorium, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is the ideal place to stay. Drive to Explorium in only 8 minutes when you stay with us. Book a family or triple room with us today and see all that Sandyford has to offer for families.

If you're looking for similar indoor activities in Dublin, read our complete guide on the city's indoor offerings.

8. Dalkey Castle

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin

Dalkey Castle is one of the seven fortified townhouses/castles of Dalkey. In Dalkey Castle, you will see a fine example of a barrel-vaulted ceiling and traces of the wickerwork that supported it. Niches have been exposed on the walls where precious goods may have been stored. The Castle is an integral entrance to both the Heritage Centre and Dalkey Town Hall. Dalkey Castle was called the Castle of Dalkey in the Middle Ages. Later, in the mid to late 1600s, it was called Goat Castle when the Cheevers family of Monkstown Castle were the owners. Dalkey is an urban oasis nestling on the east coast of Ireland just ten miles south of Dublin city. A warm welcoming atmosphere awaits you here. There are lots of open-air dining and picnic options and there are children’s playgrounds at Cuala GAA grounds and Killiney Hill.

9. Malahide Castle

Malahide Demesne Malahide, Co. Dublin

Just a 30-minute train trip from Dublin, Malahide Castle is a gem for history lovers and families alike. Set on 250 acres of parkland, the castle was home to the Talbot family from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle interiors, a children’s playground, a butterfly house and botanical gardens. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the Malahide DART station – making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Dublin.

10. Dundrum Town Centre

Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16 

Nestled in the affluent south Dublin area, Dundrum Town Centre is a perfect place to spend time with family. One of the largest shopping centres in Ireland, Dundrum Town Centre features over 120 shops, 45 restaurants and a 12-screen cinema. Known for its premium shopping experience and design, its strong tenant line-up includes Zara, M&S, The North Face, Brown Thomas, JD Sports, Dunnes Stores, and Tesco. There's a variety of options to satiate your mid-shopping hunger as well with restaurants such as The Flying Duck, Ananda, L'Officina, Abrakebabra, Nando's, Five Guys, The Port House Ibericos, among others, occupying the centre. Easily accessible via the Luas Green Line and numerous bus routes, Dundrum also offers over 3,400 car parking spaces, including EV charging and accessible facilities.  
 

If you're looking for more such shopping centres, read our guide on shopping centres in Dublin before heading for retail therapy.