Whether you’re here for the weekend or down for the day, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Dublin. From roaring animals and waxwork legends to splashing into the water on a Viking boat-bus, Dublin is packed with fun, family-friendly adventures you won’t find anywhere else.

1. Viking Splash Tour

Departs from St. Stephens Green North

Strap into your life jackets and slip on your helmets for one of the best adventures to be found in Dublin City. The Viking Splash Tour is one of the most fun and unique ways to tour the city. Starting on land, you’ll drive past some of the most notable landmarks in the city. Once you reach the Grand Canal Basin, you’ll get to see how the WWII-era amphibious DUKW transforms your bus tour into an exciting cruise!

This tour typically takes 75 minutes from start to finish (depending on traffic), and it’s the perfect experience to do in Dublin for families or groups of friends looking to unleash their inner Viking.

2. Dublin Zoo | Phoenix Park

Roaring lions. Swinging monkeys. Cheeky elephants. Dublin Zoo is one of the top things to do in Dublin (especially when the weather is dry). You’ll feel like you’re exploring different corners of the world at each themed habitat, from the African Plains to Sea Lion Cove. There are feeding times, talks and little surprises around every corner, so it’s easy to spend a full day wandering.

Dublin Zoo stretches over 28 hectares, so make sure you arrive early to see all your favourite animals without rushing! If you’re travelling from the city centre, you can easily get the Red LUAS Line from Jervis Street to Phoenix Park. Then get the 3-minute bus to the Visitor Centre and follow the mix of roars and chirps to the Dublin Zoo entrance.

3. The National Wax Museum Plus | Westmoreland Street, Temple Bar

Tired of the boring museums full of dusty relics and long paragraphs? The National Wax Museum Plus is one of Dublin’s most entertaining interior attractions. Inside, you’ll find a mix of Irish history, pop culture and great craic, with life-size wax figures that range from famous musicians and movie characters to key figures from Irish mythology and politics. 

The museum is conveniently located in the middle of the city, just to the right of the huge Heineken building, you’re bound to see when you first arrive in Dublin City.

4. Day Trip to Howth

Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean you have to stay there! If you’re craving the salty air of the sea, a day trip to Howth is what you need. The quickest way to get there without a car would be the train from either Pearse Station or Connolly Station. After a 30-minute ride, the views will change from concrete buildings to the crashing waves of the Irish Sea. These trains run every 20 minutes, but we’d recommend arriving as early as you can to get the most out of your coastal adventure.

You can start with a stroll around Howth Harbour watching the fishing boats come and go, then head up to Howth Head for one of the best cliff walks in Dublin, with sea views the whole way and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. When your stomach starts protesting, find a cosy spot in the Village for some of the freshest Fish & Chips you’ll find in Ireland. When you’re ready to head home, simply catch the next train back to Dublin City.

5. Rest & Refuel at T.P. Smith’s

When you’re tired and hangry from a long day in Dublin, the last thing you want is an argument over where to eat. Thankfully, we have something to make even the pickiest eater happy. Need a hearty stew to warm you up? Coming right up. Craving a juicy burger? Already sizzling on the grill. Little one demanding chicken nuggets? Right away!

And the best part? No reservations needed. Just find us right outside the Jervis LUAS stop, grab a table, and we’ll do the rest.