This holiday season, my family flew to Dublin to enjoy the Emerald Isle for the trip of a lifetime. While we chose to mostly stay in the capital save a trip to Blarney Castle, we experienced so much magic in Dublin that I think everyone should put it on their travel bucket list.
Dublin Zoo. We were able to waltz into the largest zoo in Ireland without any lines — in fact, we hardly saw any humans at all that day! Opened in 1831, this zoo is a popular family attraction, but we were able to enjoy the animals without the summer crowd. While we went during the day, the evening would see the zoo lit up with beautiful animal lanterns and fun gnomes scattered throughout! Wild Lights is a magical journey for zoo-goers, and only returns for the winter months.
Temple Bar. I’ll be honest: we only did a quick family photo here. It is a beautiful and fun area worth a stop, but the surrounding pubs are just as incredible! A few pubs to try in Dublin: The Bank on College Green, The Brazen Head (the oldest pub in Ireland), The Church (wedding venue of Arthur Guinness and his bride), and our personal favorite: Murray’s.
Trinity College. The Book of Kells, a stunning ninth century manuscript of the four New Testament gospels, is housed here in the Old Library. The Book of Kells Exhibition was educational, and the fun booklets my daughters were given encouraged engagement. Once they completed their searches, they received a certificate!
The Library is one of the most impressive sights I’ve ever seen. Walking into the Long Room of the Library took my breath away: rows and towers of bookshelves, complete with wooden ladders. While many of the books were not on display while we were there due to conservation, it was still awe-inspiring.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Oh, this was an experience. My girls were each given activity books to help them find hidden treasures, and they were able to do brass rubbings of the building, as well as key biblical and historical figures. Outside of the cathedral, a few feet from where it is said St. Patrick baptized the first Christians, the girls played on the small playground while my husband walked the grounds.
Dublinia Museum. I didn’t expect this museum to be my children’s favorite place, but the living history exhibit is wonderful. Interactive and hands-on, this family-friendly museum is a must-do.
Christ Church Cathedral. We were welcomed in by two pleasant greeters, and promptly given children’s booklets and a chocolate (this may have just been a one-off because the hostess was having a bag of treats, but this does exemplify the Irish generosity!). Another beautiful experience, this cathedral has stood for nearly a millennium. It has a crypt underneath, and make sure you check out the cat and rat while you’re down there.
Guinness Storehouse. I genuinely think my husband planned this entire trip for the Guinness. And you know what? It was worth it. After touring the brewery, we were able to grab a Guinness at the rooftop Gravity Bar overlooking the city. It was phenomenal, but very crowded, so we walked downstairs to Arthur’s Bar which was hosting live music! Personally, I preferred being able to sit at a table and enjoy the atmosphere.
Jameson Distillery. We had a fantastic tour, headed by Laura, during which we learned all about the whiskey-making process. Samples at the end proved we had refined our noses and palates well, because I really was able to pick out the different notes during the tasting!
Vintage Tea Trips. One day as we were down the street, an old yellow-and-blue double-decker bus stopped beside us. Through the windows, we could see the partygoers enjoying a typical afternoon tea, and immediately decided to get tickets. (Drive-by marketing works, y’all!) We were able to enjoy scones, sandwiches, treats, and beverages while touring Dublin, learning all about the architectural history of the most expensive neighborhoods as well as the similarities in Irish and American landmarks. (Look up the President of Ireland’s house and see what I mean.) Huge shoutout to Daniel, Dev, Adam, and “even” Liam, our fearless bus driver.
Blarney. Okay so I know I said I was only going to tell you about Dublin, but it was so easy to hop on the Paddywagon Tour Bus, I have to share. You can choose different destinations, but we decided to go to Blarney Castle, with a quick stop in the Cork City. The trip was supposed to inclue the Rock of Cashel, but high winds closed the site down that day. Even still, it was a fascinating view as we drove by.
The Blarney Castle exceeded expectations, and because we went in during the off season, there were no lines. We were able to walk straight up, kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of gab, and explore the castle and grounds. I have been to a lot of places, but Blarney is heaven on Earth. It is the most beautiful area I have ever seen; I could have walked around there for days and still be just as enthralled! We were able to pop into Blarney Woolen Mills for some Christmas shopping before hopping back on the Paddywagon bus to go back to Dublin.
I have to recognize Alex here. Alex was our bus driver, but he was really more of our tour guide/historian/craic dealer (“craic” means fun, and he enjoyed this phrase a lot). He shared his wealth of knowledge, and I requested that he launch a YouTube channel, but alas he declined.
Dublin was an amazing trip, and I hope everyone can experience it. It should be noted that it is family and neurodivergent friendly, with a sensory calming area in the Guinness Storehouse, reminders in bathrooms that not all disabilities or needs are seen, and an extensive allergy list on every menu to ensure everyone can eat without fear. A new initiative was recently announced for Dublin to be the first autism-friendly capital in the world, seeking to expand its nurturing inclusion and social impact to everyone who lives in or visits the city. Ireland is absolutely enchanting, and the people are helpful, kind, and witty. If you’re able, go have a craic in Dublin, enjoy a Guinness (or a Murphy’s, if you’re in Cork), and sláinte.
