Finding somewhere to eat that actually welcomes children — not just tolerates them — can make or break a family day out. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to kid friendly restaurants in Ireland, built from recommendations shared by parents just like you.
Inside you’ll find a mix of relaxed cafés, family-run restaurants, and lovely spots attached to gardens, farms and visitor attractions, all chosen because they make eating out with kids that bit easier — think children’s menus, high chairs, space for buggies, and staff who don’t mind a bit of noise.
We update this list from time to time, so if you’ve got a favourite kid-friendly spot that should be here, let us know in the comments — we love hearing your recommendations.
Family Favourites With Something Extra
These spots are popular with Mykidstime families because they combine good food with a proper day out.
1. Child-Friendly Eating at Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow
Powerscourt Estate is a brilliant day out for families, with the gardens and waterfall, and the children’s museum, Tara’s Palace, all on site. There are also some great dining options to suit different budgets. The Avoca Terrace Café offers lovely views over the Wicklow countryside and a children’s menu with homemade options for little ones. Powerscourt Golf Club offers family-friendly dining, and is especially popular for Sunday lunch, while the Powerscourt Hotel is a lovely option for a more relaxed family meal within the estate’s grounds.
(Note for editor: please confirm current children’s menu pricing before publishing, as this may have changed since the original article was written.)
2. Belvedere House, Westmeath
The Courtyard Café at Belvedere House is a bright, welcoming spot for lunch or homemade treats, with soft seating and a menu that leans towards fresh, locally sourced food. It’s a genuinely child-friendly café, and also caters for children’s parties and special occasions. Afterwards, take the family to explore the 160-acre estate overlooking Lough Ennell, or visit the fully restored house itself.
3. National Museum of Ireland, Dublin
The cafés at the National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology, and National Museum of Ireland — Decorative Arts & History, are handy spots for a snack or lunch before or after a museum visit. Both cafés serve child-friendly food, high chairs are available on request, and breastfeeding mums are welcome.
You may also enjoy: What Makes a Restaurant Child-Friendly?
More Kid-Friendly Spots in Dublin & Wicklow
4. ely, Dublin — Highly recommended by parents for a fresh, wholesome kids’ menu. Very child-friendly, with meat sourced from ely’s own farm in Clare.
5. Carluccio’s, Dublin — Good Italian food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
6. Milano, Dublin — A firm favourite with families, offering good value on the children’s menu, with play areas in some of the larger restaurants.
7. Marks & Spencer’s Cafés, Dublin — A handy option with a kids’ lunch bag including a sandwich, juice, raisins, crisps and colouring pencils.
8. Tea Rooms at Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin — A nice coffee shop for cakes and light lunches, with a great playground on the grounds.
9. **Homemade by Clodag
