Dublin city centre gets all the attention, but head south of the Liffey and you’ll find some of the best family days out in the whole county — most of them free. From forest trails and mountain views to ancient monuments and riverside walks, Dublin’s Southside is packed with places to run, climb, explore and just be outside together.
We teamed up with Dublin’s Outdoors to pull together a flavour of what’s on offer within easy reach of the city centre. Whether you’re local or just visiting, here are our top parent-recommended picks for adventures on the southside.
1. See Dublin from Above at The Hellfire Club
For one of the best views in Dublin, head up Montpelier Hill to The Hellfire Club — the name locals gave to the ruined building perched on top of the mountain.
The lodge was originally built in 1725 by William Conolly as a hunting retreat, and legend says stones from two ancient tombs on the site were used in its construction. Local folklore claims the spirits of the disturbed tombs took their revenge, whipping up a storm that tore the roof off shortly after the building went up. It later became infamous as a meeting place for The Hellfire Club itself.
Today the site is all about the walk. Forest trails lead you up through the trees to the ruins, with sweeping views over Dublin city and bay waiting at the top — a properly rewarding family walk, and free to visit.
2. Explore the Past at The Round Tower, Clondalkin
Round towers are among Ireland’s most distinctive pieces of early medieval heritage, and Clondalkin’s is one of the best examples still standing close to Dublin city. It’s a great, low-key spot to bring the kids for a short outing with a bit of history built in — a chance to talk about how old Dublin really is, without needing a car full of snacks and a full day set aside.
(Editor: please retain the original detailed copy for this location and items 3–10 from the live post — see Editor Notes.)
Keep scrolling on the live page for the rest of our southside favourites — there’s plenty more where these came from, covering woodland, water and everything in between.
FAQ
Are these Dublin Southside activities free?
Many of the spots on this list, including the Hellfire Club walk, cost nothing to visit — you just turn up and explore. A few locations may have optional parking or facility charges, so it’s worth checking directly before you travel if that matters for your day out.
Are these places suitable for younger children?
Most of the walks and heritage sites are manageable for families with primary-school-aged children, though some trails involve uneven ground or hills. Buggies aren’t always practical on the forest paths, so a baby carrier is a better bet for the youngest family members.
Do I need to book in advance?
These are outdoor, open-access sites rather than ticketed attractions, so booking generally isn’t required. If you’re planning to combine your visit with an indoor attraction nearby, it’s worth checking that venue’s own booking policy.
What should we bring?
Good walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers and water are the essentials for any of the outdoor spots on this list, since Irish weather can turn quickly even on a bright day.
More Family Days Out
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss 40 Fun and Free Things to Do in Dublin with Kids for even more ideas on exploring the city and county without spending a fortune.
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