Looking for things to do with the kids in North County Dublin? This part of the county is packed with brilliant playgrounds, many of them right beside castles, beaches or parkland, so you can turn a quick play stop into a full day out.
Most of these playgrounds sit beside other attractions or locations, so you can easily build a day around them.
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North County Dublin Playgrounds
Ardgillan Demesne Playground
The playground at Ardgillan Castle near Balbriggan is a huge, colourful playground with a large climbing frame, sociable swings, a flying fox and other great equipment. There’s plenty to do for all ages. While you’re there, take a walk through the Rose Garden or visit Ardgillan House, where you’ll find a café and toilets.
Susan, one of our contributors, says: “It is free to visit and the playground is surrounded by park and woodland for the kids to explore.”
Howth Playground
The playground in Howth sits right in the centre of the village, close to the harbour, so there are cafés and restaurants nearby if you fancy a bite to eat. You’ll find regular swings, a basket swing, a slide, climbing equipment and bouncers, plus benches for parents to sit and watch. There’s free parking right beside the playground, though it can get busy at weekends.
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Malahide Playground
At Malahide Castle Demesne you’ll find a huge playground with plenty to do for all ages, divided into a toddler area and an older kids’ play area. Equipment includes slides, climbing frames, basket and tyre swings, a sandpit with mini-diggers, a roundabout, a zip line with button seats, a spider’s web climbing net, a rotating circular disc, a rotating cylindrical rope climbing frame, and a climbing tower with bridges and slides.
There are also picnic tables and benches. Parking is free, with just a short walk to the playground through the woods.
Robswall Playground
Known locally as the Pirate Playground thanks to a huge pirate boat with slides and climbing equipment, Robswall Playground on the Coast Road, Malahide, also has swings and slides.
There are beautiful views, plenty of free parking and toilets nearby. Head to nearby Portmarnock Beach afterwards for a picnic and a play on the sand.
Seabury Playground, Malahide
Seabury Playground is enclosed and has regular and basket swings, multi-play units with slides, springers, a seesaw and a merry-go-round. There’s also a large green area beside it, so bring a football along for a kickabout too. Some parking is available outside the supermarket across the road.
Newbridge Demesne Playground
The playground at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate is a large, colourful playground with a climbing frame, sociable swings, a flying fox and more, with play areas designed for different age groups.
It’s also close to the animal farm and picnic area, so you can easily make a day of it. There are toilets on site with nappy changing facilities and first aid.
Skerries Playground
Skerries Playground at Red Island is a lovely little playground that’s great for younger children. There’s plenty of free parking nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these playgrounds free to visit?
Yes, all the playgrounds listed here are free to use. Some, like Ardgillan and Newbridge Demesne, are set within larger parkland or estates that are also free to explore.
Which playground is best for toddlers?
Skerries Playground and the toddler area at Malahide Castle Demesne are both great choices for younger children, with equipment suited to smaller kids alongside space for parents to keep a close eye.
Is parking available at these playgrounds?
Most of the playgrounds mentioned have free parking nearby, including Ardgillan, Howth, Malahide, Robswall, Newbridge Demesne and Skerries. Seabury has some parking available near the supermarket across the road.
Can I make a full day out of a playground visit?
Yes — many of these playgrounds sit alongside other attractions, such as Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Farm, or nearby beaches like Portmarnock, so it’s easy to combine a play visit with a wider day out.
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