Looking for ideas for a family day out in Dublin with a difference? History, heritage and fun all rolled into a fun packed day out are what you can expect when you visit The Round Tower Clondalkin. And best of all, entry is free and you can enjoy the gardens and on-site Café too. For these reasons and more, the Round Tower Clondalkin should be top of your family days out list.
About The Round Tower Clondalkin
The Round Tower Clondalkin is over a 1000 years old. It was built in the centre of an early medieval monastery, which was originally founded by St Crónán Mo-Chua in the late 600s or early 700s AD. It is one of only four remaining round towers in Co. Dublin and is one of the best preserved.
The tower stands at 27.5 meters high and is just four meters wide at the bottom. Inside the original openings for the door and windows all survive. The tower and 19th century Mill cottages are now home to an education and interpretation centre, which is free to visit.
Activities to Do While Visiting The Round Tower Clondalkin
The Round Tower Clondalkin education and interpretation centre is an ideal venue for a family day out, combining fun with education!
There is lots to see and do when you visit, with two floors of interactive activities for kids to enjoy. You can meet exciting characters, build your own round tower, or dress up in costume and imagine what Clondalkin was like in days gone by.
In advance of your visit you can also download some fun colouring sheets and of course while you are visiting, be sure to look out for Milly the mouse who is hiding in every room of the exhibition! You can also download the tour as an audio guide on your phone.
The exhibition can be enjoyed through eight distinctive themed spaces of the refurbished 19th century Mill Cottages and brings to life the monastic setting, the Viking legacy, the 19th and early 20th-century setting of Clondalkin, a busy Dublin village, as well as exploring the role that round towers performed both socially and politically in Ireland.
On-Site Facilities include:
- Interactive visitor centre (free admission)
- Monastic Gardens (free admission)
- Gallery (free admission)
- Retail shop
- Café
The Round Tower Centre is fully accessible with lift, toilet facilities and on-site disability parking.
Things to Do In The Surrounding Area
The Round Tower Clondalkin is located close to Corkagh Park and the Grand Canal Greenway, which can easily be combined together to enjoy and explore the natural outdoors of Dublin in South Dublin County.
You can explore on foot or by bike, if you want to travel further afield!
For those wanting to stay close-by the Camac Valley Campsite is open year round and it perfect for exploring all that Dublin has to offer.
Enjoy An Interactive Stroll
Download the interactive heritage trail app and discover some of the history and lesser known sights of Clondalkin village and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
Go Hunting For Fairies in Corkagh Park
Corkagh Park consists of 120 hectares to explore on foot or by bike. It is home to a purpose-built cycle track and a fairy wood! In addition your family can enjoy the playground, rose garden, sports and playing pitches.
Explore The Grand Canal Greenway
Leaving the Round Tower Clondalkin, you are just a short stroll from The Grand Canal Greenway. You can join it from Clondalkin Village at the 9th lock and walk or cycle along the banks where you might spot some of the local wildlife.
I hope we have given you some ideas for a fun day out with the family at the Round Tower Clondalkin. You can find loads more ideas on Dublinsoutdoors.ie including places to stay, eat and more fantastic things to do.
About the Author: Michelle
