Despite being a large city, Dublin actually has lots of outdoor opportunities for families. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Dublin to take the kids and enjoy the best the city and county has to offer.

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From parks to beaches, there are lots of fun outdoor spaces to take the kids to. Here are some of our favourite spots.

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Best Outdoor Places in Dublin for Families

Iveagh Gardens

This delightful park is minutes from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street but feels like it’s miles away.

An oasis of calm and beauty in the middle of Dublin City Centre, the Iveagh Gardens are an ideal picnic spot, with beautiful greens and gardens and a small waterfall, there is nowhere nicer in Dublin on a summer’s day.

Farmleigh

The meadows in front of Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park is a great spot to enjoy a picnic with great views, lots of space and with a farmers market most weekends, you can pick up tasty treats there as well.

The Dublin Mountains and The Hellfire Club

There are some great picnic spots in the Dublin mountains especially around Three Rocks with picnic tables available and unbeatable views of the city.

The Hellfire Club in the Dublin Mountains is another fun place for a walk with plenty of space for the kids to run around when you get to the top.

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St Patrick’s Park

Image: © Tourism Ireland

Right beside St Patrick’s Cathedral you’ll find a nice park with fountain and children’s playground. We sometimes bring a picnic and enjoy sitting on the grass people watching.

Father Collins Park

Father Collins Park is just beside Clongriffin DART station (between Howth Junction and Portmarnock) and is a great place to go cycling with the kids. Great for kite flying as well!

Marley Park

A popular spot on the Southside amongst parents with playgrounds and again, good for taking the kids cycling. Another good one for flying kites.

Howth Head and Bray Head

Both walks on opposing sides of Dublin Bay are great for a family ramble with various trails available.

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Dollymount Beach

It’s a lovely cycle along the coast road from Clontarf as far as Howth. Other favourite beaches on the south side are Sandycove, Killiney and Sandymount. On the north side there are great sandy strands at Portmarnock, Donabate, Sutton and Malahide.

Here are two favourites out of a huge selection of playgrounds and parks in Dublin:

Ardgillan Demesne

The huge colourful playground in the grounds of Ardgillan Castle & Demesne in Balbriggan has a large climbing frame, sociable swings, flying fox. There’s lots to do for all ages.

Tymon Park

There are three great playgrounds in Tymon Park. There is a large adventure playground at the Tallaght entrance to the park.

At the Templeogue entrance, there is another playground suitable for both toddlers and older children.

In the woods beside this playground there are several climbing frames, hammocks, a huge netted climbing pyramid and several other wooden play things along the path through the wood.

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Article written by Deborah, mum of 4

Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Dublin to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.