Planning a family trip to Dublin this autumn?
From spotting deer in Phoenix Park and spending a day at Dublin Zoo to discovering Vikings, interactive museums and centuries of Irish history, Dublin has plenty to keep both children and adults entertained.
Autumn is also a great season for a Dublin family city break. Spend crisp mornings exploring parks, move indoors to museums when the rain arrives and finish the day with something warm to eat before heading back to your hotel.
Staying at The Hendrick Smithfield puts your family close to Phoenix Park, Collins Barracks and Dublin City Centre, with the LUAS Red Line nearby for getting around.
Here are some of the best family things to do in Dublin this autumn.
Make It a Family Autumn Break – Save 15%
Turn your day out into a family city break at The Hendrick Smithfield.
For a limited time, save 15% with our Autumn Sale when booking our flexible rate directly.
Stay close to Dublin City Centre, explore the capital together and return to a comfortable base in Smithfield at the end of the day.
1. Spend the Day at Dublin Zoo
Best for: Animal lovers and full family days out
Location: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Good to know: Allow several hours
One of Dublin’s best-known family attractions, Dublin Zoo makes an easy addition to an autumn family break.
Located inside Phoenix Park, the zoo is home to animals from around the world and offers plenty to discover as you make your way around its different habitats.
Because it’s inside Phoenix Park, you can easily combine your zoo visit with an autumn walk before or afterwards.
Make a Day of It
A simple family itinerary could look like:
Breakfast at The Hendrick → Dublin Zoo → Phoenix Park → Smithfield → Dinner
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket, particularly during autumn.
2. Explore Phoenix Park in Autumn
Best for: Walking, nature and budget-friendly family activities
You don’t need tickets to have a memorable family day in Dublin.
Phoenix Park provides a huge outdoor playground for families looking to escape the city streets.
Its open parkland and tree-lined avenues become particularly beautiful as autumn colours arrive.
Go for a walk, bring the bikes or simply find somewhere to enjoy the fresh air.
Can Children See Deer in Phoenix Park?
Phoenix Park is home to a famous herd of wild fallow deer, and you may see them while exploring.
Seeing deer can be particularly exciting for younger visitors, but families should remember they’re wild animals.
Keep a safe and respectful distance, never attempt to touch them and don’t feed them.
3. Discover Irish History at Collins Barracks
Best for: History and rainy autumn days
Location: Dublin 7
When the rain starts, head indoors.
The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks is particularly convenient when staying at The Hendrick.
The historic former military barracks houses extensive collections covering Irish military history, decorative arts, furniture, clothing and other aspects of Irish life.
It’s also an excellent way to mix education with entertainment during your Dublin family break.
Why We Recommend It for Autumn
It’s close to Smithfield, mostly indoors and easy to add to your plans when the weather suddenly changes.
And in Dublin, having a rainy-day backup is always useful.
4. Experience EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Best for: Interactive learning and rainy days
Location: Dublin Docklands
If your children prefer interactive experiences, put EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum on your itinerary.
Located in Dublin’s Docklands, EPIC explores the stories of Irish people who travelled around the world and the impact they had on music, sport, culture, science and many other areas.
Its interactive approach makes it particularly suited to families.
Getting to EPIC from The Hendrick
The LUAS Red Line makes travelling from Smithfield towards Dublin’s Docklands straightforward.
This also makes EPIC a useful option on a wet autumn day when you don’t want to spend too much time walking between attractions
5. Meet Dublin’s Vikings
Did somebody say Vikings?
Dublin’s Viking past is one of the most entertaining ways to introduce younger visitors to the city’s history.
The Vikings established a settlement in Dublin more than 1,000 years ago, and their influence remains an important part of the city’s story.
Visit Dublinia
Located beside Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia explores Viking and medieval Dublin through an interactive visitor experience.
Children can discover what life was like in Viking Dublin and learn more about the people who lived in the city centuries ago.
Combine Dublinia with Christ Church Cathedral and a walk through the surrounding historic streets for a family-friendly history day.
6. Explore Viking Dublin on Foot
You can also turn history into your own family walking adventure.
Try this route:
Smithfield → River Liffey → Christ Church → Dublinia → Dublin Castle
Along the way, talk about how different Dublin might have looked hundreds of years ago.
Older children can look out for historic buildings, street names and architectural details while younger explorers can imagine Vikings wandering the same part of the city.
And if everyone starts getting tired?
There are plenty of places to stop for hot chocolate.
6. Explore Stoneybatter’s Food Scene
Neighbouring Stoneybatter is another excellent choice for an autumn date.
Spend an afternoon wandering its streets, stopping for coffee and exploring its independent restaurants, cafés and pubs.
You could start with an autumn walk through Phoenix Park before making your way into Stoneybatter for dinner.
Or do the opposite: brunch first, walk afterwards.
No judgement here.
Easy Autumn Date Route
Try:
The Hendrick → Smithfield → Stoneybatter → Phoenix Park → Dinner & Drinks
It combines neighbourhood Dublin, food, autumn scenery and plenty of time together without needing a complicated itinerary.
7. Discover Dublin Castle
Best for: History and combining several attractions
Continue your history adventure at Dublin Castle.
The castle has played an important role in Irish history and is surrounded by several other family-friendly attractions and historic landmarks.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with:
- Dublinia
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Chester Beatty
- Temple Bar
- Grafton Street
- St Stephen’s Green
Rather than travelling between opposite sides of Dublin, grouping attractions together makes family sightseeing much easier.
8. Visit Chester Beatty
Located within the grounds of Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty is another excellent indoor stop.
Its collections feature books, manuscripts, artworks and objects from cultures around the world.
For families with older children interested in art, history and different cultures, it can be an interesting addition to an afternoon around Dublin Castle.
It’s also particularly handy when the autumn rain arrives halfway through your sightseeing.
9. Have an Autumn Adventure in St Stephen’s Green
After exploring the historic city centre, head towards St Stephen’s Green.
This city-centre park is particularly attractive during autumn as its mature trees begin changing colour.
Take a walk around the park, look for birds and ducks and give younger visitors a chance to enjoy some outdoor time between attractions.
Because the park sits beside Grafton Street, it’s easy to combine with shopping, lunch or an afternoon treat.
10. Visit the National Gallery of Ireland
Best for: Art, older children and rainy afternoons
Looking for another free indoor activity?
Head towards the National Gallery of Ireland.
Exploring paintings together can be more entertaining for children than you might think.
Turn it into a game:
Who can find the strangest painting?
Which artwork would you hang at home?
Who can find the oldest-looking portrait?
A little imagination can transform an art gallery into a family activity.
11. Discover the Natural History Museum
For children fascinated by animals, nature and science, check the latest visitor arrangements for the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History when planning your trip.
Its zoological collections have long made it a favourite with generations of Dublin families.
Because museum access and redevelopment arrangements can change, check current opening information before adding it to your itinerary.
12. Walk Along the River Liffey
For a simple family activity that doesn’t require a ticket, take a walk along the River Liffey.
Starting around Smithfield, follow the quays towards Dublin City Centre.
You’ll see bridges, historic buildings and plenty of city activity along the way.
Cross the famous Ha’penny Bridge and you’ll arrive around Temple Bar.
A manageable route is:
The Hendrick → Smithfield → Four Courts → River Liffey → Ha’penny Bridge → Temple Bar
From there, continue towards Dublin Castle or stop for lunch.
13. Experience Temple Bar During the
Temple Bar isn’t only for nightlife.
During the day, families can explore its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, shops and cultural spaces.
It’s also conveniently positioned between the River Liffey, Dublin Castle and Trinity College.
Visit during the daytime, take some family photographs and then continue exploring the city.
14. Explore Science & Learning in Dublin
Autumn is the perfect season to add educational indoor experiences to your itinerary.
Depending on your children’s interests and the exhibitions available during your visit, look for Dublin attractions focused on:
- Science
- Irish history
- Art
- Archaeology
- Literature
- Natural history
- Technology
- Viking and medieval Dublin
A museum morning followed by an outdoor afternoon is often the perfect combination for families.
15. Have a Family Autumn Walk Through Smithfield & Stoneybatter
You don’t always need a major attraction.
Spend a morning exploring Smithfield and neighbouring Stoneybatter.
Start at The Hendrick and walk towards Smithfield Square before continuing into Stoneybatter.
Stop for coffee, pastries or lunch along the way.
If everyone still has energy, continue towards Phoenix Park.
Easy Family Route
The Hendrick → Smithfield Square → Stoneybatter → Phoenix Park
This gives families a taste of neighbourhood Dublin as well as one of the city’s most famous green spaces.
16. Find Something Delicious in Smithfield
Exploring Dublin with children can create some serious appetites.
Fortunately, Smithfield and neighbouring Stoneybatter offer plenty of food options, from cafés and casual lunches to pizza and restaurants.
Keep things flexible rather than trying to schedule every meal.
Sometimes the best family travel strategy is simply finding somewhere nearby when everyone announces they’re hungry at exactly the same time
17. Warm Up at The Hendrick
After a day exploring autumn Dublin, head back to The Hendrick.
Relax with something to eat or drink before heading upstairs to recharge.
Our bedrooms are compact and cleverly designed for modern city stays, and our room types include options suitable for different travel needs.
Start the next morning with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast Buffet, offering traditional Irish breakfast favourites alongside continental options, fruit, pastries, yoghurts, juices, tea and coffee.
Then you’re ready for round two.
How to Get Around Dublin with Children
One of the advantages of a family break in central Dublin is that you don’t necessarily need a car.
Walking
Many major attractions are within walking distance of one another.
Areas including Smithfield, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christ Church and Grafton Street can be connected as part of a walking itinerary.
Comfortable shoes are essential.
LUAS
The Hendrick is conveniently located near the Smithfield LUAS stop on the Red Line.
The LUAS is useful for reaching areas including:
- Heuston Station
- City Centre
- Busáras
- Connolly
- Docklands
- EPIC
- The Point / 3Arena
It’s particularly handy when little legs decide they’ve done enough walking.
Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus provides extensive connections around the city and can be useful for attractions not directly served by the LUAS.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available and can make sense for families with younger children, luggage or when the weather becomes particularly unpleasant.
Always check current child-seat requirements and transport guidance when travelling with younger children.
Why Stay in Smithfield for a Family Break?
When you’re travelling as a family, location can make a huge difference.
The Hendrick Smithfield provides a convenient base close to Dublin City Centre while putting several attractions within easy reach.
You’ll be well positioned for:
- Phoenix Park
- Dublin Zoo
- Collins Barracks
- Smithfield Square
- Stoneybatter
- Dublin City Centre
- Christ Church
- Dublinia
- Dublin Castle
The nearby LUAS Red Line also makes it easier to reach the Docklands and other parts of the city without relying on a car.
Plan Your Family Autumn Break in Dublin
Dublin has something for almost every type of family.
Spend the morning meeting animals at Dublin Zoo, walk through colourful Phoenix Park, discover the city’s Viking past, explore an interactive museum and retreat indoors whenever the autumn weather changes.
With many attractions relatively close together, you don’t need to pack every minute of your itinerary.
Choose a few favourites, leave time for hot chocolate stops and enjoy discovering Dublin together.
Save 15% with The Hendrick Autumn Sale
Planning a family trip to Dublin this autumn?
Stay at The Hendrick Smithfield and save 15% with our Autumn Sale when booking our flexible rate directly for a limited time.
Explore Dublin together. Stay in Smithfield. Save 15% when you book direct.
CTA: SAVE 15% WITH AUTUMN SALE
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family things to do in Dublin?
Popular family activities include Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublinia, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin Castle, Collins Barracks, Chester Beatty and the National Gallery of Ireland.
What can families do in Dublin in autumn?
Autumn is ideal for combining outdoor activities such as Phoenix Park and St Stephen’s Green with indoor attractions including museums, Dublinia and EPIC. This makes it easy to adapt your itinerary to Dublin’s changing weather.
What are the best things to do in Dublin with kids when it rains?
EPIC, Dublinia, Collins Barracks, Chester Beatty and the National Gallery are excellent indoor options. Always check current opening times and ticket requirements before visiting.
Is Dublin Zoo worth visiting with children?
Dublin Zoo is one of Dublin’s most popular family attractions and can easily take up a significant part of the day. Its Phoenix Park location also makes it easy to combine with an autumn walk.
Can families see deer in Phoenix Park?
Phoenix Park is home to a wild herd of fallow deer, so visitors may see them while exploring. Families should keep a respectful distance and should never approach or feed the deer.
Where can children learn about Vikings in Dublin?
Dublinia, beside Christ Church Cathedral, provides an interactive introduction to Viking and medieval Dublin and is a particularly useful option for families interested in the city’s history
Is EPIC suitable for families?
Yes. EPIC uses interactive galleries to explore Irish emigration and the influence of Irish people around the world, making it an engaging indoor attraction for families.
What should families pack for Dublin in autumn?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, waterproof jackets, layers and a small umbrella. Dublin’s autumn weather can change throughout the day, so clothing that can easily be added or removed is useful.
Where should families stay when visiting Dublin?
Smithfield is a convenient base for families who want access to Dublin City Centre while staying close to Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo, museums, restaurants and public transport.