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For more on Dublin’s zoo Wild Lights check out their website: https://www.dublinzoo.ie/event/wild-lights-2019-launches/

Sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate with your plans, particularly at this time of year. We’ve put together some indoor ideas for when the sky is looking decidedly grey.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (affectionately known to the locals as the dead zoo) has long been a family favourite. There are different themes for each floor. Downstairs are ancient Irish creatures such as giant deer, birds and fish. As you move through the museum you’ll see a vast array of elephants, bears and lions as well as an array of monkeys, apes and lemurs in the Mammals of the World section. They also have exhibitions on throughout the year. For Christmas they have a pop up talk on polar bears and "Life in the Freezer”, exploring how animals have adapted to the cold. Best of all, as the museum is part of the public collection so access is free for everyone! For Christmas opening hours and information on all the national museums check out their website: https://www.museum.ie/Natural-History

The Ark

The Ark is right in the middle of the city centre, in Temple Bar, making it the perfect spot to drop into if a sudden rain cloud appears. The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children, with everything from exhibitions and creative workshops to child-sized theatre. Over Christmas and the New Year they have a whole range of activities to try, from lantern making and trad gigs to music and movement workshops and introduction to movie making. Many of their activities allow you to just drop in but if there’s something you fancy booking you can do so on their website: https://ark.ie/

Dublinia

Perfect for those interested in history, Dublinia is an exploration of Dublin’s Viking and medieval past. Walk down ancient streets, investigate a Viking house and even see what life was like on board their warships. Over the Christmas season you can visit an extra special medieval fayre including  a rich merchant’s kitchen and play some historical games. If horrible history is more your thing, you can learn about disease, crime and punishment and even 700 year old toothache remedies. For their full brochure and opening times visit their website: https://www.dublinia.ie/

Wax Museum

Dublin’s wax museum is one of the best, with 9 different sections to keep everyone entertained. Part of Dublin for nearly 40 years, they recently relocated to Westmoreland Street, right in the city centre. Learn about Ireland in the 1990′s in the Father Ted room, discover something new in the Science section and even immortalise your own hand in wax. 

For more rainy day ideas check out our website: https://aifrick97.wixsite.com/dublinday

Planning on leaving the car behind? Check out our post on using public transport in Dublin https://www.facebook.com/Dublinbyday/posts/114120913406196

 Deciding where to stay is one of the most important choices when planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the city centre or looking out on beautiful scenery, our top choices cater to everybody.

Castleknock Hotel

Castleknock Hotel is the perfect combination of tranquil location but still close to the city centre. Describing itself as a “modern hotel with a difference” it’s a 4* hotel located in the suburb of Diswellstown. Their luxurious Christmas package includes everything you (and the kids) could possibly need; bed and breakfast, a two course dinner, hot chocolate and a selection box - as well as access to Netflix through their television.  With triple and family rooms (two adults and two children) for as low as  €160 per night, you couldn’t ask for more. For up to date prices, deals and packages, check out their website: https://www.castleknockhotel.com

The Ashling Hotel 

Located in the heart of the city centre right next to Heuston station, the Ashling hotel is perfect for all those looking to be in the heart of the action. It’s close to many of Dublin’s most popular attractions such as Phoenix Park (where the zoo is), the Guinness storehouse and mere seconds from the tram. Their family rooms are made up of two double beds and a single and for those looking for a little more space they also offer interconnecting rooms. Find out more here: https://www.ashlinghotel.ie/

The Clayton Cardiff Lane

If you search for family friendly hotels in Dublin, the Clayton Hotel on Cardiff lane is always one of the first suggestions. With everything from complimentary wi-fi and Nespresso machines to a 22m pool and children’s pool, the Clayton has everything you need to keep everyone happy. Their family rooms can be made to suit everyone, with the option for camp beds and cots as needed. If this sounds like what you fancy, they offer  €10 of all bookings made directly through them which is possible on their website: https://www.claytonhotelcardifflane.com/

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We’ve all dealt the with stress of trying to find somewhere to eat that everyone will like. With this list of the best family friendly restaurants in Dublin you’ll never have to worry again.

Brother Hubbard (North)

Already mentioned in our list of best hot chocolates, Brother Hubbard does pretty unbeatable food as well. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner they’re open seven days a week and have something to suit everyone. From toast and scones to more substantial options like their meaty mezze tray not only the kids will love it here. They also have an outside courtyard that the kids can play in while you enjoy a well deserved coffee.

Neon 

Located on bustling Camden street, Neon is an incredibly popular option for those with and without kids. Serving delicious Asian street food, it allows you to try something different whilst still in a relaxed and child friendly atmosphere.  The free ice cream included in each meal is sure to be  a popular add on as well. The only thing to bare in mind is that they don’t take reservations so if you have a big group you might have a small wait.

Pi Pizza

Always a family favourite, Pi Pizza is just a stone’s throw away from Stephen’s Green and most of the museums, and who doesn’t love pizza? Wood fired and hand made,  they have a huge range of toppings so you’re sure to find something for everyone. They also do delicious desserts such as vanilla ice cream and indulgent chocolate pots. As their slogan goes, you’ll love it - just trust us!

Fallon and Byrne

With several locations around the city, as soon as you walk into Fallon Byrne you’ll see why it’s popular with both adults and kids. From home made pizzas to delicious and healthy salads, their range of options seems almost limitless. Their coffee is some of the best in town for those who need a caffeine hit and they even have wine, for a well deserved glass at the end of the day. Their store in Rathmines is just a few minutes walk away from Palmerstown park where you can run off all that food afterwards. 

If you’ve visited any of these places and would like to share your experiences comment below, share your pictures on Instagram or even send us a message on Facebook! More food options are also available for you to see on our website.

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Now that winter is well and truly here and snow has even been spotted in some places, there’s nothing that warms everybody up like a delicious hot chocolate. Here is the list of some of our favourites, all in child friendly restaurants and cafes of course. 

1. Taste

Nestled on South William street and within walking distance of many of most popular Dublin’s attractions Taste is great not only for hot chocolate but breakfast lunch and dinner as well. Their hot chocolate is topped with lashing of cream and marshmallows, you couldn’t ask for any better. Find more information on their website here:  https://www.tastecatering.ie/

2. Butlers

If you’re looking for a delicious hot chocolate on the go you can’t do any better than Butlers. With over 15 locations scattered throughout the city you’ll be sure to find one close to you. Each drink comes with a free chocolate as well, to make it even more indulgent. For a list of all their locations just click here: https://www.butlerschocolates.com/en/butlers-chocolate/cafe-locator

3. Brother Hubbard

As well as being on our list of top places to eat with kids, Brother Hubbards do a mean hot chocolate. They have two stores - one on Capel Street (North side of the city) and the other on Camden street (south side) so you’ll never be far from one. Their hot chocolate is so intense you only need a tiny cup full - it’ll keep you warm all day. With a variety of toppings, there’s something to please everyone. If you don’t believe us, check out their website: https://brotherhubbard.ie/

4. Accents

In our opinion, we’ve saved the best until last. The hot chocolate in Accents Cafe is one of the best things to come out of Dublin since U2. Their hot chocolate was voted the best in Dublin last year and we agree wholeheartedly. To top it off they have bean bags and the comfiest chairs known to man and is a great spot to warm up and watch the world go by. 

If you’d like to see photos of these beautiful hot chocolates, add your own or ask us any questions you can visit our Instagram and Facebook pages to let us know! We also have even more great recommendations on our website.

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