National Botanic Gardens
 
The National Botanic Gardens is a beautiful spot for a family day out. With over 15,000 plant species, these extensive gardens are ideal for families who enjoy exploring nature.
 
The beautifully restored award-winning glasshouses are one of the major attractions in the Botanic Gardens and include the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House.
 
The rock garden, rose garden, pond area and arboretum are all beautiful to look at and are also fun for children to experience.
 
National Botanic Gardens are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Open from Mid February to Mid November daily 09.00 - 18.00. In mid November to mid February Daily 09.00 - 16.30 The Glasshouses close at 17.00 on weekdays and 17.45 at weekends
 
There are free guided tours available every Sunday from 12.00 to 14.30

There is a film introducing the Botanic Gardens, which is usually available for viewing anytime. Please ring the Visitor Centre if you have any specific requirements. There are a number of events held throughout the year just for families from workshops to walks. 
 
Phoenix Park
 
Phoenix Park is one of Dublin’s main sights and is something that every Irish family should experience at least once. There are a number of attractions in the park and it’s a particularly lovely destination during the summer months.
 
The park is open every day of the year. It is surrounded by more than seven miles of solid stone walls and there is access via the eight major gates and six smaller (pedestrian) gates.
 
Phoenix Park is Europe's largest urban park. It is five times the size of London's Hyde Park and double the size of New York's Central Park, at 707 hectares. The extensive grounds are frequented by walkers, families, joggers, skaters and cyclists and there are over 500 deer roaming the grounds.
 
Main Attractions in the Phoenix Park include Aras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle and Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Farmleigh House, Magazine Fort, Papal Cross, Peoples Garden and Sports Grounds.
 
National Museum of Ireland
 
The National Museum of Ireland has plenty to keep the whole family entertained from Vikings to Ancient Egypt, Prehistoric Ireland to Bog Bodies. There are tours and events specifically tailored to families, as well as an activity cart where young children can get creative. 
 
There is the My Museum Programme which encourages families to interact and explore the collections of the National Museum. There are hands-on events that promote active learning but are also lots of fun. You and your family can discover the collections through storytelling, drama, art or demonstrations and guided tours. These events take place every 2-3 weeks. Places are limited and operate on a first come first serve basis so make sure you’re in plenty of time. To find out more visit their website at www.museum.ie.
 
Parenting Facilities include: Baby changing facilities, Highchairs are available on request in the Museum Café and a breast-feeding friendly location at the cafe. Pushchairs/strollers can be left at the Museum entrance at the Museum's discretion as there is limited space. Owners are responsible for pushchairs left unattended. Please contact Reception desk when you arrive to arrange this.
 
Ardgillan Castle Demesne
 
Ardgillan is a lovely spot for a family day out with a stunning castle and demesne for the family to enjoy. The park consists of 194 acres of pasture land and mixed woodland as well as gardens that overlook the Bay of Drogheda. The castle, built in 1738, consists of two storeys with the first floor area being used for an annual programme of exhibitions.
 
The gardens are in two main parts, the formal garden to the west of the house and the walled garden to the north-west. A wide collection of roses have been planted, from species and old varieties around the grounds. There is also an ‘Irish Garden’ with a wide variety of plants. There is coffee shop where you can all relax after your walk about the grounds.
 
The park is open all year round during the following hours from 10am every morning. Closing times vary depending on the time of year. It is located in Skerries. For directions or more information visit www.ardgillanskerries.com.
 
Irish Museum of Modern Art – Explore for Families
 
Irish Museum of Modern Art’s family programme, Explorer, invites children and adults to experience art works and art making on Sunday afternoons. You are invited to explore the exhibitions and learn through fun activities. You are also welcome to visit the Museum at regular opening hours with the family.
 
Explore takes place from 14.00 to 16.00 every Sunday. It runs from January to May and October to December. There is a maximum number of 35 participants (adults and children) so arriving early is recommended. Projects are designed for children aged 4 to 10 years old and project themes are repeated over four consecutive Sundays. For further information about Explorer please contact Seamus McCormack, Assistant Curator: Children's Programmes, email: family@imma.ie or contact the information desk frontofhouse@imma.ie

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