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13 Of The Best Family Hotels Dublin Has To Offer In 2024

13 Of The Best Family Hotels Dublin Has To Offer In 2024

We get a constant stream of emails asking about the best family hotels Dublin has to offer.

So, as we did with our guide to the best family hotels in Ireland, we asked our 260,000 strong community on Instagram for their thoughts.

Over the course of 24 hours, people praised, gave out stink about (this happened a lot!) and raved about their favourite (and the ones they hated!) family friendly hotels in Dublin.

In the guide below, you’ll discover the finest family hotels Dublin has to offer, from cheap escapes to fancy spots for a weekend away with the kids.

Our favourite family hotels in Dublin

Royal Marine Hotel

Photos via Booking.com

The first section of this guide is biased, as it’s a collection of what we think are the family friendly hotels in Dublin that stand out from the pack.

These are places that one or more of the Irish Road Trip Team have stayed in over the years. Note: If you book a stay via a link below, we may make a small commission, that we greatly appreciate.

1. Castleknock Hotel

family friendly hotels Dublin

Photos via Booking.com

Castleknock Hotel on Portersdown Road has been welcoming families since 2005, and it’s arguably one of the best family friendly hotels near Dublin Zoo.

It’s wonderfully situated close to Dublin’s extensive Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo where you can visit at feeding time to see some of the 400 animals at their best.

This popular hotel has family rooms and connecting rooms for older children. Each child is welcomed with a gift bag of activities and will leave with a cute giraffe mascot.

They’ll love the indoor heated pool, Smart TV and broadband for watching their favourite films and programmes. After a pancake breakfast or other choices from the special children’s menu, head out for the day to Fort Lucan Adventureland.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Ariel House

Ariel House

Photos via Booking.com

This nicely furnished four star guest house in pretty Ballsbridge has a relaxed ambience and goes the extra mile to welcome families.

Book one of the family rooms and you’ll get Dublin bus tour tickets thrown in! Kids will love riding the open-top bus and spotting the sights. Thoughtful extra touches include board games in the drawing room and a cookie jar in the bedrooms.

There’s even a garden for parents to relax while youngsters play. Enjoy a day at nearby Sandymount Beach with sandcastles, ice creams or tackle the Poolbeg Lighthouse walk.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Clontarf Castle Hotel

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Little faces will light up when they see 12th century Clontarf Castle in real life! Spacious family rooms include two double beds, tea/coffee makers, Wi-Fi and 55” interactive TV systems to keep youngsters amused.

Historic features in the restaurant and Knights Bar provide an unforgettable atmosphere similar to Harry Potter’s Hogwart’s!

The hotel frequently puts on special deals such as a Spooktacular Halloween Break which includes a Castle Treasure Trail, spooky desserts and Spooky Castle treats for every young guest.

Other seasonal family-friendly deals include extras such as the Dublin Pass sightseeing card with free entry to over 30 attractions. This is definitely one of the most unique family hotels Dublin has to offer.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel

Photo via Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel

One of the finest castle hotels in Dublin, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel has gorgeous family rooms to pamper parents as well as catering for kids needs.

Spacious rooms have room for 2 king-size doubles and an extra single bed or cot if required. Youngsters will love the heated pool and children’s room.

The sandy beach is right on the doorstep and Killiney Hill Park has a playground and plenty of paths to explore.

Take a boat trip from Dun Laoghaire Harbour and spot seals and other wildlife. With a choice of restaurants serving exquisite dining, this award-winning hotel in Killiney will appeal to all generations.

Check prices + see more photos here

5. Royal Marine Hotel

Royal Marine Hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Just a hop from the seafront and busy port in Dun Laoghaire, the Royal Marine Hotel is ideal for families looking for a little luxury and pampering. Families are welcomed with spacious family rooms and suites for 2 adults and 2 children.

Children get their own swim times in the pool in the morning and afternoons. They also get special treatment in Hardy’s Restaurant with their own menu.

The nearby People’s Park has gardens, play areas and a tea room. For days out, ride the DART train (2 minutes from the hotel) into Dublin and explore the parks, museums and zoo.

Check prices + see more photos here

The best luxury family friendly hotels in Dublin  

Now that we have what we think are the best family hotels Dublin has to offer out of the way, it’s time to see what else is out there.

The second section of the guide focuses on the more luxurious family friendly hotels in Dublin – many of which are a stone’s throw from the best things to do in Dublin with kids.

1. The Merrion Hotel

family hotels in dublin with swimming pool

Photos via Booking.com

The centrally located Merrion Hotel is one of the finest 5 star hotels in Dublin, and it’s within easy walking distance of museums, parks and attractions in Dublin and there’s a playground just a short walk away on Merrion Square.

Parents get a real break as there’s a babysitting service allowing them to steal away for a romantic meal at the two Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.

While adults will appreciate the elegant family-friendly guest rooms, gorgeous decor and artworks, kids will appreciate the blue-tiled pool in the spa. Breakfast is served buffet style, allowing even fussy eaters to find something to satisfy.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. The Shelbourne

Shelbourne Dublin

Photo left via the Shelbourne. Photo right via Booking.com

The stylish Shelbourne Hotel may not be your first thought when it comes to family-friendly accommodation, but it has 33 interconnecting rooms, cots, babysitting services and even a special children’s menu.

Open fires, chandeliers and antique furnishings provide adults with a sense of indulgent relaxation while kids will appreciate the 18-metre heated pool.

There’s a park and duck ponds in St Stephen’s Green just across the street and Dublin Castle is a 15-minute walk away.

Other family-friendly activities nearby include Sandymount Beach, cruises on the River Liffey and the Imaginosity Children’s Museum at Sandyford for rainy day fun.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. The Fitzwilliam

Fitzwilliam

Photos via Booking.com

In the heart of Dublin’s shopping and entertainment district, the Fitzwilliam Hotel is modern and contemporary.

Families will immediately feel welcome with comfy sofas in the atrium and well furnished rooms, some with furnished balconies and views across St Stephen’s Green. The hotel can organise family-orientated walking tours around this spacious park.

Families can book interconnecting rooms to provide ample space and space for children to watch TV while adults relax and get ready for dinner. Children’s menus are available and breakfast is included in the room price.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. The Intercontinental

InterContinental hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Looking for a Dublin hotel with a Kid’s Club? The InterContinental offers family-friendly amenities including a children’s club, babysitting and special kid’s menus for young guests.

Spacious family rooms and suites rooms are luxuriously appointed and soundproofed. Children have their own set times for enjoying the heated pool – the perfect place for all the family to relax after a busy day.

This modern hotel is tucked away in upmarket Ballsbridge close to Funderland Dublin amusement park, sports arenas and events venues. It’s a short taxi ride from Sandymount Beach, city centre shops and attractions.

Check prices + see more photos here

Other popular family hotels Dublin has to offer

As you can probably tell by now, when it comes to family hotels Dublin has an endless number to choose from.

The final section of our guide is packed with some more family friendly hotels in Dublin, each of which has rave reviews online.

1. The Morrison

The Morrison Hotel in dublin

Photos via The Morrison Hotel on Facebook

Just south of Dublin city centre, The Morrison enjoys a peaceful location on the banks of the River Liffey, close to O’Connell Street shops and restaurants.

Kids will love the National Leprechaun Museum on neighbouring Jervis Street and Cineworld Cinema for a rainy afternoon. Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo are just 10 minutes away. This family-friendly hotel is one of the best hotels in Dublin for kids.

Contemporary rooms and suites are equipped with Chromecast facility for streaming content to the TV. Kids can match their favourite cartoons while tucking into snacks from the room service menu before bed.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. The Spencer

Spencer dublin

Photos via the Spencer

Plan a Dublin adventure with a stay in one of the family rooms at The Spencer. Family breaks allow children to stay free, including a complimentary breakfast and car parking.

Check seasonal offers and get complimentary tickets to local attractions as part of the room deal. Rooms include a king-size bed plus sofa bed or queen and two single beds. The family suite has two bedrooms sharing a bathroom for up to four guests.

All rooms have Wi-Fi, mini fridge, Nespresso coffee maker and room service/ The Health Club has a swimming pool with special kids hours.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. The Croke Park Hotel

Croke Park Hotel

Photos via Booking.com

The Croke Park Hotel is arguably one of the most overlooked family hotels Dublin has to offer, as many consider it to be ‘just a match-day hotel’, but it has plenty going for it.

Rooms are comfortable and well furnished with WiFi, tea/coffee facilities and 55” Smart TVs. Family packages include a family bedroom for 4 with full Irish breakfast, evening meal and a family pass to Dublin Zoo.

Conveniently close to Dublin Airport, sports arenas and city centre attractions. Take a guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery. Kids will be entranced by the setting and tales of the past!

Check prices + see more photos here

4. Radisson Blu Royal

best family hotels dublin

Photos via Booking.com

Five minutes walk from Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is centrally located for visits to Dublin.

Family friendly rooms with two double beds and optional cot provide a central base for a good night’s sleep after a busy day exploring. Tea/coffee facilities, 55” TVs and free Wi-Fi provide everything you need during your stay.

Walk to St Stephen’s Green park nearby with its monuments, wildlife ponds and museums or head out to Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo, less than 2km away.

Check prices + see more photos here

Family hotels Dublin: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant family friendly hotels in Dublin from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out! Or, browse some of our other Dublin accommodation guides below:

FAQs about the best family friendly hotels in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the best value family hotels Dublin has to offer?’ to ‘What are the cheapest?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best family hotels in Dublin with a swimming pool?

Castleknock Hotel, Royal Marine Hotel, The Shelbourne and The Merrion are four excellent family hotels in Dublin with pools.

What are the best family friendly hotels in Dublin for a weekend break?

I’d argue that the Castleknock Hotel is the best of the family hotels Dublin has to offer for a 2-night stay, as you’ve the Zoo and heaps of other attractions on your doorstep.

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