Trains, Castles & Craic: A Family-Friendly Journey through Dublin & Cork

We stayed at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties, which is a newer hotel with friendly staff and a really fun neighborhood vibe—there’s local history everywhere, even in the hotel lobby. We walked five minutes to Dublinia, an immersive museum focused on Viking and medieval Dublin. Think helmets, boats, plague re-enactments, and tower climbs—totally engaging. My son loved it so much we went back another day.

Insider tip: Grab lunch nearby at the Dublin Cookie Company—your kids will thank you.

We couldn’t resist a quick second visit to Dublinia before heading out. The museum has a ticket bundle with St. Patrick’s Tower if you’re feeling ambitious. Then we caught the train to Cork. I was nervous about navigating with a child, but it was painless—we bought tickets the same day at the station, found our seats, and had snacks and plugs at our fingertips. The green countryside views made the ride feel like a movie.

Insider tip: The onboard café has decent coffee and ham and cheese toasties—go for it.

We kicked off Cork with a visit to Cork City Gaol—part prison, part museum, part time machine. The exhibits were detailed but approachable, and the building itself is stunning. Later, we booked Hysterical Histories, a dinner theater show in a cozy old pub. It was hilarious—think “Drunk History” meets “Fiddler on the Roof.” Our kid was entranced. So were we.

We spent the morning at Blackrock Castle Observatory, where kids can explore real science exhibits in a turreted castle by the sea. In the afternoon, we explored Cork’s street art scene—including some bold political murals. The vibe in Cork is proud, creative, and unpolished in the best way.

Insider tip: The café at Blackrock Castle has great pastries and a kid-friendly menu—grab lunch here.

We took a 20-minute train to Fota Wildlife Park, which feels more like a safari park than a traditional zoo. Animals roam freely through natural habitats, and we got close to kangaroos and lemurs without cages in the way. Afterward, we visited Nano Nagle Place, a peaceful former convent turned social enterprise with a gorgeous museum and a serene garden café.

We returned to Dublin by train and checked back into the Hyatt Centric. That evening, we walked over to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and explored the park behind it—surprisingly peaceful for a city center, with fountains and wide lawns for kids to run on. It felt like the perfect send-off.