A city break is filled with so much more opportunity than the quiet summer holiday by the pool. The children really get to experience a new culture rather than nuggets & chips at the beach bar.

Dublin is a great city to introduce your kids to a City Break. It is very family friendly and easy to get around. It also has some fantastic activites to make sure your kids have a holiday to remember.

1. Phoenix Park / Dublin Zoo

Situated to the west of the city it is easily accessible using the tram. The Phoenix Park is huge, the largest of it's kind in Europe. It houses the Aras an Uachtarain where the President of Ireland lives, the American embassy and Farmleigh House which is open to visitors. You can hire bikes or simply walk around. It is a great place to spend some time so bring a picnic and a football or frisbee. Or just sit back and watch a cricket match on the weekend. There is a playgound in the middle to run off some more steam or visit Dublin Zoo, Ireland's Number One tourist attraction. A fantasic family day out and you haven't really travelled far from your hotel. Rate the Zoo HERE

2. Tayto Park

Situated to the west of Dublin, you will need to arrange transport to get there. It is definitely worth making the effort though. It is a theme park and a zoo with plenty of things to do for all ages. The park now includes the Cú Chulainn Coaster, the largest wooded rollercoaster in Europe. They have zip lines, climbing walls, a fantastic outdoor play grounds, plenty of animals and a tour of the crisp factory. The food on site is excellent value and really good quality fresh cooked meals. A great day out. Do you agree? Rate Tayto Park HERE.

3. Howth

Howth is a small fishing village situated to the north of Dublin Bay. While the village and harbour area is bustling with activity - restaurants, shops, pubs - the peninsula also has some of the nicest walks in Ireland.

Follow one of the walks from the Dart station that brings you up to the top of the Head with breathtaking views back across Dublin Bay. Stop off in the Summit for a warm (or cold) drink before you head down the Cliff Walk back to the Harbour. Choose between the many restaurants along the West Pier serving fresh local fish or enjoy a drink and some pub food in one of the bars on the sea front. Perfect for a break from the City. Read abouth the Cliff walk HERE.

4. Dublinia

Dublinia is located near Christ Church at the location of the first Viking settlements in Ireland. It is a great way to explore the history of Dublin from visiting a smokey Viking house to capturing the sounds and smells of Medieval Dublin. You will learn about how the Archaeological digs uncovered Dublin's hidden history and climb the 17th Century viewing tower with great views over the city. Review and Rate Dublinia HERE.

5. Museums / Dead Zoo

Most city breaks must include a stop at the local museums and Dublin is no different. The city has plenty to offer all tastes from the National Museum of Ireland to the Dublin Writers Museum, from the Museum of Modern Art to the National Leprechaun Museum. A favourite with the kids would be the Natural History Museum, known locally as the Dead Zoo - galleries of over 2,000 species housed in a museum that itself is a throwback to Victorian times with exhibits that have changed little in over a century.