Explore the best indoor activities in Dublin for all ages — from museums and immersive tours to hands-on attractions and rainy-day adventures across the city.
Whether you’re dodging a summer shower or planning a dry day out, Dublin is packed with indoor activities to suit every interest. Dive into history, challenge yourself in an indoor adventure centre or wander through world-class museums. This guide features the top spots across the city and county that are perfect for a fun day indoors — rain or shine.
Best Indoor Attractions in Dublin
GAA Museum + Croke Park Stadium Tour
Dive into Ireland’s sporting passion with the original Sam Maguire & Liam MacCarthy Cups, a hands‑on Game Zone (hurling, Gaelic football) and a guided stadium tour that takes you pitch‑side, into dressing rooms and VIP areas.
GoQuest Indoor Challenge (Carrickmines)
A 90‑minute team adventure in up to 29 challenge rooms (or 22 family‑friendly rooms), blending puzzles, physical tasks and fun. Great for tweens, teens and groups.
Casino Model Railway Museum (Malahide)
Ireland’s only model railway museum showcasing hundreds of handcrafted O‑gauge trains and interactive panels in the restored Casino building in Malahide village. Perfect for all ages.
Newbridge House & Farm (Donabate)
Classic Georgian house tours and a working farm with indoor heritage displays, animals and a cozy courtyard tearoom. Offers a mix of history and hands‑on fun.
Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre
Cool down and ramp up the fun with a splash-filled day at AquaZone, Ireland’s premier indoor water park at the National Aquatic Centre. Packed with fast flumes, a wave pool, lazy river and the epic FlowRider surf machine, it’s ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Indoor Activities for Families & Children
Kidspace PlayCentres in Rathcoole & Rathfarnham
Kidspace is a modern soft play centre with creative zones, climbing frames and sensory-friendly features. The barista café and clean spaces make it a reliable hit for Dublin families.
Explorium – National Sport & Science Centre
Over 250 interactive STEAM exhibits, VR/AR zones, climbing walls and the Gravity Room. Ideal for ages 8+ and science lovers of all ages. Includes café on site.
Casino Model Railway Museum (Malahide)
Ireland’s only model railway museum showcasing hundreds of handcrafted O‑gauge trains and interactive panels in the restored Casino building in Malahide village. Perfect for all ages.
History & Heritage Indoors
Explore prehistoric Ireland (bog bodies, Bronze‑Age treasures, Ardagh Chalice) at Kildare Street and decorative/military history at Collins Barracks with free admission. The “Dead Zoo” Natural History branch is temporarily closed for restoration but accessible via the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks.
Dublinia – Viking & Medieval Experience (Christ Church area)
Immerse in medieval and Viking Dublin with interactive exhibits, a climb to St. Michael’s Tower and living history displays. Open daily and perfect for families.
National Print Museum (Beggars Bush, Haddington Road)
A charming working print workshop in a converted chapel, showcasing over 10,000 letterpress items (including a Gutenberg replica and a 1916 Proclamation press), print demos, café and family workshops.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland (Dún Laoghaire)
Housed in a restored 180‑year‑old Mariners’ Church, this hands-on maritime museum explores Ireland’s seafaring history with exhibits of ship models, artifacts and RMS Leinster memorabilia. Family-friendly and rainy-day ready
Something Different: Quirky & Hands-On
National Transport Museum of Ireland (Howth Demesne)
Ireland’s only comprehensive collection of road transport with over 60 rare vehicles (buses, fire engines, trams, lorries) dating from 1883–1984. Open weekends & bank holidays—ideal for nostalgic, educational discovery.
The Rediscovery Centre (Ballymun)
Ireland’s National Centre for the Circular Economy housed in a striking 3D‑textbook building. Features sustainable exhibitions, upcycling workshops and a café.
Visitor Tips
- All National Museum of Ireland sites have free admission. Check seasonal opening times (Collins Barracks opens Tue–Sat 10–17:00, Sun/Mon 13–17:00).
- Dead Zoo Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is closed for refurbishment as of September 2024 and has been replaced by the ‘Dead Zoo Lab’ at Collins Barracks in 2025.
- Transport Museum in Howth is only open weekends & public holidays (approx 14:00–17:00), so plan around those days.
- Maritime Museum is conveniently walkable from Dún Laoghaire DART or local bus lines
- Always check with venue before travelling and buy tickets online in advance when possible to guarantee admission at your preferred time.
FAQ: Rainy Day Activities in Dublin
What are the best indoor activities in Dublin when it rains?
Top indoor activities in Dublin include visiting Aquazone, exploring EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, taking a family trip to The Ark in Temple Bar or enjoying fun centres like Jump Zone and Bounce n' Beyond.
Are there good indoor options for toddlers in Dublin?
Yes, soft play centres such as Kidspace and Go Kids Go and sensory-friendly museums like the National Museum of Ireland are great for toddlers on a rainy day.
Where can I take teenagers on a rainy day in Dublin?
Teen-friendly indoor options include escape rooms, Omniplex cinema, rock climbing at Awesome Walls or an interactive visit to World of Illusion or the Guinness Storehouse or bowling in Leisureplex.
Is there anything free to do indoors in Dublin with kids?
Yes! Many museums like the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery are free to enter and perfect for families on a budget.
Can I book indoor activities in advance on YourDaysOut?
Absolutely. Many Dublin venues listed on YourDaysOut offer advance booking directly through the platform — helping you secure spots on busy rainy days.
