My first time on ice was a complete disaster. Three falls within the first five-minute runtime. My knees were cold, and my pride was hurt. But in all honesty, the Dublin winter lights made it feel magical. I visit every rink in the city yearly now, from rail-hugger to confident glider, exploring the best of Dublin ice rinks. You can find that same winter magic this year.
Now, Dublin is a real winter wonderland for skaters: gigantic arenas and cozy seafront trails-no matter what level you are, from pro to beginner, there is a spot. Let’s explore the best rinks across the capital together.
Wondering where the best ice is hiding in the city? We know all the secret spots for some festive gliding. Check out our guide and find your perfect winter adventure.
- Ireland’s largest ice rink can be found HERE.
- Find a new seafront path.
- Check which rinks offer penguins.
Seasonal Magic: The Christmas Ice Skating Highlights
It’s during the festive season that the most popular pop-up ice rinks come to life. Most of them get operational in the month of November and run until the start of February.
Blanchardstown Ice Skating: Ireland’s Premier Northside Arena
This is the largest rink in the whole country. You can find it at Millennium Park near the shopping center. It opens from November 14, 2025, to February 1, 2026. The real ice is resurfaced every single hour.
Tickets cost 21 euros for both adults and kids. This also includes the cost of renting a pair of inline skates for the session. They also include sessions for kids with ASD and for those in wheelchairs. I also enjoy their beginner sections for those who wobble. Pro tip: pre-book to get free parking in the White lot.
Dundrum On Ice: Shopping and Ice Skating
This ice rink is a festive fixture for the 14th year. It is situated on Main Street in the Dundrum Town Centre. The Luas Green Line stops you right outside the door. I adore the electricity in the air and the fairytale lighting.
Sessions last 45 minutes, after which they start every hour. The rate for adults is set at €20, while for children, the rate is set at €18. Early bird rates begin at just €14. There are many good restaurants in the area for after-skate dining. It’s the ideal location for your festive family outing.
Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire: Seaside Magic
This is the only ice skating rink in Dublin. The ice skating trail is 300 meters long and located near the sea. You can ice skate along the harbor while the lights are twinkling. This ice skating trail is open from the last week of October to mid-January.
This trail feels much more like a romantic winter film. It charges between 19€ and 21€ per person. Having real ice gives the whole experience a reality. You get to see the Dublin coast, which looks breathtaking at sunset.
Year-Round Skating for Beyond the Festive Season
Do you want to skate during the summer? We know the Dublin weather can be like winter. We actually only have a handful of year-round ice surfaces. The rest of the skating rinks within the city operate on a seasonal basis.
The Rink at D12 and Professional Context
I was lucky to discover an excellent indoor location at Walkinstown. It goes by the name The Rink at D12. It can be located at Finches Industrial Park. They provide services for fun and activities for the whole family all year round. It is where I go when practicing my sport.
In the case of pro hockey, most fans find the location of the Dundalk Ice Dome convenient. It is just a one-hour drive away. This is where the training of Irish figure skaters takes place. It contains an Olympic rink. It is the best location to witness a real match.
What to Expect about Prices, Facilities, and Safety?
Ice-skating may cost a bit for larger families. For me, it is always about looking for the most valuable-for-money options. The market rate is from €16 to €22 per person. Packs for larger families of 3 to 6 members are relatively cheaper.
In Tallaght, the price of a family ticket for three people is only €50. For six people, the price is approximately €90. Always purchase tickets online to save money. This ensures that you do not spend 30 minutes queuing up. No one will want to wait for so long in the cold.
Facilities: Skate Hire and Penguins
Your ticket price always includes the rental of your skates. Personally, I find the skates to be very clean. If you have children with you, you can rent your kids a “penguin.” These helpers cost €5, and children remain upright with their help. They are little blue superheroes on the ice.
Many ice rinks have now included sensory-friendly skating sessions as well. These are quieter and contain fewer flashing lights. Also, most locations provide hot chocolate and snacks. Just do not forget to wear very thick woolen socks. Another thing you will need is a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm.
Learning to Skate: Lessons and Skills
Beginner Lessons and Figure Skating Clubs
Would you like to progress from hanging on to the cold steel bar? The first hour, I clung to the edge for dear life. Then, I signed up for a group ice-skating class. Such classes, offered seasonally, run €20 to €30.
The Irish Skating Association offers these classes in various pop-up locations. You could take a class to learn to glide forward and stop safely first. You could learn basic spin and hockey skills with instructors. I found I progressed rapidly with a short intensive course.
Blanchardstown also has designated beginner areas where it is even safer. These areas are ideal for kids as well as nervous parents. Just a bit of professional expertise will see you gaining confidence in no time.
To train all year round, some pros go to the Dundalk Ice Dome. This is the best way to train if you are serious about ice skating. Soon, you will be skating like a pro. It’s incredible to finally be able to remove the support bar.
It is wonderful watching your best, as well as your most humorous, times on ice. Each fall is simply part of the fun. So…What are you as a skater?
The Pro
The Rail-Hugger
The Frequent Faller
The Speed Demon
Tag us in your best skating reel or photo! We want to see your graceful spins and fails. Use the hashtag #DublinOnIce to join our winter community.
Visitor Notes for Getting to the Rinks
Accessing the rink should be quite easy. I always enjoy using public transportation in our city. Dundrum and Tallaght are both linked to the Luas lines. This makes the journey extremely fast and easy.
There are over 600 buses going through it per day. This is located just beside the large shopping mall. Dún Laoghaire is just a short walk away from its DART station. Free parking is usually available when you book in advance for most ice rinks. In Blanchardstown, there’s the White Car Park.
Get Ready to Hit the Ice!
Ice skating is one of Dublin’s premier winter activities. I love seeing the Dublin lights from the ice skating rink. Either way, just have fun with it! The popular slot tickets get booked really quickly during December weekends. Plan your tickets online today, and do not forget the thick socks!
It can also be a whole day affair that you can spend with your loved ones. Many ice rinks are conveniently located near excellent shopping destinations where you can go to have treats after ice skating. Simply take a hot chocolate to warm your hands after the fun activity to make it special and to preserve the spirit of celebration and fun!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the ice real at Dublin skating rinks?
Yes, all major rinks have real ice. Places like Blanchardstown and Dundrum, among others, resurface the ice often. This makes it very smooth. They achieved this using Zamboni ice-resurfacing machines. Fiberglass ice rinks have become a rarity in our city.
What is the minimum age for ice skating in Dublin?
Usually, at the ice rink facility, the minimum age is 3. Children under the age of 12 require an adult companion to be nearby. Penguin assistance is fantastic for children who are less than 1.2 meters. Ensure that they are stable on their feet.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, the best slots get booked very quickly. You are supposed to report 20 minutes prior to your time slot. Internet booking is very important during peak times, especially in December. It also helps you to get your free parking spot.
What should I wear, and are skates included?
Wear warm clothing and very thick socks. Gloves are necessary in case you fall. Your skate rental is included with the ticket price. You are free to bring your own skate if you want.
Where to park and how to get to Dublin rinks?
Dundrum and Blanchardstown offer free parking for pre-booked guests. You can take the Luas to Dundrum or Tallaght easily. Dún Laoghaire is very walkable from the seafront DART.