When the sun shines in Dublin, there is no better way to spend the day than relaxing in one of the city’s beautiful parks. Imagine a spot where the kids can run around, you can sip a coffee, and everyone heads home happy and a little tired.
The city is full of green spaces that feel like mini escapes and are completely kid‑approved. Slides? Check. Wide lawns for running wild? Absolutely. Peaceful spots for parents to chill? You got it. Some even have riverside walks and cozy cafés, so nobody is left bored.
This guide is the perfect list of parks in Dublin for family outings, packed with places where little adventurers and parents can enjoy quality time together. These parks are all about fun, fresh air, and making memories, offering the best walk in Dublin you will want to relive again and again.
List of Secret Parks in Dublin for Peaceful Family Time
Phoenix Park – Top Family Park in Dublin with Plenty for Kids to Explore
Phoenix Park is not just Dublin’s largest park. It is one of the best parks in Dublin for kids and also one of the biggest enclosed urban green spaces in Europe. If you are planning a family day out, this place feels like a playground that never ends. Kids can run, explore, and discover something new every time.
There is so much to enjoy here. Huge open fields are perfect for picnics, and peaceful walking and cycling paths weave through the trees and gardens. One of the highlights for families is Dublin Zoo, located right inside the park. Renting a bike near the main gate makes it easy to cover more ground and enjoy all the sights without getting tired.
When I visit with my family, we always love spotting the wild deer that roam freely. It feels magical every time. There are also fun monuments to check out, such as the Wellington Testimonial and the Papal Cross. If you visit on a sunny weekend, you might even come across a market or outdoor event.
The park is completely free to enter and open all year. The main entrances are at Parkgate Street and Castleknock. Parking is easy, and there are cafés, picnic areas, and mobile toilets throughout the park. In summer, events like Bloom by Bord Bia fill the park with garden exhibits, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages.
For families looking for best family-friendly parks in Dublin, Phoenix Park is a perfect choice. Its wide fields, wildlife, and relaxing paths make it one of the most enjoyable open green spaces in Dublin for families, where you can create wonderful memories together.
Griffith Park – Scenic Riverside Spot with Fun Playgrounds
Griffith Park is one of Dublin’s most loved green spaces, sitting right in Drumcondra along the peaceful River Tolka. It is perfect for a relaxed day out, with wide lawns, shady trees, and plenty of space to unwind. The park is a favorite for locals looking for dog-friendly family parks in Dublin, morning walks, or just reading on a bench while the birds sing and the river flows.
If you are visiting with kids, they will have the best time at the large, modern playground. There are swings, slides, ziplines, and climbing frames, plus wide open areas where they can run free or kick a ball. This makes it one of the best outdoor activities in Dublin for children, especially if you want to spend time outdoors without spending money. Families love that it is among the best parks in Dublin for kids for free, with plenty of space to explore and even a small outdoor gym for active fun.
I once joined a birthday picnic here, and it was such a cozy spot for celebrating with friends. The top field is also great for casual dog meetups, and the best playgrounds in Dublin are right here, next to the charming Tram Café. Parents can grab a coffee while keeping an eye on the little ones playing.
The park is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming. It even has restroom facilities and is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, including weekends and bank holidays. Just a short walk from Drumcondra Road and easily reachable by bus, Griffith Park blends nature, fun, and community in a way that keeps people coming back.
St Stephen’s Green – Classic City Centre Park for Peace and Beauty
If you are looking for where to go with kids outdoors, St Stephen’s Green is one of the best parks in Dublin. Right in the heart of the city, this nice park in Dublin is calm, peaceful, and perfect for a quick break between sightseeing or shopping. Families can relax under shady trees, enjoy a picnic, or let the kids have fun in the playground.
The playground is great for little ones, with swings, slides, and plenty of space to run around. My 5‑year‑old loved feeding the ducks and swans by the pond, although the birds can get a bit cheeky if they see snacks in your hand. For families searching for free parks for kids in Dublin, this is a top choice.
St Stephen’s Green has beautiful water features, a small lake, and even a gentle waterfall, making it one of the best Dublin parks with waterfalls. History lovers will enjoy spotting statues and plaques that share stories from the 1916 Easter Rising and other moments in Irish history. There is also a lovely sensory garden for the visually impaired, and the paths are very walkable and accessible.
The park is open during daylight hours and locked at night, so it is best to visit between 10 AM and sunset. On sunny days, the whole place feels lively yet peaceful, making it a spot you will want to return to whenever you are in the city.
Iveagh Gardens – Beautiful Dublin Park Famous for Its Waterfall and Maze
If you want a peaceful hideaway in the city, Iveagh Gardens feels like your own secret garden. It is tucked just behind the National Concert Hall, only a five‑minute walk from St Stephen’s Green. Many people pass by without even knowing there is a quiet park hidden behind the walls, which makes it feel special and cozy.
This is one of the most relaxing and best family parks in Dublin, with wide lawns, shady corners, and a calm vibe perfect for reading, picnics, or simply recharging. One of its standout features is the dramatic rock waterfall at the back, which surprises first‑time visitors and makes it one of the most memorable Dublin parks with large waterfalls. You will also find a small maze, elegant fountains, and a rose garden that blooms beautifully in summer.
Iveagh Gardens feels natural and romantic, even without a playground. Locals love coming here to escape the busy streets, and sometimes you might catch an outdoor event like the Taste of Dublin festival. There are public toilets, and most paths are wheelchair accessible, though it is easier to enter from the Clonmel Street side.
The waterfall usually starts running after 10:30 AM, so do not worry if you arrive early and it is not flowing yet. Whether you want a calm spot to sit with a book or explore one of Dublin’s quiet gems, Iveagh Gardens is the kind of place that makes you slow down and smile.
National Botanic Gardens – Peaceful Gardens with Stunning Plant Collections
If you’re craving a quiet break from the busy city, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin are a perfect spot to unwind. It is one of the best parks in Dublin, Ireland, for nature lovers, families, or anyone who just wants to breathe in some fresh air and slow down for a while.
The gardens are full of colorful blooms, rare plant species, and beautiful glasshouses. The tropical and orchid houses feel like stepping into another world. You will see squirrels darting across the lawns, birds singing in the trees, and sometimes even a heron flying over the paths. A gentle stream runs through the grounds, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.
I joined a guided tour once, and it really brought the place to life with fascinating plant facts and history. But even if you explore on your own, two or three hours is plenty to enjoy the gardens at your own pace. This is also one of the best Dublin parks for weekend family trips, where kids can learn about nature while parents enjoy a calm stroll.
Entry is completely free, with only a small fee for parking. There is a visitor center with a café and clean restrooms, and most areas are wheelchair accessible, though a few paths are slightly steep. To protect the scientific plant collections, picnics, jogging, bikes, and ball games are not allowed, and only guide dogs can enter.
Throughout the year, the gardens host exhibitions, art displays, and special events, so it is worth checking the schedule before you go. If you love photography, quiet walks, or just need a reset in nature, the National Botanic Gardens will leave you refreshed and inspired.
Irish National War Memorial Park – Quiet Riverside Park
Sometimes you just need a place to breathe, right? Somewhere quiet, away from traffic and the busy streets. I found that peace at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge. It is not hyped up like other Dublin attractions, but once you step in, it really stays with you.
In spring, the cherry blossom trees are magical. Come April, the whole garden turns into a soft pink wonderland. Between the stone arches, fountains, and quiet pathways, this place makes you slow down and appreciate the moment. The nearby river adds to the peaceful vibe, and if you are lucky, you might spot ducks or even a rowing team gliding by.
It is one of the nicest parks and quiet picnic spots in Dublin city, perfect for a chill afternoon with a friend, a small family outing, or even a solo moment to reset. Bring your own snacks since there is no café inside, though there are local spots nearby. Mobile toilets are available along the canal, and yes, it is dog‑friendly.
The gardens are free to enter, open 24/7, and easy to reach with paid parking nearby. If you ever need a calm break from tourist crowds, this hidden gem is the kind of place that makes you feel completely at ease.
Marlay Park – Large Woodland Park with Waterfalls and Walking Trails
Marlay Park in Rathfarnham is the perfect mix of nature, fun, and weekend vibes. Whether you want a peaceful solo walk, a family picnic, or an afternoon chasing kids around, this park has it all. It is one of the best parks in Dublin with kids’ playgrounds, making it a go‑to spot for families.
The park is huge, with woodland trails, quiet ponds, and even a small park in Dublin with a waterfall that adds to the peaceful atmosphere. You will also find football pitches, a dog park, and a walled garden with an aviary full of colorful birds. Everything is super clean and well‑kept, which makes the park feel extra welcoming.
On weekends, a local market pops up with food stalls and handmade goodies, and there are a couple of cozy cafés for coffee or a snack. Kids will love the two playgrounds and the little train rides that run in the afternoons. This is also one of the large parks in Dublin for family walks, perfect for unwinding together in the fresh air.
Marlay Park is not just about calm strolls. It is also a popular live music venue. I went to a Noah Kahan concert here, and the energy was amazing — the crowd was buzzing, and the staff were super friendly. Between concerts, markets, and peaceful walks, it truly offers something for everyone.
Whether you are here for a weekend stroll, a dog walk, or a family picnic, Marlay Park is among the best picnic spots in Dublin parks. It feels like a little escape from the city, and once you visit, you will want to come back again and again.
St Patrick’s Park – A Charming Green Space Beside the Cathedral
If you are wandering around Dublin and find yourself near St Patrick’s Cathedral, you have to stop by St Patrick’s Park. It is one of the coziest spots on any list of best parks in Dublin, and it feels like a peaceful little escape in the middle of The Liberties.
The view of the cathedral from the park is iconic. Even if you skip going inside, just sitting on a bench and soaking in the view is worth it. There are shady spots, flowerbeds everywhere, and a small fountain in the center that adds to the charm. Families will love the little playground, and it is dog‑friendly too, so expect to see a few happy pups running around.
I love how the park feels both open and intimate. You will see locals reading, journaling, or just enjoying the sun. On weekends, you might even catch a small craft or book market. If you need a break, the Tram Café in one corner of the park serves great coffee, snacks, and even ice cream, the perfect treat while you relax and people‑watch.
This park is perfect for anyone looking for family day out ideas in Dublin, whether you are exploring with kids or just want a calm spot to recharge. Small but full of character, St Patrick’s Park is one of those places you will want to revisit every time you are in the city.
Merrion Square – Elegant Georgian Park with a Friendly Vibe
If you are wandering around Dublin and need a little green escape, Merrion Square Park is one of the best parks in Dublin city centre. Even though it is right in the middle of the city, it feels like a quiet pocket where you can slow down. Tree‑lined paths, soft lawns, and cozy corners make it perfect for a quick breather or a relaxed stroll.
What makes this park special are the little creative details everywhere. There is an art trail with sculptures and poems hidden in plain sight, and of course, the famous Oscar Wilde statue draws plenty of attention. His witty quotes on nearby stone pillars are fun to read every time.
Sundays bring extra charm as the railings around the park turn into an open‑air gallery for the local art market. You will see paintings, sketches, and prints on display, which makes for a laid‑back weekend activity and a chance to grab a unique souvenir.
Families will love the small playground tucked into one corner. It makes Merrion Square one of the most kid‑friendly outdoor places in Dublin, and you will often hear the happy sounds of children playing as you walk by.
The layout is simple and welcoming for everyone, whether you are walking, pushing a stroller, or using a wheelchair. There is also a visitor center, restrooms, and a café nearby for coffee or a snack. It is one of those hidden parks in Dublin for families that feels calm, creative, and genuinely memorable.
St Anne’s Park – Spacious Park with Top-Notch Playgrounds
If you have not spent a lazy afternoon at St Anne’s Park, you are really missing out. This is one of the best quiet parks in Dublin for families, and it has that calm but cool vibe that makes it easy to unplug. Located in Raheny, it is a low‑key gem where you can enjoy peaceful walks, weekend market strolls, or just some greenery to reset your mind.
The park is huge with forest trails winding under tall trees, open lawns for picnics, and a rose garden that feels like it is made for photos. There is also a little stream, stone bridges, and even a fairy tree that gives the park a magical woodland energy.
Families love it here because it is one of the nicest parks in Dublin for children, thanks to its spacious playgrounds where kids can run and explore. The Red Stables are another highlight. It is a cozy café and art space where you can grab coffee, check out local crafts, or just sit back and enjoy the vibe. On Saturdays, the food and flower market is a treat with baked goods, fresh bouquets, and handmade gifts.
Practical stuff is covered too. There are clean restrooms, wheelchair friendly paths, picnic spots, dog friendly zones, and plenty of parking. The beach is just a short walk away, so you can even turn your visit into a full park and sea day.
St Anne’s Park is open every day, 24 hours, making it easy to plan a visit anytime . This park is not just a park. It is a whole experience that feels peaceful, playful, and perfect for a day outdoors.
Final Words on the Best Park in Dublin
So there you have it. These are the best parks to visit in Dublin with kids where you can spend quality time with your family, enjoy nature, and simply relax. These parks are all about simple joys with no tickets, no stress, just fresh air and green spaces that make the city feel calm and inviting.
From peaceful picnic spots to safe playgrounds and even parks with lovely waterfalls, there is something for everyone. Pack a picnic, grab the kids, and explore these wonderful parks for a fun and affordable family day. If you know another park we should include, share it in the comments or connect with us on social media.
Spending time outdoors in Dublin has never been more enjoyable.
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