I still vividly recall my first attempt at lacing my skates in the Dublin Ice Rink. Feeling like jelly in my ankles, I held tightly onto the rail for dear life. Yet, with the music beginning, Christmas lights strung around the hall flickering, I finally got my timing right. There is nothing quite like the magic of gliding across ice in the middle of the city.
If you want a full overview of all the seasonal rinks around the capital, this guide to ice skating Dublin has everything in one place.
Whether you’re a pro or a “Bambi” on ice, Dublin is a winter wonderland to be seen. From the massive tent in Blanchardstown to the stylish atmosphere in Dundrum, Dublin comes alive in November. Visiting Dublin in the winter is a yearly tradition for my family and me. We love the cold weather and the hot chocolate we get afterward. Let’s see where we should “hit the ice” this winter!
Ready to skate through some of the most magical places in the city? I’m sure you are just as curious to know where to look for those special “sensory-sensitive” skating times as well. This winter guide is full of information, ideas, and insider tips for booking, pricing, and the best parking spots. Keep reading to learn how to save 30% off your tickets!
- Find out which rink is located right behind a famous drive-thru.
- Learn about the separate areas designed just for tiny beginners.
- Discover the best times to visit for a quiet, peaceful skate.
Lace up your skates and let’s dive into the frozen fun!
Seasonal Highlights: Dublin’s Best Christmas Ice Rink 2026
Dublin is absolutely transformed for the holidays, and while we are waiting for that permanent year-round spot, these are the world’s best ice rinks.
Dundrum on Ice
Located in the Dundrum Town Centre, it is a favorite among the people on the Southside. This provides customers with the ultimate in premium “real ice” ice skating, situated beside Ireland’s very best shopping. This is my favorite place to go ice skating after finishing up my Christmas present shopping. It has great energy, and the ice is fantastic. It is great for a date night or as a special treat.
Swords on Ice
If you find yourself in the Northside area, then the perfect place for you is the Swords Pavilions. It has a great atmosphere, which is family-oriented, making it even more lovable for the natives and also highly accessible, especially for people in North County Dublin. It has great festive music, making it perfect for a family outing in the afternoon.
The Big One: Ice Skating Blanchardstown
This is the champion of the Dublin Ice Rink 2026 scene. This is a massive operation, located in Millennium Park in Dublin 15. It is actually located next to the McDonald Drive Thru. It’s got an incredible 800m² of professional-standard real ice.
This makes it the largest temporary ice rink in the entirety of Ireland. I usually tell people to look out for the White Car Park entrance. You can easily locate it by using the brown signs. The best part is that it is totally free, provided you bring your booking confirmation with you!
It is only a 10-minute walk away from the main Blanchardstown Centre. The 2025/26 season has already started! That is, it began on the 14th of November, 2025, and ends on the 1st of February, 2026.
Rink Features and Family Facilities
The organizers at Blanchardstown really thought of everything this year. It is much more than just a sheet of ice.
The Main Rink and Kiddies Area
The main 800m² rink is great for confident skaters to showcase their talent. But if you bring the little ones along, there is another rink set up for the kiddies alone. This is ideal for the kids as it is not so daunting for small ones to try. Every session is for exactly 50 minutes of uninterrupted skating.
Penguin Aids and Spectator Views
If you’re still a little uncertain, Penguin Skate Aids are available for hire. These help new skaters and young children stay steady while they get the hang of things. Note that these do cost a little extra, between 5 and 10 euros.
If you want to stay dry while still having a view, then don’t worry! There are perfect viewing areas, and if you’re a parent, you can watch your little ones while still listening to festive tunes. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a photo opportunity with a festive character!
Inclusive Skating: ASD and Sensory Sessions
One thing I love about the Dublin Ice Rink events is the fact that they have become so inclusive. Currently, they have ASD-friendly events to cater to people who are sensitive.
At such times, music is played at a low volume, and the lights are not too bright. This creates a very calm environment for everyone to enjoy their ice. These sessions are very popular and speak volumes about how community-spirited people in D15 are.
The center is also wheelchair-friendly, so everyone gets to have a great time! It is touching to see everyone enjoying the ice, irrespective of their ability.
Planning Your Visit: Pricing and Practical Tips
A little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure a smooth trip. You don’t want to show up and find out it is sold out!
Ticket Prices and Early Bird Deals
For the best value, always pre-book online at iceskating.ie. It is imperative that you pre-book your time slots for Dublin ice rink 2026 in advance, as they fill up incredibly fast. Tickets for adults and children include skate hire as part of the package.
If you’re planning to come with the whole gang, be sure to check out the Family Packages. These 2+2 deals will be kinder to your wallet. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for our Early Bird tickets to save up to 30% off peak prices.
What to Wear and What to Expect
The indoor hockey rink is housed in a fully enclosed tent, and hence, it is also “weatherproof.” So, while it may be raining outside, the ice is pristine. That being said, it is still freezing inside, so be sure to wear thick socks to keep your toes warm so they won’t rub with your skates.
Also, gloves may be required, so be sure to bring a pair along. After your ice skating adventure, you could also head over to the cafe for a cup of hot chocolate.
Transport and Getting There
Getting to Millennium Park is relatively easy due to excellent local transport facilities.
Driving and Parking
If you’re driving, you should exit at M50 Junction 3 for the quickest way there. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the motorway. There are over 500 parking spaces available for your skaters at the White Car Park. There are also separate parking spaces for the parking of wheelchairs close to the entrance. If you’re going to be dropped off, there’s a specific drop-off point for coaches and cars. This easy access makes the dublin ine rink 2026 even more convenient for visitors.
Public Transport Options
For those of you utilizing the bus, good news – over 600 daily services are provided by Dublin Bus to the Blanchardstown region. Bus routes such as the 39a, 39, and 70 will bring you very close.
In addition, for those of you ending up in the region very late, the N4 Night Bus is also accessible. For Luas users, the nearest stop is just over 2km away. A short taxi ride from the Blanchardstown Centre will then bring you the remaining distance.
Everyone has a unique style when they hit the ice. Which one are you?
- The Pro: Speeding past everyone with total confidence.
- The Wall-Hugger: Won’t let go of the rail for anything.
- The Bambi: Legs going in every direction at once.
- The Spectator: Happy with a hot chocolate on the viewing platform.
Did you capture a perfect family photo or a funny fall this year? We want to see your best memories! Tag us in your #DublinOnIce photos to be featured on our page. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, share the joy of the season!
So… Lace Up and Hit the Ice
The skating season in Dublin is short but so sweet. Skating is a seasonal institution that brightens up the drab wintry months. Make sure to book early, especially for peak weekend slots. Nothing beats the cold wind on your face as you glide. Which Dublin rink is the place you love visiting most?
All of this is what makes the dublin ine rink 2026 season so special.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to bring my own skates?
No, there is absolutely no need to bring your own equipment with you; skate hire for professionals is free with your ticket in all major Dublin skating rinks, and all have a selection of different sizes for kids and adults alike.
Is there a minimum age for kids to skate?
Most of the rinks provide the opportunity to skate from the age of 3 or 4, and the kids are kept upright with the provision of “Bobby Seals” or Penguin aids. There is even a separate kiddies rink in Blanchardstown for the kids to skate safely.
Are the rinks made of real ice?
Yes, most of the major seasonal ice rinks in Dublin have high-quality real ice. At the Blanchardstown ice rink, there’s a massive professional ice surface of 800m² for your smooth glide. Believe me, it’s way more enjoyable than using artificial plastic ice.
Where is the Blanchardstown rink located exactly?
It is located in Millennium Park in Dublin 15, just behind McDonald’s Drive-Thru. It is recommended that you enter the White Car Park to be able to spot the entrance; It is just approximately 3km from Junction 3 on the M50 highway.
How much does it cost to hire a penguin aid?
An aid of Penguin/Seal Hire usually costs €5-10 per session. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the rink. This is certainly an excellent way to provide children with more boosters in confidence.
Is there free parking available at the Dublin Ice Rink?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available in the White Car Park in Blanchardstown. All you need to show the staff at the entrance of the car park is your booking confirmation email that you printed off the internet. The car park contains over 500 parking spaces, as well as wheelchair-friendly parking places.