Visit Dublin's parks. There are numerous parks throughout Dublin and the immediate area for families to take a stroll. The walking paths are paved and easily accommodate single and double strollers as well as pedestrians. Many parks also have playgrounds that older children can enjoy. Two notable parks are St. Stephen's Green located in the heart of Dublin and Deer Park in the Mount Merrion suburb of Dublin. St. Stephen's Green's 22 acres is located near the popular shopping locations of Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Shopping Centre. The paths wind around ponds and statues and contain an extensive playground. Deer Park is located just south of Dublin City Center in the Mount Merrion area. In addition to scenic paved walking paths, the park offers a playground and fields for soccer.
Slí na Sláinte translated as Path to Health are established walking paths designated by the Irish Heart Foundation. These paths are mostly stroller friendly and popular with tourists and residents alike. They wind through some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Ireland and there are numerous in the Dublin area.
Dublin Children's Museum (Imaginosity) is located in the Beacon Court. Opened in 2007, this museum has activities geared for children ages 0 to 9. For those 12 months and younger, there are two areas on the first and second floors specifically designed for safe play and exploration. Both areas are padded and offer toys, mirrors, an aquarium and equipment to help those who are starting to cruise. Both areas are contained and located in the middle of activities geared for older children. There is a cafe available in the museum as well as other restaurants right in Beacon Court. There is plenty of parking at Beacon Court and as of March 2011, the first three hours are free, Imaginosity is affiliated with the European Hands On! Association and the American Association of Children's Museums. Advanced bookings are required, so make sure to plan ahead.
Joey's Play Centre in Naas is a fun and relaxing play cafe that also offers drop-in classes for babies and parents. The play area is geared for a wide range of ages with a small padded area suitable for babies. During the week, there are several music and activity classes that last thirty minutes. Joey's is located in the Naas Town Center and there is ample parking available in the parking lot attached to the building. As of March 2011, babies under eight months are free.
If you plan to take a day trip or overnight away from Dublin, Kilkenny City offers a wide range of activities to suit both parent and baby. Kilkenny City is approximately an hour and a half south of Dublin. If you are looking to stay overnight, the Newpark Hotel is a family-friendly hotel where staff is helpful and friendly and eager to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. The hotel offers Mamas and Papas travel cots for babies if you do not have your own. While there is no refrigerator in the room, the hotel offers room in their kitchen fridge and will sanitize bottle and other baby feeding equipment upon request. The hotel also offers a kiddie pool and play area for children and an Aveda spa, lap pool and gym for adults. Kilkenny City is rich in Irish history and culture which is evident by a stroll through the City's streets and lane-ways. Kilkenny Castle dominates the City's landscape and is a fascinating glimpse of the Country's past. While the tour inside the Castle is not stroller friendly, the Castle grounds are extensive and stroller friendly. If you are looking for an indoor venue for your baby, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre has a free play area that is suitable for children including a padded area for babies.
