General Information » Essential Info » Children

The Irish attitude towards the young and restless resembles that of Southern Europe. Children are welcome at social events, with most places going all out to cater for them, and it’s usually not too big a deal if they make a bit of noise either.

The majority of restaurants and cafes supply high chairs and children’s menus and most will happily provide you with hot water to heat up a bottle. While there is still a general lack of public amenities in the city, some of the newer establishments have finally responded to the need for baby changing facilities. Children under 5 years travel free on public transport, but beware if you are taking a pram, as only the newer, wheelchair friendly buses provide easy access.

Family tickets help to keep the costs down at attractions, such as interactive museums, sports facilities, workshops or the zoo. And the numerous parks and playgrounds around the city, as well as the local beaches, provide plenty of free entertainment for youngsters as soon as they can walk; all you need is the weather on your side. Dublin Tourism regularly brings out a brochure with suggestions for new activities in and around Dublin and many newspapers (especially the Sunday papers) have a special family section.

Most hotels and shopping malls provide childcare facilities, often including babysitting services and kids’ clubs. Professional childcare agencies can arrange nannies, babysitters or childminders for a fee. Check out South County Dublin Childcare (www.southdublinchildcare.ie), the babysitting club Mindersfinders (www.minderfinders.ie), Cocoon Childcare (www.cocoonchildcare.ie), or Nanny Solutions (www.nannysolutions.com) for details.

While there are numerous parents groups in Dublin, Parent Plus, a registered charity under the auspices of the Mater Hospital, is a good address if you need professional support (086 172 1902, www.parentsplus.ie).