Planning a family getaway can sometimes feel more stressful than relaxing especially when trying to organise accommodation, activities, dining, and travel all in one trip. Luckily, Dublin offers the perfect combination of family-friendly attractions, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a short family break.
Located beside Blanchardstown Centre and within easy reach of many of Dublin’s top attractions, Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown offers families a convenient and comfortable base for a memorable staycation. With spacious family-friendly accommodation and excellent access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, it’s the perfect starting point for a fun and relaxing getaway.
Here’s Your Perfect 2-Day Family Itinerary in Dublin
To help families make the most of their stay, we’ve created the perfect 2-day family itinerary packed with some of Dublin’s top attractions including Emerald Park, Dublin Zoo, Blanchardstown Centre, National Aquatic Centre, and more all located within easy reach of the hotel.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, school holiday break, or family staycation, this itinerary is designed to help you enjoy a fun, relaxing, and stress-free family getaway from start to finish.
Day 1 – Adventure & Family Fun
Start your morning with relaxed breakfast
One of the best parts of a family staycation is slowing things down and enjoying quality time together. Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a full day of adventure.
Spend the Day at Emerald Park
Located approximately 25–30 minutes from the hotel, Emerald Park is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions for families and thrill seekers alike.
The park offers a mix of:
- Thrilling rollercoasters
- Family rides
- Junior attractions for younger children
- Zoo experiences and animal trails
- Seasonal entertainment and events
- Family dining options throughout the park
Whether your children love adrenaline-filled rides or prefer gentler attractions, Emerald Park offers something for all age groups, making it ideal for a full family day out.
Families can also explore Emerald Park’s exciting Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs, a fun prehistoric-themed attraction featuring dinosaurs and interactive experiences, perfect for younger children and family adventures.
Relax Back at the Hotel
After a busy day at Emerald Park, families can return to the hotel to relax and unwind together.
Spacious family rooms allow everyone to comfortably settle in after a full day of activities, while Chromecast-enabled TVs make it easy to enjoy a family movie night before bed.
Parents can also enjoy a quieter evening with onsite dining and drinks while children recharge for another busy day ahead.
Day 2 – Explore Dublin’s Favourite Family Attractions
Visit Dublin Zoo & Phoenix Park
No family trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to Dublin Zoo.
Located within the beautiful surroundings of Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s most loved attractions and home to hundreds of animals from around the world.
Families can spend hours exploring:
- Elephant and giraffe habitats
- Monkey enclosures
- Penguin exhibits
- African savannah experiences
- Reptile and rainforest areas
- Family-friendly walking trails
The zoo is designed to be easy to navigate for families with younger children, making it a relaxed and enjoyable day out.
After visiting the zoo, families can continue exploring Phoenix Park itself, one of Europe’s largest enclosed public parks.
The park is perfect for:
- Family walks
- Bike rides
- Picnics
- Playground stops
- Spotting the famous wild deer
It’s a great way to slow down and enjoy some outdoor family time before continuing your Dublin adventure. Families can also explore special Dublin Zoo ticket offers and experiences, making a family day out even more memorable.
Make a Splash at the National Aquatic Centre
For families looking for indoor fun, the National Aquatic Centre and AquaZone are located just minutes from the hotel.
This is one of Dublin’s most popular family attractions, especially during rainy days or school holidays.
Children can enjoy:
- Water slides
- Wave pools
- Lazy rivers
- Dedicated kids’ play areas
- Family swimming zones
The National Aquatic Centre is ideal for families with younger children and offers a fun alternative to outdoor attractions if the weather changes.
Shopping & Entertainment at Blanchardstown Centre
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Blanchardstown is having one of Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destinations right beside the hotel.
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre offers far more than shopping and is ideal for families looking to combine entertainment, dining, and relaxation during their stay.
Families can enjoy:
- Popular high-street and international brands
- Family-friendly restaurants and cafés
- Cinema experiences
- Casual dining options
- Sweet treats and coffee stops
- Seasonal entertainment and family events
Having everything located beside the hotel means families can explore at their own pace without needing to travel into Dublin city centre.
Spacious & Comfortable Family Accommodation
After two busy days exploring Dublin’s attractions, having a comfortable place to relax becomes even more important. The hotel’s spacious family rooms are designed to give families extra comfort and flexibility during their stay.
Guests can enjoy:
- Spacious room layouts
- Comfortable bedding
- High-speed WiFi
- Chromecast-enabled TVs
- Modern bathrooms
- Complimentary parking
- Easy access to nearby attractions
The relaxed atmosphere also makes it easier for families travelling with younger children who may need downtime between activities.
Why Families Love Staying in Blanchardstown
For many families, staying outside Dublin city centre offers a much more relaxing experience.
Blanchardstown provides:
- Easier parking
- Less traffic
- More space
- Quick motorway access
- Convenient shopping and dining
- Easy access to family attractions
It also allows families to enjoy Dublin’s biggest attractions without the stress of navigating busy city streets throughout the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Emerald Park from the hotel?
Emerald Park is located approximately 25–30 minutes away by car, making it ideal for a family day trip.
Is the National Aquatic Centre close to the hotel?
Yes, the National Aquatic Centre and AquaZone are located just a short drive from the hotel.
Is the hotel suitable for family stays?
Yes, families can enjoy spacious rooms, nearby attractions, complimentary parking, dining options, and easy access to Dublin’s top family activities.
What attractions are close to Blanchardstown?
Nearby attractions include Emerald Park, Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, National Aquatic Centre, AquaZone, and Blanchardstown Centre.
Plan Your Next Family Staycation
Whether you’re planning a school holiday escape, a weekend family break, or a fun-filled Dublin adventure, a stay in Blanchardstown offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and family entertainment.
From rollercoasters and zoo visits to shopping trips and water adventures, everything you need for a memorable family getaway is right on your doorstep.