Your ideal family base at Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown
Looking for the perfect weekend in Dublin? Staying at Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown places you at the heart of family-friendly attractions, fantastic shopping, and some of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. With everything from retail therapy to outdoor adventures just minutes away, it’s the ideal base for a relaxed and memorable Dublin escape.
Below is a suggested Dublin itinerary to help you make the most of your stay, highlighting some of the best things to do in Dublin with family-friendly activities and easy day trips right on your doorstep.
DAY 1 – Blanchardstown & Phoenix Park
Morning – Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Ease into your weekend with a short stroll from Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, one of Ireland’s largest and most family-friendly retail destinations.
Praesent adipiscing. Etiam feugiat lorem non metus. Morbi mollis tellus ac sapien. Praesent porttitor, nulla vitae posuere iaculis, arcu nisl dignissim dolor, a pretium mi sem ut ipsum. Vestibulum suscipit nulla quis orci. Nam eget dui. Donec venenatis vulputate lorem. Aenean posuere, tortor sed cursus feugiat, nunc augue blandit nunc, eu sollicitudin urna dolor sagittis lacus.
10:00 – Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a day of exploring.
Family-friendly options:
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a day of exploring.
- The Butcher Grill
- Starbucks or Costa
- The Gallery Café – a great choice for families
10:45 – Family Fun in the Centre
After breakfast, enjoy some light entertainment:
- Funtropolis soft play for younger children
- Movies at Omniplex Cinema
- Browse the wide range of family-friendly shops
- Bowling in Blanchardstown for teenagers
This easy start sets the tone for a stress-free weekend in Dublin.
Afternoon – Phoenix Park (15–20 minute drive)
A short drive from Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown brings you to Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks and a must-visit for families.
12:30 – Picnic or Lunch
Choose a scenic picnic spot or enjoy lunch at:
- Phoenix Café
- The Strawberry Hall Café
1:30 – Explore Phoenix Park
There’s something here for everyone:
- Spot the famous wild deer
- Walk or cycle through beautiful parkland
- Visit Áras an Uachtaráin and the People’s Garden
- Add Dublin Zoo for a memorable family experience
Evening
6:00 – Dinner
After a day of exploring, return to the Blanchardstown area for a relaxed meal.
Family-friendly options:
- The Carpenter (Castleknock)
- Restaurants in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
- Or return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
DAY 2 – Emerald Park
No family weekend in Dublin is complete without a visit to Emerald Park, one of Ireland’s top attractions and it’s an easy journey from the hotel.
Morning
8:30 – Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or grab a coffee along the way
9:30 – Drive to Emerald Park
Just 25–30 minutes from Blanchardstown, making it a simple and stress-free day trip.
10:00 – 4:00 – Emerald Park Adventure
Spend the day enjoying thrilling rides, animal encounters, and family-friendly attractions.
Highlights include:
- Cú Chulainn Coaster for thrill seekers
- Tayto Factory Tour
- Petting zoo and farm area
- Playgrounds and outdoor spaces
- A wide range of dining options
Tip: Arrive early or book tickets for Emerald Park online to avoid queues and make the most of your day.
Late Afternoon & Evening
4:30 – Return to Blanchardstown
After an exciting day, keep dinner simple with nearby options:
- Casual dining in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
- The Black Bull — a traditional Irish pub with a family-friendly atmosphere
- District 8 — a modern, vibrant spot perfect for a casual evening.
Then return to our hotel to relax and recharge after a fun-filled weekend.
Your Dublin Weekend Starts Here
Enjoy the ideal mix of comfort, convenience, and family-friendly surroundings in the heart of Blanchardstown. With Blanchardstown Shopping Centre just steps away, Phoenix Park nearby, and Emerald Park within easy reach, everything you need for a memorable weekend in Dublin is right on your doorstep.