ZipIt operates two locations within easy reach of Dublin: Tibradden Wood in the Dublin Mountains (30 minutes) and Djouce Park in Wicklow (45 minutes). Both offer high ropes and zipline courses for families. Djouce has junior courses for children aged 3+. This guide covers these and other outdoor family days out near Dublin.
Dublin has attractions. Plenty of them. The zoo, the museums, the various indoor play centres scattered across the suburbs.
What Dublin also has, less discussed, is access. Within 45 minutes of the city, you can reach mountains, forests, beaches, and countryside that feel nothing like the urban sprawl.
For families tired of the same rotation of indoor activities, the surroundings offer something different. Fresh air. Space. The chance to tire children out properly rather than just keeping them contained.
This guide focuses on outdoor options. Places where children move, explore, and come home genuinely exhausted.
Adventure Parks
ZipIt Tibradden Wood
Tibradden Wood sits in the Dublin Mountains, approximately 30 minutes from the city centre. High ropes courses and ziplines through pine forest. Views across Dublin and the bay from the higher platforms.
Sessions run approximately three hours. Minimum age 7. The courses suit families with children old enough to participate alongside parents. Everyone does the activity together rather than parents watching from the side.
The Zip Trail adds another option: 500 metres of ziplines across twelve platforms. More flying, less climbing. Can be combined with the main courses or booked separately.
Birthday parties available. Check pricing online.
ZipIt Djouce Park
Djouce Park in Wicklow is approximately 45 minutes from Dublin. The key difference: junior courses for children aged 3 and up.
For families with younger children, this is the option. The junior courses have lower platforms and age-appropriate challenges. Older siblings can do standard courses while younger ones do junior circuits.
The Wicklow Mountains setting feels wilder than Tibradden. More remote, more atmospheric.
Fort Lucan
Outdoor adventure playground in Lucan, west Dublin. Slides, climbing frames, zip wires in an outdoor setting. Suits younger children better than high ropes courses. Less structured than ZipIt but good for free play.
Beaches
Dublin’s coastline offers beaches within easy reach:
Portmarnock
Long sandy beach north of Dublin. Good for walking, running, sandcastles. The strand stretches for miles. Less crowded than Sandymount on busy days.
Dollymount Strand
Bull Island, accessible from Clontarf. A long sandy beach with dunes. Nature reserve. Closer to the city than most decent beaches.
Killiney Beach
South Dublin, beneath Killiney Hill. Rocky and sandy sections. The hill above offers walking with views across Dublin Bay to Howth.
Brittas Bay
Further south in Wicklow, approximately 50 minutes from Dublin. Proper sandy beach, dunes, more space. Worth the extra drive for a beach that feels like a beach rather than an urban strand.
Practical note: Irish beach days require realistic expectations. Wind, cloud, and sudden showers are normal. Bring layers. Lower expectations lead to pleasant surprises.
Mountains and Forests
Dublin Mountains
The mountains south of Dublin offer walking, fresh air, and views without a major expedition:
Ticknock: Forest walks and mountain bike trails. Easy access from the M50. Short loops suit families with younger children.
Hellfire Club: The ruined hunting lodge on Montpelier Hill. A short, steep walk with views and local folklore. Popular and sometimes crowded.
Three Rock Mountain: Various walking routes with views across Dublin. The masts at the summit are visible from across the city.
Wicklow Mountains
Further but more dramatic:
Glendalough: The famous monastic settlement. Walking trails around the lakes and into the valley. History, nature, and proper mountain scenery. About an hour from Dublin.
Powerscourt Waterfall: Ireland’s highest waterfall. Short walk to view it. Picnic areas. Can combine with Powerscourt Gardens nearby.
Great Sugar Loaf: A distinctive conical mountain visible from much of Wicklow. Short but steep climb to the summit. Rewards with panoramic views.
Parks and Gardens
When full-day expeditions feel like too much:
Phoenix Park
The obvious one. Huge. Deer. Playgrounds. The zoo within it. Enough space that you can find quiet spots even on busy days. Dublin’s essential green space.
Malahide Castle and Gardens
Castle, gardens, playground, café. A contained day out with variety. The playground is substantial. The gardens worth exploring.
Ardgillan Castle and Park
North Dublin coast. Castle, walled garden, parkland, coastal views. Less crowded than Malahide. Good for combining walking with playground time.
Marlay Park
South Dublin. Playground, craft courtyard, walking trails, parkland. Popular with families. Can feel crowded on sunny weekends but has enough space to absorb numbers.
St Anne’s Park
Raheny. Rose garden, playground, woodland walks. Another substantial Dublin park that rewards exploration.
Combining Activities
A full family day might combine:
Morning adventure, afternoon beach: ZipIt Tibradden (3 hours), then Killiney Beach (30 minutes from Tibradden). Different activities, varied day.
Forest and village: Djouce Park or Wicklow walking in the morning, lunch in Enniskerry, Powerscourt Gardens in the afternoon.
Beach and park: Portmarnock Beach in the morning, Malahide Castle playground in the afternoon. Useful when weather is uncertain.
Mountain and picnic: Short walk to Hellfire Club or Three Rock, picnic with views, return. A morning or afternoon rather than a full day.
Planning Considerations
Ages matter. A day suited to a 4-year-old differs from one suited to a 10-year-old. ZipIt standard courses require age 7+. Djouce junior course work from age 3. Beaches and parks suit all ages. Hill walks depend on ability and willingness.
Weather matters. Irish weather changes. Have backup plans. Layers always. Waterproofs for anything involving mountains or forests.
Energy matters. Three hours of high ropes courses is tiring. A major walk afterwards may be optimistic. Know your children.
Food matters. Pack snacks regardless of other plans. Hungry children on a day out create problems. Most outdoor locations have limited or no food options.
Booking matters. ZipIt requires advance booking. Other attractions may too, especially at weekends and during holidays. Check before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Djouce Park (junior course from age 3), beaches, Phoenix Park, or playground-focused parks like Marlay or Malahide.
Beaches and mountains are less appealing in heavy rain. ZipIt runs in light rain. Indoor backup options exist but are outside this guide’s scope.
Book online in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. Popular times fill quickly.
Costs vary. Many outdoor spaces (beaches, mountains, parks) are free. ZipIt and other adventure activities have charges. Check websites for current pricing.
Teenagers often engage better with challenging activities. ZipIt appeals to this age group. Beaches work if framed correctly. Walks depend on the teenager.
To ZipIt, if they meet the physical requirements and want to participate. Otherwise, viewing from ground level is possible. Other activities vary by mobility and interest.
Book an Adventure Day
ZipIt Tibradden Wood and Djouce Park offer family adventure within 45 minutes of Dublin. High ropes, ziplines, forest settings.
Book online or contact the team to check availability.
