Where to stay in Dublin?

[CwinkleCwinkle]

We have a few days in Dublin / Dublin area in the spring. Family with a teenager and a toddler.

I don't really know Dublin so wondering what areas are best to stay in or avoid? Only specific thing we really plan to do is the zoo.

Will you have a car? Are you flying here or taking a ferry? Is it an air bnb or hotel you are looking for? Also what are your interests?

We'll have hired a car for a few days before we stay in Dublin so whether we keep it depends on where we stay. Flying into Dublin.

Leaning towards Airbnb and have found a few dotted around the city and nearby. I did look at Premier Inns in Dublin but we'd need 2 rooms and it worked out too expensive.

We'd been thinking we'd probably do the zoo, but just been looking at the map and wonder if Emerald Park might be better. We take things at quite a slow pace and like the outdoors, we'd normally visit a castle but not sure that would work with the toddler unless there's a good playpark. Not interested in shopping or nightlife.

Emerald park will definitely give you plenty to do if you like going on rides and things nd of course there is the zoo part. I have not been since it was taken over so no first hand experience but if you are considering there then The Pillo hotel in Ashbourne is not far from it and they do deals I think with emerald park so might be worth looking at anyway.

If you keep the car and stay somewhere like north county dublin you can easily drive out to Trim castle in Meath which would not be too far out from Emerald park, you also then could go to puddenhill activity centre down the road, and while not castles both Newbridge demesne and Ardgillan demesene haveplety for your toddler and you get the stately home feel. Malahide castle is also not too far in a car and there is a cool fairy trail to walk around inside the walls and there is a butterfly room also if that is your thing. Dublin airport is north dublin too so really I would k,eep the car and stay that side rather stay in the city itself.

Also the City north hotel would be about 20 mins drive from the airport and would be a cheaper option although the Pillo has a pool.

That's really helpful, thank you!

Malahide castle is in a big park with a brilliant playground and a little train that goes around the grounds and you though Malahide village which is by the sea so there are stunning views. There is also a lovely restaurant in Malahide Castle park. To could spend several hours there