UK or Ireland holiday with 13 and 10 year old in May

[Justploddingonandon]

We normally go to Cornwall in May half term and enjoy it, but now the kids are older want to try more of a city break. 13 year old would be fine with all the usual museums and cultural stuff, 10 year old would need at least some stuff that's kid friendly. We're thinking Dublin, is this good with kids? Where else in the UK or Ireland could we consider? We live in London and have already been to York, but open to anywhere else.
Not totally opposed to European destinations, but as one child has food allergies and the other is autistic, am a bit wary about being able to get these across (especially the allergies when eating out) in a language I don't speak.

The Isle of Man- kids free on the ferry, some great museums and attractions also free for kids - alongside outdoors, everything you could want..

can also fly cheaply from London

train to Edinburgh if you liked York
I'm not a huge fan of Dublin tbh, I think Belfast has a lot more to see and do.

Went to Dublin many years ago (pre kids) and it’s firmly on my been there done that no need to return list. I found it to be expensive and geared towards drinking.
How about Belfast or Edinburgh? Newcastle has several nice museums aimed at kids, a castle and you can easily catch the metro to the coast.

I went to Belfast pre kids and enjoyed it, but not sure how much would appeal to the kids. the 10 year old is a very sensitive soul and would probably find the Titanic museum, and taxi tours (do they still do those?) upsetting rather than interesting.

Edinburgh - easy train from London, very walkable, loads of museums and open spaces and easy to get round by bus.

My autistic DC liked Dynamic Earth and the botanic gardens.

Scottish schools aren't on holiday in May so it shouldn't be too busy (compared with August. Don't go to Edinburgh in August!).

Glasgow.
Direct trains from Euston. The council run museums are free entry (although I think they might be closed on a Monday). The Science Centre costs but is great.
Depending on the allergies, Paesano, Sugo and Elia around George Square in the city centre are great places to eat.

What about flying to Cork airport. Then going all around the city, it is vibrant and the people are great. Then off to Fota Island wildlife park, Cobh (Titanic again, but it's a museum). Trip over to Spike Island, a smaller version of Alcatraz, Kinsale for the foodies amongst you, Blarney Castle and grounds (no need to kiss the stone!), and any number of beaches within striking distance. Short flight, and it's not as expensive as Dublin. I like Dublin, but not the touristy centre BTW!

Liverpool if you've not been there. Loads to do and not too expensive.

I love Dublin but I think Belfast or Edinburgh both better for kids of that age.

Bristol is pretty good with some of the museums being free. All the usual suspects for food do easier with dietary restrictions. If weather turns out to be good there’s a marine lake at clevedon (free) or a lido at portishead (heated, charges) both accessible by bus

I'd recommend Edinburgh too or even Glasgow (easy access to Loch Lomond as well as assorted free museums)

May can be really nice as well weatherwise.

Belfast is a great place to visit. We went for a week at New Year, and did an ice hockey match, a trip to the Giant’s Causeway, several visits to seaside towns, the lake near Antrim and the castle gardens, Dark Hedges and some of the Game of Thrones locations as well as being in Belfast itself. With a car, it’s easy to get out and explore!

Sorry @Meridas i didn’t mean to quote you in my comment and it won’t let me edit 😁

Dublin has lots for kids. The national museum on Kildare street is really interesting and has trails to follow (ask for the sheet at reception); natural history museum (the dead zoo) is around the back on Merrion Square; and there’s a branch of national museum at Collins Barracks as well, near Heston Station and Phoenix Park - the real zoo is in Phoenix Park.

The national Maritime museum in Dun Laoghaire is really interesting. Get the DART train from city centre running along the sea, museum is easy to walk to and Dun Laoghaire is an interesting town, also has a fabulous walk out either East Pier or West Pier around the harbour.

For those interested in somewhat creepy things, there is the crypt at St Munchen’s Church and also a ghost bus tour to do after dark. Apart from the regular bus tours for tourists, there is a Viking Splash Tour in amphibious vehicles from WWII, which do a guided tour of the city by road then a spin around Grand Canal Docks on the water.

Teens might like Dundrum shopping centre (our equivalent to Westfield) for shopping, which is on the Luas tram green line.

There’s very clear allergy rules in Ireland, so restaurants have potential allergens marked on menus.

Thanks, some good ideas to look at here.

Normally I'd agree with this 100% but not in May half term because of the TT. You won't be able to get a ferry crossing or accommodation now. Definitely worth a visit in the summer or Easter holidays though, it's one of the most beautiful places I've seen, and there's loads to do for a 10 & 13 year old.

Liverpool is a good city break, my teen has also enjoyed Edinburgh & Belfast.

2nd this

Edinburgh is better than Dublin for those ages in my opinion