We explored the 5 best theme parks in Dublin packed with fun activities and thrilling rides.
I love spending time with my family, but finding a place that works for everyone can be a headache. Some want something engaging, while the rest just want to chill–and let’s not even talk about the kids who need something safe but nothing less than exciting.
I’ve always thought that Dublin didn’t have much to offer, and I’ve never been so happy to be wrong! It turns out there are amazing theme parks in and near Dublin I just haven’t discovered yet!
From towering roller coasters to relaxing splash pools, here are some of the best parks my family and I loved!
Emerald Park (Tayto Park)
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Website: https://www.emeraldpark.ie/
Contact: 018351999
Address: Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland, A84 EA02
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri: 10am to 5pm
- Sat to Sun: 10am to 6pm
Admission:
- All Access Ticket: Early Bird: €43 / Regular: €52
- Junior Zone Ticket: Early Bird: €3 / Regular: €47
- Senior Citizen Ticket: €30 (same price for early bird and regular)
- Additional Needs Ticket: €25
- Child (0–2 years): Free Entry
When I was looking for a theme park with thrilling rides but also has family-friendly attractions, Emerald Park did not disappoint! The whole place was organised and easy to navigate, so we got to dive into the activities right away.
From gentle rides like the balloon chase and carousel to the heart-pumping Shot Tower and Endeavour, my family and I enjoyed everything! For me, though, the Cú Chulainn Coaster is the best! Although shaking from head to toe, I’d ride it again in a second.
Besides the rides, there was also a zoo, which was a fun break from all the intense activities. There, we met lemurs, meerkats, and other fluffy animals. The park is about a 35-minute drive from Dublin city centre via M2 and R155.
| Pro tips: You can book online in advance to skip queues and score fun deals. |
AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre
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Website: https://www.aquazone.ie/
Contact: +353 1 646 4300, [email protected]
Address: Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Operating Hours:
- Opening hours vary, but the centre is typically open daily from 10am to 4pm
Admission:
- Individual ticket: €17
- Senior ticket: €6.50
- Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children): €61
I like water parks cause I can swim and experience adrenaline-pumping slides at the same time! So when we visited AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, we really had an exciting time, whether on thrilling slides or relaxing in their wave pools.
Aside from the slides, they also have other attractions perfect for little ones, like their pirate ship, lazy river, and bubble pool. They have perfectly balanced activities that everyone in my family enjoyed.
I loved that it’s set indoors because we can enjoy their attractions while staying comfortable and out of the sun’s rays. It’s approximately 40 minutes away from the city centre via M50 or Rataoth Rd.
| Pro tips: Tickets must be booked online. Since it’s a cashless facility, everything must be paid for by card. |
Funtasia Waterpark
– Media credit: funtasiathemepark
Website: https://www.funtasia.ie/
Contact: 0419898000, [email protected]
Address: Funtasia Theme Park, Unit 1, Donore Road Industrial Estate, Lagavooren, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 EVH6
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sun: 10am to 6pm
Admission:
- Online admission (24 hours in advance): €19.50 per person
- Door admission: €19.50 per person, €2 discount for carers and individuals with disabilities (walk-in only)
When we entered Funtasia Waterpark, we were stunned for a moment. With multiple slides, splash zones, and water canons, we didn’t know where to start! Since the slides looked thrilling with their twists and high drops, I started there!
I had so much fun in the waterpark but was even more delighted to discover their other attractions. With a soft play area, crazy golf, zipline, and even VR games, it truly is a haven for fun near Dublin!
The water park is about 42 minutes away from Dublin City via M1, but if you’re looking to spend the whole day and staying the night with your family, you can check out some deals with their hotel partners.
| Pro tips: By having the Funtasia app and the Fantasia loyalty card you can get bonuses and access special discounts and offers. |
Fort Lucan Adventure Park
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Website: https://www.fortlucan.com/
Contact: [email protected]
Address: Fort Lucan Adventureland, Westmanstown, Lucan, Co. Dublin, K78E678
Operating Hours:
- They have varying opening times, but are typically open on weekends from 9:30am to 4pm
Admission:
- Adult: €7
- Child (entrance only): €18
- Child (entrance and unlimited wristband): €30
With towering water slides and even a majestic ship, Fort Lucan Adventure Park is the perfect place for kids. It’s entirely outdoors and has multiple fun attractions that I’m sure the kids in my family loved.
Kids of all ages can engage in fun and safe activities with the park’s Raging River, Crazy Golf, and a junior area. I personally liked their pirate ship and adventure playground because of their nets, slides, and other features that stimulate the imagination.
Its wide outdoor area is perfect for a sunny day filled with exciting activities. It’s about 46 minutes away from the city via R101 and R109 or M50, making it a great and nearby escape.
| Pro tips: All tickets must be booked online. Since tickets are limited, it’s best to book early. |
Funderland
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Website: https://www.funderland.com/
Contact: (021) 2428591
Address: Titanic Blvd, Belfast BT3 9HQ, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Opening hours vary but are mostly open daily from 12pm to 10pm or 2pm to 9pm
Admission:
- One person: €2.00
- Family of 4: €5
- 10 shot voucher (applicable on any date): €35
Funderland is more on the classic side of theme parks, which I loved! The bright lights, music, and electric buzz were really nostalgic, and I couldn’t wait to try the rides!
I hopped on their roller coaster and tried their spinning rides which were all perfectly thrilling and fun! They also have family-friendly attractions and entertainment shows, so my loved ones who weren’t fans of the thrilling rides also enjoyed their stay.
It’s approximately two hours away from the city centre via R132, M1, and A1, so booking rooms at hotels in Belfast is the best way to enjoy a full day at the park.
| Pro tips: Funderland is a seasonal event, so their opening dates and hours may vary. It’s best to check their website. |