Dublin With a Baby: Pubs, Potatoes & Playtime

Another stamp on the baby’s passport—and this time it’s Ireland! We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Dublin, and yes, the baby came along for the ride (and the mashed potatoes). Was it chill? Not entirely. Was it fun? Absolutely. Did the baby try to eat a coaster in a whiskey distillery? ...No comment.

Here’s our not-so-sober (but very family-friendly) recap of Dublin with a baby.

Our Nest: Aloft Dublin

We stayed at Aloft Hotel, which was super modern, comfy, and blessedly quiet. The staff didn’t blink twice when we rolled in with a stroller, diaper bag, and 43 baby snacks. It had a great location—close to everything, but far enough from the late-night pub noise (a.k.a. sleep was possible, which any parent knows is priceless).

Baby’s First Brunch Tour: Foodie Stops Worth Remembering

Let’s be honest, we may have planned our days around nap windows and food. And Dublin delivered.

  • Brother Hubbard – Trendy brunch spot with delicious coffee and a baby-friendly vibe. We had eggs, the baby had toast crusts, and everyone left happy.

  • Two Pups – Cozy café, good vibes, and some of the best pastries we had in town. Also: great people-watching.

  • Mister S – If you're only going to splurge once, let it be here. Ridiculously tasty. We had fancy food while the baby chewed on a spoon and stared at the waitstaff like they were celebrities.

Also, we found the best fish and chips in town. We’re talking hot, crispy, perfectly salted chips and fish so good it nearly converted the baby into a pescatarian. (We wish we remembered the name. Honestly, it might've been divine intervention.)

Tour Time: Guinness, Jameson & Mildly Confused Baby Faces

We took turns at the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery—because responsible parenting means swapping off when whiskey is involved. Both were great, super informative, and yes, baby-friendly enough if one of you hangs back. Highlight: the baby giggled at the Guinness bubbles like they were magic. They kind of are.

The Famous Temple Bar: Overhyped, But We Had To

Of course we stopped at Temple Bar—tourist trap or not, you gotta do it. It was loud, colorful, and packed. The baby got about three minutes in before giving us a look like, “Seriously, you brought me here?” We snapped a photo, made an Irish exit, and called it good.

Big Day Out: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

We braved a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, and it was totally worth it—even with the long bus ride. The cliffs were breathtaking, and the baby loved the fresh sea air (and watching sheep from the window like it was peak entertainment). Galway was charming, walkable, and full of music. Honestly, if the baby could Irish step dance, I’m sure she would’ve.

Final Thoughts: Would We Do Dublin Again With a Baby?

In a heartbeat. Dublin was:

  • Super walkable

  • Full of friendly people (shoutout to every Irish grandma who waved at the stroller)

  • Packed with good food and better stories

Sure, we skipped a few late-night sessions and cut our Guinness time short. But seeing the world through tiny eyes—even if they’re sleepy, drooly, and covered in biscuit crumbs—is pretty special.

Sláinte from our little travel crew to yours!