Rathfarnham Castle
Historic OPW castle with kid-friendly guided rooms and a brilliant castle-themed playground right next door.
About
A 16th-century fortified house in Rathfarnham with grand Georgian rooms restored by the OPW. Families follow a relaxed guided route through the Ballroom, Gilt Room and Four Seasons Room while guides point out hidden doors, quirky details and stories of Adam Loftus and later residents. It suits school-age kids who like rooms, portraits and little “secrets”; younger ones usually manage the tour and then make a beeline for the castle-themed playground in the surrounding park. The tearoom beside the courtyard keeps things simple for snacks and hot chocolate. Many visitors pair a short tour with a lap around the ponds and woods, so it’s an easy half-day with indoor time and a good run around after.
At a Glance
About
A 16th-century fortified house in Rathfarnham with grand Georgian rooms restored by the OPW. Families follow a relaxed guided route through the Ballroom, Gilt Room and Four Seasons Room while guides point out hidden doors, quirky details and stories of Adam Loftus and later residents. It suits school-age kids who like rooms, portraits and little “secrets”; younger ones usually manage the tour and then make a beeline for the castle-themed playground in the surrounding park. The tearoom beside the courtyard keeps things simple for snacks and hot chocolate. Many visitors pair a short tour with a lap around the ponds and woods, so it’s an easy half-day with indoor time and a good run around after.