What is there to do in Dublin? (Ohio, that is!)

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It would take less time to talk about what ISN’T available to you in Dublin– you and your family won’t be bored.
Home to the aptly named Dublin Irish Festival (Like Ireland, only smaller!) that has been names a Top 100 Event in North America, Dublin cherishes it’s Irish flair. Even if it’s roots are not Irish- the attitude definately is! Your friends will be green with envy when you show them all your fantastic photos of your trip, and you will be seeing green as well- Kelly Green, of course!

There is so much to see and do, that if you don’t schedule your whole vacation here, you will want to include at least a few days. (And make sure you go to the Visitors Center website- there are awesome Kids Eat Free packages, complete with attractions and hotel deals!)  

A foodie’s paradise, there is more then just Irish fare offered in Dublin- Kogen’s offers some great food and great prices, and is one of the many restaurants that participate in the Kids Eat Free program available. Though they are an Asian and Sushi restaurant, don’t be fooled- they offer a truly wide variety, as well as a full service bar, happy hour, and kids menu that will please even the pickiest eaters.

You can’t go to Dublin without eating Irish at least once- so please let me recommend Mary Kelley’s! This eatery is Irish in every aspect, from the food, to the name, to the owners and it’s roots. As you look around, you will enjoy a glimpse into the restaurant’s history, the family that owns it- past and present, and items that will interest those who love all things Irish.

Columbus, Ohio- neighbor of Dublin by just a few minutes- is home to the #1 Zoo In America, as voted by USA Travel Guide. With new attractions, Polar Frontier and Manatee Coast, in addition to all the other zoo favorites like African Forest and Asia Quest, you and your children are in for a whirlwind world tour- all in one place. The educational aspect is not to be overlooked, either. Your children can learn about, and even interact with some of their favorite animals. Animals are wonders to children. Zoos and Aquariums like this one will help your child gain a lifelong love of animals, and help them learn why conservation and protection are so necessary to all our animal friend’s survival.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a fantastic place to spend the day- not only is it Jack Hanna’s haunt, but your kids can play in Jungle Jack’s Landing, and head on over to Zoombezi Bay Water Park (same address, same location, no driving necessary!) to cool off after a day of fun in the sun. As it is part of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s complex (which also includes the Safari Golf Club), all you need is a bathing suit and you are ready for a day of memory making with the kids, and one they will talk about for a long time to come. How can you beat a zoo that is also a water park? I’d bet you can’t.

What else can you do while you are in Dublin? Well- how much time do you have? Because I can go on all day.
Happy travels!

Disclosure- I visited the above locations  free of charge in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.