Hello,

our family of 3 will be heading to Dublin in mid-June for one week (arriving Sunday morning and departing Sunday midday). Therefore we will have 6 full days (Mon-Sat) plus a half day (first sunday upon arrival). We won't be renting a car so mostly will just be doing leisure sightseeing in the city and one (or two) daytrips via public transit. Our son is a good traveler with plenty of stamina. We recently just returned from a 6-day trip in Lisbon.

I have read several guidebooks and done some research. here is a general idea of what we plan to see/do. I'm trying to group nearby sights together, and the "day #" doesn't really mean we will do them in such order.

Day 1 - Trinity college/Book of Kells, Science Gallery Dublin
Day 2 - Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Sq; +/- archeological museum
Day 3 - St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublinia, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar area
Day 4 - Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness storehouse
Day 5 - Phoenix Park, Dublin zoo
Day 6 - day trip to Malahide Castle

Are there any obvious sights that I am leaving out? Or any places mentioned above that we should skip?

If we are able to see the places on Days 1-5 in just 4 (or 4.5 days including first Sunday upon arrival), we will have an extra day for a second day trip. What would you recommend that is good for children? He likes castles and ruins; not so much just "natural scenery." Seaside/beaches will be a bit of a pain because I don't want to be lugging beach towels and bathing suits with us on the DART. I read about Kilkenny - not sure if it's too far to do on a day trip? Or Powerscourt Estate? Not sure which one is "easier" to reach by public transit.

Finally, I believe the best way for us to get around would be buying the Leap Visitor Card for 7 days. I couldn't find any information online if they offer a Leap Visitor Card for children however. If they don't, then we will need to buy a regular child leap card for him then?

Thanks in advance for any comments and suggestions.

ttt