Description
The 3Arena, located on North Wall Quay in Dublin's vibrant Docklands, is a world-class indoor amphitheatre that plays host to the biggest names in music, comedy, and live entertainment. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Dublin if you are looking for a spectacular live entertainment arena experience that brings world-famous touring shows, family theatre, and music spectacles to life. With its incredible acoustics and state-of-the-art staging, the venue offers an electric atmosphere that keeps families coming back for major touring productions.
Ticket pricing varies heavily depending on the specific touring production, but baseline standard seat prices start from £28 for select family matinees and community events. Because each show is independently ticketed and operated, families can choose from a massive range of seating tiers, premium packages, and viewing angles to suit their exact holiday budget.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines the magic of live performance with the scale of a major indoor stadium, this world-class venue is an ideal choice. It offers children an awe-inspiring introduction to big-stage entertainment, with a layout that ensures fantastic views of the performers and clear, high-quality sound from every angle.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- State-of-the-Art Sound: A world-class acoustics setup designed specifically to deliver crisp, clear audio to every single tier of the auditorium.
- Massive Indoor Seating: A highly flexible bowl layout that comfortably hosts thousands of spectators while preserving an intimate view of the stage.
- Premium Club Lounges: Exclusive private members' spaces, including the 1878 and the Studio, offering high-end pre-show hospitality.
- Excellent Transport Links: Phenomenal inner-city connectivity, with the local tram line dropping families off directly outside the entrance gates.
- Varied Event Calendar: A diverse year-round schedule packed with pop concerts, family theatre, orchestral events, and seasonal spectaculars.
Detailed Highlights
- The Main Auditorium Bowl: This massive, tiered amphitheatre layout immediately creates a sense of wonder for children walking through the tunnel entrances. The seats are arranged in a steep horseshoe shape that brings families surprisingly close to the stage action, even from the upper tiers. It is a fantastic environment for school-aged kids to experience their very first major arena concert or theatrical production.
- The 1878 Private Members Club: A premium hospitality suite that offers an indulgent pre-show escape for families celebrating a special milestone. Members enjoy access to a private entrance, a dedicated account manager, and reserved tables for fine dining before the curtains rise. It provides a seamless, stress-free luxury experience that lets parents bypass the main concourse crowds completely.
- The Studio Hospitality Space: Another beautifully designed, intimate private lounge area located within the arena complex. Ideal for small groups or families looking for a relaxed setting, it serves up a great selection of drinks and bites in a comfortable environment before the main event begins. It is an excellent option for parents who want a calm, organized base before heading into a high-energy show.
- The River Liffey Concourse: The wide, modern public concourses run efficiently around the perimeter of the venue, offering great views out towards the modern Dublin Docklands. The area is packed with vibrant food stalls, merchandise stands, and digital displays that build up the pre-show excitement. It is a lively, well-lit space where kids can pick up official tour programmes and glowing event souvenirs.
- The Point Square Plaza: Situated right outside the front doors of the arena, this spacious pedestrian plaza provides an ideal gathering spot before doors open. Children can watch the classic Dublin trams glide right up to the venue while families organize their tickets. The plaza is surrounded by local eateries, making it very easy to grab a quick snack or a refreshing drink before passing through security.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Point Square Shopping & Leisure: Located directly adjacent to the venue, offering a modern cinema, casual dining chains, and sheltered areas for pre-show family meals.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: A highly interactive, award-winning digital museum located just down the quays that kids love exploring.
- The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship: A remarkable, authentic tall ship replica docked nearby on the river wall, providing an educational look into maritime history.