About The Ark
On Eustace Street in Temple Bar's creative core, The Ark is Ireland's premier cultural centre for children aged 2-12, blending theatre, visual arts, and hands-on exhibitions into a magical world. Far more than a kids' museum, it's a vibrant hub with professional puppetry shows, craft workshops, and galleries featuring emerging Irish artists reimagined for young eyes. Since 1996, it's nurtured creativity amid Temple Bar's lively laneways.
What to Expect
Exhibits rotate seasonally , think interactive sculptures from recycled Dublin waste or storytelling installations with soundscapes of the Liffey. The theatre hosts world-class puppet and music performances (tickets separate), while the visual arts space offers drop-in drawing sessions. Sensory rooms for toddlers buzz with colours and textures. A full visit spans 1-2 hours, with a cosy cafe serving kid-approved treats like storytelling scones.
Insider Tips
Time it for a matinee show (check calendar online); pre-book for popular ones like 'River Story'. Parents, the creche corner lets you sneak a Temple Bar pint nearby guilt-free. Locals swear by Friday family workshops , free with donation. In summer, outdoor gigs spill into Eustace Street. Pair with a walk to the nearby Smock Alley Theatre for theatre history. It's wheelchair accessible, with baby-changing facilities galore. Amid Temple Bar's adult-oriented pubs, The Ark is a breath of fresh, imaginative air , perfect for multi-gen trips.
Supporting 20,000+ visitors yearly, it's a cornerstone of Temple Bar museums for fostering Ireland's next creative generation through play and art.