6 Fun Things to Do in South Dublin (That Aren't Escape Rooms)
Bored of the usual? Here are six genuinely fun activities across South Dublin, from VR zombie battles to treetop zip lines.
If you've done the sightseeing and want something a bit more hands-on, South Dublin has plenty of options that go beyond the usual escape room. Whether you're with kids, mates, or just looking to burn off some energy, these six are worth knowing about.
Zero Latency, Sandyford
If you've ever been curious about VR, this is a good place to try it properly. You're not sitting on your sofa with a headset, you're up and moving through a full-sized arena, shooting zombies and aliens with your mates. There are also team-based escape room games if you'd rather solve puzzles than blast things. It's good fun for groups and families, though kids need to be 10 or older. Expect to come out slightly sweaty and wanting another go.
GoQuest, Carrickmines
Think The Cube or Crystal Maze, but real. You get 90 minutes to tackle as many of the 29 challenge rooms as you can. Some are physical, some are mental, some are pure skill, so everyone in the group usually finds something they're good at. There's a junior version for kids aged 8 and up, and a murder mystery game called The Attic for anyone who fancies themselves a detective. It's competitive, chaotic, and genuinely entertaining.
Jump Zone, Sandyford
An indoor trampoline park with more going on than you'd expect. Beyond the main jumping area there are assault courses, gladiator battle beams, and dodgeball courts. It works whether you're solo, with the family, or with a group of friends who want to act like kids for an hour. There's food and drink on site for when you inevitably need to sit down. A brilliant option for a rainy day, and in Ireland, you'll always have plenty of those.
ZipIt, Tibradden
High ropes through the trees, starting low and working up to 23 metres off the ground. There are six circuits with 125 activities between them, so it's not just a quick lap. The different difficulty levels mean kids and adults can all have a go without anyone being bored or terrified. It's physical, it's outdoors, and the woodland setting makes it feel like a proper adventure rather than a theme park. There are picnic benches around the park if you want to bring your own food, or a lakeside cafe a short walk away.
Footee, Tallaght
Footgolf was the original draw here, kicking a football around a golf course, trying to get it in the hole in as few shots as possible. It was the first footgolf course in Ireland when it opened in 2013 and it's still one of the best. But there's more to it now: rugby golf, human foosball, foot darts, bubble football, and battlezone archery. It's set against the Dublin Mountains, so the backdrop is gorgeous too. Good for all ages and fitness levels, and you don't need to be any good at football or golf to enjoy it.
Kylemore Karting, Kylemore
Indoor karting that's been going since 1992, so they know what they're doing. Three tracks with proper bends and straights that actually test you. The karts are quick enough to feel exciting without being dangerous, and the staff take safety seriously. If you're the competitive type, this is where it comes out. There's a cafe overlooking the track for anyone who'd rather watch and heckle. Hard to leave without wanting one more race.
