When winter rolls around, there’s something irresistible about trading solid ground for a glide across the ice — Dublin has more real-ice options than most people realise, and they’ve been drawing crowds for years. This guide covers the rinks that are actually open right now, what each one costs, and which ones go out of their way to welcome younger skaters.

4 related posts

Dundrum Ice Rink: 13th year · South Dublin On Ice: Real ice at The Square, Tallaght · Ireland Skates locations: Galway, Mullingar, Donegal · Top search areas: Dublin, Drogheda, Swords, Dundalk

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Seasonal rinks run October through January across Dublin and surrounding counties (Dublin Journey)
  • South Dublin On Ice at The Square, Tallaght offers real ice with free parking (South Dublin On Ice)
  • Ice Skating Blanchardstown spans 800 square meters — Dublin’s largest rink with a separate kiddies section (TripAdvisor)
  • Dundrum on Ice completed 13 consecutive years of operation in 2026 (On Ice Ireland)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of operational rinks nationwide varies by season
  • 2026 pricing details have not been fully published by all venues
  • Permanent indoor ice facilities remain limited outside Dublin
3Timeline signal
  • Most Dublin rinks open October–January; Swords on Ice ran October 24, 2024 to January 4, 2025 (Dublin City Mum)
  • The Flying Ducks ice hockey season runs November to February (Dublin City Mum)
  • Dundrum on Ice marks its thirteenth year on Main Street in winter 2026–2027 (On Ice Ireland)
4What’s next
  • Families with young children should prioritise rinks offering penguin skate aids — most Dublin venues include these free
  • South Dublin On Ice at The Square, Tallaght remains the clearest option for those combining skating with shopping-center amenities and free parking
  • The Flying Ducks offers youth ice hockey pathways for children aged 5 and up from November through February

Six seasonal rinks operate in the Dublin area, ranging from 800 sq m at Blanchardstown to a 300 m outdoor track at Dún Laoghaire.

Dublin-area ice rinks at a glance — rink size, session length, and location details
Rink Location Ice size Session length
Ice Skating Blanchardstown Millennium Park, Blanchardstown 800 sq m 40–50 min
Dundrum on Ice Main Street, Dundrum 500 sq m 45 min
South Dublin On Ice The Square, Tallaght Real ice 45 min
Swords on Ice Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords — 45 min
Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire Dún Laoghaire Harbour 300 m track —
Twinkletown Smithfield Square Seasonal rink —

How much is ice skating in Dublin?

Ticket prices at Dublin’s seasonal rinks tend to fall in a similar range, with family packages offering the best value for parents with multiple children. Most venues charge per session rather than per hour, and several include skate rental in the ticket price.

South Dublin On Ice at The Square, Tallaght

South Dublin On Ice runs 45-minute sessions that start on the hour, with free parking available on-site — a practical advantage for families arriving with gear and children in tow. The venue is located at The Square, Tallaght, placing it within a shopping-centre environment where parents can combine a skate session with other errands or a meal.

The upshot

For families driving from outer Dublin or the surrounding counties, South Dublin On Ice removes the parking cost that can quietly inflate a day out at other venues.

Dundrum On Ice pricing

Dundrum on Ice has been operating on Main Street Dundrum for 13 consecutive years, with sessions running 45 minutes every hour. Its town-centre location means visitors can move directly from skating to shops, cafés, and restaurants without needing a car. According to On Ice Ireland, the rink was the first Blue Martini Group ice rink when it opened in 2013.

The implication: families who prioritise convenience over rink size will find Dundrum’s walkable town-centre setting harder to match elsewhere in Dublin.

Is there ice skating in Dundrum?

Yes — Dundrum on Ice has been a fixture on Main Street since 2013, making it one of the longest-running seasonal rinks in the Dublin area. The rink covers 500 square meters of ice, and sessions run for 45 minutes with starts every hour. What sets Dundrum apart is its integration with the surrounding town centre: after skating, families can walk directly into nearby shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Dundrum On Ice location and features

Located at Main Street, Dundrum, the venue occupies a spot that draws consistent local crowds each winter. According to Dublin City Mum (a family lifestyle publication), Dundrum on Ice benefits from its town-centre setting where visitors can pair skating with other activities without relocating. This makes it a practical option for parents who want to fill an afternoon rather than just a single session.

Why this matters

At 500 square meters, Dundrum on Ice is smaller than Blanchardstown’s 800 sq m, but its compact footprint actually works in favour of parents with younger children — less distance to cover if a child needs to rest or warm up between laps.

Dundrum on Ice was and remains the first Blue Martini Group Ice Rink. Opened in 2013 in the infamous town centre of Dundrum, it sets a standard that is carried throughout all of our rinks to ensure an unforgettable experience.

— On Ice Ireland (ice rink operator)

The pattern: Dundrum on Ice’s longevity is not accidental — the town-centre integration and consistent seasonal schedule have built a reliable audience among Dublin families who return year after year.

Where is Wicklow on ice?

The Wicklow On Ice venue — sometimes referred to in searches as “Wicklow on Ice” — is a seasonal rink that brings real ice to County Wicklow during the winter period. While less prominent than Dublin’s venues, it serves the local Wicklow population and draws day-trippers from the greater Dublin area who combine a visit with a walk through Wicklow’s countryside or coastal towns.

Wicklow On Ice details

Ireland Skates (which operates rinks in Galway, Mullingar, and Donegal alongside its Dublin presence) is one of the primary operators associated with the Wicklow On Ice brand. The venue typically runs during the October-to-January window shared by most seasonal rinks in the Republic.

The catch: if you’re based in Dublin and searching for ice skating near me, Wicklow adds roughly 45 minutes to an hour of travel each way compared to a rink in Blanchardstown or Dundrum. For families with young children, the extra journey may outweigh the novelty.

Is there a permanent ice rink in Ireland?

Ireland has a limited number of permanently operating ice rinks compared to other European countries, and most of the well-known Dublin venues operate on a seasonal basis. This means the rinks open in autumn, run through the winter, and close again in January or February — then reopen the following October.

Current rink status

Ice Skating Blanchardstown and the venues run by On Ice Ireland and Ireland Skates are primarily seasonal operations. The Flying Ducks, a youth ice hockey and inline hockey club, trains on a temporary rink from November to February and offers Learn-to-Play sessions for beginners alongside competitive teams ranging from Under 10 to Under 18.

Dublin Arena info

Dublin Arena (operated by Prime Arena Holdings) is one of the venues that has been cited as a location for larger-scale ice events and public sessions, though details on its current operational status and long-term permanence vary. For families seeking guaranteed skating year-round, the options within Ireland remain constrained — most regular skating activity happens during the seasonal window.

The trade-off

Seasonal rinks deliver a different experience than permanent facilities — the atmosphere tends to be more festive, with temporary structures and seasonal staff. The trade-off is that you must plan within a five-month window or wait until October for the next season to begin.

What this means: if you’re a parent whose child is just starting to enjoy skating, a seasonal rink is perfectly adequate for building confidence. But families hoping to skate year-round may need to explore clubs, lessons, or travel to UK facilities.

Ice skating near me for kids?

Dublin’s ice rinks have made deliberate efforts to attract families with children, and several venues stand out for their kid-specific features. From penguin skating aids to dedicated beginner sections, the options for young and inexperienced skaters are genuinely good — especially compared to a decade ago.

Kid-friendly rinks in Dublin area

Ice Skating Blanchardstown leads the way for families with young children: at 800 square meters, it is Dublin’s largest rink and features a separate kiddies rink alongside the main ice. This means toddlers and first-timers can develop confidence in a smaller, less intimidating space before moving to the full rink. Penguin skating aids are available for both venues, and the rink-side café means parents can refuel without leaving the building.

Drogheda and Tallaght options

Swords on Ice at the Pavilions Shopping Centre provides free penguin skate aids for children and beginners, making it accessible for families in the north county Dublin area. South Dublin On Ice goes further with Sensory Sessions designed for children who benefit from a calmer, less crowded skating environment — a thoughtful inclusion that not all venues offer.

Big, bright, and buzzing, Ice Skating Blanchardstown is Dublin’s largest rink and a brilliant choice for kids with energy to burn.

— Dublin City Mum (family lifestyle publication)

The implication: for families where one child is under six or , Blanchardstown’s dual-rink setup and Swords On Ice’s free penguin aids remove two of the biggest barriers — cost and confidence.

The Flying Ducks: ice hockey for children aged 5+

For children who want to move beyond casual skating into a structured sport, The Flying Ducks offers a clear pathway. The club welcomes boys and girls aged 5 and up, with Learn-to-Play sessions for complete beginners and competitive teams from Under 10 to Under 18. Ice hockey training runs from November to February on a temporary rink, while inline hockey training continues year-round at leisure centres in Dublin 15 and Gormanston, Co. Meath.

The trade-off: The Flying Ducks ice hockey season is limited to four months, and the club draws players from across Dublin, Meath, Louth, and Kildare — meaning some families travel significant distances for regular training. But for a child showing real interest in the sport, that commitment is more than worth it.

Upsides

  • Penguin skate aids available free at most Dublin venues
  • Dedicated kiddies rink at Blanchardstown (800 sq m)
  • Sensory Sessions at South Dublin On Ice for children who need a quieter environment
  • The Flying Ducks offers structured ice hockey from age 5
  • Short 45-minute sessions prevent fatigue in young children

Downsides

  • Most rinks operate October–January only — limited year-round access
  • Permanent indoor ice facilities remain scarce outside Dublin
  • Ice Skating Blanchardstown closes Monday–Tuesday
  • Some venues lack detailed 2026 pricing information online
  • Wicklow On Ice requires longer travel from central Dublin

The clear choice for most families: check which venue is nearest, book a 45-minute session, and bring the penguin aid for anyone still finding their feet.

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Additional sources

thechiller.com, therink.ie, dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

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Frequently asked questions

How many ice rinks are there in Ireland?

Ireland has a relatively small number of ice rinks compared to other countries in Western Europe. The Dublin area hosts the highest concentration — with seasonal venues in Dundrum, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Swords, and Dún Laoghaire. Beyond Dublin, Ireland Skates operates in Galway, Mullingar, and Donegal. The exact number fluctuates seasonally as temporary rinks open and close.

Is ice skating harder than roller skating?

Both sports require balance and core strength, but ice skating tends to feel more natural once you find your centre of gravity because the blade glides rather than rolls. Roller skating demands more active ankle stabilisation. For beginners, ice rinks with penguin aids make the initial learning curve gentler, while roller rinks offer the advantage of no cold temperatures or specialised footwear.

Is skating good for arthritis?

Low-impact ice skating can be beneficial for people with arthritis because the gliding motion reduces the mechanical stress placed on joints compared to running or walking. The cold environment may also temporarily reduce inflammation. However, anyone with joint conditions should consult a physiotherapist before starting and consider shorter sessions with support aids.

What is the hardest skill in skating?

Most competitive skaters and coaches identify the toe loop jump and the cross spin as among the more technically demanding skills to master. For recreational skaters, skating backwards smoothly and executing a clean two-foot stop tend to be the milestones that separate confident skaters from beginners.

What is the coldest town in Ireland?

Met Éireann records show that inland areas with higher elevation — such as Mullingar in County Westmeath and Knock Airport in County Mayo — tend to record the lowest temperatures during winter. Mullingar is also home to one of the Ireland Skates seasonal rinks, making it a location where cold weather and ice skating overlap naturally.

Is there indoor ice skating in Ireland?

Yes — several venues operate indoors, including Ice Skating Blanchardstown, which has a permanent structure with a rink-side café. Seasonal ice rinks like Dundrum on Ice and South Dublin On Ice are typically set up indoors within shopping centres or town-square structures.

What are the best ice skating spots in Drogheda?

The nearest rink to Drogheda is Ice Skating Blanchardstown, which is roughly a 25-minute drive. Drogheda residents often combine a skating trip with shopping or dining at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. Ireland Skates also serves the broader Leinster region, and seasonal pop-up rinks occasionally appear in the Drogheda town area during the winter festive period.

Is roller skating a good alternative when ice rinks are closed?

Absolutely — The Rink Roller Disco in Dublin 12 offers 4,500 square feet of roller skating space and hosts birthday parties, family sessions, and open-skate events year-round. Roller skating builds similar balance and leg strength to ice skating, and many skills transfer between the two. For families looking for skating activity outside the October–January window, a roller disco is a practical substitute.

For families in and around Dublin, the seasonal ice rinks offer a genuinely enjoyable winter activity — and unlike some pastimes that require expensive equipment or long travel, the best options are right in the city. Ice Skating Blanchardstown’s separate kiddies rink and 800 sq m of space make it the most family-friendly venue; South Dublin On Ice at The Square, Tallaght removes the parking cost and adds Sensory Sessions for children who need a quieter environment. Dundrum on Ice, now in its thirteenth consecutive year, has the town-centre convenience that keeps locals returning.