Ever wondered if mediaeval Dubliners glided on ice with bone skates? Research suggests they might have! Dublin’s ice skating history has some cool twists.Â
Today, the Ice Skating Association of Ireland (ISAI) has reigned since ’95, upgrading from bone skates. Dublin’s ice skating scene isn’t just frosty tales—it’s where Clara Peters wowed the world in 2008.
If you’re ready to glide through some of Dublin’s top ice rinks, strap on those skates and read on!
Where can you find ice skating rinks in Dublin?
There are several ice skating rinks in Dublin. Some of them are at Dundrum on Ice, Ice Skating Blanchardstown, Sword on Ice, and Ice Skating Dún Laoghaire.
Dundrum on Ice
Dublin’s Dundrum on Ice is an amazing ice-skating spot right near the biggest shopping centre in Ireland. Imagine gliding on ice and then hitting up some cool shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants—all in one place!
The ice rink is no joke—it’s a whopping 500m² of frozen fun! They’ve also got a crew of ice marshals making sure everyone’s having a blast safely. Open from October to January, it’s basically a winter wonderland for skaters of all levels and ages.
But Dundrum on Ice isn’t just about skating; it’s a memory-making machine. Whether you’re chilling with family, hanging out with friends, or even bonding with your work crew, it’s a guaranteed good time.
Oh, and mark your calendar for World Ice Skating Day—it’s a global celebration of the coolest sport ever!
Pro Tip:
Snagging your ice-skating session at Dundrum on Ice is a breeze if you book online ahead of time. This could save you from the disappointment of missing out and the hassle of dealing with busy on-site queues.They don’t serve hot drinks on-site. So either bring your own thermos or hit up the nearby shops for a toasty beverage. Stay warm out there!
Ice Skating Blanchardstown
Ice Skating Blanchardstown is a wonderful destination in Dublin for a memorable day out with anyone. And it’s no ordinary ice rink; it’s an 800-square-meter frosty paradise, making it the largest in Ireland.
The rink itself is a total gem—spacious, squeaky clean, and equipped for skaters of all levels and ages. Whether you’re a pro or more of a ‘falling-with-style’ type, this rink has got you covered.
Getting to Ice Skating Blanchardstown is a breeze too, be it rolling in on four wheels or catching the wave of public transportation.
Oh, and let’s not forget the legendary School Skates! It’s 50 minutes of icy bliss at a student-friendly price, with a cap of 100 students per group.
Pro Tip:
For parents with kiddos under 1.2 metres tall, grab them a penguin aid at Ice Skating Blanchardstown!Â
These adorable devices are like little skating sidekicks for children. They’ll glide on the ice with ease, and it’s guaranteed entertainment. Win-win!
Sword on Ice
Swords On Ice is a cool Dublin ice-skating haven at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords. They’ve got a whopping 400 square metres of legit ice, complete with handrails and a squad of ice marshals ready to drop some skating wisdom on you.
But that’s not all—imagine gliding to some tunes, soaking in a light show, and munching on tasty bites while you skate. This ice skating rink seems like the ultimate multitasking winter wonderland!
And guess what? It’s not just for the pros. This place is perfect for everyone, no matter your age or skill level.
Not only that, but this rink is also open from November to January, making it the go-to spot for all your holiday festivities.
Pro Tip:
You get a solid 45 minutes of skating every hour at Swords on Ice, and everyone has to hit pause at the same time. So, set that alarm and don’t be fashionably late—you wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun! Upgrade your day on the ice rink with some top-notch hot chocolate and divine chocolates from their sister company, Chocolatespoon.ie. Sustainably sourced cocoa beans make it extra special!
Ice Skating Dún Laoghaire
Ice Skating Dún Laoghaire is the newest and largest ice rink in Dublin, Ireland. It’s chilling by the harbour and just a hop, skip, and jump away via the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit).
This place isn’t messing around—they’ve got not one, but two sections on the ice: a practise rink and a grander one. If you’re a seasoned skater or still perfecting the art of not toppling over, they’ve got you covered!
And get this, they’ve got penguin skate aids—not just for the kiddos, but for anyone wanting to spice up their skating game.
This rink is like the ultimate hangout spot for families, friends, work buddies, or your club crew. As a bonus, you can also park your car on-site for free!
Pro Tip:
Every November, the doors swing open at Ice Skating Dún Laoghaire in Dublin. Here, you can snag Early Bird tickets for just €14. That’s a whopping 28% off the regular price.Â
So, mark your calendars and grab those deals—your wallet will thank you!