Enter an age to see only what suits them.
Schools nearby
Facts only, from official sources such as Department of Education listings and each school's own website. We don't rank or review schools. For enrolment dates and policies, check each school's website, as many take applications well in advance.
Services for parents
Local baby classes, feeding support, pregnancy care and postnatal health. Each listing describes the service in the provider's own terms. We don't rate or recommend providers. Please check with your GP, midwife or public health nurse for medical advice.
How childcare funding works
ECCE (free preschool). Children can start the free preschool scheme from 2 years 8 months. It covers 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, during the school year, for the two years before primary school. Crèches marked ECCE offer it.
National Childcare Scheme (NCS). A subsidy towards the cost of registered childcare. Every family can get some help, and more depending on income. The crèche must be registered and signed up to the scheme.
Apply and check what you'd get at ncs.gov.ie. Every card links to the crèche's inspection reports or to the Tusla register of early years services.
Times change, especially around school holidays — please check the official page before heading out. Listings last checked September 2026.
What's on for babies and toddlers in Dalkey, Dún Laoghaire, Blackrock and Cabinteely
Little Locals brings together baby and toddler groups, public playgrounds, kids' camps, crèches and family days out across Dalkey, Glasthule, Sandycove, Glenageary, Dún Laoghaire, Monkstown, Blackrock and Cabinteely. Tap a topic to find out more.
Baby and toddler groups
From library baby groups in Dalkey Library and Toddler Time at dlr LexIcon to parish playgroups, most local groups are free, run on weekday mornings and welcome parents, grandparents and childminders. Some library sessions, like the Dalkey Baby and Guardian Group, need booking because they're so popular.
Public playgrounds near Glasthule and Dalkey
We only list playgrounds open to the public — no school playgrounds you can't get into. Closest to Glasthule are the enclosed toddler playground in People's Park, Dún Laoghaire and Hudson Park on Hudson Road. In Dalkey there's the newly renovated Hyde Park playground, and Killiney Hill playground has a café and sea views.
Summer camps and mid-term camps
Looking for summer camps in Dalkey or a Halloween mid-term camp in Dún Laoghaire? We list local multi-activity, sports, drama, science and sailing camps. Most start from age 4.
Crèches and preschools in Glasthule, Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire
Compare crèches in Glasthule, Glenageary, Sallynoggin and Dún Laoghaire, and Montessori preschools in Dalkey. See the ages each one takes, opening hours, whether it offers the free ECCE preschool scheme, and a link to its inspection reports.
Family-friendly cafés
Find a baby-friendly café near a playground, with high chairs, baby changing, buggy space and kids' menus, from People's Park Café in Dún Laoghaire to the tea rooms on Killiney Hill.
Halloween, Christmas and mid-term activities
Planning the Halloween mid-term in Dún Laoghaire or Christmas with small children? See Halloween storytimes at dlr LexIcon, Halloween at Dalkey Castle, Samhain at Marlay Park, Santa visits and the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival, plus mid-term camps in Monkstown, Killiney, Dalkey and Glenageary.
Classical concerts for babies and kids
Find baby concerts in Monkstown and family classical concerts nearby, from ClassicalKids' Music for Babies at Knox Hall to the National Concert Hall's Bring Along a Baby recitals, where babies can feed, sleep or play while the music plays.
Weekend days out with kids near Dún Laoghaire
Ideas for family days out within an easy drive: open farms like Glenroe Farm and Airfield Estate, gardens and estates like Killruddery and Powerscourt, family walks around Roundwood, and child-friendly food stops on the way.
Primary and secondary schools in Dalkey, Glasthule and Dún Laoghaire
A factual list of primary schools in Dalkey, Glasthule, Glenageary, Killiney, Monkstown and Sallynoggin, and nearby secondary schools, showing each school's ethos, whether it's mixed or single-sex, fee-paying or free, and Irish-medium schools (Gaelscoileanna).
Baby classes and support for new parents
Find baby sensory classes in Dún Laoghaire and Glenageary, baby swimming lessons, lactation consultants, antenatal classes and women's health physiotherapy near Dalkey, Monkstown and Blackrock.
Frequently asked questions
Are baby and toddler groups in Dalkey free?
Most are. The dlr library groups in Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire are free; parish and church groups may ask for a small contribution, so check with them.
Do I need to book?
Some groups need booking, like Toddler Time at dlr LexIcon (tickets open on Ticket Tailor a week before) and the Dalkey Library baby group. Cards marked "Booking needed" tell you how.
What's the nearest playground to Glasthule?
People's Park and Hudson Park are both a short walk from Glasthule village. People's Park in Dún Laoghaire is small, enclosed and great for toddlers, with a tearoom and a Sunday market. Hudson Park on Hudson Road has a playground, natural play areas and a sensory garden.
Are there camps for toddlers?
Most local holiday camps start at 4 years. For younger children, the weekly baby and toddler groups are the best option.
Know something we've missed?
Lots of the best groups aren't online. Tell us about a group, camp or event, or about a change to a listing, and we'll check it before adding it.
Or email littlelocals@tenzing.ie. Ideas for new features are very welcome too.