"Dublin can be heaven with coffee at eleven and a stroll in Stephen's Green." Here are our top recommendations of things to make the perfect family day out in Dublin. All are within walking distance from our shop in Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.





St Stephen's Green Park









This beautiful Victorian park and gardens is located right on our doorstep, in the heart of Dublin City. I love to take time out for a stroll and to watch the ducks and the swans (the seagulls less so) and sometimes you can even spot a squirrel or two. Kids will love the playground in the east of the park.





Viking Splash Tour





Viking Splash Tour




Roar your way through Dublin City in this unique Land and Water experience provided by one of Ireland's most unique sightseeing tours. Pick up and drop off point is located on St Stephens Green North.





National Museum of Ireland - Natural History









We are delighted that the Natural History Museum is back open after a closure to facilitate works. My lasting memories of the museum from school tours are of being in total awe at the giant Irish Elk and the Blue Whale skeleton that hung the length of the ceiling. You could almost spend an entire day there looking at the Irish Fauna and Mammals of The World exhibitions on display at Dublin's Dead Zoo. The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday (10am-5pm) and Sunday - Monday (1pm-5pm). Admission is free.





Lego Store - Dublin





Lego Store - Dublin




Everything is Awesome now that Ireland's first Lego store has opened on Grafton Street, only 90 metres from our store. See some Dublin inspired Lego models like the Poolbeg Chimneys and the Aviva Stadium. You can even create your own personalised Lego figures.





The Little Museum of Dublin





The Little Museum of Dublin




One of Ireland's top museums according to Tripadvisor. Set in a stunning Georgian house on St Stephen's Green, Dublin's Best Little Museum is fun and playful and a great spot to visit to learn about Dublin's history.





Merrion Square Park









With lots of space for kids to run around and to have a picnic, Merrion Square tends to be a lot less busy than the nearby St Stephen's Green. It also has a playground and a sculpture trail. My favourite books when I was young were The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant and I often pop in to see The Oscar Wilde Memorial there when I'm passing by.





Leamhain Non-Dairy Ice Cream





Leamhain Non Dairy Ice Cream




Leamhain is a premium Vegan, Gluten and Nut Free Ice Cream Scoop Shop conveniently located beside the equally delicious Vegan Sandwich Co. In the food court here in the shopping centre. They have yummy flavours to choose from like Cookies & Cream, Honeycomb, Salted Caramel Cookie Dough and they also offer Shakes and Golden Waffles.









The Gaiety Theatre









Our office window overlooks The Gaiety where you can see opera, musicals, drama, comedy and of course their famous pantomime at Christmas. It was so nice to see school classes and families queuing up at The Grand Old Lady Of King Street for the recent run of Bedknobs and Broomsticks after been closed for so long. And if you can't get tickets it's always fun to see the bronze handprints set into the pavement at the front of the theatre, of great artists that have appeared there like Maureen Potter, Niall Toibin, John B. Keane and Rosaleen Linehan.





The Disney Store









At the top of Grafton Street you can find The Disney Store. Three floors packed with toys and games as well as official clothes, collectibles and more from all you favourite movies.





Cogs The Brain Shop





Cogs The Brain Shop




Last but not least, it's us! Cogs The Brain Shop. We are an independent, family run business and we first opened in 2013. You can find us on the middle floor of Stephen's Green Shopping Centre where we sell educational games and toys for all ages, board games, puzzles, outdoor toys, fidget and sensory toys and so much more. We are within walking distance from each of the fantastic places listed above so call in to us and have a look around and our lovely staff are always delighted to help with recommendations.





Cogs Toys & Games (Ann St South)









For a limited time between November & December 2022 we'll also have a pop-up shop on South Anne Street in Dublin 2, less than 90m from the Lego Store. Make sure to call in and check us out if you're in the area.


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