Dublin may be known as a party city but it's also fabulously fun with children, whether it's a visit to an interactive museum or a family-friendly festival.Dublin Zoo Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. Tel: 00 353 1 474 8900; www.dublinzoo.ie. Set in the vast

-year-old Magnus opted for that one. The aqua park – the outing I thought would be the outright winner – was only runner-up. I was surprised because last summer I thought we’d covered every fun family holiday experience to be had: camping in a friend’s field, zoo

and seafront splendour, soon fell into disrepair and became better known for its depressing boarding houses, decrepit architectural gems and rowdy pier arcades. Today, while the seaside town retains its fan club of hen weekenders, the city has also become