Home | Site Map | Sep 08, 2008

If the kids are bored and its raining outside, this may just be the place to go. Not being blessed with an abundance of sun, opportunities for outdoor activities in Ireland have some limitations, so having Europe's largest indoor water world on hand is not a bad thing.

The main focus for fun is the Aquazone, where there are a series of rides and attractions -  brave the rollercoster ride that is the Master Blaster, catch and surf the waves on the Flow Rider, meander gently down the Lazy River, chose from two flumes - one which is really scary and another more suited to the younger family members. There is also a wave pool and a pirate ship complete with cannons for budding Jack Sparrow's to enjoy!

It's a large and airy space with activies to suit even the youngest of family members.

In addition to these fun aspects, the aquatic centre is an important resources for Ireland's swimmers, both those who swim for pleasure and serious competive swimmers.

Until  it was built there was no 50m pool in Ireland (there are now two others) and it is also has the first diving pool in Ireland with 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and 1m and 3m springboards.

There is a regular programme of swimming and water fitness classes for all levels of ability. The centre also has a well equipped gym.

Although the centre is a very welcome addition to Ireland's swimming facilities it has not been without controversy. Though built with government funds, as a result of a somewhat murky process it ended up being managed by a businessman who failed to pay the required rent and whose operaton of the facility was widely critised. It took lengthy legal procedings for the state to gain back control, which they have now done. 

Visiting the Natinal Aquatic Centre

The centre is open daily but time vary for the various pools with the fun area operating from 10am to 9pm daily on weekdays and from 9am to7.30pm on weekends. The comptition pool is frequently in use for training sessions or classes, so you need to check times in advance if you wish to use it.time.

Overseas visitors should note that here, as in most pools in Ireland, swimming hats must be worn.

While the family day pass at around €45 is good value, an irritating rule which prohibits visitors from returning to the pool areas once they have left to visit the cafe is particularly inconvenient when you are there with kids. 

 

 

 

 

Location Map for National Aquatic Centre

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