Phoenix Park

4.7 (41,996)

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About

Originally a 1660s royal hunting ground, this is the largest enclosed public park in any European capital — and a wild herd of fallow deer still roams it today.

Things to Do

Wild fallow deer

Around 600 fallow deer, descendants of the 1660s royal herd, roam freely across the park. Keep at least 50m away and never feed them. The open grasslands are the best places to spot them.

Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle

A free exhibition traces the park's history from 3500 BC, and adjoining Ashtown Castle is a restored medieval tower house. The Victorian walled kitchen garden, a playground and picnic areas are all here.

Walks and cycle routes

Explore the 700 hectares on foot or by bike, with roughly 14km of cycle paths. Rent a bike just inside the Parkgate Street entrance from Phoenix Park Bikes.

Magazine Fort and historic sites

The hilltop Magazine Fort and other historic buildings sit within the parkland. Free guided tours of key sites run from the Visitor Centre.

Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin

The park contains Dublin Zoo, which interprets biodiversity to over 900,000 people a year, and Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland.

Playgrounds and gardens

The playground at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre is open as normal, while the People's Gardens playground is partially closed for maintenance. The Victorian Flower Gardens are also in the park.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Main gates at Parkgate Street and Castleknock Gate are open 24 hours; side gates open approx 7am-10.45pm. Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: daily 09:30-18:00, last admission 17:00.
Admission: Free admission to the park and to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Parking: Free visitor car parks at the Papal Cross, Lord's Walk and the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Car parks open at 10am, and the Lord's Walk car park (beside Dublin Zoo) closes at 8pm. Don't park on paths, cycle lanes or double yellow lines.
Food: Phoenix Park Café and Tea Rooms, plus a restaurant in the Visitor Centre grounds.

Getting Around

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