Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park is the biggest enclosed public park of any capital city in Europe.The park was originally crated as a royal hunting Park in the 1660s and then opened its gates to the public in 1747. A lovely herd of fallow deer still remain in the park to this day. The Phoenix Park is also home to Ireland’s national Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the home of our president), and wonderful Victorian flower gardens. It is located only a mile and a half from O’Connell Street in Dublin City. The Glen Pond is set in very scenic surrounds in the Furry Glen. There are many walking tracks and cycle trails available to the public.

A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Centre.Here visitors can receive information and enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500BC to the present day. There is a special section for children which allows them to explore the wonders of forest life. Temporary exhibitions are also regularly on display in the centre.

Adjoining the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house that probably dates before the 17th century. The castle had been incorporated into an 18th century mansion and was 'rediscovered' when this building was demolished due to dry rot.