Where Dublin Comes to Relax

Phoenix Park sitsresplendently 3 miles west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its perimeterwall encloses 1,750 acres of open space, sports grounds, leisure opportunities,historic buildings, tree-lined avenues and a herd of wild fallow deer. It iswhere Dublin comes to relax, although you are never short of things to do here.

Phoenix Park’s History

As one of the largest walled city parks in Europe,with a detailed history and active contemporary role in the city, the Irish Governmentis understandably busy lobbying UNESCO to designate the park a world heritagesite. Originally a 12th century gift from a Norman baron to theKnights Hospitaller the park is today free for all to enjoy, and you’ll neverbe short of space even though you are close to the heart of the bustlingstreets of Dublin just outside the park walls.

Sightseeing in Phoenix Park

Within the park you will find a range of places ofhistorical interest. These include Áras an Uachtaráin, the delightful 18thcentury building which acts as the residence of the President of Ireland, theDeerfeld Residence, another stately 18th century building designedas an official’s residence, the domineering 35 metre high Papal Cross, erectedin 1979 to commemorate the Pope’s visit to Dublin, and the strongly fortified AshtownCastle, a marvellously restored medieval tower house dating allthe way back to the 15th century.

Phoenix Park for Families

For families there is Dublin Zoo, a world-famouscollection of more 700 animals and tropical birds from around the world, playparks, short lakeside walks and plenty of opportunity for the children to burnoff some energy.

Nature in Phoenix Park

For nature lovers this centre of the city spacepacks in plenty of birdlife (at last count 72 species were recorded), wildfallow deer, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and lakes.

Sport and Activities in Phoenix Park

For sports fans this is the place for jogging,cycling and it contains grounds for football, hurling, soccer, cricket andpolo. You won’t have to look too far to find a suitable spot for frisbeeeither!

It is not just the Pope that draws the big crowdshere either. The Irish Grand Prix takes place here and, at a comparativelyleisurely pace, so does the 10km Great Irish Run each April. The Park hasplayed host to Robbie Williams, Tom Waits, Snoop Dogg and many other musicallegends.

Refreshing Phoenix Park

And if that’s not enough there is always theVictorian Tea Kiosk serving teas andlunches between the Band Hollow and Dublin Zoo.

What more could you want?