Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland is an enclosed park in the city covering one thousand seven hundred and fifty acres of total land area; making it one the largest parks of its kind in all of Europe.
Location
Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland is located approximately two-six kilometers off the west side of the city center and on the north side of Liffey River.
Getting There
Getting to the park is relatively easy by public transport as there are several bus routes that stop right at the gates.
To get to the park through the Castleknock Gate, take bus no. 37, which drives down Hawkins Street and Blanchardstown Road South.
To enter the park through Ashtown Gate via Navan Road, you can also take bus no. 37 as well as bus nos. 38, 39 and 70.
To enter through North Circular Road, take bus no. 46A. Finally, to enter through Parkgate St., Islandbridge Turnstile and Chapelizod Gate; take bus nos. 25 and 26.
What to See
The most magnificent sight that you will see within the walls of Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland is the large number of deer grazing on the grass, close to the Papal Cross.
You can also visit the home of the president of Ireland which was constructed in the year 1754.
Both kids and adults will enjoy the park’s zoo which is home to some seven hundred different animals and birds. The zoo ranks no. 3 as the world’s oldest zoo all over the world.
Ashtown Castle is also a must-see in the park which is a medieval structure constructed in the fifteenth century.
Going around the park, you can also see the State Guest House, Magazine Fort, Furry Glen with its trails and a lake where birds can also be seen.
Brief History
The land, which now houses Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland was given to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem by the First Baron of Castleknock, Hugh Tyrell. This was back in the twelfth century.
In the year 1537, King Henry VIII confiscated the land. 80 years later, the king once again gave back the land to his representatives in the country. In the year 1662, Charles II needed a hunting ground upon which his Viceroy in the city, Lord Ormonde, founded the Royal Hunting Park.
Since deer and pheasants were transported in the area, it needed to be enclosed to prevent these from escaping and roaming the streets of Dublin. By the year 1745, the park was formally opened to the public, through the order of Lord Chesterfield.
Cost
There are no entry fees to visit the Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland. Bus rides around Dublin cost about €4 up to €6. This includes rides going to the park.
Hotel accommodations in Dublin cost about €22.50 up to €94.50 per person, per night, exclusive of breakfast; while bed and breakfasts cost about €29.50 up to €43.00, inclusive of breakfast.
Other Information
The Phoenix Park in Dublin – Ireland is open twenty-four hours a day, everyday. It takes about three to four hours to explore the entire park. There are restaurants within the perimeters of the park’s Zoological Gardens for food and refreshments.
