Phoenix Park, County Dublin Travel Guide

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Discover Dublin's vast green space: history, wildlife, gardens, and recreation in one of Europe's largest urban parks.

Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in a European capital city, offers a blend of history, nature, and recreation. Originally a royal hunting ground in the 1660s, it opened to the public in 1747 and remains a cherished space for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Phoenix Park

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Phoenix Park.

Visit the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre to learn about the park's history and wildlife.
Explore the Victorian People's Flower Gardens for a display of horticulture.
Keep an eye out for the wild fallow deer that roam freely throughout the park.
Take advantage of the park's many walking and cycling trails.
Áras an Uachtaráin offers free tours on Saturdays; tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Centre.

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Explore Phoenix Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Phoenix Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Dublin city center, the Phoenix Park is accessible via Dublin Bus. Several bus routes serve different entrances to the park. For example, the 25 and 26 routes go to the Parkgate Street entrance, while the 46A serves the North Circular Road Gate. The new Route 99 connects Heuston Station to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. A single fare within the city is approximately €3. Alternatively, the Luas (tram) Red Line runs to Heuston Station, which is a short walk to the park.
Walking

From Heuston Station, the main entrance to Phoenix Park is a short walk. Exit the station and walk north along Parkgate Street; the entrance to the park will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Once inside the park, walking trails provide access to various attractions.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Dublin. A taxi from the city center to the Phoenix Park will cost approximately €12-€16 and take about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to your desired location within the park, such as the Visitor Centre or Dublin Zoo.
Driving

If driving from the M50, exit at Junction 6 and follow signs for the Phoenix Park. There are several car parks located throughout the park, including near the Papal Cross, Dublin Zoo, and the Visitor Centre. Parking is mostly free, but some car parks close one hour before dark. The car parks on Upper Glen Road and inside Knockmaroon Gate are open 24 hours. Be sure to park in designated areas only.

Discover more about Phoenix Park

Spanning 1,750 acres (707 hectares), Phoenix Park provides a vast sanctuary from the urban bustle of Dublin. Established in the 17th century as a deer park, it has evolved into a diverse landscape encompassing gardens, woodlands, and sporting grounds. Today, a large herd of wild fallow deer still roams freely throughout the park.Visitors can explore various attractions within the park, including Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland, which offers free tours on Saturdays. Dublin Zoo, one of Ireland's largest zoos, is also located within the park. The Victorian People's Flower Gardens showcase horticultural displays, while Ashtown Castle and the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre offer insights into the park's history and ecology.The park provides many recreational opportunities, such as walking, running, cycling, and various sports. Scenic trails wind through the park, offering views of the landscape and wildlife. The Wellington Monument, a towering obelisk, and the Papal Cross, erected to commemorate Pope John Paul II's visit in 1979, are prominent landmarks within the park. Phoenix Park is open 24 hours a day, offering a green escape for everyone.