Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park

The park dates back to 1662, when the Duke of Ormonde fenced off land north of the Liffey and established a Royal Hunting Park for visiting British monarchs. The ornate landscape covers approximately 1,752 acres and was opened to the public in 1747. The park is home to half the mammal species found in Ireland.

It also houses Dublin Zoo, one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions with more than 700 animals and tropical birds from around the world. It was founded in 1830 and opened to the public on 1 September 1831, with animals from the London Society, making it the third oldest zoo in the world. This is a great time for us to hear a rendition of ‘Zoological Gardens’, a song made famous by The Dubliners. This is a fun sing-along tune that will take us through the park.