We were so excited recently, to be able to finally go back and visit one of our favourite places – Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo has reopened and if you are looking for a fun and fascinating day out, no matter what age you are…this is the place to go.
I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Located in the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe, the Phoenix Park Dublin Zoo has been part of our heritage for nearly two centuries!
The Zoo is currently celebrating 190 years since first opening their doors.
This celebration is happening only months after the successful “Save Dublin Zoo” campaign, helped support the enormous running costs involved in caring for these beautiful animals, while the Zoo was temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Thankfully, they reopened at the end of April and tickets are now available online.
Review Of Dublin Zoo: 5 Star Thumbs Up!
Conservation in Action
Constantly evolving and adopting the highest standards of animal welfare, the love the Zookeepers have for the animals in their care, is especially apparent in the RTE series “The Zoo”, that gives us a breath-taking insight into their daily lives together.
In their own words:
“The role of a modern zoo, like Dublin Zoo, is to actively protect wildlife.
We do this by providing world-class animal care, so that the animals at Dublin Zoo live healthy, fulfilled lives. We do this by inspiring our visitors to discover and learn all about the natural world. We do this by partnering with conservation projects worldwide and in Ireland, to help animals to thrive in their natural habitats.”
Dublin Zoo Ticks All The Boxes
- Beautiful location
- Ample Parking
- Selection of Cafes
- Historical Buildings
- Gift Shop
- Events
- … And of course, the Amazing Animals!
There is certainly something to suit everyone when you visit Dublin Zoo.
Location
Located in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is easily accessible from Dublin city centre by public transport, by foot or by car.
Parking
There is no designated car parking for Dublin Zoo, however, there are free car parking spaces around the Phoenix Park which include along the main road dissecting the park, Chesterfield Avenue, the Lords Walk car park and the Cricket Grounds car park – the closest car parks to Dublin Zoo.
We parked in the Lords Walk car park and it is only a 2minute walk from there.
Facilities And Food
From the moment you enter the Zoo grounds, hand sanitisation stands are readily available.
Everywhere you go hygiene standards are impeccable, so you can relax and feel safe, as you stroll around learning about all the fascinating animals in their habitats.
We had skipped lunch and were getting hungry about an hour into our visit.
Happily, we came upon “The Cove” located in Sea Lion Cove, where the aroma of freshly made burgers tempted us. My chicken fillet burger was absolutely delicious and my nephews loved the chips and Slush puppy drinks.
This was the energy boost we needed and off we went again, on towards the African Savanna.
Animals and Their Incredible Habitats
Dublin Zoo is home to over 400 rare, exotic and endangered animals from around the world…
Elephants, Penguins, Sealions, Rhinos, Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Wolves, Monkeys, Gorillas, Orangutans, Leopards and many more…
Each with their own habitat designed to mimic the way they would live in the wild.
With the current one-way system in place, you start at “The Family Farm” … where the cutest baby goats were grabbing all the attention when we were there.
Then we moved on the Elephants…
Watching the herd move slowly together, trunks and tails intertwined, you could see how bonded they are, adults and baby elephants enjoying their tranquil bamboo rainforest surroundings.
Next, my absolute favourites … Penguins.
I have always had a soft spot for these beautiful birds… They are just so friendly and cheeky and full of fun!
While we were there, one particularly friendly guy came right over to my sister and niece and nearly looked like he was going to stop for a chat 😊 He headed off then towards the water for a cool splash, followed by his other penguin friends.
Then we moved on to visit the Sealions.
We watched in amazement at their underwater acrobatic moves … You can watch them from an underwater viewing area and the speeds they zoom past at, is truly incredible!
Another favourite was the African Savanna.
We turned a corner and were suddenly thrust into a world where Giraffes, Zebras and Antelope strolled gracefully along together, enjoying each other’s company… A truly magical experience!
Our last stop was to visit the Monkeys, Gorillas and Orangutans.
Baby Gorillas and Monkeys cuddling with their Mums was fascinating to watch…they are so similar to us and are so dependent on our understanding and kindness!
Finally, my advice to you is this:
Do Not Miss Out on visiting this incredible place now that it has finally reopened.
We are so lucky to have this sanctuary for wildlife in our country, that can also teach us so much about these incredible animals!
Book now and enjoy your adventure 😊
