Phoenix Park (Dublin)

While Dublin is hardly a sprawling concrete jungle, it still makes a refreshing change to escape the city streets for a few hours. Just north of the River Liffey is Dublin's very own oasis of lush rolling greenery called Phoenix Park. This is one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe. On short breaks in Dublin, you can get out and explore ornate Victorian flower gardens, fishing ponds and catch glimpses of its famous herd of fallow deer. Unusually for a city park, it also has a unique area of wetland marshes which are home to varied plant and birdlife.

 

Established as a public park in 1745, it is one of Dublin's best preserved historic areas and a day here will encounter a series of imposing landmarks and buildings from the past. The oldest structure is the 15th century Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower located next to an informative Visitor Centre which houses captivating interpretive displays on over 5,000 years of park history. The official residency of the Irish President is located in an 18th century mansion in the park, as well as several imposing monuments such as the Papal Cross and the 200 feet high Wellington Monument. Family city breaks in Dublin are sure to be drawn to the City Zoo, which boasts large natural enclosures housing over 700 exotic birds and mammals.

 

The fun for youngsters doesn't stop there however. There are numerous playgrounds dotted around the park and a large area given over to field sports such as football, cricket, polo and bowls and there is even a dedicated ground for model airplane enthusiasts. Over 2,000 activities and events take place in Phoenix Park annually and Dublin weekend breaks in Phoenix Park have experienced everything from a stage of the Tour de France, motor racing, marathons and summer nights of opera, pop and classical music concerts. Every month also sees outdoor exhibitions by local and international artists.