Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and, with over a million visitors a year, Ireland's most-visited family attraction. On 28 hectares in Phoenix Park live around 400 animals from roughly 100 species – from giraffes and Asian elephants to gorillas and orangutans, snow leopards and red pandas.

History and significance

The Royal Zoological Society of Dublin was founded on 10 May 1830, and the zoo itself opened on 1 September 1831. The grounds were designed by the English architect Decimus Burton. The first 46 mammals and 72 birds arrived as a donation from London Zoo.

A landmark decision came in 1840: admission on Sundays was cut to a single penny. That opened the zoo up to less wealthy Dubliners and won it the city's lasting affection. The first giraffe arrived in 1844, the first pair of lions in 1855 – and a year later came the zoo's first successful lion breeding. Dublin's lions became famous well beyond Ireland; even former US President Ulysses S. Grant visited them after leaving office.

By the late 1980s the zoo faced closure. Fundraising campaigns and state grants saved it. In 1997 it was given 13 hectares of land by Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland. The African Savanna was built on this land and opened in 2000.

Habitats and animals

The zoo is organised into themed habitats rather than rows of classic cages:

• African Savanna: the largest area, home to giraffes, white rhinos, zebras and ostriches
• Kaziranga Forest Trail: Asian elephants in a recreated rainforest setting
• Gorilla Rainforest and Orangutan Forest: the great apes
• Wolves in the Woods: a pack of grey wolves; Sea Lion Cove with sea lions
• Himalayan Hills: snow leopards and red pandas
• Family Farm, South American House and Zoorassic World for younger visitors

As a non-profit organisation, the zoo takes part in the European Endangered species Programme (EEP) and holds the studbooks for golden lion tamarins, Moluccan cockatoos and orange-crested cockatoos. Keeper talks and feedings take place daily, alongside workshops and learning programmes on conservation and sustainability.

Is it worth visiting?

For families with children, Dublin Zoo is one of the best days out the city has to offer: spacious, well signposted and with real animal highlights. Travellers without children who only have a few days in Dublin should weigh it up honestly – a full half-day in a park on the edge of the city comes at the expense of time in the historic centre. If you're planning to explore Phoenix Park anyway, the zoo makes a natural add-on.

Allow at least three hours to see every habitat; with breaks or young children, plan on half a day. Note that the African Savanna closes 30 minutes before the rest of the zoo – don't leave it until last.

Visiting and practical tips

The zoo sits inside Phoenix Park, on the western edge of the city. Bus 99 runs directly from Parkgate Street to the entrance. By Luas Red Line, get off at Heuston Station, from where it's about a 20-minute walk through the park. For more on buses and trams, see the guide Public Transport.

• Tickets: The cheapest option is booking online via the official website – it saves up to 15 percent on the gate price and secures your chosen visit date. There's no dedicated skip-the-line product.
• Best time: It's quietest right at opening at 9:30, or in the last two hours before closing. It gets busy at weekends, on public holidays, during school holidays and in summer.
• Sensory-sensitive visitors: The zoo runs quieter Sensory-Friendly Zoo Mornings.
• Opening hours: daily from 9:30, closing seasonally between 16:00 and 18:00, last admission one hour before closing. Closed only on 25 and 26 December.

For more green spaces to explore, see the guide Parks in Dublin. If you're visiting several paid attractions, it's worth checking whether the Dublin Pass pays off, and comparing more highlights in the overview Attractions.