Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo at Phoenix Park is located 18 minutes walk from Collins Barracks. Given that Dublin is a relatively tiny capital city, it is remarkable that this 1,750-acre park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe. Along with Deerfield, a lovely 18th-century estate where the American Ambassador to Ireland resides, the President of Ireland's official residence, and hundreds of deer wander the parkland here. For anyone interested in learning more about the park and its surroundings, there is a visitor center nearby Ashtown Castle, a 17th-century tower house.

Farmleigh House, a majestic home built in the 1800s and located on around 78 acres at the far end of Castleknock Gate, was acquired by the Irish government from the Guinness family in 1999. Dublin Zoo, the second-oldest zoo in Europe with a history dating back to 1830, is the principal attraction for generations of Dubliners and visitors from overseas. It draws more than one million visitors annually. A visit to the zoo is a fun activity in and of itself. There are a variety of other uncommon and exotic creatures present, including Asian lions, Asian elephants, a reptile house, an enclosure for orangutans, sea lions, tigers, hippos, bats, and penguins. There are dining options, playgrounds for children, and a family farm.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland
Phone number: +353 1 474 8900
Official site: http://www.dublinzoo.ie/