If you feel the urge to get in touch with nature while in Dublin, your best bet would be to head down to the Phoenix Park. Just 3 km to the northwest of Dublin, the Phoenix Park is made up of over 1,700 acres of lush grassland.
Twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, its 16km walled circumference also contains a herd of wild fallow deer which have grazed on these grounds since the seventeenth century. The Phoenix Park was initially created in 1662 as a Royal Hunting Park by Lord Ormonde, the King’s Viceroy in Dublin. The park was then opened to the public by Lord Chesterfield in 1745. At a mere 1.5 miles away from O’Connell Street, one can easily organise a day exploring the flora and fauna in these scenic grounds.
The zoological gardens house more than 700 animals and tropical birds from all over the world. This was founded in 1830 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. As the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city, the Phoenix Park is also home to Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland. Built in 1754, it has been the Presidential residence since 1937.
The Papal Cross marks the spot were Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in September 1979, an occasion that was attended by an estimated 1.25 million people. The Wellington Monument which stands at 63 metres commemorates the victories of the Irish-born Duke of Wellington. The monument would probably have been higher still but since the Duke scorned his Irish origins, his popularity among the Irish waned before the completion of his monument. At the centre of the park is the Phoenix Monument. Erected by Lord Chesterfield in 1747, this monument takes the form of a Corinthian column that features a phoenix bird rising from the ashes at its pinnacle. The oldest building in the park is Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower house dating back to the 15th Century.
Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll, or a more energetic activity like polo, cricket or hurling, why not enjoy it at these historic grounds where time has left a deeply beautiful echo behind.
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