Ireland is known for its beautiful scenery and tranquillity, here in Dublin we are extremely fortunate to have endless parks and greenery all encircled with plants, wild life, history and culture. Ideal for a family day out, lunch time stroll, or perhaps you want a moment to yourself as you watch the world go by with a cup coffee in your hand and a book in the other. We have listed some of our favourite parks in Dublin for you to explore and relax in.
Saint Stephens Green
Located in the bustling city of Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green Park provides an oasis of green calm that almost transports you back into the countryside. With over 3.5 km of accessible pathways, visitors can explore the park’s waterfall as well as their fifteen commemorative sculptures. The park contains a playground, ample seating and a Pulham rock on the western side of the green.
Iveagh Gardens
Iveagh Gardens is a hidden gem in the city as not many people, both tourists and locals, know about this park. Nestled neatly behind the National Concert Hall, the gardens contain a unique collection of features, which include rustic grottos, fountain centrepieces, woodlands, a maze, archery grounds and much more. Immerse yourself in this sanctuary of tranquillity.
Phoenix Park
Just a stone throw away from our hotel, Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in any capital in Europe. There is so much to see and do in the park, you will see the 500 fallow deer roaming around as this area is their little home. The deers love to see faces but prefer to be in their own company, so it is advised not to disturb them. The park is also home to one of Ireland’s favourite people, Micheal D Higggins, our President. If you’re lucky enough you might catch him outside with his wife Sabina and two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bród and Misneach.
Merrion Square
Merrion Square is the heart of Georgian Dublin. Located in the city centre, three sides of Merrion Square are lined with Georgian townhouses and the other contains government buildings. Former famous residents included Oscar Wilde, who lived at 1 Merrion Square as a child, while WB Yeats lived at No 82, and Daniel O’Connell at No 58. Check out the park in the centre and Oscar Wilde sculpture. The area surrounding Merrion Square is home to many cultural institutions, including the National Art Gallery of Ireland.
Dublin Zoo
Located in Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s biggest family attraction, seeing over one million visitors a year. Founded in 1831 and since then has expanded to a beautiful, 28 hectare zoo full of caring professionals devote their lives to the welfare and care of animals and to understand their needs. This zoo is home to over 400 rare, exotic and endangered animals from all around the world.
Airfield
People who share a passion for food and nature must go visit Airfield Estate. The team run creative events and programmes, using food to help build life skills in children and offering adults of all abilities the opportunity to learn and socialise in a relaxed and friendly environment. Proving children cookery lessons, an open farm yard, play areas and not mention top class restaurants, Airfield is the ideal day outdoors.
National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens is one of Ireland’s most-visited free attraction and it doesn’t disappoint. As you enter the picturesque little greenhouse contains 15,000 everyday plants ranging from endangered to exotic – there is beauty in every corner. Visitors can join a guided tour or have a day to themselves by unwinding and absorbing the breath-taking scenery in their open fields, shady benches spot and picnic areas.
Tolka Valley Park
Tolka Valley Park is a complete oasis of calm and tranquillity located in the busy Northsides. There is plenty things for people to do here as the park is filled with walking trails, playgrounds for little ones, a lake dedicated to the most beautiful swans, herons and ducks. Tolka Valley Park’s 346 acres begin in Blanchardstown and extend northwards into wilder meadows, wetlands and woodland.
Croppies Memorial Park
The Croppies Memorial park is located just across the street from Ashling Hotel, Dublin. Within the park you will find the Anna Livia statue, known to Dubliners as the Floozy in the Jacuzzi. Anna Livia was moved here from O’Connell street in the city centre as late night revellers used to fill her up with washing up liquid and give Anna Livia a bubble bath. Each summer there are fresh bursts of summer blooms planted, the perfect little park to get a break and relax.
Our front desk team is always happy to help with directions and any queries you may have throughout your stay.
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to explore Dublin, celebrate a hen party, a couples getaway or a family trip, be sure to check out our Ashling Hotel packages. Escape to the Ashling Hotel for an overnight break with full Irish breakfast, comfortable luxurious guest rooms, delicious award winning food and cocktails and beer at our Iveagh Bar. Book directly online or with our team for exclusive offers, not available anywhere else.
