Dublin Zoo

Zoos & aquariums ·Dublin ·Open now
4.637.9K
#58Things to do in Dublin County DublinTravelers' Choice 2026
  • Ideal for big groups

Adult EUR 26.50 · Child between 3-15 years EUR 20 · Senior citizen (over 65's) EUR 21

Tickets from EUR 26.50

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About

Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, Dublin: Ireland's largest zoo, a conservation charity with over 400 animals, one of the city's most visited sights.

Menu & prices

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Dublin Zoo

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Why go

  • Family Farm, a joint venture with Agri Aware, is designed to teach visitors about modern Irish farming.
  • Aye-Aye lemurs, an endangered species, live in the nocturnal house opened in July 2023 beside Sea Lion Cove.
  • Golden lion tamarins, named for their long gold hair that looks like a lion's mane, live in the South American house.
  • Indian peafowl roam free outside the themed areas, alongside Chilean flamingos, Humboldt penguins and giant anteaters.

Plan your visit

Prices

AdultEUR 26.50
Child under 3 yearsFree
Child between 3-15 yearsEUR 20
Senior citizen (over 65's)EUR 21
Child with additional needs*EUR 11
Adult with additional needs*EUR 15.50
Student (with valid ID)EUR 21

From the venue's website · checked 27 Oct 2026

Opening hours

Today09:30 – 17:30Show all
Monday09:30 – 17:30
Tuesday09:30 – 17:30
Wednesday09:30 – 17:30
Thursday09:30 – 17:30
Friday09:30 – 17:30
Saturday09:30 – 17:30
Sunday09:30 – 17:30

Don't miss

  • African PlainsGiraffes, zebras, ostriches and white rhinos share one large outdoor savanna.A 13-hectare Africa-themed area in the zoo. On the map
  • Kaziranga Forest TrailAsian elephants, with a waterfall, two pools and a children's playground in their enclosure.Opened in June 2007 as the zoo's Asian elephant enclosure. On the map
  • Sea Lion CoveCalifornia sea lions, including a male named Nico, live in a saltwater habitat, the zoo's biggest recent development.A saltwater habitat with a state-of-the-art filtration plant, opened in June 2015 by President Michael D. Higgins. On the map
  • World of PrimatesA series of artificial islands in a large lake, each with a different monkey species.Opened in 1996 as the zoo's first themed area. On the map
  • Gorilla RainforestA troop of western lowland gorillas, including a silverback named Bangui.Opened in 2012 in the zoo. On the map

What's in season

  • NowJan – DecAll year, siamangs, red ruffed lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs and Celebes crested macaques can use their outdoor enclosures day and night.
  • NowJan – DecAnimals may choose to be indoors or outdoors in their habitat, so some are easier to spot at different times.
  • NowJan – DecCelebes crested macaques have done exceptionally well on the island since their introduction.

With kids

  • Family Farm keeps Tamworth pigs named Rose and Ginger.

Know before you go

  • Open every day from 09:30 to 18:00.
  • Tickets are sold and booked online on the zoo's own website.
  • Flexi Tickets can be used any time within 2 months of purchase, with no date to pick in advance.
  • Carers enter free with a valid ticket.
  • The zoo may close to visitors occasionally for extreme weather or state occasions.
  • Some animals may be out of view for habitat maintenance or animal care.
  • Private events such as team-building days and corporate outings can be held at the zoo.

Tips for your visit

  • Live webcams and an online animal encyclopedia are on the zoo's website.
  • Snow leopards camouflage well into their surroundings, which makes them harder to spot.
  • Cafés, kiosks and water refill points are spread across the zoo.
  • The zoo map marks animals, habitats, restaurants, toilets and play areas. An Animal Bricktacular Trail map is also available.
  • Volunteers wear red and zookeepers wear green; both can help you find animals.

Best time to visit

  • Not every bus line runs all day, so check live times in the TFI app or the Dublin Bus journey planner first.
  • Some animals choose indoor or outdoor spaces, so they are easier to see at certain times.

What it costs

Adult
26.5 EUR Every ticket bought directly supports the zoo's conservation mission.
Child aged 3 to 15
20 EUR
Child under 3
Free
Senior citizen, over 65
21 EUR
Student with valid ID
21 EUR
Child with additional needs
11 EUR
Adult with additional needs
15.5 EUR

Entrances

  • Main entranceA few disabled parking spaces sit outside the entrance, first come, first served.Northeast section of Phoenix Park, postal address Zoo Rd D08 AC98. On the map
  • Ashtown GateDrivers using Ashtown Gate turn immediately left onto North Road.Phoenix Park gate for drivers. On the map
  • Castleknock GateDrivers entering by this gate turn left at the first roundabout.Phoenix Park gate for drivers. On the map
  • Cabra GateOn-street parking starts just after this gate and runs to the main entrance.Phoenix Park, on the route to the main entrance. On the map

Facilities

  • Cafés
  • Restaurant
  • Vending machines
  • Water refill stations
  • Gift shop
  • Zoo car park The zoo lies within Phoenix Park and has no customer car park of its own.

Shorts

History

Decimus Burton designed the zoo. Its first animals, 46 mammals and 72 birds, were donated by London Zoo and the Royal Menagerie of the Tower of London. Between 1989 and 1990 the council considered closing the zoo because of serious financial problems. Today it focuses on conservation projects, breeding programmes and growing awareness for animals.

  1. 1830The society behind the zoo was founded at a meeting in the Rotunda Hospital.
  2. 1831The zoo opened to the public on 1 September as Zoological Gardens Dublin.
  3. 1838An open day for the coronation of Queen Victoria drew 20,000 visitors, still the highest one-day figure.
  4. 1844In 1844 the zoo received its first giraffe, and in 1855 its first pair of lions.
  5. 1997The zoo gained thirteen hectares of lakeside land from the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin.

How to get there

  • 20 minTrainHeuston Station is the nearest train station and the nearest Luas stop, a 20 minute walk from the zoo.
  • 10 minBikeBike stands beside Heuston Station are a 10 minute cycle from the zoo.
  • BusBus route 99 runs between Parkgate Street and the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and stops at the zoo.
  • BusBuses 11, 11B, 38, 38a, 39, 70, 80, C5 and C6 stop just outside the park, with short walks to its gates.
  • CarTaxis can reach the zoo via Chesterfield Avenue or North Road.
  • 2 minParkingLord's Walk car park, which holds 260 cars, is a two-minute walk from the zoo.
  • 3 minParkingOn-street parking runs along North Road, which is one-way, 3 to 15 minutes' walk from the entrance.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair hire Wheelchairs can be hired at the zoo.
  • Accessible toilets
  • Changing Places facility A fully equipped Changing Places facility is on site.
  • Disabled parking A car park two minutes away holds 260 cars, including disabled bays.

Sources: Dublin Zoo - Wikipedia · Dublin - Wikivoyage (see) · Dublin Zoo | Tickets, Opening Hours & Family Da… · Plan Your Visit | Dublin Zoo Prices, Times & Lo… · Getting Here - Dublin Zoo · Zoo Dublin - Wikipedia · Zoo de Dublin - Wikipedia · Dublin Zoo: booking (its own site) · Dublin Zoo: tickets, prices, visitor informatio… · Dublin Zoo: menu (its own site) · Dublin Zoo: menu (its own site) · Dublin Zoo: menu (its own site) · checked 18 Oct 2026

Where
Phoenix Park, Dublin

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

What is Dublin Zoo?

Dublin Zoo is the largest zoo in Ireland, in the northeast section of Phoenix Park. It covers 28 hectares and is home to over 400 animals.

Who runs Dublin Zoo?

The zoo is owned by the zoological society that also runs Fota Wildlife Park. It is a conservation charity.

Is Dublin Zoo good for children?

Children under 3 enter free. The Kaziranga Forest Trail elephant enclosure has a children's playground, and Family Farm teaches visitors about modern Irish farming.

How do I get to Dublin Zoo from the city centre?

The zoo can be reached from the city centre on foot, by public transport or by car. Heuston Station is a 20 minute walk from the zoo.

What is Family Farm at Dublin Zoo?

Family Farm is designed to teach visitors about modern Irish farming. It keeps Tamworth pigs named Rose and Ginger, and it is run jointly with Agri Aware, a charitable trust.

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