Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo, situated in the Phoenix Park, Dublin has the largest zoo in Ireland and one of Dublin's most popular tourist attractions. Founded in 1830 it is also the third oldest zoo in the world, after London and Paris. It receives over 500,000 visitors per year.
Sprawling across 12 hectares (30 acres) of bucolic Phoenix Park on the north bank, it provides a naturally landscaped habitat for more than 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds. Highlights for youngsters include the Children's Pets Corner and a train ride around the zoo. Self-explanatory exhibits include 'African Plains,' 'Fringes of the Arctic,' and the 'World of Primates.'
There are playgrounds and gift shops throughout the zoo. The restaurants within the zoo serve only fast food, but there are plenty of picnic areas for folks who want to bring their own meals.
Visitors Attractions
Dublin zoo is full of attractions for all ages. Visit the New World of Primates and see the monkey islands, the polar bears, snowy owls and arctic foxes. A 'Meet the Keeper' and feeding programme takes place daily. Visitors can also take a train ride around the Zoo.
Role of a modern zoo
During the past 200 years or so, zoos have changed as the world has changed. When zoos first opened they were just ‘menageries'. During the 20th century it became obvious that habitats and animals were disappearing. Zoos have become centres for conservation, education and study to help stem the tide of extinction.
Conservation
Dublin Zoo plays an important part in international conservation working in partnership with zoos worldwide. The Zoo participates in global breeding programmes which help to ensure the continued survival of endangered species. By visiting Dublin Zoo you are contributing directly to the continued care of the animals.
Education
Dublin Zoo provides a series of structured education programmes for schools. A zoo environment can teach everything from Art to Zoology. Informal education through our interpretation and signs in the zoo are aimed at promoting care and appreciation of the natural world.
History
The Zoological Society of Dublin was founded in 1830 with animals supplied by London Zoo. The Dublin Zoo of the 1830s was nothing like it is today. Its purpose was to show as many different kinds of animals as possible to people who had never seen anything like it.
Dublin Zoo has had a long and fascinating history.
- In 1833 the entrance lodge to the Zoo was built for £30.00! In 1838 to celebrate Queen Victoria's coronation the zoo held an open day - 20,000 people visited, which is still the highest number of visitors in one day.
- In 1844 the zoo received its first giraffe
- In 1855 bought its first pair of lions. These bred for the first time in 1857.
- Reptiles got their own house in 1876
- People finally got somewhere to sit and have a cup of tea when the first tearooms were built in 1898.
- On June 17, 1903 an elephant named Sita killed her keeper while he nursed her injured foot. She was put down by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary
- Times of trouble and war also caused problems for the Zoo.
- During the Easter Rising of 1916 getting out of Phoenix Park became difficult and meat ran out. In order to keep (carnivores) the lions and tigers alive, some of the other animals in the zoo were killed!
- A lion named Cairbre was born in the zoo on March 20, 1927. He went on to star as Leo, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio's mascot in 1928.
- During World War II, coal was hard to come by so older trees were cut down and used to heat the tropical houses. There are still parts of the zoo that date back to the very beginning
Admission Prices
- Adults: €13.50
- Children (under 3): Free
- Children (over 3 and under 16): €9
- Students & OAPs: €11
- Family (2 adults and 2 children): €38
- Family (2 adults and 3 children): €43
- Family (2 adults and 4 children): €47
Group Admission Prices:
- Adult Group Rate: €11
- Child Group Rate: €7.30
- Minimum group number is 10
Timings
| March - September | |
|---|---|
| Monday - Saturday | 9:30am - 6:00pm |
| Sunday | 10:30am - 6:00pm |
| Octubar - February | |
| Monday - Saturday | 9:30am - dusk |
| Sunday | 10:30am - 6:00pm |
| Last admission - 1 hour before closing | |
