Name: Dublin Zoo
Rating: 5.0

Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo, Phoenix park, Saint James, Dublin, D08 AC98, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Dublin? Dublin Zoo offers an incredible family day out as one of the world's most popular and historic attractions. Situated in the heart of Phoenix Park, this world-class zoo spans over 28 hectares and houses hundreds of animals in carefully designed, naturalistic habitats.

Standard online ticket prices start from €22.50 for adults and €17.00 for children aged between 3 and 15 years old. Booking online in advance secures the best rate and saves up to €4.00 per ticket compared to gate prices.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines education, conservation, and outdoor adventure, this landmark destination delivers. Its expansive walking trails, immersive wildlife zones, and dedicated children's areas make it an essential stop for local families and visitors alike.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Naturalistic Animal Habitats: Immersive zones designed to mimic natural environments, supporting an educational day out focused on global wildlife conservation.
Open Walking Trails: Paved pathways winding across parklands, lakes, and specialized biomes, allowing families to roam freely.
Daily Keeper Talks: Regular live educational presentations by expert animal handlers throughout the day.
Outdoor Play Spaces: Designated children's adventure areas allowing kids to burn off energy between animal sightings.

Top 5 Highlights

The African Savanna: Watch giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and ostriches roam across a wide-open landscape that mirrors their natural grassland home.
The Gorilla Rainforest: Observe a troop of western lowland gorillas as they forage, climb, and interact in a lush, dense canopy enclosure.
The Kaziranga Forest Trail: Encounter Asian elephants bathing and splashing in their custom water pools along a pathway inspired by Indian forests.
Zoorassic World: Step back in time through reptile and amphibian houses featuring Komodo dragons, boa constrictors, and fascinating cold-blooded species.
The Orangutan Forest: Look up as intelligent orangutans swing across high tension ropes and explore specialized overhead climbing towers.

Facilities

Luggage Storage: Not available on-site; visitors must carry personal belongings.
Toilets & Changing Facilities: Multiple accessible public restrooms and baby-changing facilities located across all major zones.
Food Options: On-site restaurants, seasonal kiosks, and picnic spots serving hot meals, snacks, and beverages.
Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking areas available outside major indoor exhibits and walkthrough habitats.

Pro-Tips:

Arrive Early: Get there right at opening time to see the animals at their most active before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The zoo covers a large area, so supportive walking trainers are essential for managing the miles of paths.
Download the Map: Save a digital copy of the park map on your phone to easily locate key animal zones and facilities.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love seeing the farm animals up close, exploring the outdoor playgrounds, and watching the penguins and sea lions splash around.
How long does a visit take? A standard visit takes between 3 to 4 hours, giving families enough time to walk the main trails and catch a few daily keeper talks.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the pay-and-display car parks located immediately outside the zoo gates within Phoenix Park.
How much does entry cost? General online entry costs €22.50 for adults and €17.00 for children aged 3 to 15, while children under 3 enter completely free of charge.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

Phoenix Park Monuments: Historic landmarks including the Papal Cross and Wellington Monument located just a short walk away.
Farmleigh House and Estate: Beautiful heritage property featuring historic gardens and a weekend famers' market nearby.
Irish National War Memorial Gardens: Formal terraced gardens situated along the banks of the nearby River Liffey.

What Visitors Love:

Parents highlight the stunning variety of large animals and the impressive scale of naturalistic habitats like the African Savanna.
The daily keeper talks provide engaging insights that children find both entertaining and educational.
The park's wide paths make it very easy to navigate with pushchairs and buggies.
The central location within Phoenix Park makes it simple to combine with a full day out in Dublin.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Catering spots can become exceptionally busy during peak weekend lunch hours, prompting many families to pack a lunch.
Parking spaces right outside the gates fill up quickly on sunny days and bank holidays.
Walking the entire perimeter requires stamina, which can tire out very young children quickly.

Attractions & Activities

African Plains Habitat: Grassland viewing zones housing giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
Gorilla Rainforest Zone: Immersive tropical enclosure for western lowland gorillas.
Kaziranga Forest Trail: Dedicated Asian elephant pools and viewing pavilions.
Orangutan Forest Area: High-rope climbing structures designed for resident orangutans.
Sea Lion Cove: Coastal viewing basin featuring daily feeding and training sessions.
The Farmhouse: Interactive area showcasing domestic farm animals for younger children.
Zoorassic World Pavilion: Indoor reptile and amphibian exhibition space.
Family Adventure Playground: Modern play equipment and climbing frames for kids.
Nakuru Safari Train: Miniature tour ride offering alternative park views.
Discovery and Learning Centre: Educational hub hosting school workshops and family events.

New for 2026:

Enhanced Visitor Wayfinding: Upgraded digital and physical signage across the park trails to streamline family navigation.
Refurbished Habitat Viewing Areas: Expanded glass-fronted viewing panels at select enclosures for clearer, eye-level animal encounters.
Expanded Sustainable Catering Stations: Newly updated eco-friendly food kiosks offering a wider range of family meal options.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Day Tickets

Adult: €22.50 Online & €26.50.
Child (3–15 years): €17 Online & €20.
Under 3 years: FREE.
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): €62.50 Online & €75.
Family (2 Adults & 3 Children): €64 Online & €80.
Family (2 Adults & 4 Children): €67 Online & €84.
Senior Citizen (65+ years): €17.50 Online & €21.
Student: €17.50 Online & €21.

Flexi Tickets

Adult Flexi Ticket (16+ years): €25.50 Online & €26.50.
Child Flexi Ticket (3–15 years): €19 Online & €20.
Under 3 years Flexi Ticket: FREE.
Family Flexi Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children): €66.50 Online & €75.
Family Flexi Ticket (2 Adults & 3 Children): €68.50 Online & €80.
Family Flexi Ticket (2 Adults & 4 Children): €72 Online & €84.
Senior Citizen Flexi Ticket (65+ years): €20 Online & €21.
Student Flexi Ticket: €20 Online & €21.

Bricktacular Workshop

Child (5–15 years) – Bricktacular Workshop: €27 (includes day entry & workshop).
Annual Pass Child (5–15 years) – Bricktacular Workshop: €8.
Additional Needs Child (5–15 years) – Bricktacular Workshop: €21 (includes day entry & workshop).
Adult – Bricktacular Workshop: €22.50 (includes day entry & workshop venue access).
Annual Pass Adult – Bricktacular Workshop: FREE.
Senior Citizen (65+) – Bricktacular Workshop: €17.50 (includes day entry & workshop venue access).

Annual Pass

Individual Pass: €175
Family Pass: €245

Pricing URL: https://www.dublinzoo.ie/book-now/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Dublin Zoo offers tailored birthday party packages for children, including guided tours, party food options, and dedicated party hosts.
Inquiries: Availability and bookings can be managed through the official website group and events portal or by contacting the visitor services team directly.

Open daily from 9.30am – 6.00pm.
(African Plains closes at 5.30pm)

Address: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix park, Saint James, Dublin, D08 AC98, Ireland

Post Code: D08 AC98

Council: Dublin

County: Dublin

By Train: Heuston Station is a short 15-minute walk from the park gates.
By Bus: Regular Dublin Bus routes including the C1, C2, C4, and local feeder services stop near Phoenix Park.
By Tram (Luas): Take the Luas Red Line to Heuston Station and walk or take a connecting bus into the park.
Car Parking: Pay-and-display surface car parking spaces are available directly outside the zoo entrance within Phoenix Park.