Dublin Zoo - Visitors Guide
Dublin Zoo is the largest zoo in Ireland and one of the best days out for families in Ireland. Opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo are now leaders in the area of conservation and education.
Located just minutes from Dublin City in the Phoenix Park , Dublin Zoo is a 28 hectare park of gardens, lakes and wonderful natural habitats for over 400 animals. The large scale of the site allows the animals plenty of room to roam and their spaces carefully replicates the animal's natural habitat.
Dublin Zoo is home to over 400 rare, exotic and endangered animals from around the world. With vast grounds to explore and lots of outdoor and indoor habitats housing your favourite animals, Dublin Zoo is a unique space to see wildlife in the heart of Dublin city. Dublin Zoo carefully designs habitats for the animals that are inspired by the wild and that create an exciting experience for visitors.
Habitats at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo carefully designs habitats for the animals that are inspired by the wild and that create an exciting experience for visitors. Species that would often exist side by side in the wild share habitats in Dublin Zoo and the animals have continuous access to their outdoor and indoor habitats. The habitats include; Wolves In the Woods, The African Savannah, Kaziranga Forest Tail, Zoorasic World, Gorilla Rainforest, The Orangutan Forest, Sea Lion Cove, The Family Farm, and South American House.
Wolves In the Woods
Wolves in the Woods is inspired by the natural environment of the grey wolf- woodlands. Visitors can watch the pack of wolves from three points around the habitat.
The African Savannah
The African Savanna is the largest habitat and is home to giraffes, southern white rhinos, orstrich and zebras.
Kaziranga Forest Trail
At the Kaziranga Forest Trail, visitors will be able to see Dublin Zoo’s elephant herd. You can watch the elephants bathe in pools, munch on branches and roll around in mud baths built especially for the herd.
Gorilla Rainforest
This habitat is designed specifically for Gorillas, and particulary with Gorilla's behaviour in mind. In the wild gorillas are tranquil by nature, and this habitat has dense foliage in which they can take a private moment to themselves. But if you’re lucky, you might see the gorillas as they perch on high, rocky ridges and climb trees, surveying their surroundings.
The Orangutan Forest
The Orangutan Forest was inspired by the natural habitat of the orangutans who spend the majority of the time in the trees of their rainforest home.
Sea Lion Cove
Sea Lion Cove is one of Dublin Zoo’s newest habitats and is home to the colony of California sea lions at Dublin Zoo.
The Family Farm
There is always something happening on Ireland’s smallest, most exciting farm! Visitors can meet the resident farm animals – cows, sheep, pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits and chickens. There’s even a special life-sized dairy cow model you can try to milk yourself!
Dublin Zoo Map
Dublin Zoo has an interactive map which helps you easily find your way - and make the most of your day at the Zoo!
Getting to Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is located in the stunning Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
By Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus has many routes that stop close to the Zoo, visit the Dublin Bus website for a list of routes.
Hop-On Hop-Off
The Dublin Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a stop in the Phoenix Park close to Dublin Zoo! Enjoy the ultimate Dublin day out with a hop on hop off tour and a trip to the Zoo! City Sightseeing Dublin and Big Bus Tours also have a stop close to Dublin Zoo.
By Bicycle
Phoenix Park is a great place to cycle in the city. The nearest Dublin Bike station is on Parkgate Street, and there is also bikes to hire at the Phoenix Park Bikes.
By Train
Heuston Station is located about 20 minutes walk from Dublin Zoo. Plan your journey with Irish Rail.
By Luas
There is a Luas stop about 20 minutes walking distance from the Zoo. The closest Luas stop is Heuston Station.
Parking at Dublin Zoo
There is no designated car parking for Dublin Zoo. However, there are free car parking spaces around the Phoenix Park which include Chesterfield Avenue, the Lord’s Walk car park and the Cricket Grounds car park.
Attractions close to Dublin Zoo are the National Museum of Ireland (Collins Barracks), and Kilmainham Gaol