Dublin ranks as one of the most densely populated cities in the European Union cities. But this lone fact did not stop the bustling metropolitan from creating and maintaining the natural beauty of over 120 public parks and green places found within the city.
This feat was made possible through the combined efforts of the city government and nature-loving locals, whose aim is to create the best manmade and natural public parks as a relief from the prospering city.
This definitive guide will help you choose which to park or garden to visit from the 120 public parks in Dublin to add to your itinerary. Whether you’re traveling Dublin solo, with family or with your kids, there is definitely a park in Dublin that will suit your needs.
Things you'll find in this article
Top 10 Gardens and Parks in Dublin To Visit
1. National Botanic Gardens
The panoramic view of the National Botanic Garden
Related Read:
- 10 Free Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland (For 2023)
- 10 Things To Do in Dublin With Kids (For 2023)
- 30 Best Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland (For 2023)
- 12 Best Bookstores in Dublin
Ranked as Ireland’s seventh most visited attraction, the park, with its swelling gardens offers free entrance to all visitors. Not just to take photos of rare, prized orchids found within the park, but to also learn more about them.
Being one of the forefront institutions in Ireland that initiate biodiversity conservation program and researches, the gardens are noted not only for attraction and entertainment but also for the wide selections of flora found in the area.
Situated in the southern parts of the gardens is the newly-restored Palm House, a perfectly curvilinear and imposing glasshouse that serves as one of the main attractions in the gardens. It houses beautiful and exotic tropical and subtropical flora.
Also found in the gardens is the National Herbarium museum, which houses some 20,000 samples of varieties of plant products, including fruits, seeds, fibers, wood, plant extracts, and horticultural artifacts.
If you are an aspiring botanist, horticulturist, or you seriously want to learn more about those rare orchids and how to cultivate them, within the park the College of Amenity Horticulture (Teagasc) offers full and part-time courses in the amenity horticulture industry.
And one day, with the help of their reputable educational institution, you might be managing your own tourist attraction, and cultivating your own park and garden!
Operating Hours
Winter Opening Hours:
9 am to 4.30pm weekdays
10 am to 4.30pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
Summer Opening Hours from Sunday 3rd March 2019:
9 am to 5 pm weekdays
10 am to 6 pm Sat, Sun & Public Holiday
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Dublin 9 Ireland D09 VY63
Phone: +353 1 804 0300
Email:botanicgardens@opw.ie
2. St. Stephen’s Green (Faiche Stiabhna)
Placed in the middle of Dublin’s busiest shopping area, St. Stephen’s Green offers refuge from the hustle-and-bustle of the outside world. Take a relaxing stroll in the park, enjoy the warm weather, or take a meditative walk by the lake.
The free entrance is magnified by the immensely beautiful green tree linings, pathways, classical arcs, bridges, cooling fountains, and diverse flora and fauna.
Walk further to the northwest part of the park and you will discover a garden for the visually impaired, with scented plants and flowers labeled in Braille.
To top it all off, if you are a fan of literature and history, the statues within the park are credited to famous literary and historical figures, such as James Joyce, Theobald Wolfe Tone, and many more. It is also one of the top attractions in Dublin.
Operating Hours
St Stephen’s Green Park is open all year round.
Monday–Saturday: 7.30am–dusk.
Sunday and bank holidays: 9.30am–dusk.
Christmas Day: 9.30am-12.30pm
Approximate times of dusk are 4.30-6pm (January – February), 6.30-8.30pm (Mar-Apr), 9 pm (May-July), 7-8.30pm (Aug-Sep), 4-6.30pm (October – December).
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Stephen’s Green Park, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 475 7816
Email: parkmanager@opw.ie
Related Read:
- 11 Must-See Castles In Dublin, Ireland
- 19 Best Dublin Landmarks To Visit
- Dublin Tours: The 10 Most Unusual Tours In The City
- 3 Days in Dublin: Itinerary With Maps and Tips (For 2023)
- 10 Best Day Trips From Dublin (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2023)
3. Phoenix Park, Dublin
The historical urban park is found 2 to 4 km west of the city center, and also known as the largest enclosed park in Dublin. It boasts myriads of features and tourist attractions, including the Papal Cross, which was erected as the backdrop for the outdoor mass of the late Pope John Paul II on September 29, 1979. Grazing deer can be found near the green area.
The third oldest zoo in the world, the Dublin Zoo, which houses more than 700 animals and tropical birds found from all over the world. The oldest building in the park, the Ashtown Castle, dating from the medieval 15th century was restored in 1989 and serves as a visitors’ center for interpretative displays.
Places of interest include the Magazine fort, the Wellington Monument, the Áras an Uachtaráin, the Furry Glen, St. Mary’s Hospital, and so much more, all at the heart of Dublin.
Operating Hours
24 hours, seven days a week, all year round.
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin, D08 KDC4
Phone:+353 1 677 0095
Email: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
4. Dubh Linn Gardens
Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers.
Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin.
Nevertheless, this park serves as a good place to relax, rest, and engage in light or deep conversations with friendly locals.
Operating Hours
Open: Monday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 9:45 – 17:45 (last admission 17:15)
Closed: 25th, 26th & 27th December, and 1st January
Admission Fee
Self Guiding
Adult €8
Senior (60+) €6
Student (valid student ID required) €6
Child (12-17) €4
Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €20
Guided Tours:
Adult €12
Senior (60+) €10
Student (valid student ID required) €10
Child (12-17) €6
Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €30
Contact Information
Address: Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
Phone: +353 1 6458813
Email: dublincastle@opw.ie
Related Read:
- 8 Best Brunch Restaurants In Dublin
- 13 Best Food Markets In Dublin
- 10 Good and Cheap Restaurants in Dublin
- 20 Best Pubs In Dublin, Ireland
5. Corkagh Park
If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need.
Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!
Try fishing with your friends and family near the park’s picnic area. If you’re into sporting activities, their purpose-built cycling track will make your bicycle races easy and fun.
Opening Hours
24 hours
Contact Information
Address: Naas Rd, Newlands Cross, Dublin 22, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 414 9000
6. Irish National War Memorial Gardens
In commemoration of the Irish men and women who valiantly fought and killed during the First World War, this park was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
The centerpiece of the gardens, the Circular Rose Garden pond, can be found in the Sunken Garden of Remembrance, where you can take a relaxing stroll.
If you take pride in Irish history, do take a walk at the Great Cross of Sacrifice, wreathed with flowers of commemoration. The peaceful and comforting ambiance of the park makes you feel safe and proud of the great nation that made a mark in the First World War.
Ceremonial and commemorative events are held in honor of the fallen every-day-heroes of Ireland in the park, as well.
Operating Hours
Gardens Open all Year.
Garden Opening Times: Mon-Fri 08.00, Sat-Sun 10.00
Garden Closing Times: According to Daylight hours
Average Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Island Bridge, Ushers, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 475 7816
Email:info@heritageireland.ie
Related Read:
- Getting Around Dublin: Public Transportation Options
- Dublin Airport To City: Airport Transfer Options For First-Time Visitors
- Dublin To Limerick: How To Travel To Limerick From Dublin
- Dublin To Belfast Transport Options
- Dublin To Galway Transport Options
- 14 Best Hiking Spots Near Dublin
7. Saint Anne’s Park
Nestled between the suburbs of Raheny and Clontarf is Saint Anne’s Park, owned and managed by the Dublin City Council.
Beautiful attractions include a serene walk at the Chestnut park, and onwards you will find architectural follies—buildings that serve as great decors for the park.
Including a Water Temple of Pompei found in the banks of the artificial duck pond, a Herculanean temple that overlooks Naniken River, and many more.
Taking a trip around the world has never been so easy, all thanks to the park’s follies! If you fancy playing tennis or golf, the park also offers 18 hard-surface tennis courts and a par-3 golf course.
And if you fancy exercising or jogging, woodland paths are to be explored by visitors as much as they please.
Contact Information
Address: Clontarf East, Raheny, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Phone:+353 1 222 8933
8. Killiney Hill Park
Overlooking the villages of Dalkey and Killiney is a small public park, the Killiney Hill Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of teas from their famous tea rooms, playgrounds for children and adult alike, and long green walking paths and woodland trails.
Families and friends can enjoy their picnics here in the park as they enjoy the view of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountain. Rock climbing activities at the Dalkey Quarry are also available for the adventurous types.
Contact Information
Address: Mount Auburn, Scalpwilliam, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, A96 W5C1, Ireland
Phone:l (00353-1) 2054700
Email: info@dlrcoco.ie
9. Bushy Park
This large suburban public park stretches from the boundaries of Rathfarnham and Templeogue. Birdwatchers are commonly found in this area—noted for its distinct kingfishers and sparrow hawks.
There are 11 tennis courts to choose from in the park, and if you like playing casual football with your friends, this park is also recommended. Enjoy skateboarding activities in the park as well.
If you get hungry, a variety of stalls can be found in the market—especially artisan food like cured meat, bread and cheeses, and tasty confectionaries. Take beautiful photos, have fun, and enjoy your exciting trip around Bushy Park.
Operating Hours
Monday-Friday- 10 am-5:30pm
Contact Information
Address: 6 Bushy Park House, Terenure, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 490 0320
Related Read:
- Dublin Travel Guide: Best Places To Stay, Eat And See (For 2023)
- Is Dublin Safe? What You Need To Know (2023)
- Is Dublin Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)
- Renting In Dublin – Guide For Newcomers
- Living In Dublin: The Ultimate Guide For Expats
- Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland
- 12 Best Hotels In Dublin With Pool
10. Blessington Street Park (The Basin)
Or locally known as The Basin, it is a historic heritage park that provides a haven for all visitors.
Located at the heart of Dublin’s north inner city, you can enjoy your leisure walk to the Public Library on The North Circular Road through the green and floral areas of the park. Fountains, floral schemes and features, and diverse woodland animals are to be enjoyed by visitors.
The new play areas and basketball court are engaging places to spend your afternoon if you’re in town. A family-friendly park and a chill and quiet place to go to is Blessington Street Park in Dublin.
Contact Information
Address: Blessington Street Park, Dublin 7
Phone: 01-8300833
[adinserter name=”Block 1″]
Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides
Sunday 19th of September 2021
[…] on the Green Hotel is a Georgian hotel that has a garden view, park view, and city view. Guests can also enjoy a full Irish breakfast as well as free tea and coffee. Guests […]
30 Best Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides
Sunday 19th of September 2021
[…] For children, a playground is also accessible and safe to use during operating hours. It is also one of the best parks in Dublin. […]