Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo

Discover wildlife from around the world at Dublin Zoo, one of Ireland’s best-known visitor attractions. Located within the beautiful Phoenix Park, only a short journey from Dublin city centre, the zoo offers an enjoyable day out for families, couples and visitors of all ages.

Dublin Zoo first opened in 1831 and has grown into a modern conservation charity covering 28 hectares. Today, visitors can encounter more than 400 animals representing around 70 species, from Asian elephants and western lowland gorillas to giraffes, red pandas, snow leopards and California sea lions.

Allow at least three hours to explore the zoo, although families can easily spend most of the day here.

Dublin Zoo combines wildlife, outdoor space and family activities in one of Europe’s largest city parks. Its spacious grounds are divided into habitats inspired by the animals’ natural environments, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas throughout the zoo.

A visit offers much more than an opportunity to see animals. Interpretation displays, keeper talks and conservation stories help visitors learn about biodiversity, endangered species and the work being done to protect wildlife around the world.

Every ticket purchased also helps fund animal care, habitat improvements, breeding programmes and international conservation projects.

Dublin Zoo is organised into a series of distinctive habitats. Some of the highlights include:

African Savanna

The African Savanna is the zoo’s largest habitat. Look out for giraffes, zebras, ostriches, southern white rhinoceroses and scimitar-horned oryx sharing the open landscape.

Kaziranga Forest Trail

Follow a trail inspired by the forests of India to find Dublin Zoo’s herd of Asian elephants. The habitat includes pools, mud baths and wooded areas designed to encourage the elephants’ natural behaviours.

Gorilla Rainforest

The Gorilla Rainforest is home to a troop of western lowland gorillas. Its trees, rocks and dense planting provide the animals with places to climb, explore and retreat from view when they choose.

Orangutan Forest

Watch Bornean orangutans move through a forest of tall climbing structures designed to reflect their tree-dwelling lifestyle. The elevated ropes and trees give the orangutans opportunities to travel high above the ground.

Himalayan Hills

Head towards the zoo’s Asian Forests to search for red pandas and elusive snow leopards. The rocky slopes and mountain-inspired landscape reflect the animals’ native Himalayan environment.

Sea Lion Cove

Sea Lion Cove offers both above-water and underwater views of the zoo’s California sea lions. Their speed and agility make this one of the most entertaining habitats to visit.

Rainforest House

Set inside one of Dublin Zoo’s historic buildings, the Rainforest House recreates the warm and humid environment of a tropical forest. It is home to a changing collection of rainforest animals, including monkeys, sloths and reptiles.

Zoorassic World

Zoorassic World combines living reptiles with a journey into prehistoric life. Visitors can see crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles alongside a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

Family Farm

Younger visitors can meet familiar farm animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, cows, rabbits, ducks and chickens. Interactive features make this a particularly enjoyable stop for small children.

Animals may choose to spend time indoors, outdoors or in private areas of their habitats. Sightings are therefore never guaranteed. Take your time, look carefully and ask zoo staff or volunteers for help finding a particular species.

Dublin Zoo is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin with children. In addition to the animal habitats, families will find play areas, seasonal activities and educational experiences around the grounds.

Paths connect the main habitats and are suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Toilets, baby-changing facilities, seating areas and food outlets are located throughout the zoo.

Because the grounds are extensive, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dublin weather can change quickly, so bring a light waterproof layer even when the forecast looks promising.

Visitors can choose from restaurants, cafés, seasonal kiosks, snack points and vending machines around Dublin Zoo. Water refill stations are also available.

Food outlet availability may change depending on the season, weather and special events. Visitors may also bring their own food and use the outdoor seating and picnic areas.

A zoo map is useful for locating animal habitats, restaurants, toilets, play areas and other visitor facilities. You can view or download the latest map from the official Dublin Zoo website before arriving.

Dublin Zoo provides a range of supports for visitors with disabilities and additional needs. These include accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, wheelchair hire and a limited number of accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

An accessibility map, visual social story and visit planner are available online. Eligible visitors with additional needs may also be accompanied by one carer free of charge, subject to the zoo’s ticket conditions and documentation requirements.

Visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience should consider arriving early in the morning or visiting during the final hours before closing. Weekends, school holidays, bank holidays and summer dates are generally the busiest times.

Check the official Dublin Zoo accessibility information before visiting if you have specific access requirements.

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but booking online in advance is normally cheaper and helps guarantee admission on busy days. Standard dated tickets and more flexible ticket options may be available.

Ticket prices, discounts and booking arrangements can change, so check the official Dublin Zoo ticket page for current prices before travelling.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dublin Zoo opens daily from 9:30am, with closing times changing throughout the year according to the season and available daylight. Last admission is normally one hour before closing, while some habitats may close slightly earlier.

The zoo is generally closed on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Opening arrangements can also be affected by extreme weather, major events or road closures within Phoenix Park.

Always confirm the latest Dublin Zoo opening hours before setting out.

Allow a minimum of three hours to see the principal habitats. Four to five hours is more comfortable if you would like to attend keeper talks, stop for lunch or give children time to enjoy the play areas.

Arriving earlier in the day gives you more time to explore without rushing. Check the programme of keeper talks when you enter and plan your route around any sessions you would particularly like to attend.

Dublin Zoo is located inside Phoenix Park, west of Dublin city centre.

Address:
Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
D08 AC98
Ireland

By public transport

Dublin Bus route 99 travels between Parkgate Street and the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and stops at Dublin Zoo. Several other bus routes stop near entrances to Phoenix Park.

Routes and timetables can change, so use the Transport for Ireland journey planner or Dublin Bus website to check the best option on the day of your visit.

By train or Luas

Heuston Station is the nearest mainline railway station and Luas stop. The zoo is approximately a 20-minute walk from Heuston through or alongside Phoenix Park.

By car

Dublin Zoo does not have its own customer car park. Parking is available at several locations within Phoenix Park, including Lord’s Walk, the Cricket Grounds and parts of North Road. Spaces can fill quickly on weekends and during school holidays.

Road access and parking arrangements within Phoenix Park may change during public events, races or state occasions. Check current travel information before driving.

Dublin Zoo is located within Phoenix Park, one of Dublin’s finest outdoor attractions. Visitors can combine a zoo visit with a walk through the park, where other points of interest include the Phoenix Monument, the Wellington Testimonial, Áras an Uachtaráin and the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks is also within easy reach of the park and is a useful option for a longer Dublin itinerary.

Is Dublin Zoo worth visiting?

Dublin Zoo is particularly worthwhile for families, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone looking for an outdoor attraction close to Dublin city centre. Its large grounds and varied habitats make it possible to spend several hours or an entire day there.

Is Dublin Zoo suitable for young children?

Yes. The zoo has buggy-friendly paths, baby-changing facilities, play areas, food outlets and the Family Farm, making it suitable for toddlers and young children.

Can I buy Dublin Zoo tickets at the entrance?

Tickets are normally available at the entrance, but advance online booking is recommended. Online tickets can be cheaper, and pre-booking is useful during weekends, holidays and other busy periods.

Can I bring food into Dublin Zoo?

Visitors may bring their own food. Picnic and seating areas are available, along with restaurants, cafés, kiosks and water refill points.

Is Dublin Zoo open when it rains?

The zoo generally remains open in wet weather, although extreme conditions can sometimes affect operations. Several indoor habitats offer shelter, but much of the experience is outdoors, so waterproof clothing is advisable.

Is Dublin Zoo accessible by wheelchair?

Many paths and visitor facilities are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair hire, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility and accessibility planning resources are available. Visitors with particular requirements should consult the zoo’s accessibility information before travelling.

For current tickets, seasonal opening hours, scheduled keeper talks, temporary closures and visitor updates, visit the official Dublin Zoo website.

Opening hours

Dublin Zoo is open every day of the year. The closing time changes with the season. Last admission is always one hour before closing, and African Plains closes 30 minutes before the zoo.

• January: 9.30am to 4pm
• February: 9.30am to 5pm
• March to September: 9.30am to 6pm
• October: 9.30am to 5.30pm
• November and December: 9.30am to 4pm