Top Rated Parks to Visit in Dublin

"One of the most unique and precious emeralds in Dublin is the Phoenix Park, larger than all the London city-centre parks combined and the biggest urban park in Europe it extends over 1,750 acres with herds of deer roaming freely. The park is one of the best free things to do in Dublin and should not be missed when you are in town. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries several magnificent mansions, lodges, institutions and memorials were erected in different corners of the park including the Zoological Gardens in 1831, one of the oldest zoos in the world, the Wellington Monument, an obelisk 62 meters tall is the biggest in Europe and is a testimonial to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, there are four bronze plaques cast from cannons captured at Waterloo at the base of this, the Phoenix Monument erected in 1747 located in the centre of the park and close to here is Aras an Uachtarain is the residency of the Irish president."

"The buses will take you past the major sights and, depending on which tour you choose (grab some leaflets the evening before or do some research on the internet), even far-flung attractions like the Guinness Brewery, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park will be seen. The main thing to remember here: get a good seat on top, enjoy the view, listen to the commentary, and snap away... but do not get off the bus. This is your city tour."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"Re-opened by Lord Ardilaun in 1880, (St.) Stephen’s Green is located at the bottom of Grafton Street, Dublin’ high-end shopping street. Spanning across 22 acres, the park has endless possibilities for snapping beautiful shots. From the Fusiliers’ Arch at the Grafton Street entrance to the statues of James Joyce and Constance Markievicz, and the fowl in lake, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes."

"Instead carry on through Grafton Street, Dublin's posh shopping area, and up to Saint Stephen's Green. Either grab a bite on the way and enjoy it al fresco, or head straight on to The National Museum in Kildare Street."

"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."

"St Anne’s park is undoubtedly one of Dublin’s most historical parks. Located between Raheny and Clontarf this was once the opulent home of the family which had the biggest impact on Dublin city. The Guinness family built St Anne’s House here in 1837, a mansion in the Italianate-style."

"St. Anne’s is the second-largest park in Dublin, sitting at 240 acres, and was formerly an estate owned by the Guinness family. On top of walking paths, rose gardens and ponds, the park boasts some great sporting facilities in the form of tennis courts and football pitches."

"This market, located in the 247-acre park in Rathfarnham, is well worth browsing through when you're spending the day at Marlay Park. And there are some fantastic vendors at this market. Try the delicious food at Taste of Morocco, get some beautiful hand-made crafts from Handmade For U, find your next read at the Village Bookshop, or enjoy some rolled ice-cream in the sun."

"Set deep within South Dublin, sprawling Marlay Park encompasses wild woodland, indistinct paths, a manicured walled garden and even a golf course. There’s always plenty going on here, like the farmers’ market every weekend and, in summer, an extensive programme of outdoor concerts. Try to locate the ‘fairy tree’ – and good luck (this park stretches out over 300 acres)."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"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."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"Although the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire is one of the smaller Dublin parks, it punches well above its weight!. An immaculately landscaped oasis of calm just moments from the harbour, the two-hectare park is well worth a visit, especially if you’re down here at the weekend when local vendors show off their colourful collections of arts, crafts and local produce. Opened in 1890 and designed in the formal Victorian style, check out the wrought iron railings, stone walls, large gates and bandstand typical of the time period."

"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."

"Along the southern part of the Dart trainline, Blackrock Park is a small but perfectly formed park boasting striking views of the Irish Sea. The star of the show is the pond with its Peace Fountain, created to mark the International Year of Peace in 1986. You may well spot swans and ducks in the area, too."

"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!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"Just south of Phoenix Park and drawing a largely local crowd, this smaller park is an equally pleasant alternative. Stroll past the hurling grounds for a riverside view of rowers in action on the Liffey, or continue to the memorial gardens, dedicated to the fallen Irish soldiers of the First World War. The elaborately-landscaped grounds are fittingly tranquil."

"Aiming to recreate the chilled-out vibes of a tropical beach bar, Urchin opened its doors back in 2017 to reveal cheery, summer-coloured interiors and a relaxed, unfussy vibe. Their brunch follows suit, serving up a short and simple weekend menu that’s all about known pleasures. Fusing British and Latin American elements (eggs benedict nuzzle up to chorizo-flavoured huevos flamencos), you’ll be daydreaming of your next trip in no time."

"Urchin often slips below the radar when you think of stellar cocktail venues in Dublin but the incredibly creative drinks available will stun you every time. Hidden beneath the Cliff Townhouse hotel, this striking space is surrounded by colourful beach-like wavy patterns. Manager and head mixologist Ryan Pedlar worked tirelessly with head chef Sean Smith to create two menus for drinks and food that complemented each other perfectly."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"Again, you will have done your homework and booked something in advance, we hope (though there always is a chance to get late tickets even for the Abbey Theatre, with a bit of luck). If you are set on enjoying an Irish night out, a large number of pubs offer their services and many also provide entertainment (free or for a small fee in most cases). Just follow the crowds, which will, more than likely, bring you to the Temple Bar area."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"You don't have to eat Krispy Kreme to know what a real American donut tastes like. As the name suggests, these gorgeous donuts are like a bite of American life with flavours such as s'more, cookie monster and of course the famous Boston creme."

"Aungier Danger was named for its original location on Dublin’s Aungier Street, but they have recently found a second home in Arnotts department store, and on October 14, 2016, they opened another outlet of the same name on George’s Street. The newest shop is already causing the same kind of hysteria as the first one did when it opened in 2015, with hordes of dedicated doughnut lovers queueing in the rain to try and get their hands on a limited edition flavour, specially created for the opening day. Must-try flavour: Oreo marshmallow"

"The place that put donuts on the map, 'Aungier Danger' is paving the way for Dublin's donut scene. Featuring a huge inventive and mouth-watering selection including banoffee, honey foam and raspberry ripple – these guys know how to impress."

"The new kid on the block – but if the queues out the door during its first week have told us anything, it’s that they are seriously popular. The flavour creations are excellent and the quality is seriously fresh."