Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s best attractions and truly delivers on all fronts. The grounds are clean and beautifully landscaped, the animals have spacious enclosures that reflect their natural habitats, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Every exhibit—from the African Plains to Zoorassic World—offers something unique. Families especially enjoy the interactive trails, play areas, and educational talks.
The zoo also stands out for its commitment to conservation and education, making it both fun and meaningful. Whether you’re visiting with children, friends, or on your own, you’ll find it an enjoyable and well-rounded experience.
✅ What to Prepare and Bring
To make the most of your visit:
Tickets – Book online in advance to skip queues, especially during weekends or holidays.
Comfortable Shoes – The zoo is large, and you’ll walk a lot.
Weather Gear – Bring a rain jacket or umbrella (Irish weather changes quickly) and sunscreen/hat for sunny days.
Snacks & Water – There are cafés, but carrying a water bottle and light snacks helps, especially for kids.
Packed Lunch (optional) – Picnic areas are available, so bringing your own food can save time and money.
Camera/Phone – Plenty of photo opportunities with animals and themed exhibits.
Stroller (if with young kids) – The zoo is stroller-friendly, but it’s a lot of walking for little ones.
Map/Plan – Check the zoo map online and note feeding times or keeper talks you don’t want to miss.
🐾 Final Tip
Arrive early to enjoy the whole day at a relaxed pace. The zoo is good in all areas, but being prepared makes it...
Read moreRoaring the good times in the heart of Dublin !
I recently spent a sunny afternoon exploring Dublin Zoo, and I was blown away by the incredible experience! As a self-proclaimed animal lover, I was excited to see what the zoo had to offer - and I wasn't disappointed.
Highlights:
Impressive Animal Collection: Dublin Zoo is home to over 400 animals from around the world, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and monkeys and much more . The highlight for me was the Red panda enclave and the snow leopards. Naturalistic Habitats: The zoo's enclosures are designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, making for a more immersive and engaging experience. Family-Friendly: Dublin Zoo is perfect for families, with plenty of interactive exhibits, play areas, and a petting zoo.
Standout Exhibits:
The African Savannah: Get up close and personal with giraffes, rhinos, and lions in this stunning exhibit. The Reptile House: Snakes, lizards, and turtles - oh my! *The red enclave: you just wanna hug those beautiful and cute creatures. 😍
Tips and Insights:
Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and make the most of your day. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so dress accordingly! Bring a Picnic: Enjoy your lunch in the zoo's scenic picnic areas.
Verdict:
Dublin Zoo is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the city. With its incredible animal collection, naturalistic habitats, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's a roaring good time for all ages! And don’t forget to take a small piece of Dublin zoo from the souvenir...
Read moreWe went to the Zoo for the first time in years on the Sunday of the weekend when some unknown singer, Taylor Something? was playing a few quiet gigs in Dublin.
There was more than the usual bustle about the place, with loads of cardigan clad people for some reason wanting to swap bracelets?!?!
The Zoo was gorgeous. It is in beautiful order, clean and spotless, an oasis in the city, and the jewel in the crown that is our Phoenix Park. We are lucky to have such a world class zoo like this in our lovely little country. The animals all seem in top order, and quite content in their surroundings… the African Plains although an enclosure, seem large enough to allow the beautiful creatures therein to roam at will in a space that appears large enough to accommodate them happily.
The big cats are always amazing to see- you really don’t grasp the size of these guys until you are up close to them!
Then, there was Damien*.
Damien was in the zoo at the same time we were, and it would seem that he was everywhere we were, at the same time as we were.
Damien was about 6.
I’m sure he was a lovely kid.
But…
…Damien was like a Tasmanian Devil.
He was a Whirlwind.
“Damien, Damien, DAMIEN, Don’t be bangin’ on the bleedin’ glass, you’ll wake the bleedin’ tigers up…”
“Ah, Jaysus, DAMIEN!!!, Don’t be roarin’ at de Penguins, you’ll frighten de poor hoors…”
“DAMIEN, for Jaysus sake… come down of da bleedin’ fence or de feckin’ giraffes will eat ya….”
I think they left him in the monkey enclosure 😉…
10/10 for zoo-iness.
*names may have been changed to protect...
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