Dublin’s Best Parks

There are many reasons to visit Dublin, and while many attractions and activities are situated indoors, there are plenty of outdoor parks to see and activities to do! So whether you’re looking for something different to do, want a breath of fresh air, or you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, Dublin’s got something for everyone. 

Pro-tip: Depending on what you plan to do, make sure to bring the proper equipment (camera, shoes, water bottle, etc.)

Phoenix Park

Dublin Phoenix park

Just 5 km from Dublin’s urban center and 1.5 miles from O’Connell street, sits one of the largest city parks in Europe. Composed of 707 hectares (1,750 acres) Phoenix park impressively manages to maintain a simultaneously charming yet grand feel. Open 24/7 all year round, there’s no excuse not see what is accurately dubbed Dublin’s outdoor ‘lung’. Walking, running, or biking, any visitor will appreciate the flora, fauna, meadows, ponds, forests, and lakes of the park’s grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. That said, people aren’t the only ones to enjoy this park’s wildlife. The park’s biodiversity serves its own ecosystem of inhabitants. With over 600 deer alone, phoenix park is a great place for nature and animal enthusiasts alike.

Make sure to check out the website for more information regarding events, venues, tours, and pertinent updates. Note: Feeding deer is prohibited. 

(Include Park Map)

Great For: 

  • Team sports
  • Exercise
  • Picnics
  • Nature/wildlife photography
  • Family activities

Notable features:  

  • Wildlife
  • Several historical monuments 
  • Magazine Fort
  • Polo club
  • Dublin zoo
  • Restaurants and cafés

St. Anne’s Park

St. Annes Park, Dublin

The former estate of the Guinness family, st Anne’s park sits on 112 hectares of outdoor public parkland. And while much of this outdoor park is dedicated to casual tranquility, it is also the hub for the local community. On one hand, the park is a natural romantic oasis with follies and sculptures between trees, gardens and ponds. On the other hand, there are many areas that cater to locals of all ages and backgrounds. There is an outdoor playground for kids, dog park, tennis courts and several pitches, and casual eateries. All that said, one of the most notable features is the weekly farmers market, where local vendors and consumers take pride in home-grown food.

Great For: 

  • Dates
  • Picnics
  • Sports
  • Exercise
  • Nature/wildlife photography
  • Family activities

Notable features:  

  • Gardens and follies
  •  St. Anne’s Farm & Ecology centre
  • Dog park
  • Playground
  • Pitches
  • Tennis courts
  • Restaurants & Cafés
  • Weekly Farmers Market

North Bull Island

North Bull Island, Dublin

Just off the coast of Dublin Bay is a sandy spit: North Bull island. Five kilometers in length and one kilometer wide, this outdoor park consolidates Dublin’s reputation as city by the sea. Known for its sandy beach, Dollymount Strand, this island lies flat along the water with sand dunes, grass lands, tidal lagoons, mudflats and salt marshes. And while this sandy island was largely created by anthropogenic activity, it is nonetheless appreciated by locals, visitors, and local ecosystem alike. In fact, depending on the time of year, the island caters to 8,000 wild fowl and 26,000 waders, 180 different bird species and 300 different plant species. Given its natural role as an oasis, the island has become a designated national bird sanctuary (the first in Ireland) and an official UNESCO biosphere reserve. Whether you visit at dawn, dusk or anytime in between, you’re bound to have a memorable experience. 

Pro-tip: You can easily walk to and from the island and St. Anne’s Park, or cross the wooden bridge to Clontarf Promenade!

Great For: 

  • Walking
  • Dog walking
  • Birdwatching
  • Photography
  • Kite Surfing 

Notable features:  

  • Sand dunes
  • Grass lands 
  • Tidal lagoons
  • Mudflats
  • Salt marshes
  • Wooden Bridge

Clontarf Promenade

Clontarf Promenade in Dublin

Looking for an easily accessible place to run or bike along the coast? Check out the Clontarf Promenade! A narrow park stretching 3 km on the coast of Dublin Bay, this park is great for any exercise – it even includes an outdoor gym! And if its ‘rest day’ take a scroll, have a picnic and enjoy the sunset over the bay. 

Great For: 

  • Walking
  • Dog walking
  • Biking
  • Exercise
  • Picnics
  • Dates
  • Photography

Notable features:

  • Coastal 
  • Outdoor gym
  • Paved path

National Botanical Gardens

Dublin Botanical Gardens

Outdoor parks are great, but a deep dive into plants is priceless. Literally, free every day. So if you’re a plant enthusiast or want to learn something new, we recommend Dublin’s botanical garden. Since 1795, this institution has collected, conserved, studied, and displayed plant species from all over the world – all of which are specially encased in a series of beautifully maintained vintage glasshouses. In fact, the National Botanical Garden boasts over 15,000, approximately 600 of which are endangered, and 6 of which are extinct in nature. In that regard, it is important to note that this institution does not merely cater to visitors, but the plants themselves. So if you plan to visit, it is best to treat the gardens with respect as a research facility (see the website for etiquette and rules). 

Great For: 

  • Learning 
  • Photography 
  • Dates 
  • walks

Notable features: 

  • The Curvilinear Range
  • The Victoria Waterlily House
  • The Orchid House
  • The Great Palm House
  • The Cactus & Succulent House
  • The Alpine House
  • The Teak House

Howth

Howth Head

Off the beaten path of Dublin’s outermost city limits is a peninsula extending into the sea, Howth. Here you’ll find a small village of locals with a charming countryside feel and cliffs adorned with grasses and wildflowers towering over hidden beaches and harbors. However, these beaches, harbors and rocky shores aren’t just cliff diving and fishing, they’re also home to an array of local mammals. In particular, there is a plethora of resident seals. There is also a plethora of restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, a garden and medieval castle (Howth castle) And as if that’s not enough,  we also recommend checking out ‘Ireland’s eye’, a largely uninhabited island off the coast of Howth. 

Looking for the highest peak in Howth? Check out the Black Linn!

Great For: 

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Dog walking
  • Photography
  • Picnics
  • Cliff Diving

Notable features: 

  • Cliffs
  • Restaurants & Cafés
  • Wildflowers
  • Sea mammals
  • Beaches
  • Bailey Lighthouse

For more information on each of Dublin’s outdoor Parks, 

check out Dublin’s City Parks Website!