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Phoenix Park
Sometimes in the race to catch up with one-off festivals it’s easy to forget about some of the best year-round attractions.
At this time of the year the Phoenix Park is buzzing. The park comes to life as early as 10am at the weekends when people start to arrive in their throngs.
Joggers pound the pavements while streams of families, many with buggies, head in the direction of Dublin’s Zoo.
A picnic is the best option for a family, but the tea rooms beside the zoo are a treat.
A good place to start is at the visitors’ centre at the Ashdown Gate. Inside there’s an exhibition on the history and wildlife of the park and outside there’s the restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower, and a well-equipped children’s playground. Everyone should take the opportunity to visit Áras an Uachtaráin and tickets for free tours on Saturdays can be picked up in the visitors’ centre.
Gardeners should drop into the Victorian Kitchen Garden to see what’s growing and pick up some tips.
A great way to see the park is to rent a bike (rental includes a range of child seats) at the Parkgate Street entrance. There are now cycle lanes in the park. See phoenixparkbikehire.com.