Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo
Photo by Mike Kauffman
Photo by Nicola Cunningham
Photo by Nicola Cunningham


Dublin Zoo is not the only place in the city that you can take a walk on the wild side but it is probably the most popular. A firm favourite with families, the zoo attracts more than a million visitors every year, and they just keep coming.

It’s easy to see why. Dublin Zoo is located in the delightful grounds that make up Phoenix Park so it is slap bang in the centre of the city. Established in 1831, yet looking more and more modern with every year, the 28-hectare Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. There’s a train to help you cover all that distance, and plenty to see at every stop.

The zoo is home to about 400 animals from 100 different species, and is informatively laid out across eight different types of habitat that range from an Asian jungle to a more familiar family farm.

The zoos ecological credentials date back as far as 1857, when its lion-breeding programme was started. Dublin Zoo prides itself on providing fun with a purpose. It mixes education and conservation with thrills and excitement.

There are restaurants and cafes, shops and activities as well as all those animals, and all the joys of Phoenix Park waiting just outside its gates. Dublin Zoo promises a great day out for the young and the young at heart.

Tours & day trips

See all 282 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 109 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 70 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 15 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 12 activities

Reviews of Dublin Zoo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
65
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
38
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Make sure you study your map and try to see the elephant feeding show at the time stated

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Do not go on a rainy day - Having said that we did enjoy it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Book online to save a little on the entry fee!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Leprechaun museum Temple bar

Popular places to visit


Top Dublin Zoo Hotel Deals

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
easyHotel Dublin City Centre

easyHotel Dublin City Centre

3 out of 5
28 - 31 Benburb Street, Dublin
easyHotel Dublin City Centre
Ashling Hotel Dublin

Ashling Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
10-13 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Dublin
Ashling Hotel Dublin
The Hendrick Smithfield

The Hendrick Smithfield

4 out of 5
Hendrick Street, Dublin
The Hendrick Smithfield
Phoenix Park Hotel

Phoenix Park Hotel

3 out of 5
38-39 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Dublin
Phoenix Park Hotel
Clink i Lár

Clink i Lár

2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
Generator Dublin

Generator Dublin

2 out of 5
Smithfield Square, Smithfield, Dublin, Dublin
Generator Dublin
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

4 out of 5
67-69 Bride Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Leinster
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dublin Zoo

At Dublin Zoo, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including bird watching and engaging with wildlife. The zoo is among Dublin's top attractions and offers exciting packages for a memorable visit. Additionally, there are free activities nearby, making it easy to explore the surrounding area through sports and football. Don't miss out on these experiences during your trip to Dublin.

Shopping

During your visit to Dublin Zoo, enjoy shopping at the nearby Brown Thomas Flagship Store and Jervis Shopping Centre, both within 3.2km. If you're up for a drive, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, located 4.8km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Croke Park, located 3.2km from Dublin Zoo, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Nearby, 3Arena, 4.8km away, provides a vibrant experience with live music events. Lastly, Aviva Stadium, 6.4km distant, delivers an exhilarating sports vibe, ideal for fans seeking thrilling matches.

Adventure

At Clara Lara Fun Park, experience the thrill of zipping through the trees on a zipline ropes course, located 3.2km from Dublin Zoo. For climbing enthusiasts, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, 4.8km away, offers challenging walls. For motorsport fans, Mondello Park, 30.6km away, provides exhilarating racing experiences.

Nightlife

After a day at Dublin Zoo, enjoy a captivating performance at the nearby Olympia Theatre or Gate Theatre, both offering a rich blend of culture and entertainment. For a unique experience, visit the Smock Alley Theatre, where the romantic atmosphere enhances your night out in this vibrant city.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dublin Zoo

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or visiting with family, Dublin Zoo and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions including historic streets, colleges, and cathedrals. Explore the vibrant local points of interest within walking distance from the zoo, making it easy to immerse yourself in Dublin's rich heritage. With options like Dublin Zoo 4 and Dublin Zoo 11, you will find plenty to keep you entertained during your visit.

  • Trinity College: This historic university is home to the magnificent Book of Kells and boasts stunning architecture. The tranquil campus offers a glimpse into Ireland's rich literary heritage, with beautiful gardens and cobbled walkways.
  • O'Connell Street: As Dublin's main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street pulses with city life. It's lined with shops, restaurants, and historical monuments, making it perfect for a bustling stroll while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital.
  • Dublin Castle: A symbol of Dublin's history, this elegant castle features stunning gardens and impressive architecture. It offers a romantic backdrop and cultural insights, with guided tours revealing the stories behind its centuries-old walls.

Best time to go to Dublin Zoo

The best time to visit Dublin Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and July are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy. January and January are its coolest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dublin Zoo

To save money during your visit to Dublin Zoo, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Tuesdays for the best rates. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to maximise savings. Additionally, use Expedia’s price filter to find the best offers and keep an eye out for special deals on hotels near the zoo. Exploring free attractions in Dublin will also enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dublin Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Dublin Zoo about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dublin Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dublin Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel booking for Dublin Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.