While Dublin is a vibrant and busy capital city we are lucky to have some beautiful places to relax and breathe some fresh air without having to leave the city. We have selected what we believed are the five best public parks for you to have a stroll, admire some greenery or enjoy a lovely picnic of Irish food.
Phoenix park
Phoenix Park is our most famous public park in Dublin, and for a good reason: with its 1752 acres it is said to be the largest European park in a capital city. Located on the northside of the Liffey, Phoenix Park is also where you can find the Áras an Uachtaráin; the residence of the President or Ireland. There are many activities to do in Phoenix Park that range from cycling, visiting Dublin Zoo or admiring the herd of fallow deer. One park not to miss for sure.
Stephen’s Green
The most central park in Dublin, St Stephen’s Green is an oasis of greenery right in the middle of the city. This 22 acre park has many lovely pathways, statues and even a Victorian lakeside that visitors can admire all year around. It is a lively place where Dubliners and tourists like to hang around, especially on a glorious Irish sunny day.
St Stephen’s Green Park, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Merrion Square
Merrion Square is perhaps the most elegant park as it is located in Dublin’s beautiful Georgian Square, Merrion Square. It is in this beautiful park you you will find the statue of Oscar Wilde, probably one of the most photographed statues in Dublin. There are many events and festivals happening in Merrion Square especially in summer time.
Iveagh Gardens
Iveagh Gardens is the best kept secret when it comes to public parks in Dublin. It would be easily to miss it as it is located just off Hartcourt Street. Home of the busy food festival Taste of Dublin in June, it is a heaven of peace and quiet the rest of the year. Designed in 1865, Iveagh Gardens has gorgeous fountains, grottos and many other features such as a maze and rosarium.
Iveagh Gardens, Clonmel St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2
Marley Park
Marley Park is the only park from our list that is a bit further away from the city centre. Known amongst Dubliners for hosting concerts in summertime it is a great place if you are looking to get away from the bustle of the city. With its 300 acres, Marley Park has a playground, a golf club, running and walking trails and many more features. Make sure to visit at the weekend when Marley Park farmers market is on.
Marley Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Have you visited any of these parks? Let us know in the comments if there is any other parks that we should include in this list.
