Dublin Zoo

a man woman and their two children walking outside dublin zoo

Dublin Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions, located in the heart of Phoenix Park and home to hundreds of animals from around the world.

 

As one of the oldest zoos in Europe, it combines conservation, education, and immersive habitats, including the African Savannah, Kaziranga Forest Trail, and the popular Rainforest House.

 

Visitors can explore a wide range of animal experiences, from elephants and giraffes to penguins and big cats, all within spacious, naturalistic environments. With family-friendly facilities, seasonal events like Wild Lights in the Winter, and easy access from Dublin city centre, Dublin Zoo is a must-visit for all ages.

Below is all the information you need for planning your visit and purchasing your tickets for Dublin Zoo.

 

 

What is Dublin Zoo?

Dublin Zoo is:

  • Ireland’s largest zoo
  • One of the oldest zoos in the world (opened in 1831)
  • Home to 400+ animals across large, natural-style habitats

Key highlights include:

  • African Savannah (giraffes, zebras, rhinos)
  • Kaziranga Forest Trail (Asian elephants)
  • Rainforest House (tropical species)
  • Sea lion cove and penguin enclosure

DoDublin's Insider tips for visiting Dublin Zoo

  • Arrive early when animals are most active
  • Weekdays are quieter than weekends
  • Wear comfortable shoes (the zoo is large)
  • Bring snacks or use on-site cafés
  • Booking Dublin Zoo online is cheaper than at the gate
  • Family tickets and annual passes are available
  • Dublin Zoo is on the outskirts of Dublin city, about 45 minutes walk from O'Connell Street and 40 minutes from Temple Bar, but the DoDublin Hop-on hop-off tour stops right outside!
  • Hours can change seasonally so be sure to double check!
  • Some habitats close earlier (e.g. African Plains)
  • Always useful to bring an umbrella - this is true of any outdoor activity in Dublin 😊

 

Birds at Dublin Zoo

What are Dublin Zoo opening hours?

Typical daily hours:

  • Open: 9:30 AM
  • Last entry: 5:00 PM
  • Closing: 6:00 PM

 

How much are Dublin Zoo tickets?

Purchase your Tickets for Dublin Zoo from dodublin, Current prices are:

  • Adults: €22.40
  • Children (3–15): ~€17.15
  • Students/Seniors: ~€17.65
  • Under 3s: Free

 

What animals can you see at Dublin Zoo?

Visitors are always interested to learn about the key species that are kept at Dublin Zoo which include:

  • Elephants
  • Giraffes
  • Lions
  • Gorillas
  • Penguins
  • Sea lions
  • Red pandas

The zoo is designed around habitats rather than cages, improving both animal welfare and visitor experience.

 

seals performing at belfast zoo, ireland

 

How long do you need at Dublin Zoo?

  • Average visit: 2 to 4 hours
  • Families often spend half a day
  • Larger areas like the African Savannah take longer to explore

 

What are Dublin Zoo feeding times?

Feeding times vary daily but typically include:

🦍 Gorillas - 12:45pm - Gorilla keeper talk (often includes feeding enrichment)

🐧 Penguins - 2:45pm – Humboldt penguin talk / feeding session

🦭 Sea Lions - 2:30pm – Sea lion feeding / training session

🦒 Giraffes - 2:00pm – Giraffe feeding / keeper talk

🐘 Asian Elephants - 12:15pm – Elephant keeper talk (feeding enrichment often included)

🐒 Orangutans / Chimps - 11:45am – 12:30pm – Primate keeper talks (feeding enrichment varies)

 

Important:

Times change depending on animal welfare needs

Best to check on arrival or at info boards

 

Animals relaxing at Dublin Zoo

 

Is Dublin Zoo worth visiting?

Yes — especially for:

  • Families with children
  • Animal lovers
  • First-time visitors to Dublin

 

Where is Dublin Zoo located?

  • Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • Situated inside one of Europe’s largest city parks
  • Around 15–20 minutes from Dublin city centre - 40 minutes walk from Temple Bar

Why Dublin Zoo is so popular:

  • Due to it's large open habitats
  • It's extensive but easy to walk around
  • Located inside Phoenix Park (great for a full day out)
  • It's a place that little kids just love and has been a firm favourite among Dubliners and visitors alike for decades!

 

How do you get to Dublin Zoo?

Transport options:

  • DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Phoenix Park stop is just outside Dublin Zoo
  • Dublin Bus: multiple routes serving Phoenix Park - including the new 99 route, Route 37 and 38
  • Train/Luas: nearest stop is Heuston Station (20 min walk)
  • Car: on-site Dublin Zoo parking available

 

What is Dublin Zoo Wild Lights?

“Wild Lights” is a seasonal event that takes place in November and December each year featuring:

  • Large illuminated displays
  • Evening entry
  • Winter/Christmas theme

It's hugely popluar among Dubliners so well worth a visit if you're visiting Dublin in the Winter.

Wild Lights

 

Nearby landmarks:

  • Heuston Station - One of Dublin's two main train stations, with trains departing for locations throughout the southwest and west of the country
  • Áras an Uachtaráin (Irish for Home of the President) This is where Ireland's President lives. There are free visits to public parts of the Áras; Their free public guided tours are on most Saturdays throughout the year, with time slots typically starting from around 10:15am through to mid-afternoon (about 3:30–4:30pm depending on season) - Tickets are free but issued on the day only, and must be collected first-come, first-served from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre