Come and visit and you never know what you might see at Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo is located in the Phoenix Park on the North West of the city. Founded in 1830, the Zoo has remained throughout the years one of the top attractions in the city. It's a bit of a walk from the city centre, so you'd be advised to get a taxi or take either the Number 10 bus from O'Connell Street or the Numbers 25 and 26 from Wellington Quay.
Modern zoos like Dublin's are centres for conservation, not exploitation of animals. While the polar bear would no doubt appreciate a colder climate and all the residents would like more space to roam, Dublin Zoo cares well for its 700 charges. It also helps endangered species to breed.
Spanning 30 acres, the zoo is divided into different sections: the World of Cats, the African Plains, the Fringes of the Arctic, Birds, Reptiles, Plants, the World of Primates and the Farm. The World of Primates is a perennial favourite with the public housing massive gorillas and chimpanzees on the Monkey Islands. It's very difficult to discern a difference in intelligence between the visitors and their hairier cousins, but then that's just part of the fun.
The African Plains have giraffes, zebras and antelope roaming in wide spaces that are the envy of the whole place. The more dangerous predators of these plains are cordoned-off in the World of Cats, where one can glimpse leopards, tigers and lions slinking through the tall grass.
The Birds section houses all sorts of winged beasties ranging from familiar sights to tropical rarities, while the reptile house is a writhing pit of cold-blooded scaly things, if you're into that sort of thing.
There's something for everyone here, so find the animal that looks like your Dad and see if he sees the resemblance...
Opening hours:
Summer time: Mon-Sat 9.30-18.00, Sun 10.30-18.00
Winter time: Mon-Sat 9.30-dusk, Sun 10.30-dusk
Tickets:
Adults: €11 (€8.50 unwaged/students, €7 OAP)
Children under 16: €7 (€5 accompanied by unwaged adult)
Children under 3: free
Family ticket:
2 adults & 2 children €32
2 adults & 3 children €37
2 adults & 4 children €40
Yearly membership:
Members have unlimited free admission to both Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork.
Individual: €65
Family: €100
Website: Dublin Zoo
|
