Dublin Weekend Break

Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is a short distance outside the main city, but it is well worth the traveling time for families wishing to entertain a mix of ages.

The zoo covers an extended area of over 65 acres and holds somewhere in the region of seven hundred animals. The zoo is divided into numerous zones featuring reptiles, birds, cats, primates and endangered species and has themed areas like the African plains.

There is also a farm area and a zone for animals from the arctic.

In the twenty first century zoos are far from politically correct, but like most other similar organizations, Dublin Zoo plays a role in conservation and may well be the highlight of any child’s visit to the city.

The zoo remains Irelands most visited tourist attraction.

Tourist tips

The zoo opens at 9.30 am except on Sunday when there is a one hour delay to 10.30am. The zoo has three park areas called the “African Plains, the “Animal houses” and the “Grounds” and all close at slightly different times. These time also vary slightly depending upon the month of the year.

The ticket price structure for the zoo is quite complicated and takes into account not just age, but whether the visitor is employed. As a guide an employed adult will pay 14 euros, a child (under 16 years of age) 9.5 euros and a family ticket (for 4) will be 40 euros.