If you've been quietly dreading the summer holidays and the inevitable chorus of "I'm bored" before the first week is even out, Emerald Park in Co. Meath has just handed you a very solid answer. The park officially opened its brand-new themed land, Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs, last Saturday and it looks genuinely brilliant for families.
Backed by a €3 million investment, Lost Valley transports visitors back millions of years into a fully themed prehistoric world — think towering T-Rexes, swift Velociraptors and baby Triceratops figures measuring up to six metres in length, winding through immersive landscaped environments. It's not just a few fibreglass dinosaurs plonked in a field. The theming, the décor and the whole atmosphere have been built to make you feel properly in a lost world, which is the kind of thing that turns a decent day out into one the kids will talk about for months.
Meet Swing'o'Saurus
The star of the new land is Swing'o'Saurus, a brand-new dinosaur-themed wild swing attraction standing 12 metres tall. It features a double-sided gondola with 16 seats, sending riders soaring and swinging through the prehistoric landscape. It's suitable for the whole family, so whether you've got a fearless eight-year-old or a slightly nervous adult who will absolutely pretend they were fine throughout, there's a seat for everyone.
Lost Valley also builds on the park's already-popular Dino Dash coaster, so if your lot are already fans of that one, they're going to be very pleased with the upgrade to the whole surrounding area.
Little ones meet a triceratops at Lost Valley, Emerald Park.
More than just rides
Beyond the swing ride and the dino figures, Lost Valley has dinosaur-themed food offerings on site and immersive décor throughout, so the whole area feels like its own self-contained world rather than just a new corner bolted onto the park. Charles Coyle, Managing Director of Emerald Park, was at the official ribbon-cutting last Saturday alongside some very excited young guests — and honestly, looking at the photos, the kids' faces say everything.
From late June, families will also be able to take part in daily Dino Meet & Greet experiences, giving children the chance to come face-to-face with their favourite prehistoric creatures up close. If you've got a little one who's absolutely dinosaur-obsessed right now (and statistically, there's a good chance you have), this will be the thing that pushes a visit firmly into "non-negotiable" territory.
Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs opens at Emerald Park.
Getting there
Emerald Park is located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath — handy for Dublin families especially — and Bus Éireann's Route 105, running between Blanchardstown and Drogheda via Ashbourne, offers a straightforward and sustainable way to get there without the palaver of parking. Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs is included with general admission to the park, so there are no hidden extras to worry about.
With 40 rides and attractions and a zoo home to over 250 animals already on offer, Emerald Park has always been one of those days out that actually delivers on the promise. This new €3 million prehistoric land looks like it's raised the bar again.
For more information and to plan your visit, head to EmeraldPark.ie.
