Sunny days are few and far between in Ireland, so when they do come along we like to take full advantage. For those of you residing in the Dublin area here are a few ways you can spend those sunny afternoons with the family.
Dublin Zoo:
Every child, no matter what their age, will love a trip to the zoo. Visit the giraffes and zebras and catch a glimpse of the herd of Asian elephants. There are tigers, hippos, bats, lions, rare monkeys, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and red pandas to name but a few of the amazing animals you'll find waiting for you around every corner. Look out for keeper talks and animal feeding times. Wander through the spectacular grounds and enjoy the colours of the seasons. Dublin Zoo's team of expert horticulturalists take great care to ensure that the animals feel at home - at the same time making their visitors feel they have entered another world. Opening times vary depending on the time of year but the zoo is open everyday of the year except Christmas Day and Stephen’s Day.
Phoenix Park:
While Dublin Zoo is one of the main attractions of Phoenix Park, it’s definitely a place worth visiting even if you’re not making a trip to the zoo. At 707 hectares, the park is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. About 30% of the Phoenix Park is covered by trees and a herd of Fallow Deer live in the Park. The Phoenix Park is a sanctuary for many mammals and birds and a wide range of wildlife habitats are to be found in the park. One such area is the Furry Glen, which is managed as a conservation area. Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland is located in the centre of the park adjacent to the United States Ambassador's residence. Many other historic buildings and monuments are located in the Park. There are also gardens, a visitors’ centre and a café making it an ideal destination for a family day out.
Howth:
Howth is a vibrant and beautiful fishing village situated on the scenic Howth Peninsula, situated just 10 miles north of Dublin city centre. The Howth Peninsula with its picturesque harbour and lighthouses, beaches, walks, martello towers and portal tomb has some of the finest scenery in the Dublin area with magnificent panoramas over Dublin Bay and stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains. In the bay is the rocky bird sanctuary and monastic island, to which boat trips may be taken in summer. Cliff paths lead around the coastline, through Howth village and its ruined abbey, and past Baily Lighthouse. It’s the perfect place to take the kids for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Balbriggan Beach:
On a sunny summers day there is nothing better than a trip to the beach. And if you’re looking for a beach to visit in the Dublin area, then Balbriggan is the place to go. Safe, sandy beaches with full life-guard service during the summer months and only two minutes from Balbriggan town centre and train station. There are coastal walks with panoramic views and a large colony of seals inhabit the coastline at Hampton and can regularly be seen around the harbour. So why not pack a picnic and gather the family together for some fun in the sun.
