Sheathed in acres of rolling green expanses, Phoenix Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe. This massive verdant swathe lies nestled in the west of the city, and is a mixture of wilderness and formal landscape gardens. Dotted with tree-cloaked boulevards, pristine tracts of grassland and open recreational spaces, the park is also home to some monumental, nationally significant edifices, too. The Ashtown Castle calls the park home, in addition to the towering Papal Cross which marks the visit of Pope John Paul II back in 1979, the stately Áras an Uachtaráin, the Wellington Monument which is a soaring tribute to the Duke of Wellington, and the teeming Dublin Zoo, are all nestled in its scenic, idyllic expanse. Among the many recreational activities offered here are Gaelic football, polo and cricket. Also enclosed within its viridescent fabric is a vibrant burst of plant life, while a bird sanctuary and a herd of fallow deer coexist in peaceful harmony. Playing host to an array of events, festivals as well as racing events, Phoenix Park is a massive window into the unbridled natural beauty and strategic finesse of Ireland.
A short bus ride from the city center, the splendid Botanic Gardens and its many floral wonders are a stunning treat to the senses. Accentuated all the more by the glimmering waters of River Tolka, these Irish gardens uphold an assemblage of hundreds of thousands of plants, and a smattering of botanical specimens. In all their floral glory, the gardens are a wonderland for naturalists and botany aficionados, its verdant course dotted by a string of splendid greenhouses, like the impressive, structural and glass-clad Curvilinear Range and the Palm House. The great glasshouses full of exotica were constructed in the mid 19th century and designed by Richard Turner, who was also the man behind the glasshouses at Kew Gardens. The gardens are divided into distinct areas of interest, featuring long herbaceous beds, a rose garden, alpine houses, a vegetable garden, orchid beds, an arboretum, a yew-clad walkway along the river, and a wonderful area exhibiting the various natural habitats of Ireland. Also sheltering willows plunging gracefully over gleaming waters, the National Botanic Gardens are a luxuriant canvas of natural glory and luminescence.
El parque más famoso de Dublín tiene una larga historia. En sus inicios fue tan solo un espacio común, ubicado cerca del hospital de leprosos, y en 1664 la ciudad decidió cercarlo. Sitio de ahorcamientos públicos durante el siglo XVIII, no fue hasta que Lord Ardilaun lo acogió bajo su ala en 1880 que el parque tomó la forma que podemos ver en la actualidad. Las estatuas conmemorativas están por doquier, junto a los canteros floridos, entre los árboles y bordeando el estanque de los patos y sauces. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde y W. B. Yeats son solo algunas de las personalidades celebradas en este parque, mientras que los Three Fates, o "Tres Destinos" en español, de aire petulante, miden los hilos del destino de la humanidad desde su fuente ubicada en la entrada de la calle Leeson. En verano se organizan conciertos gratuitos en la glorieta.
Más de 235 especies de animales y aves salvajes habitan el Zoológico de Dublín, un predio inmenso emplazado dentro del Parque Phoenix. Creado en 1830 y años más tarde ampliado y restaurado, este zoológico es uno de los más antiguos del mundo. Sus más de 12 hectáreas ofrecen diversión para toda la familia, así que prepárense para visitar el rincón de las mascotas y atracciones como la Granja Familiar y los Límites del Ártico. El paseo en tren por el zoológico también es muy divertido y más que bienvenido a la hora de descansar los pies. Si quieren sentarse a comer algo, visiten el restaurante y la cafetería, y recuerden pasar por la tienda de recuerdos antes de salir.
The Hill of Tara, also referred to as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, is a site of great mythical importance and is said to have been the spiritual and political center of Celtic Ireland until the 11th Century. The spread of Christianity diminished the importance of Tara as a religious center, although Daniel O'Connell (the "Liberator") chose this location as the site for a famous political rally in 1843 that was attended by over a million people. The prehistoric monuments on this ridge bear testimony to its antiquity and mysticism. The Stone Of Destiny, also known as Lia Fáil, is one of its most significant landmarks, and holds sacred meaning in Irish mythology owing to its association with the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient supernatural race. The visitor center on-site gives more insight on its history and importance in Irish culture.
The Howth Cliff Walk is among the foremost activities that one can set out to experience in the inviting village of Howth. Beginning at the Howth waterfront, the cliff walk takes you right around Howth Head, where your efforts are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the Dublin Bay. Comprising a fairly easy and mostly flat hike, the cliff walk can be attempted by children too, making it an adventurous family activity. Do begin your sojourn of the hamlet with the enticing Howth Cliff Walk.
Howth Head is just a short distance from Dublin and worth the trip if you're looking to get out into nature. Green hills, harbor views, and restaurants offering fresh seafood are usually what visitors are after. The area is steeped in history, standing as a military outlook for over 1000 years. From Howth Head, you can also see Baily Lighthouse, which was built in 1667.
Balbriggan is a town with much to offer its visitors. This town used to be a fishing village before cotton manufacturing was introduced here. It is known as being the location where King William III and his troupes camped after the Battle of Boyne in 1690. During the Irish war of independence, the town was attacked by the British Blacks and Tans who destroyed several houses in 1920. Balbriggan caters to a wide variety of interests. Visitors who enjoy outdoor activities will be delighted by the towns beaches, fishing harbor and gold club. For the more culturally inclined, there are a number of historic buildings such as the Ardgillan Demesne and Castle.
The Howth Cliff Walk is among the foremost activities that one can set out to experience in the inviting village of Howth. Beginning at the Howth waterfront, the cliff walk takes you right around Howth Head, where your efforts are rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the Dublin Bay. Comprising a fairly easy and mostly flat hike, the cliff walk can be attempted by children too, making it an adventurous family activity. Do begin your sojourn of the hamlet with the enticing Howth Cliff Walk.
Located off the coast of Dublin, Ireland's Eye is a small island that is a popular tourist spot. Rock-climbing is one of the chief sports here. It can easily be reached by boat. The terrain is rocky and the Stack is one of the most important rocks of the island where many birds can be seen. Grey seals can also be spotted lazing in the sun.
Nestled in the Wicklow National Park, Lough Dan is a haven for outdoor-enthusiasts. Hiking, climbing and kayaking are the major sports that are indulged in here. The lush greenery that surrounds the lake serves as a good spot for outdoor activities. Enjoy the cool blue waters and the mesmerizing backdrop of the lake.
The picturesque Lough Tay is found nestled between the tall Wicklow Mountains. Easily reached from the R759, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists who flock here for the fresh country air. Travel to this lake in order to enjoy the tranquility of Nature and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.