The Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe.

It was originally formed as a royal hunting Park in the 1660s and opened to the public in 1747. A large herd of fallow deer still remain to this day. The Park is also home to the Zoological Gardens, Áras an Uachtaráin, and Victorian flower gardens. The Phoenix Park is only a mile and a half from O’Connell Street. Both passive and active recreational pursuits may be viewed or pursued such as walking, running, polo, cricket, hurling, and many more. The Glen Pond is set in very scenic surrounds in the Furry Glen. There are many walks and cycle trails available to the public.

The Phoenix Park is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, all year round. The main gates of the Park at Parkgate Street and Castleknock Gate are open 24 hours. The side gates to the Park are open from approximately 7.00am until approximately 10.45pm.  Please refer to the information below under the heading ‘Current Road and Gate Closures’ for any updates to these opening times.

An evocation in pictures and music of a summer’s day in the Phoenix Park Dublin.

‘Pieces of Land’ visits the Phoenix Park in Dublin to explore the 1,750 acres walled city park, its buildings, sporting activities, wildlife and the people who spend their leisure time enjoying its amenities.

While there is no commentary in the programme, it does contain scenes from around the park from the dog pond and the Furry Glen to the zoo and is accompanied by music composed by Jim Doherty.

This episode of ‘Pieces of Land: Summer in the Park’ was broadcast on 28 June 1976.

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