Dublin Zoo: Ticket Prices, Opening Hours and Tips for a Good Day Out

Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, and it sits inside the Phoenix Park, one of the biggest city parks in Europe. That combination means two things.

First, it’s a lovely day out.

Second, it’s further from the gate to the zoo than you think. We’ve written about how the Phoenix Park will trick you into a 12km walk. Children’s legs are shorter. Plan accordingly.

Ticket prices

Book online and you save up to 15% compared with the gate. Official prices, checked November 2026:

There are also reduced tickets for adults and children with additional needs, and a free carer ticket with each of those.

Day ticket or flexi ticket?

A day ticket is for a date you choose and is the cheapest. A flexi ticket costs a little more but can be used once on any day within two months of buying it.

In Ireland, the flexi ticket is the clever one. You can wait for a dry day. It may be a long wait, but you can wait.

Book Dublin Zoo tickets on the official site

Opening hours

The zoo opens at 9:30am every day. Closing time depends on the month:

• January: 9:30am – 4pm
• February: 9:30am – 5pm
• March to September: 9:30am – 6pm
• October: 9:30am – 5:30pm
• November and December: 9:30am – 4pm

Last entry is always an hour before closing, and the African Plains closes 30 minutes before the rest of the zoo. Occasionally the zoo has to close for weather or state occasions.

Wild Lights

In the winter evenings the zoo runs Wild Lights, a trail of giant illuminated lanterns. This year’s runs from 12 November to 5 January. It needs a separate ticket, and it books up, especially in the weeks before Christmas.

What to see

The zoo has more than 400 animals. The highlights most visitors head for:

• The African Plains, with giraffes, rhinos and zebras on open grassland, which is the part that closes early, so go there first in the afternoon.
• The Kaziranga Forest Trail, home to the Asian elephants.
• The gorillas, who have a habit of watching visitors with the expression of a man watching a referee.

Keeper talks run through the day. The times are on the zoo’s website and on boards at the entrance.

Tips

• Get there at opening. The animals are livelier and the paths are emptier.
• Pick up a “Lost Child” wristband at the entrance for small children. The zoo recommends it, and so does every parent who’s ever lost one.
• Bring layers and a rain jacket. Much of the zoo is outdoors.
• Every ticket supports conservation. Dublin Zoo is a conservation charity.

How to get to Dublin Zoo

The zoo is in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, close to the Parkgate Street entrance at the city end of the park.

• Luas: Red Line to Heuston, then about a 15–20 minute walk through the park.
• Bus: several routes run along the quays and North Circular Road to the park gates. Check Transport for Ireland’s journey planner for the current routes.
• Walking from the city centre: about 40 minutes along the quays. Lovely on a dry day.
• Driving: there’s parking in the park near the zoo, but it fills up at weekends and in school holidays.

Make a day of it

The rest of the Phoenix Park is free: deer in the Fifteen Acres, the Wellington Monument, the Papal Cross, and Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s residence. Find more family days out in Dublin with kids.

Dublin Zoo FAQs

How much is Dublin Zoo?

An adult day ticket is €22.50 online or €26.50 at the gate. Children 3–15 are €17 online.

Do I need to book Dublin Zoo in advance?

You can buy at the gate, but booking online guarantees entry and saves up to 15%.

Is Dublin Zoo open all year?

Yes, from 9:30am daily, with closing times varying by month.

Prices and hours checked on the official Dublin Zoo website, November 2026.

More ideas in our guide to things to do in Dublin.