When thinking of Dublin, you might not necessarily think of animals. Bustling cities and nature usually don’t go hand in hand. However, there are several sights for animal lovers in the city – whether you’re a family looking for some fun or just an adult animal lover looking for variety and something to learn. Here are the best animal-related sights in Dublin and around the city.
Animal-related sights in Dublin
Dublin Zoo
Let’s start with the most obvious one and one of the city’s best-loved attractions: Dublin Zoo, in the heart of Phoenix Park, is home to over 400 animals, including lions, elephants, penguins, and red pandas. It’s actually one of the oldest zoos in the world. Combine the trip with a stroll through Phoenix Park and you might see even more animals.
Wild Deer in Phoenix Park
While you’re in Phoenix Park, keep your eyes peeled for one of Dublin’s most iconic sights – the resident herd of free fallow deer. The animals have already lived in the park for centuries and are allowed to freely roam the area. Most of the time, you can find them in the open meadows on the outskirts of the park.Urban Birdwatching in St. Stephen’s Green & Iveagh Gardens
You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy nature. Just visit some of the city’s parks! St. Stephen’s Green, for example, is home to ducks, swans and moorhens. The nearby Iveagh Gardens offers a peaceful escape with robins, blackbirds and even the occasional sparrowhawk. And no matter where you are or if you actually want to find them, you’ll see pigeons and seagulls everywhere – just take care of your food while sitting or walking outside!
Rainforest Adventure Golf
To be fair, you will not see live animals at Rainforest Adventure Golf in Dundrum. However, this sight is certainly something different, something fun and a beautiful nod to the flora and fauna of the rainforest. The fun mini-golf course for people of all ages is set in a jungle-themed environment complete with animal sounds, tropical plants and fun décor.Animal-related sights around Dublin
Falconry Experiences – Powerscourt & Dublin Falconry
Have you ever dreamed of holding a hawk or an owl? Unique experiences like these can be found at falconry centers a bit outside of Dublin.
Dublin Falconry at Luttrellstown Castle, for example, lets you meet hawks, owls, and falcons up close just as well as Powerscourt Hotel. Here, the experience is reserved for guests of the hotel; however, you might also spot them when just visiting Powerscourt Estate.
DSPCA Animal Rescue & Kids Camps
The DSPCA (Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) runs a large rescue and rehoming centre in Rathfarnham at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. Here, visitors can meet adoptable pets and learn more about the charity’s incredible work. For children, there are also Kids Camps during the school holidays. Here, they can take part in games, crafts and animal-focused education.
Bull Island Nature Reserve
Bull island is a nature Reserve close to Dublin. It lies in Dublin Bay right next to the UNESCO biosphere reserve. That is why it attracts thousands of birds each year. Especially migrating species, like brent geese, curlews and oystercatchers.
Newbridge House & Farm
About half an hour from Dublin, Newbridge House & Farm awaits you for a fun filled day close to your favourite farm animals. The family-friendly traditional working farm is home to cows, goats, pigs, ponies and more. On educational farm tours and the Farmyard Discovery Trail you’ll also get to learn a lot about the animals living on the farm.
Whether you’d like to observe birds, spot the deer in Phoenix Park or just learn more about animals, Dublin has plenty to offer. Choose your favorite animal-related sights in Dublin and enjoy a fun and educational day in or close to the city. Just always have in mind to not disturb the animals when visiting them.
Image Sources:
Title: Photo by Michal Pokorný on Unsplash
Other:
1: Mathew Browne on Unsplash
2: Mathew Browne on Unsplash
3: Clovis Wood on Unsplash
4: Paul Costello on Unsplash
5: David White on Unsplash
6: Paula Prekopova on Unsplash
7: Joseph Kelly on Unsplash
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