Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
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Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
& Ashtown Castle
Programme 2019
Heritage Services Phoenix Park
For further information please contact: Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
Ph: 01-6770095. E-mail: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
www.phoenixpark.ie
@phoenixparkopw
thephoenixpark
Welcome
Through our Phoenix Park Programme 2019, the Office of Public Works wants to provide a broad range of exhibitions/ talks/ walks/
events that are interesting, scientific, educational, fun and above all else family orientated to our visitors. The Visitor Centre complex
has become a major attraction with almost 1.7 million visitors in 2018 with the centre itself attracting over 201,000 visitors last
year. The centre is located on the grounds of Ashtown Demesne and consists of an interpretive centre, exhibition space, walled
garden, playground and an award-winning restaurant. The Victorian Walled Garden now attracts over half a million visitors per year.
The garden is managed and maintained using organic principles and it is hoped that it will inspire and educate both young and old
on the horticultural skill involved in growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in a sustainable manner. Why not visit during the year
and meet the fantastic gardeners who look after the garden?
The Office of Public Works were honoured during 2018 when the Phoenix Park was one of only two parks in
the world to receive a prestigious Gold Award in the Inaugural International Large Urban Parks Awards
Winner of the
International Large organised by World Urban Parks. This award showcases Dublin as a green city with the Park providing many
Urban Parks
Gold Award environmental, health, social and recreational benefits to the people that use it and the surrounding
2018
communities. We hope that our Programme for 2019 continues to highlight the many benefits that the
Phoenix Park offers to our visitors.
I hope you enjoy the programme and maybe see you at some of the events that we have organised.
Kind regards,
Paul McDonnell
Park Superintendent
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
and Ashtown Castle
For further information please contact: Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Phoenix
Ph: 01-6770095
Park is on display in the Visitor Centre. Here, the visitor can enjoy an historical
Web: www.phoenixpark.ie
interpretation of the park from 3,500 B.C. to the present day. There are two
Email: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
audio-visual presentations available; one tells the story of the park through the
or contact the Park Superintendent at
ages while the other interprets the history of Áras an Uachtaráin.
Email: superintendent.park@opw.ie
@phoenixparkopw
Victorian Tea Rooms
thephoenixpark
These world famous Victorian Tea Rooms, situated along picturesque
Chesterfield Avenue, serve a wide variety of organic teas, coffees and delicious food.
FREE ADMISSION Open daily: April to October: 9.30am – 5.30pm; November to March:
Open daily 9.30am – 6.00pm 9.30am – 4.30pm. Open 7 days. Phone. 01-671 9376.
Last admission 45 minutes before
closing time.
Groups visiting the centre must be
booked by telephone. Phoenix Café - Award Winning Restaurant
Free guided tours of Ashtown Castle
are available; enquire at reception. Located within the courtyard of the Visitor Centre, serving delicious freshly
made meals, coffee and snacks.
Open daily 09.30am – 5.00pm (Summer) and 09.30am – 4.00pm (Winter)
Phone: 086-3849075
Heritage Services Phoenix Park.
www.phoenixpark.ie
1
Using Organic
Vision Principles
The produce is appropriate to the
Victorian period and the fruit and
vegetable crops grown are used
for educational and demonstra-
tional purposes. The cultivation
‘‘
in the garden is based on the
Vision of the Phoenix Park
organic principals, the principal
Conservation Management
of care, ecology, fairness and
Plan
health.
The Phoenix Park management
To protect and conserve the
plan encourages the awareness
historic character of the Phoenix
of biodiversity and ecosystems –
Park and its archaeological,
different organisms or living
architectural and natural
things living together and
heritage whilst facilitating
depending on and helping each
visitor access, education and
interpretation, facilitating the
other. They also use the Hierarchy Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden
of Control, which covers Ashtown Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden is located beside our Visitor
sustainable use of the park's
‘‘
prevention, identification, Centre in the heart of the Phoenix Park. It is the perfect place to sit and
resources for recreation and
biological and cultural control.
other appropriate activities, relax, have a quiet stroll or even grow your interest in horticulture. It is a
engaging research, and two and a half acre oasis of herbaceous borders, trained fruit and
maintaining its sense of peace vegetables all cared for by dedicated and enthusiastic gardeners.
and tranquillity.
Come meet with these experts on the first Wednesday of every month inside
Given the international
our garden at 11am (excluding April, May and June) where you will be
significance of the Phoenix
Park, the goal is to realise this
brought on a “walk and talk.” Listen as they convey all their knowledge on
vision at a standard comparable what is growing and flourishing in our garden and they will lend an ear to
to the best in the world. all your gardening queries. Weather permitting.
Walled Gardens open from 10.00am – 4.00pm daily
2
Tree Walk at Ashtown Castle
Arboretum for National Tree
Week 2019
Wednesday 6th March
11.00 am to 12.00 noon
You are invited to join us on an informative Tree Walk around
Ashtown Castle Arboretum, beside the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
The walk will be led by the OPW Tree Officer, Cormac Downey and
will take in just some of the magnificent trees that are to be found at
Ashtown Demesne.
Clubs within the Phoenix Park
Over 2,300 sporting events take place in the Phoenix Park every year, organised by This will give you an appreciation of the arboretum as well as
accredited sporting organisations to train and play matches such as soccer, Gaelic encourage you to explore further the magnificent trees that are not
football, hurling and camogie. There are also many athletic events and activities only in this tree collection but also throughout the Phoenix Park.
including orienteering, cycling races along with astronomy and model airplane flying.
The oldest cricket club in Ireland, Phoenix Cricket Club founded in 1830, has its Outdoor clothing and footwear are
home in the Park as well as the oldest Polo Club in Europe, the All Ireland Polo Club recommended.
which was founded in 1873. Meet at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
at 11.00am sharp.
Booking Essential Ph: 01-6770095
Bike Hire Web: www.phoenixpark.ie
Bike hire is available at Phoenix Park Bikes, located at Email:
the Parkgate Street entrance to the park. Single bikes phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
can be hired from €6 per hour. Tandem, electric and
children’s bikes are also available. Guided park tours, @phoenixparkopw
cycle safety courses and first aid courses can be
arranged. thephoenixpark
Phone: 087 3799946 or email
info@phoenixparkbikes.com
@BikesInThePark
phoenixparkbikes
31
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
2015 – 2020 – Lecture Series
This plan is a call to action. Everyone can help by
becoming a Citizen Scientist
The plan was developed by scientists and bee experts from an All-Ireland
steering group and co-ordinated by the National Biodiversity Data
Centre.
This plan informs people on what they can do to help our pollinators in Bombus lapidaries / Bombóg / Red-tailed bumblebee
Ireland to survive and thrive.
Every month from April to August there will be a presentation
Pollinators are in decline and this requires our immediate attention. given on our wild pollinators in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
Everyone is needed to help stop the number of bees declining and to tell followed by a Bumblebee walk (weather permitting). The
everyone about how important bees are. species seen and recorded on the walk will be sent into the
By protecting our pollinators, we protect our food supply of fruit and National Biodiversity Data Centre. By taking part in the
vegetables so we can have a healthy balanced diet. pollinator plan you can help our pollinators and our
environment.
A Citizen Scientist is someone who voluntarily gives their time to
scientific research in collaboration with professional scientists. Therefore,
you do not need a background in science. Dates: Time:
THE PLAN HAS 5 OBJECTIVES: 28th of April 2.30pm
1: Making Ireland pollinator friendly 26th of May 2.30pm
2: Raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them
3: Managing pollinators – supporting bee-keepers and 30th of June 2.30pm
growers
4: Expanding our knowledge on pollinators and pollination 28th of July 2.30pm
service 25th of August 2.30pm
5: Collecting evidence to track change and measure success
www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/irish-pollinator-initiative/all-ireland-
pollinator-plan/
4
Guided Tours and Walks Áras an Uachtaráin
Opening Hours
Áras an Uachtaráin is open all year round,
Saturdays only.
Location
Tours begin at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Transport
Buses serving the area are numbers 37, 38, 39a,
and 70. The closest stop, at Ashtown
Roundabout, is a 15-minute walk away. Check
the Dublin Bus website for up-to-date
schedules.
Guided Tours
Guided tours on Saturdays only at the
following times:
Summer times (Mid-July to Mid-October):
10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.00pm and
3.15pm.
Winter times (Mid-October to Mid-July):
10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
and 3.30pm.
The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre opens at 9.30am.
Tours take about an hour, and feature the main
Áras an Uachtaráin reception rooms in winter, and the house and
garden in summer. Tour tickets are free, limited,
and issued on a first come, first served basis.
Occasionally, due to State business it is not
At the Residence of the President of Ireland, our past and present heads of state, on behalf of the possible to accommodate public tours.
nation, have welcomed world leaders and foreign dignitaries to Irish shores. In this historic house, No groups or advanced bookings.
we have also honoured many of our own heroes whose achievements have made us proud on the WEB: www.phoenixpark.ie
international stage, and regularly welcome visitors from all over the island of Ireland and EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
overseas. PHONE: 01 6770095
5
Arbour Hill Cemetery
Opening Hours
Arbour Hill is open all year round.
Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
Saturday: 11am – 4pm
Sunday: 9.30am – 4pm
Location
Arbour Hill Cemetery can be accessed
from Arbour Hill, a street that runs
parallel to Wolfe Tone Quay.
Transport
Buses serving the area are numbers
37, 38, and 39. Check the Dublin Bus
website for up-to-date schedules. The
Luas tram red line also passes the
area; get out at the stop for
‘Museum’.
Guided Tours
Arbour Hill tours will commence Friday
Arbour Hill Cemetery 5 April at 11.00am and will continue
every Friday until the end of October.
Tours are weather permitting and
The military cemetery is the burial place of 14 of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. subject to change.
Among those buried, there are Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Major John MacBride. The WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
leaders were executed in Kilmainham Gaol and their bodies were transported to Arbour Hill for EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
burial. PHONE: 01 6770095
The graves are located under a low mound on a terrace of Wicklow granite in what was once the @opwarbourhill
old prison yard. A limestone wall on which the names are inscribed in Irish and English surrounds
the gravesite. On the left of the wall opposite the gravesite is a plaque with the names of others Arbour Hill Cemetery
who were killed in 1916. This cemetery is in the care of the Office of Public Works.
6 Weather permitting and subject to change.
Grangegorman Grangegorman Military
Military Cemetery Cemetery
Grangegorman Military Cemetery situated on Opening Hours
Blackhorse Avenue outside the Phoenix Park Grangegorman Military Cemetery is
is the largest Military Cemetery in Ireland. It open all year round, seven days a
was first opened in 1876 and contains over week, from 10am to 4pm.
eleven hundred burials.
Location
Buried in the cemetery is a Victoria Cross The cemetery is located near the east
winner, the first British Officer casualty of the side of Phoenix Park, near Dublin 7, on
1916 Rising and some of the casualties of Blackhorse Avenue.
the sinking of the R.M.S. Leinster on 10
October 1918, including Thomas Woodgate, Transport
aged fourteen, one of the youngest military The bus that serves the area is
The graveyard is maintained by the Office of Public Works number 37. Check the Dublin Bus
casualties of the First World War. There are and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
several members of the ANZAC forces also website for up to date schedules.
buried in the cemetery. Weather permitting and subject to change. Guided Tours
Guided tours of Grangegorman Military
Cemetery are available on Thursdays at
Thomas “Tommy” Woodgate 11.00am from March to November.
Meet inside the cemetery gates of
Although the vast majority of passengers on the R.M.S. Leinster were adults, Grangegorman or phone 01-6770095
a significant number of children were on board, most of whom were with enquiries. Ceremony of
accompanied by adults. One passenger, who is buried in Grangegorman and Remembrance of the end of the First
who was mistakenly listed as an adult, was Tommy Woodgate. He was a pri- World War on Thursday, 7th of
vate, second class with the 23rd Training Squadron of the Royal Air Force November at 10.45am, tour to
follow. Tours are weather permitting
returning from leave on his way back to England. Tommy was fourteen years
and subject to change.
old.
WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
A native of Callan, Co. Kilkenny, he was inspired by his elder brother, Martin, EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
who fought in and survived the war, to join the Royal Flying Corps, somehow PHONE: 01 6770095
managing to fool the recruitment officers. Tommy is the youngest member of
the RAF to have died in the war, and it is believed, was one of the youngest @opwireland
combatants to be killed by enemy fire in the First World War.
Grangegorman Military Cemetery
Pictured left: Tom Woodgate’s father visits his grave. 7
The Magazine Fort Irish National
The Fort was built in 1734 –1736 to the design of John Corneille, to store gunpowder
and ammunition for British Government Forces. One third of the British Army was War Memorial
stationed in Ireland and was regularly rotated around the Empire. The Fort was raided
on two occasions –Easter Monday 1916 and 23 December 1939.
The Fort is strategically sited on St. Thomas Hill, off the Military Road, close to the
Gardens
Islandbridge Gate. The Irish War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge are
Free guided tours of the Magazine Fort are available on Sundays from April to dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers
September. Tickets are limited and are issued from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on a who died between 1914-1918 in the First World War.
first come, first served basis on the day of the tour. Tours depart the Visitor Centre at The gardens, which reflect a style of simple dignity,
10.00am, 12.00 noon and 2.30pm. In September, tours depart at 10.00am and 12.00 were completed by 1939 and occupy an area of
noon only. No group bookings are available. Tours are weather permitting and subject approximately eight hectares on the southern banks
to change. of the river Liffey.
Sir Edwin Lutyens, a distinguished architect and
landscape designer, designed the War Memorial
Gardens. His work at Islandbridge has generally been
acknowledged as being an outstanding design
capturing the mood of remembrance and reflection.
Queen Elizabeth II and President Mary McAleese laying
Copyright: Derek Byrne wreaths in 2011. OPW.
8Irish National War Memorial Gardens
Opening Hours
The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are
open all year round, except Christmas Day.
Monday – Friday: 8am – dusk.
Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – dusk.
Please contact us for exact closing hours on
any given day.
Location
There are entrances to the gardens from both
Con Colbert Road, and from the Phoenix Park
end of the South Circular Road.
Transport
Buses serving the area are numbers 51, 68
and 69 from Aston Quay. Check the Dublin
On 10th September 1988, fifty years after through a spirit of reconciliation on the Bus website for up to date schedules. Car
they were initially laid out, the gardens Irish men and women who lost their lives parking is available from the South Circular
were formally dedicated and opened to the in the First World War. Road entrance.
public.
Weather permitting and subject to Guided Tours
The book rooms at Islandbridge are located change. The National War Memorial Gardens tour will
at the entrance to the rose garden. There commence on Wednesday 3rd of April 2019
are two pairs of book rooms built from at 2.30pm and will continue every Wednesday
granite, representing the four provinces of until the end of October. Meet at the gate of
Ireland. These rooms contain the Books of the car park. Tours are weather permitting
Remembrance, which were illustrated by the and subject to change.
artist Harry Clarke and are inscribed with
the names of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
died in the First World War. EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
PHONE: 01 6770095
In this decade of centenaries (2013-2023) @opwireland
the War Memorial Gardens has become an
important focus to remember and reflect, Irish National War Memorial Gardens
9Phoenix Park
Honey Show
Phoenix Park Honey Show
5S
AY 1 EPTEM The Phoenix Park Honey Show, in
ND B
U
HONEY
conjunction with The Federation of Irish
S
ER
20
Beekeepers' Association (FIBKA), will
FED ER
SHOW
19
take place at the Phoenix Park Visitor
ATIO N
Centre on Sunday 15th September
OF
2019. There will be a large assortment
Beekeeping for Beginners
IRI
SH
BE NS
EK
EEP
E R S' A S S O C I ATI O of honey and bee-related products on
display. While the honey judging is taking This introductory course will cover the basics of beekeeping in a
place, there will be a variety of interesting lectures syllabus delivered over five Saturdays. Topics will include the life
and guided tours for visitors. cycle of the colony, hive inspections, management of hive and
hive records, types of hive, and hive tools and techniques. Course
participants will learn how to prevent, control and collect
This is a free event for swarms. Finally, the course will cover products of the hive,
all the family to enjoy. harvesting and extraction. This course will also involve practical
See the website demonstrations at live hives in the Phoenix Park.
www.phoenixpark.ie
nearer the date for Beekeeping for Beginners Course will run on Saturdays 23rd and
further information. 30th of March; 6th, 13th and 27th of April; and 4th of May
2019. 10am – 2pm, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
@phoenixparkopw
thephoenixpark For further enquiries, please contact: Liam McGarry
087-2643492 or Mcgarryliam@gmail.com
10Children’s Art Cart 2019
Free Workshops on Sundays
The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre 11.00am-12.30pm. Strictly ages 6-11 years.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. (Workshops are subject to change)
APRIL Theme SEPTEMBER Theme
7th Dale Treadwell 1st Felt Making with Gabi
14th Music with Tanya 22nd Nutritious Niamh
21st Felt Making with Gabi OCTOBER Theme
MAY Theme 6th Visit Pumpkins in the Walled Garden
5th Visit the walled garden 13th Farmer Ann
12th Nutritious Niamh NOVEMBER Theme
JUNE Theme 10th Felt Making with Gabi
16th Butterflies of the Park 24th Music with Tanya
JULY Theme
7th Nutritious Niamh
14th Dale Treadwell
AUGUST Theme
18th Music with Tanya
25th Medieval Life
11Art & Cultural Exhibitions at the Phoenix Park Gallery 2019
JANUARY Architectural Images of Park Buildings
An exhibition covering the architectural achievements of Decimus Burton, Francis Johnston and
Jacob Owen and how they are integrated into the historic landscape of the Phoenix Park, one of
the largest designed landscapes in any European city.
FEBRUARY Seasons in the Park
This exhibition brought to you by the Irish Patchwork Society covers the colours, shapes and built
heritage of the Phoenix Park.
MARCH A Visitor Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park
The Office of Public Works (OPW), under a strategic partnership agreement with Fáilte Ireland and
the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht received funding to develop a Visitor
Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park.
APRIL A Visitor Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park
The Office of Public Works (OPW), under a strategic partnership agreement with Fáilte Ireland and
the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht received funding to develop a Visitor
Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park.
12MAY Artist Exhibition
MARCH/MAY Artist Will Nathans, a classically trained painter working in Ireland and abroad and artist Norman
Artist Exhibition Teeling will exhibit a collection of their work on the Phoenix Park and the War Memorial Gardens at
Islandbridge.
Artist Will Nathans
will exhibit a new JUNE Botanical Water Colours
collection of his work. Yanni Peters & Holly Summerville will have a Botanical Art Exhibition as part of the Bloom Festival.
JULY Irish Astronomical Society
The Irish Astronomical Society exhibition will explore aspects of the night sky while commemorating
the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing.
AUGUST Duke of Wellington
An exhibition on The Duke of Wellington, his influence on Irish history and the construction of the
Wellington Testimonial.
SEPTEMBER Deer in the City
An exhibition on the herd of fallow deer stocked in the Phoenix Park in 1663. Find out about the
management and conservation of the herd in the city.
OCTOBER Grangegorman Military Cemetery Graves
An exhibition on some of those buried in the Cemetery: from the victims of the RMS Leinster
sinking, such as Thomas Woodgate who was one of the youngest Irish servicemen to die in WWI,
to other British Military Personnel who died in active service or after settling in Ireland.
NOVEMBER St. John Ambulance in Ireland during WW1
St. John Ambulance was founded following a public meeting at the Royal Dublin Society in 1880.
DECEMBER
A largely volunteer force that provides training in first aid and emergency medicine. This exhibition
will focus on the untold story of the St John Ambulance Brigade during the World War I.
13Wednesday Walks
April to October 11.00am – 12.30pm 2019
Please meet at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre unless otherwise noted. Weather permitting and subject to change.
April July
10th Spring Flowers 3rd Celtic Tree Trail
A walking tour to discover the many different spring flowers in the environs The Celts believed each tree had its own personality and meaning. Learn
of Ashtown Demesne. about the importance of trees and their various uses throughout history.
24th People’s Garden 24th Monuments of the Phoenix Park
A walking tour with OPW gardeners. Meet at the Parkgate Street entrance A walk featuring a number of monuments in the Phoenix Park,
to the People’s Gardens. (Wheelchair accessible) Phoenix Monument, Papal Cross, and the Wellington Testimonial.
May August
1st The Gate Lodges of the Phoenix Park 21st People's Garden
A walk to the gates lodges of the Phoenix Park capturing the architecture A walking tour with OPW gardeners. Meet at the Parkgate Street
and history of some of these unique lodges some of which were designed by entrance to the People's Garden. (Wheelchair accessible).
Decimus Burton, Francis Johnson and Jacob Owen.
22nd Biodiversity Walk September
On International Biodiversity Day please join us for a walking tour to discover 11th Celtic Tree Trail
the many different aspects of nature in the environs of Ashtown Demesne. The Celts believed each tree had its own personality and meaning. Learn
about the importance of trees and their various uses throughout history.
June
25th Prehistory of the Phoenix Park
19th Wildlife in the Park A walk covering the ancient history of the land that is now the Phoenix Park,
A walk featuring all aspects of wildlife in the Phoenix Park. From the location including a Neolithic burial cist.
of a badger set to the trees of Ashtown Demesne.
14October
9th Walled Garden
Enjoy a walk through the Victorian Walled Garden here at the Visitor Centre
and learn about its history and current utility.
November
7th Remembrance Walk
Ceremony and tour of Grangegorman Military Cemetery. Meet at the
Cemetery on Blackhorse Avenue. Doctors Orders -
A Park Prescription
Some doctors are issuing 'Park Prescriptions' to
Knitters Club encourage their patients to exercise outdoors.
Benefits of being out and active in green spaces
Knitting Club meets at include; reduction of tension and stress, lower
the Visitor Centre every blood pressure, improved immune system
Wednesday at 11am to responses, and milder ADHD symptoms in
1pm. New members Seachtain na Gaeilge children. Regular exercise in a park also
always welcome. reduces obesity, chronic disease and mental
The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre would health issues. As your fitness increases you can
like to encourage our visitors to engage tackle progressively longer distances or aim to
with the Irish language during complete routes in shorter periods of time. Visit
“Seachtain na Gaeilge” the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and collect a route
1st – 17th March 2019. map to help you improve your health as you enjoy
the beautiful surrounds of the Phoenix Park.
15Weekend Lectures & Walks 2019
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
Free Admission. For bookings, please call 01-6770095. Subject to change.
Sunday 28th 2.30pm
January
Pollination Plan
Sunday 20th 3.00pm A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee
The First Dáil found within the park.
Learn about the formation of the First Dáil and the start of the War of Independence in
their Centennial year. May
March Sunday 5th at 2.00pm
Music in the Courtyard
Sunday 31st 3.00pm Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Notable & Veteran Trees in and around the Phoenix Park
Begin National Tree Week with a talk from one of our Tree Officers about our many Sunday 26th 2.30pm
fascinating trees here in the Phoenix Park. Lodges of the Park
A walk and talk covering some of the wonderful Lodges within the Park.
April
Sunday 7th 3.00pm June
Zoological Talk by a Guest Zoologist Sunday 23rd 3.00pm
Learn all about the history of Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park. This interactive talk will take Planning of Events in the Phoenix Park
visitors on the story of Dublin Zoo from when it first opened its doors on 1 September A lecture by Paul McDonnell, Park Superintendent.
1831, to its evolution into a modern conservation organisation. Visitors will get an
opportunity to learn more about our animals by engaging with some of our rare biofacts Sunday 30th 2.30pm
and behind the scenes video footage. Pollination Plan
A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee
Monday 22nd Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm found within the park.
Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
Bringing fairy tales to life!
July
Sunday 28th 2.00pm
Sunday 7th 2.00pm
Music in the Courtyard
Music in the Courtyard
Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
16Sunday 14th 2.30pm September
Butterflies of the Park Sunday 1st 3.00pm
A lecture and a walk looking at the many different species of butterflies found within Defences of Dublin, a Thousand Years of Fortification
the Phoenix Park. Since it was first established in the tenth century, Dublin has been fortified against various
Sunday 28th 2.30pm threats. In response, the government built an impressive array of towers, batteries and forts,
Victorian Walled Garden many of which still remain. The final threat to the city came from the bombers of the German
A walking tour of the Victorian Walled Garden including its history. Air Force in World War 2. This lecture will discuss how each of these threats was met and
what remains of the various fortifications.
Sunday 18th 2.30pm
Trees at Ashtown Demesne Sunday 8th 3.00pm
A talk covering the history and identification of various trees found at Ashtown. An Illustrated History of the Phoenix Park: Landscape and Management
A lecture by Margaret Gormley, Chief Park Superintendent.
August
Sunday 18th 2.30pm
October
Dragonflies of the Park Sunday 27th 3.00pm
A lecture and walk looking at the many different species of dragonflies and damselflies Pumpkin Carving
found within the Phoenix Park. Join in this free family event suitable for all ages. Dale Treadwell will give a fun talk of
Ghosts, Ghouls, and Witches followed by pumpkin carving! Make sure to B.Y.O.
Sunday 25th 2.30pm Pumpkin and dress to impress and there will be prizes for the best costume.
Pollination Plan
A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee Monday 28th Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm
found within the park. Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
Bringing fairy tales to life!
November
Heritage Week
Sunday 10th 3.00pm
St. John Ambulance in Ireland during WW1
St. John Ambulance was founded following a public meeting at the RDS in 1880. This
exhibition will focus on the untold story of the St. John Ambulance Brigade during the
17th to the 25th August first World War.
December
Sunday 15th Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm
Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
Bringing fairy tales to life!
17Code of Conduct for
Dog Owners
Dogs accompanied by responsible owners are
welcome in the Phoenix Park. Please consider
that other park users may not be as fond of
dogs and may find dogs intimidating. Your dog
should be kept in sight and under control at all
times. However, they are not permitted in
Ashtown Walled Garden or the Playgrounds and
must be kept on a lead at all times in certain
areas. Dog waste should be placed in a tightly
sealed bag and taken home or deposited in the
normal bins provided. The full Code of Conduct
for Dog Owners is available to download for free
from www.phoenixpark.ie
Some species in the park – especially ground
nesting birds and deer – are sensitive to distur-
bance by dogs, please pay attention to and
observe the signs to protect our wildlife. At cer-
tain times of the year, deer can become particu-
larly intolerant to intrusion, during rutting
(September-October) or fawning (May-July) for
example. For your own safety and that of your
pet, please observe signage.
Thank you for helping us protect our wildlife and
ensuring the Phoenix Park is a safe and pleasant
environment for all our visitors.
1819
Primary School Modules
The modules can be arranged at a time to suit school requirements, Monday to Wednesday, between 10am – 12noon.
Module 1. Trees - what would we do without them?
Introduction: Identify exotic and native tree species in the arboretum beside the Visitor Centre. Break for 15mins.
Then a 20-minute video on the history of the park, after which the group can look around the visitor centre, which is
self guiding over two floors.
Module 2. Discover the animals that live in the park
Introduction and PowerPoint presentation on deer, squirrels, badgers and much more. Break for 15mins.
Then a 20-minute video on the history of the park, after which the group can look around the visitor centre, which is
self guiding over two floors.
Module 3. Step back in time with our Heritage module
Introduction: Video and self guiding tour of the visitor centre. Break for 15 mins.
Become a king or queen for the day with a visit to Ashtown Castle and find out about what life was like in medieval
times.
Module 4. Biodiversity
Learn about the different habitats that exist in the Phoenix Park and the diversity of species that can be found here.
There are trees, wild flowers, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies and dragonflies all living in the Phoenix Park.
Module 5. Pollinators
Learn about the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and what everyone can do to help our pollinators survive and
thrive in Ireland. By protecting our pollinators, we protect our food supply of fruit and vegetables.
Aglais urticae / Ruán Beag / The Visitor Centre is located just off the Phoenix Monument beside Áras an Uachtaráin on the main
Small Tortoiseshell road of the park.
20SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER
9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
11.00AM – 1.00PM CHOIR
SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER
Welcome to the Phoenix Park Visitor 9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
Centre 2019 Christmas Programme. 2PM – 4.00PM CHOIR
12.00PM - 4.00PM WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE
SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER
There is plenty here for all the family to enjoy. 9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
11.00AM – 1.00PM CHOIR
For further information visit SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER
9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
WWW.phoenixpark.ie or contact 01-6770095 11.00AM – 1.00PM CHOIR
1.30PM & 3.00PM MOON AND SIXPENCE PUPPET THEATRE
12.00PM – 4.00PM WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE
SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER
ALL 9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
EVENTS 11.00AM – 1.00PM CHOIR
ARE FREE SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER
9.30AM – 5.00PM LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
11.00AM – 1.00PM CHOIR
12.00PM – 4.00PM WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE
21Come Fly
with Me
Bird & Biodiversity Events in the
Phoenix Park 2019
Dama dama / Fia buí / Fallow Deer
Corvus monedula / Cág / Jackdaw
22MAY Bat Walk
Monday 6th May at 9.30pm
Join us for a guided walk to seek out one of our most mysterious Irish mammals,
the Bat. Experts will be on hand with bat detectors, to help find bats in the
parklands and woods of the Phoenix Park. This free event is suitable for families.
All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Car Park.
Booking essential, as places are limited, through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre:
Ph: 01-6770095.
JUNE Gardening for Birds and Wildlife
Sunday 16th June at 2.00pm
An illustrated talk followed by a guided walk to view the beautiful walled
gardens of Ashton Demesne in the Phoenix Park, the talk and walk will be full
of tips and advice from BirdWatch Ireland on how to make your garden more
wildlife friendly.
All welcome. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking necessary
through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
JULY Badgers, Bats and Nocturnal Birds
Wednesday 10th July at 9.00pm
A night walk to experience the wildlife of the
Phoenix Park that comes to life after dark.
We will search for tracks and signs of Badgers,
look for various species of Bats and listen for
nocturnal birds such as the Long-eared Owl.
All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Car Park. Booking
necessary through the Phoenix Park Visitor
Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
23AUGUST Bat Walk
Wednesday 7th August at 9.00pm and Wednesday 21st August at 9.00pm
Join us for a guided bat walk to seek out one of our most mysterious Irish
mammals, the Bat. Experts will be on hand with bat detectors, to help find
bats in the parklands and woods of the Phoenix Park. This free event is
suitable for families.
All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre car park.
Booking essential, as places are limited, through the Phoenix Park Visitor
Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
NOVEMBER Winter Bird Walk
Saturday 16th November at 11.00am
A guided bird walk to look for winter bird species in the Phoenix Park. Our
target species on the day will include winter migrant species such as Fieldfare,
Redwing, resident woodland species such as Jay and Treecreeper and a range
of waterbirds on the ponds and lakes. We also provide useful tips and advice
on feeding birds in gardens.
All welcome. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking necessary Troglodytes troglodytes / Dreolín / Wren
through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
DECEMBER Santa’s Little Helpers
Sunday 8th December at 11.00am
A fun family event to learn more about winter birds with a range of activities
for children; making fat balls and bird Christmas cake.
Children’s Event. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking
necessary through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
24Dark sky event with
the Irish Astronomical
Society
A guided bird walk to The Irish Astronomical Society will host an exciting
look for winter bird
species and visit a wide free, family friendly, outdoor event. As Mars will be
range of waterbirds on close to the moon and Saturn will be on view, this
the ponds and lakes will be a wonderful viewing opportunity as there is
no light pollution within the Phoenix Park.
The event will take place on a clear night in
October; meet at the Papal Cross from 7.45pm.
Please call the Visitor Centre at 01-677095 in the
autumn for the exact date.
Anas platyrhynchos / Mallard / Mallard
25Orienteering in the
Phoenix Park
Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines
running with navigation. It is a timed race in which individual
participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select
routes and navigate through diverse terrain and visit control points in
sequence. There are twenty-one Irish Orienteering clubs with
approximately 1,100 members ranging in age from nine to ninety. The
Phoenix Park has a permanent orienteering course which comprises of
three courses. It is located in the vicinity of Ashtown Demense and
you can collect the course map from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
or download for free from www.phoenixpark.ie. The
answer sheet for this course is permanently
displayed at the Visitor Centre.
Please come suitably prepared for the
weather and ground conditions. It is
recommended that sturdy boots are
worn on rough ground.
Log onto Website to print map.
26Fallow Deer in the Menil: In summer ginger-brown, white spots, brown tail stripe, white
rump. In winter grey-brown, spots very faint.
Phoenix Park Antler Shedding (April/May)
In April, the bucks start shedding their antlers, known as casting. This
The Phoenix Park is 1752 acres in size and is home to a herd of circa 450 is when the old antlers fall off. Sometimes Bucks are seen with just
Fallow Deer (Dama dama) which roam freely in the park and have done so one antler, as they often do not lose both at the same time. The new
for over 350 years. antlers start growing in May, and growth is complete by August, ready
then for the rut in autumn. The antlers are covered with a soft
We would ask people to be mindful that the deer are wild animals. The vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the
deer may seem tame and friendly, please remember that the deer are wild growing antler. In August, the blood supply to the antler is cut off and
animals and not to approach them or try to touch them. the velvet dries. The Buck then removes the velvet by rubbing its
antlers against trees.
Deer naturally only eat plant vegetation such as grass (90% of the time),
leaves and seeds such as acorns. We always try to explain this to all our Fawning Season (June/July)
visitors to the park. Sometimes people try to feed the Deer human food, but The fawns are born in June and July each year and they are rarely
if Deer eat human food this will lead to health issues and make them ill. seen for the first few weeks. The Doe hides them to keep them safe.
Do not worry if you find a fawn alone; it is not lost or abandoned.
The Herd They rely on their mother’s milk, so she will hide them in long grass
The male is called the Buck, the female the Doe, and the young are called while she goes grazing. Please do not get too close or try to touch the
Fawns. There are four different types of colours in the park. These are Black, fawn as your scent may cause the mother to reject the fawn. If an
Brown, Common and Menil and the colour varieties are best seen in sum- animal threatens a fawn, the mother stamps her forefeet, snorts and
mer. might try to drive the threatening animal or person away. The fawns
Black: In summer glossy black, black rump, spots very faint. In are colour tagged shortly after birth. A different colour tags is used
winter, dull black. each year so that it is possible to tell the age of each deer.
Brown: In summer rich chestnut brown, brown rump, spots very faint. In
winter, dull black. Rutting Season (October/November)
Common: In summer rich brown, white spots, black tail stripe, white rump. Autumn is mating season, known as rutting, and lasts about five or
In winter dark grey, spots not evident. six weeks. The rut peaks in October and during this time, Bucks can
27be seen sizing each other up, known as parallel walking. If neither
Buck backs down then they will clash antlers until one is exhausted, Top tips for helping to look after the Deer:
gives up, and is chased off. The victor Buck can then mate with the
nearby females. Bucks can be heard at this time making loud grunts The Deer are wild animals even though they look tame.
to attract Does and warn off other Bucks. The best time to see rutting Please do not get too close to the Deer, touch or try to feed
is early morning when it is quiet in the park. We ask that visitors them.
allow the Deer a bit of privacy for this ritual and not get too close. Human food is not good for Deer. Even though Deer will eat
it, human food can make them very ill. They get all their
Cull (December/January/February) nutrition from grass and leaves. They do not need help eating
The Deer are a valuable component of the biodiversity of the Phoenix and can manage just fine by themselves.
Park. However, this must be balanced with an equal recognition of the Keep a look out for signs. Sometimes paths can be closed off
potential for deer to impact adversely on a range of other biodiversity during fawning season or during culls.
values. Sustainable deer management must rely on sound, practical
and applied scientific research. An over-abundant deer population can
result in an increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and increase
the potential role of deer in spreading specific diseases. Deer
management is the integrated management of deer populations in
balance with the carrying capacity and land use objectives.
In Ireland, Deer do not have any natural predators since the last
wolves disappeared in the 17th century. Therefore, artificial
suppression of the deer population is necessary and this is best
accomplished by culls, which take place every year. This keeps the
heard healthy and maintains the deer numbers to around 450 animals
to prevent the herd from getting too large and from over grazing the
park. Each cull is undertaken in consultation with the School of
Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin and a
veterinary expert in deer welfare following a detailed protocol. Fallow deer in the Phoenix Park. Dama dama / Fianna buí / Fallow Deer
28Phoenix Park Fallow Deer
Please never feed the Wild Deer or come within 50 metres of the animals.
Copyright: Alan TimmsWalking Meeting Spots:
■ Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
P ■ Farmleigh House
■ Grangegorman Military Cemetery
www.phoenixpark.ie
■ Peoples Gardens
■ Victorian Walled Garden
A Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
B Áras an Uachtaráin
M C Papal Cross
D The Peoples Gardens
A N E Wellington Testimonial
P F Dublin Zoo
R G Magazine Fort
L H St. Marys Hospital
I Cara Cheshire Home
J Furry Glen
K US Ambassador’s Residence
S L Ordnance Survey Ireland
M Farmleigh House Entrance
N Ratra House
B O War Memorial Garden
P Parking
Q Bike Hire
R Victorian Walled Garden
K S Grangegorman Military Cemetery
P P P
J
C
P
P F
P
P
I
P D
H P E
G Q
P P
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