Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. We walked a lot of it! You'll see here a picture of the Wellington Monument and the President's house--blurb below. I had read it was open on Saturday and after walking and walking to reach it--there was a moat around it and closed gates. Good thing it was a nice day! We also had a chance to visit the zoo--a favorite for Laura. It was well laid out, lots of natural habits, and nice views of the animals!

Áras an Uachtaráin

The residence of the President of Ireland (Áras an Uachtaráin) built in 1754 is located in the park. Originally named the Viceregal Lodge where the Lord Lieutenant lived for most of the intervening years until the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.

The Wellington Testimonial was built to commemorate the victories of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Wellington, a member of the Anglo-Irish upper class, also known as the 'Iron Duke', was born in Dublin. Originally planned to be located in Merrion Square, it was built in the Phoenix Park after opposition from the square's residents.

The Testimonial was designed by the architect Sir Robert Smirke and the foundation stone was laid in 1817. However, in 1820 it ran short of its construction costs and therefore remained unfinished until 18 June 1861 when it was opened to the public. There were also plans for a statue of Wellesley on horseback but the shortage of funds ruled that out.

A Dublin legend suggests that a fund-raising dinner was held in the vault under the pillar in 1820, after which the vault was sealed up, leaving the dining tables and chairs behind. Several weeks later it was noticed that a butler had not been seen since the dinner, and it was assumed that he had drunk too much wine and remained unconscious and unnoticed behind a screen while the room was being sealed.

This is Dublin's playground - the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, with a Circumference of 11km (7m) and a total area of 712 hectares (1,760 acres). Situated 3km (2m) west of the city centre. Ornamental gardens, nature trails, and broad expanses of grassland, separated by avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime. Livestock graze peacefully on pasturelands, deer roam the forested areas, and horses romp on polo fields.