Overview
Dublin Zoo’s Outdoor Safari Trail follows a one-way walking route which allows you to see, hear and learn about the animals.
The one-way route reinforces the social distancing guidelines and ensures that visitors will be able to see most of the animals including the herd of Asian elephants, South American tapirs, chimpanzees, the troop of Western lowland gorillas, Southern white rhinos (including the male rhino calf), zebras, California sea lions, the colony of Humboldt penguins (including the two new-born chicks), ring-tailed lemurs, red-ruffed lemurs, snow leopards, Sulawesi crested macaques, orangutans, Siamang gibbons and Asian lions.
Along the way, there will be hand sanitiser stations and signage to outline the new one-way route and to support the physical distancing, hand-hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette.
Note: Children and visitors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times and teenagers may be required to show ID.
We will rely on the personal and parental responsibility of visitors to adhere to the guidelines which have been put in place.
All tickets MUST be pre-booked in advance online. Tickets will not be sold at the gates.
For Annual Pass updates, please click here.
Visitor, staff and animal safety is paramount at Dublin Zoo. We ask that you adhere to the Governmental health and safety directives.
Outdoor Safari Trail Times
Open every day (Monday – Sunday)
Two opening sessions:
9.30am – 1.00pm
2.00pm – 5.30pm
Please Note:
Last entry time is two hours before the end of your booked slot.
Morning slot (9.30am – 1pm)
Last entry 11am
Afternoon slot (2pm – 5.30pm)
Last entry 3.30pm
The African Plains will close half an hour before the end of your booked slot.
Annual Pass Holders
Annual Pass Holders will not be charged. Please ensure that you insert the short code from your Annual Pass card into the promo box and the price will be removed at the checkout. Click here for more info on where to find your promo code.
To ensure strict social distancing and new public health guidelines can always be adhered to at Dublin Zoo, including select restaurants, baby feeding rooms, internal animal houses and enclosed habitat viewing areas, and playgrounds will be closed to the public until further notice. There are toilets available along the trail which are cleaned regularly.
The following food and beverage outlets are available along the trail for takeaway service: Picnic Bench, Nakuru, Lion Hut & Sea Lion Cove. Check out their menus here.
*Cashless payments are advised.
Please note that the Meerkat and Kiosk are closed until further notice.
Contact us
Dublin Zoo telephone lines will be manned from 9.00am -5.00pm on Monday – Friday.
If your query relates to tickets you have already booked for the Outdoor Safari Trail please email tickets@dublinzoo.ie
If your query relates to an existing or a new annual pass please email annualpass@dublinzoo.ie
If you have a general query please email info@dublinzoo.ie or call us on (01) 474 8900
We are experiencing a large volume of enquiries but we will come back to you as soon as we can and we thank you for your patience.
Know before you go
Here’s what to expect and how to have the best experience when you visit.
- Don’t forget to pre-book your ticket online here.
- Annual Pass Holders must also pre-book their tickets (free of charge) here.
- Children under 3 go free, but you still need to add their tickets to your online booking.
- Select which time slot you would like to visit Dublin Zoo. We we ask that you arrive as close to your time slot as possible.
- Tickets are limited so you won’t be able to change your chosen time slot.
- Remember to arrive on time for your slot – we don’t want to miss you!
- There is parking available at The Lord’s Walk car park, North Road, Civil Service Cricket Club and Phoenix Cricket Ground off Chesterfield Avenue.
- Entry to Dublin Zoo is through the Annual Pass gate (to the right of the main entrance).
- The Outdoor Safari Trail is a new one-way route – simply follow our signs and just remember you won’t be able to turn back the way you came.
- Remember to look out for each other by keeping two meters from your fellow visitors and by following government and HSE guidelines.
- We will rely on the personal and parental responsibility of visitors to adhere to the guidelines which have been put in place.
- If you or anyone from your party has a temperature or is feeling unwell, please choose not to visit Dublin Zoo.
- None of our indoor areas will be open but there will be select toilets available along the trail.
- Please remember to eat before you arrive and bring plenty of liquids as our water stations have been decommissioned.
- The following food and beverage outlets are available along the trail for takeaway service: Picnic Bench, Nakuru, Lion Hut & Sea Lion Cove.
Check out their menus here.
*Cashless payments are advised. - Please also note that there will be extremely limited picnic tables along the trail.
- The sun might be out – so don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
We’re looking forward to seeing you – stay safe and don’t forget to enjoy your visit to Dublin Zoo!
General FAQs
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What date will Dublin Zoo be reopening?
Dublin Zoo are delighted to announce we will reopen to the public on June 2nd in a reduced capacity and under new strict health and safety protocols.
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How do I book tickets?
Tickets to attend Dublin Zoo’s Outdoor Safari Trail must be pre-booked online in advance and will be divided into various daily slots. Tickets can be purchased here for general sale and here for Annual Pass Holders.
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What is different about my visit than before?
Tickets to attend Dublin Zoo must now be pre-booked online in advance and will be divided into various daily slots. Please note this time slot is a guide but we ask that you arrive as close to your time slot as possible.
Visitors will travel through Dublin Zoo by following a new outdoor, one-way walking route which reinforces strict social distancing. Entry will be through the Annual Pass entrance.
Internal animal houses and enclosed habitat viewing areas, and playgrounds will be closed to the public until further notice. Visitors will not be able to see the Amur tigers, the wolves and the red pandas. Public feeding sessions and educational tours and classes will also not take place during this time.
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Can I buy tickets at the gate when I get there?
No, tickets will not be sold at the gate. Tickets must be pre-booked online and email confirmation received in advance of your visit. Visitors without a pre-booked online ticket will be refused entry.
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I’m an annual pass holder, do I still have to pre-book my ticket?
Yes, all visitors must pre-book their tickets online ahead of their visit. Annual pass holders will not be charged and can pre-book tickets here.
Visitors without a pre-booked online ticket will be refused entry.
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Do I need to print my ticket for entry?
No, we don’t require tickets to be printed. E-tickets can be scanned on any mobile device.
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What are the time slots that will be available?
Admission to Dublin Zoo will be through pre-booked online tickets for either a morning session from 9.30 -1.00pm or an afternoon session from 2.00pm-5.30pm Monday-Sunday.
Last entry is strictly 11am for the morning slot and 3.30pm for the evening slot.
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Who is the event suitable for?
The event is suitable for all ages, families, couples and small groups alike. This event is wheelchair and buggy accessible.
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What can I do to ensure the health and safety of others at Dublin Zoo?
Wash your hands often, using soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Help us promote social distancing by remaining at least two meters away from others who are not part of your party and not to shake hands or hug. If you must cough or sneeze, please do so into your elbow, not into your hand or into the air.
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I’m feeling unwell, should I still visit Dublin Zoo?
If you or a member of your party has a temperature or is feeling unwell, please choose not to visit Dublin Zoo.
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How large can my group/party be?
We would ask that only small groups of four or less attend in line with current Government and HSE guidelines and public health recommendations
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Where can I park?
There is parking available at The Lord’s Walk car park, North Road, Civil Service Cricket Club and Phoenix Cricket Ground off Chesterfield Avenue.
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Will I get a chance to see all of the animals at Dublin Zoo?
Internal animal houses and enclosed habitat viewing areas and playgrounds will be closed to the public until further notice. Visitors will not be able to see the Amur tigers, the wolves, the meerkats, the hippos or the red pandas. Public feeding sessions and educational tours and classes will also not take place during this time.
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Will I still be able to visit in bad weather?
The event will still go ahead unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe for our visitors, staff and animals, in which the event will be cancelled. Please see our cancellation policy below.
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I have luggage, where can I leave it?
Dublin Zoo will not have facilities available to store any visitor’s belongings.
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Are there cash machines on site?
The cash machine will not be accessible during this time.
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Will the restaurant, cafes and shop be open?
The following food and beverage outlets will be available for takeaway service only: Picnic Bench, Nakuru, Lion Hut, Sea Lion Cove. Check out their menus here.
The gift shops are open with new safety measures to ensure strict social distancing measures can always be adhered to at Dublin Zoo.
*Cashless payments are advised.
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How will the animals react to visitors coming back in after two months?
Our keeper staff are some of the best in the world and the routines they have created for the animals keep them well stimulated, even whilst the gates have been closed to the public. Whilst the animal’s routines have not changed much in the last few months, thanks to the hard work of the team, they have certainly noticed the that there have been less people around and the return of the public will provide positive stimulation.
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Will the toilet facilities be open?
Yes there will be select toilets available along the trail. These will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Please remember this is a one way system so if you miss the toilet stop on your route you must carry on until you find the next toilet facility.
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Will drinking water stations be available?
Due to health and safety reasons none of our water stations will be available for use. There are select food and beverage outlets doing take away service only: Picnic Bench, Nakuru, Lion Hut and Sea Lion Cove. Check out their menus here.
*Cashless payments are advised.
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Can I buy food, snacks, drinks at Dublin Zoo?
There are select food and beverage outlets doing take away service only: Picnic Bench, Nakuru, Lion Hut and Sea Lion Cove. Check out their menus here. Please note that none of our water stations/vending machines will be available for use.
*Cashless payments are advised.
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Will the playgrounds be open?
No, playgrounds, internal animal houses and enclosed habitat viewing areas will be closed to the public until further notice. Educational tours and classes will also not take place during this time.
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If I bring food will there be an area available where I can eat it?
There will be a very limited number of picnic tables available, placed 2 meters apart, which will be cleaned after usage. However, we would strongly encourage visitors to eat at home before they visit Dublin Zoo in order to limit contact with public areas in line with Government and HSE directives.
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How can I support Dublin Zoo during this time?
Dublin Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation and we do not receive any government funding. We rely on gate receipts, memberships, and sponsorships to fund the park and our various conservation projects. If you would like to help us during this time, here’s how: Donate now
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Will visitors be required to wear face masks?
Dublin Zoo is following HSA guidelines on masks. Therefore, there is no pre-requisite that visitors wear one.
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How can I get in contact with the Dublin Zoo team?
If you need to get in touch with the Dublin Zoo team please email your query along with your contact details and booking reference to info@dublinzoo.ie or call us on (01) 474 8900.
Please have a read of our FAQs section before getting in touch in case we have already answered your question!
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Security Arrangements for Entry
Management reserves the right to refuse admission and to eject any persons not adhering to health and safety procedures which includes interfering with signage or gaining access to any non-public, off-limit areas within the Zoo. Please note and adhere to all public signage and staff instructions while in the Zoo.
Ticket FAQs
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What date are tickets on sale?
Tickets will be available from 2pm on June 1st.
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How do I buy tickets?
Tickets to attend Dublin Zoo must now be pre-booked online in advance and will be divided into various time slots. Please note these time slots are a guide but we ask that you arrive as close to your time slot as possible.
Tickets go on sale at 2pm on June 1st and can be purchased here for general sale and here for annual pass holders.
Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
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How long will my ticket be valid for?
Tickets are date specific. Tickets are valid for the chosen date of booking ONLY. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
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What is the entrance cost?
Annual Pass Holders: Free of charge
Adults: €17.75
Child: €13.05
Under 3s: €0 (a ticket is still required that must be added to online purchase free of charge)
Student: €13.50
OAP: €13.50Special Needs
Adult: €10.25
Child: €6.75 -
Do children under 3 go free?
Yes, children aged under 3 go free to the Outdoor Safari Trail but they must have a valid ticket to enter which can be added to your purchase free of charge.
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I am unable to book my desired timeslot, what can I do?
In order for Dublin Zoo to manage numbers in line with Health and government direction, there will limited tickets available per time slot. If you are unable to book the slot and a message states registration is closed, this slot is full, please choose an alternative time or date to book.
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Is there a number I can ring to book a timeslot?
We can only facilitate online bookings at the moment.
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I accidentally booked for the incorrect amount of people, is it okay to bring an extra person?
In order for Dublin Zoo to manage numbers in line with Health and government direction we cannot accommodate extra visitors to your online pre-booked party.
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Can I change the date or time of my ticket or cancel my booking?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable There is no option to change the date or time of your ticket once purchased.
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I have an annual pass but there is a price coming up for my booked timeslot.
Annual Pass Holders will not be charged. Please ensure that you insert the short code from your Annual Pass card into the promo box and the price will be removed at the checkout. Click here for more info on where to find your promo code.
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I would like to make a corporate booking or a booking for a large group, how do I book?
We’re sorry but we cannot accommodate corporate or large group bookings at this time.
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Students/Senior Citizens
Students and Senior Citizens can attend the event at a discounted rate. They must bring a valid ID when presenting their ticket at the event.
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Visitors with Additional Needs
There are no concession tickets available for visitors with additional needs aside from the entry of a free carer, a standard child or adult ticket must be purchased.
Visitors with additional needs may admit one accompanying carer free of charge when attending Dublin Zoo. Free of charge carer tickets are required for entry and can be acquired by adding them to your online booking.
Please bring relevant ID and documentation, such as an IAA Autism ID card, or an associated membership card which confirms the visitor is unable to visit Dublin Zoo independently without the aid of a carer or mobility aid.
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Can I change the date or time of my ticket or cancel my booking?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable There is no option to change the date or time of your ticket once purchased.
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How far in advance do I need to book?
Tickets go on sale at 2pm from June 1st and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment.
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I don't have my ticket confirmation, what should I do?
You should have received an email from Dublin Zoo after booking with your ticket information, however, due to high volumes of site traffic on certain dates, this is sometimes delayed. If you have not received this, have a look in your junk/spam email folder. If you are still having difficulties, email info@dublinzoo.ie with your booking reference, the date you booked, the name and email address you used to book and a contact telephone number, and we will be happy to help.
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Will Dublin Zoo Annual Pass holders have to pre-book a ticket and will they be charged?
Annual Pass Holders will not be charged. Please ensure that you insert the short code from your Annual Pass card into the promo box and the price will be removed at the checkout. Click here for more info on where to find your promo code.
Visitors without a pre-booked online ticket will be denied entry.
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What do I need to avail of the Annual Pass holder's discount?
A valid annual pass is required to avail of the annual pass discount. You will be required to enter your unique annual pass number when booking online. A valid annual pass matching the name on the Outdoor Safari Trail ticket will also need to be presented on arrival at the Dublin Zoo entrance for the event. Normal annual pass T&C’s apply.
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Will Fota Wildlife Park Annual Pass holders be charged entry?
Fota Wildlife Annual pass holders will not be charged but must pre-book tickets here. Visitors without a pre-booked online ticket will be denied entry.
Outdoor Safari Trail Map
Outdoor Safari Trail Video
Directions and Parking
All gates to the Phoenix Park, except the Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances, remain shut, and parking is only permitted in the designated car parks.
There is parking available at The Lord’s Walk car park, North Road, Civil Service Cricket Club and Phoenix Cricket Ground off Chesterfield Avenue
Cancellation policy
What is Dublin Zoo’s ticket cancellation policy for Outdoor Safari Trail?
Dublin Zoo does not offer refunds for Outdoor Safari Trail tickets apart from in the event of a venue closure actioned by Dublin Zoo.
In the event of a cancellation of the Outdoor Safari Trail, attendees will be notified at the earliest convenience by email to the email address used to book the tickets. It is the responsibility of the attendees to check their emails before departing for the event to check for any updates, and to make sure email addresses are correctly entered when booking tickets.
In the event of a cancellation, attendees will be given a full refund which they will receive within 15 working days of the cancelled event.
Dublin Zoo accepts no responsibility for a customer’s inability to attend Outdoor Safari Trail due to any external factor including but not exclusive to traffic restrictions, illness, weather conditions etc.
Dublin Zoo reserves the right to change or update event timings and content up to and on the day of the event.
What happens if my event is cancelled?
Dublin Zoo reserves the right to cancel any of the Outdoor Safari Trail days for any reason deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of our visitors, staff and animals including unsafe weather conditions.
In the event of a cancellation of the Outdoor Safari Trail, attendees will be notified at the earliest convenience by email to the email address used to book the tickets. It is the responsibility of the attendees to check their emails before departing for the event to check for any updates, and to make sure email addresses are correctly entered when booking tickets.
In the event of a cancellation, attendees will be given a full refund which they will receive within 15 working days maximum of the cancelled event.
Accessibility
Is this event accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
Yes, the route has been designed so that wheelchairs and buggies can get around as easily as possible.
Ticket T&Cs
Third party sales of Dublin Zoo entry tickets is prohibited.
Issue of etickets
When your booking has been confirmed your tickets will be dispatched via email to the email you specified on booking.
It is your responsibility to check prior to your purchase that the info you have supplied to us in respect of your eticket requirements is accurate.
Dublin Zoo is only responsible for issuing etickets in accordance with the information you provide.
Ticket Purchase and Validity
Once purchased the date for which the eticket has been purchased cannot be changed.
Payments for e-tickets are non-refundable.
E-tickets bought are only valid for the date and session booked.
On arrival the following will be required in order to validate an eticket purchased through the Dublin Zoo website:
- Appropriate proof of entitlement to any discounted ticket i.e. valid annual pass card
- A legible version of your eticket which will be scanned on entry (email or printed)
- Dublin Zoo reserves the right to charge the normal event rate to anyone not able to validate their eticket in the above manner.
- For concessions/special needs tickets, relevant ID and documentation, such as an IAA Autism ID card, or an associated membership card, GP letter or hospital consultant letter which confirms the visitor is unable to visit Dublin Zoo independently without the aid of a carer or mobility aid needs to be presented at the entrance gate.
Definition of Classes
An Adult is a person aged from 16 years old
A Child is a person aged from 0 years old to 15 years old. Children will not be permitted entry without an adult.
Cancellation Policy
Unfortunately we cannot issue refunds for cancellations.
Resale
Third party sales of Dublin Zoo entry tickets is prohibited.
No eticket may be resold without written consent of Dublin Zoo. If any persons attempts to enter Dublin Zoo with an eticket that has been resold without Dublin Zoo’s written consent, Dublin Zoo may refuse entry and no compensation is payable to that person by Dublin Zoo.
Attraction Rules
It is prohibited to take any of the following into Dublin Zoo:
- Any weapons, fireworks, smoke bombs, glass bottles, blades, flammable liquids, portable BBQ’s or other articles that cause injury.
- Skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, bikes, scooters and other forms of personal transport.
- Balls, frisbees, balloons or other similar items.
- Pets or other animals of any nature.
Outdoor Safari Trail Reviews
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