Phoenix Park, one of the biggest enclosed parks in the world, provides a breath of fresh air amid the urban sprawl of modern Dublin. Phoenix Park, with its 700 hectares, is one of the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. Formal gardens, grass , lakes and mature deciduous trees. It is used by the the Irish people for a wide range of recreational pursuits and sporting activities e.g. motor racing, biking, roller blading. The flower garden is 9 22 acres. Deer are found in the park, a zoo and a visitor centre all in a castle. It’s circumference is 11km and it covers a total area pf 712 hectares / 1,760 acres.

Also known as Dublin’s playground, the Phoenix Park opened in 1747, and it is home to the Irish President and the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, not to mention the many assorted wildlife such as deer and horses. Located 3km west of Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park is beauatifully landscaped, with quiet pedestrian walkways, ornamental gardens, grassland, nature trails, and avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime. Brendan Nolan’s comprehensive guide to Phoenix Park covers its origins and history, buildings and monuments, wildlife, literary associations, local lore, military use, sports, self-guided walks, and its future in an urban environment.
A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Center. Here the visitor can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500 B.C. to the present day and can also view an audio-visual presentation on the Phoenix Park through the ages. Adjoining the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house that probably dates from the 17th century.

The 60-meter obelisk is the Wellington Testimonial, erected by Sir Robert Smirke in 1817 to honour the Dubliner Sir Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852), better known as the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon in Waterloo. The Phoenix Park is under the care and management of the Office of Public Works. They have in the last 10 years taken on a program of tree replanting with over 10000 trees having been planted since the program was started.