Parking and traffic in Phoenix Park

Usually we would go to the zoo maybe every 2nd month if the weather is good. Then spend the rest of the day getting ice creams or having picnics in phoenix park. Havent been since covid started though.

We were supposed to go to the zoo a few weeks ago. Booked it online and got the tickets. Its about a 25km drive there from where we live.

Got close to the park and there was traffic everywhere. After about an hour of getting nowhere we just decided to head for Tayto park. Other half got on the phone and booked tickets online. And as soon as we headed the opposite direction from phoenix park we had driven to, parked and were inside Tayto park within 25 mins tops.

Wont be going to Dublin zoo again if thats what getting to it is going to be like.

Jimmy if you read the summary, "more parking will made available on North Road."

The fact they aren't going to cul-de-sac this and instead make it one way, means a massive amount of tarmac space will be available for parking. I've no doubt Dublin Zoo were very vocal on this point, following the loss of the Chesterfield Avenue parking.

We would have used the park a lot pre covid. Since the changes we've mostly only gone to Farmeigh and the visitor center. The stuff we would have gone into the main park for we now go to other parks, like Catherines Park etc. We our annual Zoo pass expired during the first lockdown and I doubt we'll get another. I was down there recently to meet someone at the Zoo. I had to drive around for 10~15 mins then park a long distance away. I think I was lucky to get that. Still because there so many other parks that we can use, lots with food markets that have sprung up we haven't really missed the park.

I aint sayin nuthin, a friend showed it to us a while back and warned if he ever saw more than 4 cars I'd be dead to him.

I ain't sayin nuthin ( but not the war memorial park)

And how do the walkers get to the park?

I drive to the Park to run and go on walks with the family. We bring hurls and footballs, maybe some cold food in a picnic cooler. Either or both of our elderly mothers might be with us in good weather, mine is crocked in the knees and hips, my wife's mother has very poor vision.

When I'm in the Park driving, I'm in no hurry, I give way in all to bikes and pedestrians and dog walkers and sometimes the resident deer. I park considerately and make sure to never obstruct anyone or anything.

Often to clear my head I'll cycle alone to the Park, lash a couple of laps of the perimeter roads in and ride home again. I love doing that, but from it I see the concern people have for dangerous and inconsiderate drivers, so I agree vehicle traffic must be calmed.

However, I'm going to do all of the above as long as I have breath in my body, because I like it and that is what this great facility is for. And anyone in the Country is just as entitled to come to this national park and do likewise. And to visit the attractions by car and to get to their jobs within the Park by car too.

Whats been outlined is a sensible compromise. Everyone gains and loses a wee bit and ideally safety for everyone and the integrity of the Park will be the overall winner.

Plenty of visitors is still less than it was before and thousands of people are losing access to the amenity.

You only have to look at other similar parks across Europe, for example, Bois du Boulogne or Bois des Vincennes in Paris to see amenities much more used by the local populations and which don't try and restrict access like is being done with the Phoenix Park.