Best Outdoor Activities in Skerries

"Although not essentially a park however it is well deserved to be on this list. Established in 1831, this is the third-oldest zoo in the world (after London and Paris), nestled in the midst of the city’s largest playground, the Phoenix Park, about 3km (2M) west of the city centre. This 12-hectare (30 acre) zoo provides a naturally landscaped habitat for more than 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds."

"Not only will you get to see and learn about all the different animals at Dublin Zoo, but you will also be stepping into Ireland’s oldest zoo and the third oldest zoo in the world. With so much to see and do, the zoo is a perfect activity for all ages and definitely one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Dublin. Address: Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland"

"Dublin Zoo in the city’s Phoenix Park is a great day out for all the family. Home to over 400 exotic species from around the world, your kids will see animals from practically every continent, from the African Savannah to the forests of India. Watch live feedings, see impressive habitats and learn about conservation of animals in the wild."

"A little trip away from Dublin City Centre, it’s the perfect romantic location for beach strolls or some sunset portraits. It has the tall grass, sea air and the iconic Poolbeg Towers as the quintessentially-Dublin backdrop!. A great spot for an engagement session, an elopement or a lovely portrait spot on a wedding day if you’re driving in from the south side."

"This is the perfect place to go to if you want to capture water and nature. Moreover, going to this beach is a very fun thing to do when you're in Dublin. So it's not only great for photography, but you'll also have an amazing day if you go here."

"This farm is not only an important part of Irish culture, documenting the history of the Great Famine, but has become the go-to destination for anyone interested in organic living, home-grown produce and outdoor living. Your kids can get their hands dirty in the fresh fruit and vegetable gardens, pet the animals and watch the dairy cows being milked… Good old fashioned outdoor fun."

"This special cafe comes from a dream team collab between a mixed farm and a talented chef. Beef, lamb, and pork are reared on the estate, a clutch of happy hens lay the eggs, and a small herd of Jersey cows supplies the milk for chef Luke Matthew’s dulce de leche. The Airfield garden and nearby organic growers provide just-picked organic salads too."

"Airfield Estate dates back to 1894 and was left to the people of Dublin in 1974. Now, it’s a public space, with a working farm, award-winning restaurant, museum, gardens and even beehives. Daily events include egg collection from the hens, calf-feeding and milking."

"Some secrets are too good to remain hidden, which is why you’re about to find out about Iveagh Gardens, often known as Dublin’s secret garden. Laid out by the 1st Earl of Clonmell and once a fashionable public space called Coburg Gardens, it fell into disrepair before being rescued and revived by Sir Benjamin Guinness in 1862; the family then cared for the gardens before donating them to the Irish nation in 1939. You can now enjoy a rustic grotto and cascade, fountains, wilderness woodlands, a maze, a rosarium and archery grounds – there are few better things to do in Dublin if the weather is good."

"These idyllic gardens, designed in 1865, are among the finest and least known of Dublin’s parks and gardens and are often referred to as Dublin’s Secret Gardens and the entrance located to one side of the National Concert Hall would indeed have you think that as you walk through leaving the essence of the bustling city behind and entering a mystical and magical oasis of greenery and fountains. Inside there is a rustic grotto, a cascade, a yew maze, a rosarium, an archery grounds and woodlands. The Iveagh Gardens are popular with small and unique food and music festivals throughout the summer."

"As local Dublin experts, who know the city better than anyone, we’re only too happy to let you know the best spots in the city, and Iveagh Gardens is one of our favourites!. Hop off the city tour at St. Stephen’s Green, and it’s just a short stroll away!"

"These leafy, tranquil gardens are located just minutes from the city-centre, and pay tribute to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in WWI. The gardens were designed by Londoner Sir Edwin Lutyens, a skilled architect who found inspiration in traditional styles. In the gardens, you’ll find beautiful examples of classical symmetry and formality."

"These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens."

"The Science Gallery—where “science and art collide”—is a dynamic, ever-changing space that's continually devising interesting themes and installations. There’s no such thing as a permanent collection here; rather, the gallery gets an overhaul every few months. As for the exhibitions themselves: They've ranged from "FAKE" (exploring falsities, from biomimicry to forged documents) to "In Case of Emergency" (a look at how the world might end—and why humankind loves to think about it)."

"Photo courtesy of the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Scientific debates usually take place between the pages of academic journals, but the Science Gallery at Trinity College helps bring the issues to life for visitors of all ages. The cutting-edge exhibits touch on human perception, biomimicry, and the future of technology in the workplace."

"Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you. The striking Poolberg Lighthouse is the perfect conclusion to a stroll along the Great South Wall © Cezzar 1981 / Getty Images"

"Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a handsome Palladian mansion whose design inspired the architect of the White House in Washington, DC, depart from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business, so always check the website beforehand. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a wide collection of contemporary Irish artists © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet"

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"Why: Having been around since 1999, Dunne & Crescenzi has gained a reputation over the years for serving some of the highest quality Italian food in the whole of Dublin. Whether you want to go in just for a warming bowl of pasta, or fancy going all out with a €40 three course set menu full of goodies, you'll be sure to leave Dunne & Crescenzi smiling, and stuffed full of exceptional Sicilian-inspired food. There are also two other branches across Ireland on top of the original Dublin City centre outpost.Where: 16 Frederick Street South, D2"

"If you’re seeking a taste of Sicily, Dunne & Crescenzi is the answer. Strategically placed very close to Grafton Street in Dublin’s city centre, this place offers some of the best in Italian cuisine, using authentic Irish ingredients whenever possible. Try the Altamura bread with the antipasto misto board, made of Emilia Romagna and Tuscan charcuterie and Asiago cheese."

"The unpretentious brilliance of this husband-and-wife restaurant and deli just off Nassau Street is what makes the classy little Italian joint...Read More"

"The retro sign out front of this former butcher still advertises Frank’s Pork Shop, but inside the vibe is much more modern. Diners share one long, high table, while chef Chris Maguire sends out delicious small plates from a small kitchen at the back. Seared scallops smothered in aerated ham hock sauce are a delight, as is the house gnocchi served with oyster mushrooms and a fudgy 63-degree egg, which slowly releases its yolk over the rest of the plate."

"Set in a former butcher shop, now sympathetically re-styled, Frank's oozes character. A one-room wine bar in forest green that bears bottles on skinny shelves bookending a central, heavy communal dining table. Small plates are effortlessly assembled to enjoy alongside a discovery wine line-up."

"Frank Ryan's is yer only man for a toastie and a pint of plain. This quirky bar is decorated with twinkling fairy lights, bras and boots hanging from the ceiling. It's super casual with some furry friends often pottering about."

"One of Dublin's most-loved gastro pubs, The Exchequer offers two late night bars, as well as lunch and dinner options seven days a week. The vintage sofas and armchairs, comfortable high seating and funky dining room perfect for private functions make it a comfy and homely spot to try some of the best local cuisine."

"The Exchequer is serving up some of the best food in Dublin. The award-winning gastropub has a menu jam-packed with all the classics you would expect, made with the highest quality ingredients and often with surprising twists, re-inventing your idea of traditional grub."

"The Exchequer is a chilled spot for brunch in Dublin 2 come the weekend, with a pub grub-inspired menu that features plates big enough to fill you up for the entire day. Chuck in one of their inventive cocktails and you've got yourself the ultimate end-of-week treat."