One of the biggest walled parks in Europe is situated in one of the smallest capitals – Dublin! And it’s called Phoenix Park. People always talk about deer that they saw there, but I had never before reached the point while walking where these lovely animals would not hide from the curious Dubliners – until a weekend in late autumn! It is mating season so male deer were all around in their beauty, gently eating carrots from my hand.

Sometimes it is quicker and nicer to cycle by taking a Dublin bike. If you live in Dublin you can get a yearly subscription, if you are visiting – a 3 day pass. Half an hour is free, and for extra 2 hours they charge € 1.50. If I am in the mood, I cycle all the way up, and beside the house of the Irish President (Áras an Uachtaráin), which you can also visit for free nearly every Saturday all year around – turned left to the Papal Cross, a huge white construction erected in the ’70s when the Pope visited Dublin and over 1 million Irish came to see him there. 

Just beside the cross, which is located on the hill with the views over the park, there are a few areas with plenty of trees. This is where deer live, but they could be wandering everywhere else too. Phoenix park is not only good for cycling, walking or deer watching; it is also home for Dublin Zoo where you could make new exotic friends!