Plenty of people have heard about Phoenix Park in Dublin. It’s considered to be one of the largest walled parks in Europe. Nonetheless, due to its size, not many of us have made it to the Visitor Centre, which hides some facts and secrets unknown to casual walkers.

I made it, though! Make sure that if you walk through the park from its main gate in the East, you allow yourself at least 30 minutes to get to the Visitor Centre as it is hiding behind the trees and paths at the far West of the park.

The Museum is free and has a lovely-looking cafe in the building opposite it. I did not get a chance to try any of their yummy-looking cakes, as it was crowded. It makes me believe that snacks there should be really good, so I have to come back!

Right next door there is medieval tower house – Ashtown Castle, and the Walled Gardens (they are being restored) close by might also be worth checking out.

In the Visitor Centre I learned a lot about the history of the park and Ireland itself. Did you know that right there they found some of the rarest Viking’s attributes ever? Or that the park is over 350 years old and is still functioning according to its original purpose of being a deer park? Or that there are many more hidden gems to dig for? I was amazed. Come here and see for yourself.