Events & Recreation
The Phoenix Park, being the largest urban park in Dublin, is recognised as a green lung for the city and recent research highlights the major benefits to public health and well being arising from the wealth of opportunities that such a place as the Phoenix Park has to offer.
Over two thousand sporting and recreational events take place annually in the Park. With its setting close to the city centre of Dublin, it has been host to a number of major events because of its scale. The Papal visit in 1979, soccer team homecomings and large-scale concerts are examples of such events the Phoenix Park has played host to in the past. The finish of the Tour de France’s Irish stage was also held in The Phoenix Park. The ‘Bloom’ horticultural shows are held at The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Organised sporting events are an important feature of the Park. These include:- national and international athletics including duathlons, triathlons, cross-country events, cycling events and community sports days. The Park contains arguably the best natural facilities for distance running training in this country, since it has a continuous natural trail of some 16km. Motor racing has also been a traditional event in the sporting calendar of The Phoenix Park. The historical precedents for this were the speed trials of 1903 and the international motor races in 1929 and subsequent years.
Many community groups avail of the park and hold various sports day and community days.
A number of dedicated traditional horse trekking trails exist in the Park. The use of these is subject to permission and ground conditions. These are the only equestrian activities permitted in the Park.
The increased focus is on promoting a range of passive rather than active recreational pursuits that broaden interest in the Park and are in keeping with the peaceful ambiance of the Park. There are extensive walking trails throughout the Park. Deer watching is also a favourite pastime in the Park.
Permission is required for all events and where relevant an Event Safety Management Plan is sought. Events with over five thousand participants also require planning permission from the local regulatory authority. Appropriate film, television, and photo shoots are allowed under permit.
The park is a finite resource. The number and scale of events needs to be appropriate to wildlife sensitivities, the sense of peace and tranquillity, the carrying capacity and wear and tear to the park infrastructure. Any pressure for an increase in the number or size of events must be assessed in this context.
A policy framework document has been developed relating to the use of The Phoenix Park for large-scale public cultural, musical and heritage events.
Passive Recreation
Passive Recreation such as walking, photography, bird watching etc. can occur in most areas of the park. No statistics are available for passive recreation in the park but from observation, the park is extensively used as a location for passive recreation and to re-new health & well being.
Active Recreation
A range of active recreational pursuits are facilitated within the park subject to suitability, historic association, safety & ground conditions.
Procedures, guidelines and safety management templates are available from the Superintendents Office to assist with applications.
Grounds Facilities
1 Army Pitch 1 Army Grounds Pavilion
3 Camogie 1 Camogie Storage Area
2 Cricket 2 Cricket Pavilions
7 GAA Pitches 1 Disused GAA Pavilion
10 Soccer (SR) 1 Proposed New GAA Pavilion
2 Soccer (JR) 1 Soccer Pavilion
1 Garda Síochána Pitch 1 Garda Síochána Pavilion
1 Mixed use Pitch
1 Polo Grounds 1 Polo Pavilion
1 Model Aeroplane Area
1 Seasonal Cross Country Circuit
Event Safety Management Plan
Event organisers may be asked to complete an Event Safety Management plan. Please click on the link below for a PDF version
