Phoenix Park, Dublin

Dublin is so small you’re never far from the countryside but if you fancy a quick hit of green, pop up to Phoenix Park. This is the best Dublin attraction for lush greenery and, at nearly 1,800 acres, it qualifies as Europe’s largest city park. The best way to get around is by renting a bike, right at the entrance, and pedalling through to the sights. Scoot past “A/’ras an Uachtara/’in” (or the president’s pad, to you) and the herds of wild deer to Farmleigh House—once owned by the Guinness family—and now used by visiting dignitaries. It’s well worth a look for its snazzy 18th century ballroom, huge Victorian glasshouses and its weekend farmers’ market. Elsewhere there’s the Dublin Zoo. It opened in 1830 (it’s the fourth oldest zoo in the world) and plays a large role in the conservation of endangered species such as Rodrigues fruit bats, snow leopards and some rare prosimians. Or just grab a 99 (locally-loved whipped ice-cream with chocolate flake) from a vendor and lie on the grass and take in a cricket match.

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