Phoenix Park

Category:

The Phoenix Park was formed as a Royal Deer Park in Dublin in 1662. Its name is thought to be derived from the Irish word Fionnuisce, a spring of clear water. It originally encompassed 2,000 acres, and was stocked with deer, partridges and pheasants. In 1745 it was redeveloped as a recreation centre for the citizens of Dublin, during which period much of the shrub planting and system of paths seen today was established. It now covers 1,752 acres and remains one of the largest enclosed urban parks in the world. It contains the People's Gardens; Dublin Zoo; the residence of the President of Ireland (Áras an Uachtaráin) and that of the United States Ambassador; St. Mary's Hospital built as the Royal Hiberian Military School; and the Department of Defence, formerly the Royal Military Infirmary, as well as the Phoenix Monument, which was erected in 1747.