Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo and the deer

Have you already visited Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe? Let's read a little bit about it for your next visit!

The origin of Phoenix Park dates back as far as the 12th century, after the Normans conquered Dublin.  In 1662, the park was a Royal Hunting Park and contained pheasants and wild deer, which made it necessary to enclose the entire area with a wall. At the time, Phoenix Park was much larger as it stretched across the Liffey to the south. The park was reduced to its present size and opened to the people of Dublin in 1745.

Nowadays, the park houses the residence of the President of Ireland, the headquarters of the Garda Síochána (the police force of Ireland), Dublin Zoo and several small parks, sport facilities and monuments.

Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo was opened to the public on 1 September 1831, making it the third oldest zoo in the world. Though not one of the biggest zoos in the world, it's worth a visit if you're staying in Dublin for a while.

The Papal Cross
In the middle of the park you will see this huge white cross, the Papal Cross. It was erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II on 29 September 1979. Over one million people attended an open air mass in the park at the time.

The deer
Deer were introduced into the park in the 1660s and the current 400–450 deer descend from the original herd.

Oddities
There is a working railway line and station under the Park which was used during World War Two.

In 1882 three politicians were murdered in the park. 

In the 12th Century the lands of the park belonged to the Knights Templars.

The Park is home to the largest Viking graveyard in the world outside of Scandinavia.

Phoenix Park is also home to the oldest settlement in Dublin. On the southern edge of the park are the remains of a 5,500-year-old Neolithic village.

Wellington Monument is Europe's largest 'Phallic Symbol' Obelisk. 

The name Phoenix Park is derived from a corruption of the Irish words Fionn Uisce which means fair water. Several ancient springs in the park all are still releasing mineral waters to this day.

The Government is working with UNESCO to have the park designated as a world heritage site. 

Hate Is Not A Family Value

As you know, May 22nd marks a key moment in Ireland for the promotion of equality and people's rights, particularly for the LGBT community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual).

This referendum is the opportunity to show that the LGBT people are equal to the rest of the society and that they are valued and cared for.

The result of this referendum shows that everybody deserves to get married to whom they want, as well as create a family.

It also proves that LGBT people are equal to the rest of people.

Here's some facts that will make think twice to those promoting hate:

- 50% of LGBT young people consider suicide owing to stigma and homophobic bullying – a YES vote sends a powerful message to them that they are valued and cared for. They really need to hear this!

- Young people have told us that a ‘NO’ vote would be ‘devastating’ to them and prove they are secondary citizens in their own country

- YES on May 22nd will let parents know that being gay is ok and will allow them to respond positively if their children come out as gay.

- Promoters of the NO vote use Family Values as their main reason, meaning that every child deserves to grow with a mother and a father. The truth is that every child deserves to grow in a loving and happy family, who promotes love, equality and respect.

- We all know that nowadays a big percentage of marriages end up in divorce, even when with children involved. If you're living in Dublin city centre, or in other areas like Tallaght, you've probably seen lots of Irish knackers with children, who will obviously turn into knackers as they grow old. It seems the Promoters of the NO vote are too busy to handle 'family values' among knackers.

Vote YES and you can step forward into a bright future. Let’s make Ireland a more equal place for ourselves and our LGBT friends.  Let’s rewrite the rules, so you can tell your children that you did this – you made history.  It’s time to give love an equal right. 

While foreigners cannot take part in this referendum - which would definitely mean a YES in the referendum results - you can talk and convince your Irish friends and host families and tell them that a YES vote matters to you. 

Whether you stay in Ireland only for a few months or for many years, you are spending your money, time and paying your taxes just like any Irish, and deserve the right to see Ireland evolving into a fair country.

VOTE YES on Friday May 22nd
Change forever what it means to grow up LGBT in Ireland

Dublin Viking Tour

You've probably seen these yellow boats in the city centre, jammed with tourists who don't feel ashamed to wear those viking hats and roaring at pedestrians.

Did you know that those yellow boats are actually World War II amphibious vehicles? These World War II vehicles (DUKWs), known as Duck Boats, can travel by land and water, and the guides deliver informative and entertaining comments in English. You'll be able to wear a viking hat while on the tour!

This post is not meant to promote the viking tours, but we think they're a funny way to sightsee Dublin city centre with your friends or family.

For more information about the Viking tours, please visit their official site here: http://vikingsplash.com/

Now you'll see the viking tour boats from a different perspective!

The Big Blue Bus in The Bernard Shaw

Did you know that there's a pub in Dublin 2 where you can have a pizza inside a bus???

Yes! You will find this big blue bus inside The Bernard Shaw pub, 11-12 Richmond St, Dublin 2

The Poolbeg Chimneys

The Poolbeg Chimneys are part of Dublin's skyline and you've probably see them hundred of times from the city centre. 

They're no longer in use and it was decided to not demolish them, as they're seen as one of the most familiar landmarks in Dublin. The chimneys are among the tallest structures in Ireland and are visible from most of Dublin city. They measure around 207m each and they're featured in several music videos and commercials in Dublin. 

These chimneys are actually part of a power station owned and operated by the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland (ESB).
They are even more impressive up close and you can see them nearby from the Sandymount beach. While you're there, you can walk pretty close to the chimneys and reach the Poolbeg lighthouse and the end of the path.

They're worth a look!