Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland

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Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
 & Ashtown Castle
Programme 2019

Heritage Services Phoenix Park
For further information please contact: Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
Ph: 01-6770095. E-mail: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
www.phoenixpark.ie

         @phoenixparkopw

         thephoenixpark
Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Welcome

Through our Phoenix Park Programme 2019, the Office of Public Works wants to provide a broad range of exhibitions/ talks/ walks/
events that are interesting, scientific, educational, fun and above all else family orientated to our visitors. The Visitor Centre complex
has become a major attraction with almost 1.7 million visitors in 2018 with the centre itself attracting over 201,000 visitors last
year. The centre is located on the grounds of Ashtown Demesne and consists of an interpretive centre, exhibition space, walled
garden, playground and an award-winning restaurant. The Victorian Walled Garden now attracts over half a million visitors per year.
The garden is managed and maintained using organic principles and it is hoped that it will inspire and educate both young and old
on the horticultural skill involved in growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in a sustainable manner. Why not visit during the year
and meet the fantastic gardeners who look after the garden?

                           The Office of Public Works were honoured during 2018 when the Phoenix Park was one of only two parks in
                           the world to receive a prestigious Gold Award in the Inaugural International Large Urban Parks Awards
        Winner of the
     International Large   organised by World Urban Parks. This award showcases Dublin as a green city with the Park providing many
         Urban Parks
         Gold Award        environmental, health, social and recreational benefits to the people that use it and the surrounding
            2018
                           communities. We hope that our Programme for 2019 continues to highlight the many benefits that the
                           Phoenix Park offers to our visitors.

I hope you enjoy the programme and maybe see you at some of the events that we have organised.

Kind regards,
Paul McDonnell
Park Superintendent
Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
and Ashtown Castle

For further information please contact:   Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
                                          A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Phoenix
Ph: 01-6770095
                                          Park is on display in the Visitor Centre. Here, the visitor can enjoy an historical
Web: www.phoenixpark.ie
                                          interpretation of the park from 3,500 B.C. to the present day. There are two
Email: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
                                          audio-visual presentations available; one tells the story of the park through the
or contact the Park Superintendent at
                                          ages while the other interprets the history of Áras an Uachtaráin.
Email: superintendent.park@opw.ie

      @phoenixparkopw
                                          Victorian Tea Rooms
      thephoenixpark
                                          These world famous Victorian Tea Rooms, situated along picturesque
                                          Chesterfield Avenue, serve a wide variety of organic teas, coffees and delicious food.
FREE ADMISSION                            Open daily: April to October: 9.30am – 5.30pm; November to March:
Open daily 9.30am – 6.00pm                9.30am – 4.30pm. Open 7 days. Phone. 01-671 9376.
Last admission 45 minutes before
closing time.
Groups visiting the centre must be
booked by telephone.                      Phoenix Café - Award Winning Restaurant
Free guided tours of Ashtown Castle
are available; enquire at reception.      Located within the courtyard of the Visitor Centre, serving delicious freshly
                                          made meals, coffee and snacks.
                                          Open daily 09.30am – 5.00pm (Summer) and 09.30am – 4.00pm (Winter)
                                          Phone: 086-3849075

Heritage Services Phoenix Park.
www.phoenixpark.ie

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Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Using Organic
     Vision                             Principles
                                        The produce is appropriate to the
                                        Victorian period and the fruit and
                                        vegetable crops grown are used
                                        for educational and demonstra-
                                        tional purposes. The cultivation

    ‘‘
                                        in the garden is based on the
    Vision of the Phoenix Park
                                        organic principals, the principal
    Conservation Management
                                        of care, ecology, fairness and
    Plan
                                        health.
                                        The Phoenix Park management
         To protect and conserve the
                                        plan encourages the awareness
    historic character of the Phoenix
                                        of biodiversity and ecosystems –
    Park and its archaeological,
                                        different organisms or living
    architectural and natural
                                        things living together and
    heritage whilst facilitating
                                        depending on and helping each
    visitor access, education and
    interpretation, facilitating the
                                        other. They also use the Hierarchy   Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden
                                        of Control, which covers             Ashtown Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden is located beside our Visitor
    sustainable use of the park's

                   ‘‘
                                        prevention, identification,          Centre in the heart of the Phoenix Park. It is the perfect place to sit and
    resources for recreation and
                                        biological and cultural control.
    other appropriate activities,                                            relax, have a quiet stroll or even grow your interest in horticulture. It is a
    engaging research, and                                                   two and a half acre oasis of herbaceous borders, trained fruit and
    maintaining its sense of peace                                           vegetables all cared for by dedicated and enthusiastic gardeners.
    and tranquillity.
                                                                             Come meet with these experts on the first Wednesday of every month inside
    Given the international
                                                                             our garden at 11am (excluding April, May and June) where you will be
    significance of the Phoenix
    Park, the goal is to realise this
                                                                             brought on a “walk and talk.” Listen as they convey all their knowledge on
    vision at a standard comparable                                          what is growing and flourishing in our garden and they will lend an ear to
    to the best in the world.                                                all your gardening queries. Weather permitting.

                                                                             Walled Gardens open from 10.00am – 4.00pm daily

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Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Tree Walk at Ashtown Castle
                                                                                        Arboretum for National Tree
                                                                                        Week 2019
                                                                                        Wednesday 6th March
                                                                                        11.00 am to 12.00 noon
                                                                                        You are invited to join us on an informative Tree Walk around
                                                                                        Ashtown Castle Arboretum, beside the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
                                                                                        The walk will be led by the OPW Tree Officer, Cormac Downey and
                                                                                        will take in just some of the magnificent trees that are to be found at
                                                                                        Ashtown Demesne.
Clubs within the Phoenix Park
Over 2,300 sporting events take place in the Phoenix Park every year, organised by      This will give you an appreciation of the arboretum as well as
accredited sporting organisations to train and play matches such as soccer, Gaelic      encourage you to explore further the magnificent trees that are not
football, hurling and camogie. There are also many athletic events and activities       only in this tree collection but also throughout the Phoenix Park.
including orienteering, cycling races along with astronomy and model airplane flying.
The oldest cricket club in Ireland, Phoenix Cricket Club founded in 1830, has its                                          Outdoor clothing and footwear are
home in the Park as well as the oldest Polo Club in Europe, the All Ireland Polo Club                                      recommended.
which was founded in 1873.                                                                                                 Meet at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
                                                                                                                           at 11.00am sharp.
                                                                                                                           Booking Essential Ph: 01-6770095
                             Bike Hire                                                                                     Web: www.phoenixpark.ie
                             Bike hire is available at Phoenix Park Bikes, located at                                      Email:
                             the Parkgate Street entrance to the park. Single bikes                                        phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
                             can be hired from €6 per hour. Tandem, electric and
                             children’s bikes are also available. Guided park tours,                                            @phoenixparkopw
                             cycle safety courses and first aid courses can be
                             arranged.                                                                                          thephoenixpark
                             Phone: 087 3799946 or email
                             info@phoenixparkbikes.com
                                    @BikesInThePark

                                    phoenixparkbikes
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Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
    2015 – 2020 – Lecture Series
    This plan is a call to action. Everyone can help by
    becoming a Citizen Scientist

    The plan was developed by scientists and bee experts from an All-Ireland
    steering group and co-ordinated by the National Biodiversity Data
    Centre.
    This plan informs people on what they can do to help our pollinators in           Bombus lapidaries / Bombóg / Red-tailed bumblebee
    Ireland to survive and thrive.
                                                                                      Every month from April to August there will be a presentation
    Pollinators are in decline and this requires our immediate attention.             given on our wild pollinators in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
    Everyone is needed to help stop the number of bees declining and to tell          followed by a Bumblebee walk (weather permitting). The
    everyone about how important bees are.                                            species seen and recorded on the walk will be sent into the
    By protecting our pollinators, we protect our food supply of fruit and            National Biodiversity Data Centre. By taking part in the
    vegetables so we can have a healthy balanced diet.                                pollinator plan you can help our pollinators and our
                                                                                      environment.
    A Citizen Scientist is someone who voluntarily gives their time to
    scientific research in collaboration with professional scientists. Therefore,
    you do not need a background in science.                                          Dates:                                              Time:
       THE PLAN HAS 5 OBJECTIVES:                                                     28th of April                                       2.30pm
       1: Making Ireland pollinator friendly                                          26th of May                                         2.30pm
       2: Raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them
       3: Managing pollinators – supporting bee-keepers and                           30th of June                                        2.30pm
          growers
       4: Expanding our knowledge on pollinators and pollination                      28th of July                                        2.30pm
          service                                                                     25th of August                                      2.30pm
       5: Collecting evidence to track change and measure success

       www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/irish-pollinator-initiative/all-ireland-
       pollinator-plan/
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Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Guided Tours and Walks                                                                               Áras an Uachtaráin
                                                                                                          Opening Hours
                                                                                                          Áras an Uachtaráin is open all year round,
                                                                                                          Saturdays only.

                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Tours begin at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

                                                                                                          Transport
                                                                                                          Buses serving the area are numbers 37, 38, 39a,
                                                                                                          and 70. The closest stop, at Ashtown
                                                                                                          Roundabout, is a 15-minute walk away. Check
                                                                                                          the Dublin Bus website for up-to-date
                                                                                                          schedules.

                                                                                                          Guided Tours
                                                                                                          Guided tours on Saturdays only at the
                                                                                                          following times:
                                                                                                          Summer times (Mid-July to Mid-October):
                                                                                                          10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.00pm and
                                                                                                          3.15pm.
                                                                                                          Winter times (Mid-October to Mid-July):
                                                                                                          10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
                                                                                                          and 3.30pm.
                                                                                                          The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre opens at 9.30am.
                                                                                                          Tours take about an hour, and feature the main
Áras an Uachtaráin                                                                                        reception rooms in winter, and the house and
                                                                                                          garden in summer. Tour tickets are free, limited,
                                                                                                          and issued on a first come, first served basis.
                                                                                                          Occasionally, due to State business it is not
At the Residence of the President of Ireland, our past and present heads of state, on behalf of the       possible to accommodate public tours.
nation, have welcomed world leaders and foreign dignitaries to Irish shores. In this historic house,      No groups or advanced bookings.
we have also honoured many of our own heroes whose achievements have made us proud on the                 WEB: www.phoenixpark.ie
international stage, and regularly welcome visitors from all over the island of Ireland and               EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
overseas.                                                                                                 PHONE: 01 6770095
                                                                                                                                                            5
Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Arbour Hill Cemetery
                                                                                                               Opening Hours
                                                                                                               Arbour Hill is open all year round.
                                                                                                               Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
                                                                                                               Saturday: 11am – 4pm
                                                                                                               Sunday: 9.30am – 4pm

                                                                                                               Location
                                                                                                               Arbour Hill Cemetery can be accessed
                                                                                                               from Arbour Hill, a street that runs
                                                                                                               parallel to Wolfe Tone Quay.

                                                                                                               Transport
                                                                                                               Buses serving the area are numbers
                                                                                                               37, 38, and 39. Check the Dublin Bus
                                                                                                               website for up-to-date schedules. The
                                                                                                               Luas tram red line also passes the
                                                                                                               area; get out at the stop for
                                                                                                               ‘Museum’.

                                                                                                               Guided Tours
                                                                                                               Arbour Hill tours will commence Friday
    Arbour Hill Cemetery                                                                                       5 April at 11.00am and will continue
                                                                                                               every Friday until the end of October.
                                                                                                               Tours are weather permitting and
    The military cemetery is the burial place of 14 of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.         subject to change.
    Among those buried, there are Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Major John MacBride. The            WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
    leaders were executed in Kilmainham Gaol and their bodies were transported to Arbour Hill for        EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
    burial.                                                                                              PHONE: 01 6770095

    The graves are located under a low mound on a terrace of Wicklow granite in what was once the              @opwarbourhill
    old prison yard. A limestone wall on which the names are inscribed in Irish and English surrounds
    the gravesite. On the left of the wall opposite the gravesite is a plaque with the names of others         Arbour Hill Cemetery
    who were killed in 1916. This cemetery is in the care of the Office of Public Works.

6   Weather permitting and subject to change.
Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
Grangegorman                                                                                                         Grangegorman Military
Military Cemetery                                                                                                    Cemetery
Grangegorman Military Cemetery situated on                                                                                 Opening Hours
Blackhorse Avenue outside the Phoenix Park                                                                                 Grangegorman Military Cemetery is
is the largest Military Cemetery in Ireland. It                                                                            open all year round, seven days a
was first opened in 1876 and contains over                                                                                 week, from 10am to 4pm.
eleven hundred burials.
                                                                                                                           Location
Buried in the cemetery is a Victoria Cross                                                                                 The cemetery is located near the east
winner, the first British Officer casualty of the                                                                          side of Phoenix Park, near Dublin 7, on
1916 Rising and some of the casualties of                                                                                  Blackhorse Avenue.
the sinking of the R.M.S. Leinster on 10
October 1918, including Thomas Woodgate,                                                                                   Transport
aged fourteen, one of the youngest military                                                                                The bus that serves the area is
                                                    The graveyard is maintained by the Office of Public Works              number 37. Check the Dublin Bus
casualties of the First World War. There are        and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
several members of the ANZAC forces also                                                                                   website for up to date schedules.
buried in the cemetery.                             Weather permitting and subject to change.                              Guided Tours
                                                                                                                           Guided tours of Grangegorman Military
                                                                                                                           Cemetery are available on Thursdays at
                                  Thomas “Tommy” Woodgate                                                                  11.00am from March to November.
                                                                                                                           Meet inside the cemetery gates of
                                   Although the vast majority of passengers on the R.M.S. Leinster were adults,            Grangegorman or phone 01-6770095
                                   a significant number of children were on board, most of whom were                       with enquiries. Ceremony of
                                   accompanied by adults. One passenger, who is buried in Grangegorman and                 Remembrance of the end of the First
                                   who was mistakenly listed as an adult, was Tommy Woodgate. He was a pri-                World War on Thursday, 7th of
                                   vate, second class with the 23rd Training Squadron of the Royal Air Force               November at 10.45am, tour to
                                                                                                                           follow. Tours are weather permitting
                                   returning from leave on his way back to England. Tommy was fourteen years
                                                                                                                           and subject to change.
                                   old.
                                                                                                                     WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
                                   A native of Callan, Co. Kilkenny, he was inspired by his elder brother, Martin,   EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
                                   who fought in and survived the war, to join the Royal Flying Corps, somehow       PHONE: 01 6770095
                                   managing to fool the recruitment officers. Tommy is the youngest member of
                                   the RAF to have died in the war, and it is believed, was one of the youngest            @opwireland
                                   combatants to be killed by enemy fire in the First World War.
                                                                                                                           Grangegorman Military Cemetery
                                   Pictured left: Tom Woodgate’s father visits his grave.                                                                       7
Programme 2019 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle - Heritage Ireland
The Magazine Fort                                                                           Irish National
    The Fort was built in 1734 –1736 to the design of John Corneille, to store gunpowder
    and ammunition for British Government Forces. One third of the British Army was             War Memorial
    stationed in Ireland and was regularly rotated around the Empire. The Fort was raided
    on two occasions –Easter Monday 1916 and 23 December 1939.
    The Fort is strategically sited on St. Thomas Hill, off the Military Road, close to the
                                                                                                Gardens
    Islandbridge Gate.                                                                          The Irish War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge are
    Free guided tours of the Magazine Fort are available on Sundays from April to               dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers
    September. Tickets are limited and are issued from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on a     who died between 1914-1918 in the First World War.
    first come, first served basis on the day of the tour. Tours depart the Visitor Centre at   The gardens, which reflect a style of simple dignity,
    10.00am, 12.00 noon and 2.30pm. In September, tours depart at 10.00am and 12.00             were completed by 1939 and occupy an area of
    noon only. No group bookings are available. Tours are weather permitting and subject        approximately eight hectares on the southern banks
    to change.                                                                                  of the river Liffey.

                                                                                                Sir Edwin Lutyens, a distinguished architect and
                                                                                                landscape designer, designed the War Memorial
                                                                                                Gardens. His work at Islandbridge has generally been
                                                                                                acknowledged as being an outstanding design
                                                                                                capturing the mood of remembrance and reflection.

                                                                                                Queen Elizabeth II and President Mary McAleese laying
    Copyright: Derek Byrne                                                                      wreaths in 2011. OPW.
8
Irish National War Memorial Gardens

                                                                                                Opening Hours
                                                                                                The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are
                                                                                                open all year round, except Christmas Day.
                                                                                                Monday – Friday: 8am – dusk.
                                                                                                Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – dusk.
                                                                                                Please contact us for exact closing hours on
                                                                                                any given day.

                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                There are entrances to the gardens from both
                                                                                                Con Colbert Road, and from the Phoenix Park
                                                                                                end of the South Circular Road.

                                                                                                Transport
                                                                                                Buses serving the area are numbers 51, 68
                                                                                                and 69 from Aston Quay. Check the Dublin
On 10th September 1988, fifty years after     through a spirit of reconciliation on the         Bus website for up to date schedules. Car
they were initially laid out, the gardens     Irish men and women who lost their lives          parking is available from the South Circular
were formally dedicated and opened to the     in the First World War.                           Road entrance.
public.
                                              Weather permitting and subject to                 Guided Tours
The book rooms at Islandbridge are located    change.                                           The National War Memorial Gardens tour will
at the entrance to the rose garden. There                                                       commence on Wednesday 3rd of April 2019
are two pairs of book rooms built from                                                          at 2.30pm and will continue every Wednesday
granite, representing the four provinces of                                                     until the end of October. Meet at the gate of
Ireland. These rooms contain the Books of                                                       the car park. Tours are weather permitting
Remembrance, which were illustrated by the                                                      and subject to change.
artist Harry Clarke and are inscribed with
the names of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who                                                WEB: www.opwdublincommemorative.ie
died in the First World War.                                                              EMAIL: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
                                                                                          PHONE: 01 6770095
In this decade of centenaries (2013-2023)                                                       @opwireland
the War Memorial Gardens has become an
important focus to remember and reflect,                                                        Irish National War Memorial Gardens
                                                                                                                                                9
Phoenix Park
                    Honey Show

                             Phoenix Park Honey Show
                           5S
                       AY 1 EPTEM                 The Phoenix Park Honey Show, in
                     ND          B
                    U

               HONEY
                                                    conjunction with The Federation of Irish
              S

                                 ER
                                     20

                                                      Beekeepers' Association (FIBKA), will
     FED ER

                SHOW
                                       19

                                                      take place at the Phoenix Park Visitor
     ATIO N

                                                      Centre on Sunday 15th September
       OF

                                                    2019. There will be a large assortment
                                                                                               Beekeeping for Beginners
              IRI
               SH

         BE                                 NS
            EK
               EEP
                   E R S' A S S O C I ATI O        of honey and bee-related products on
                                               display. While the honey judging is taking      This introductory course will cover the basics of beekeeping in a
                               place, there will be a variety of interesting lectures          syllabus delivered over five Saturdays. Topics will include the life
     and guided tours for visitors.                                                            cycle of the colony, hive inspections, management of hive and
                                                                                               hive records, types of hive, and hive tools and techniques. Course
                                                                                               participants will learn how to prevent, control and collect
                                                         This is a free event for              swarms. Finally, the course will cover products of the hive,
                                                         all the family to enjoy.              harvesting and extraction. This course will also involve practical
                                                         See the website                       demonstrations at live hives in the Phoenix Park.
                                                         www.phoenixpark.ie
                                                         nearer the date for                   Beekeeping for Beginners Course will run on Saturdays 23rd and
                                                         further information.                  30th of March; 6th, 13th and 27th of April; and 4th of May
                                                                                               2019. 10am – 2pm, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
                                                                @phoenixparkopw

                                                                thephoenixpark                 For further enquiries, please contact: Liam McGarry
                                                                                               087-2643492 or Mcgarryliam@gmail.com
10
Children’s Art Cart 2019
       Free Workshops on Sundays
       The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre 11.00am-12.30pm. Strictly ages 6-11 years.
       Children must be accompanied by an adult. (Workshops are subject to change)

 APRIL        Theme                                SEPTEMBER Theme
7th           Dale Treadwell                      1st           Felt Making with Gabi
14th          Music with Tanya                    22nd          Nutritious Niamh
21st          Felt Making with Gabi                 OCTOBER Theme
 MAY          Theme                               6th           Visit Pumpkins in the Walled Garden
5th           Visit the walled garden             13th          Farmer Ann
12th          Nutritious Niamh                     NOVEMBER Theme
 JUNE         Theme                               10th          Felt Making with Gabi
16th          Butterflies of the Park             24th          Music with Tanya
JULY          Theme
7th           Nutritious Niamh
14th          Dale Treadwell
 AUGUST       Theme
18th          Music with Tanya
25th          Medieval Life

                                                                                                      11
Art & Cultural Exhibitions at the Phoenix Park Gallery 2019
     JANUARY    Architectural Images of Park Buildings
                An exhibition covering the architectural achievements of Decimus Burton, Francis Johnston and
                Jacob Owen and how they are integrated into the historic landscape of the Phoenix Park, one of
                the largest designed landscapes in any European city.

     FEBRUARY   Seasons in the Park
                This exhibition brought to you by the Irish Patchwork Society covers the colours, shapes and built
                heritage of the Phoenix Park.

     MARCH      A Visitor Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park
                The Office of Public Works (OPW), under a strategic partnership agreement with Fáilte Ireland and
                the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht received funding to develop a Visitor
                Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park.

     APRIL      A Visitor Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park
                The Office of Public Works (OPW), under a strategic partnership agreement with Fáilte Ireland and
                the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht received funding to develop a Visitor
                Experience Strategic Review for the Phoenix Park.

12
MAY         Artist Exhibition
MARCH/MAY                              Artist Will Nathans, a classically trained painter working in Ireland and abroad and artist Norman
Artist Exhibition                      Teeling will exhibit a collection of their work on the Phoenix Park and the War Memorial Gardens at
                                       Islandbridge.
Artist Will Nathans
will exhibit a new        JUNE         Botanical Water Colours
collection of his work.                Yanni Peters & Holly Summerville will have a Botanical Art Exhibition as part of the Bloom Festival.

                          JULY         Irish Astronomical Society
                                       The Irish Astronomical Society exhibition will explore aspects of the night sky while commemorating
                                       the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing.

                          AUGUST       Duke of Wellington
                                       An exhibition on The Duke of Wellington, his influence on Irish history and the construction of the
                                       Wellington Testimonial.

                          SEPTEMBER    Deer in the City
                                       An exhibition on the herd of fallow deer stocked in the Phoenix Park in 1663. Find out about the
                                       management and conservation of the herd in the city.
                          OCTOBER     Grangegorman Military Cemetery Graves
                                      An exhibition on some of those buried in the Cemetery: from the victims of the RMS Leinster
                                      sinking, such as Thomas Woodgate who was one of the youngest Irish servicemen to die in WWI,
                                      to other British Military Personnel who died in active service or after settling in Ireland.

                          NOVEMBER    St. John Ambulance in Ireland during WW1
                                      St. John Ambulance was founded following a public meeting at the Royal Dublin Society in 1880.
                          DECEMBER
                                      A largely volunteer force that provides training in first aid and emergency medicine. This exhibition
                                      will focus on the untold story of the St John Ambulance Brigade during the World War I.

                                                                                                                                              13
Wednesday Walks
            April to October 11.00am – 12.30pm 2019
            Please meet at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre unless otherwise noted. Weather permitting and subject to change.

      April                                                                                      July
     10th     Spring Flowers                                                                    3rd      Celtic Tree Trail
              A walking tour to discover the many different spring flowers in the environs               The Celts believed each tree had its own personality and meaning. Learn
              of Ashtown Demesne.                                                                        about the importance of trees and their various uses throughout history.
     24th     People’s Garden                                                                   24th     Monuments of the Phoenix Park
              A walking tour with OPW gardeners. Meet at the Parkgate Street entrance                    A walk featuring a number of monuments in the Phoenix Park,
              to the People’s Gardens. (Wheelchair accessible)                                           Phoenix Monument, Papal Cross, and the Wellington Testimonial.

      May                                                                                        August
     1st      The Gate Lodges of the Phoenix Park                                       21st            People's Garden
              A walk to the gates lodges of the Phoenix Park capturing the architecture                 A walking tour with OPW gardeners. Meet at the Parkgate Street
              and history of some of these unique lodges some of which were designed by                 entrance to the People's Garden. (Wheelchair accessible).
              Decimus Burton, Francis Johnson and Jacob Owen.
     22nd Biodiversity Walk                                                                September
          On International Biodiversity Day please join us for a walking tour to discover 11th Celtic Tree Trail
          the many different aspects of nature in the environs of Ashtown Demesne.             The Celts believed each tree had its own personality and meaning. Learn
                                                                                               about the importance of trees and their various uses throughout history.
       June
                                                                                                25th Prehistory of the Phoenix Park
     19th     Wildlife in the Park                                                                   A walk covering the ancient history of the land that is now the Phoenix Park,
              A walk featuring all aspects of wildlife in the Phoenix Park. From the location        including a Neolithic burial cist.
              of a badger set to the trees of Ashtown Demesne.

14
October
9th    Walled Garden
       Enjoy a walk through the Victorian Walled Garden here at the Visitor Centre
       and learn about its history and current utility.

 November
7th    Remembrance Walk
       Ceremony and tour of Grangegorman Military Cemetery. Meet at the
       Cemetery on Blackhorse Avenue.                                                              Doctors Orders -
                                                                                                   A Park Prescription
                                                                                                             Some doctors are issuing 'Park Prescriptions' to
      Knitters Club                                                                                             encourage their patients to exercise outdoors.
                                                                                                                  Benefits of being out and active in green spaces
      Knitting Club meets at                                                                                        include; reduction of tension and stress, lower
      the Visitor Centre every                                                                                        blood pressure, improved immune system
      Wednesday at 11am to                                                                                             responses, and milder ADHD symptoms in
      1pm. New members                                                         Seachtain na Gaeilge                    children. Regular exercise in a park also
      always welcome.                                                                                                  reduces obesity, chronic disease and mental
                                                                          The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre would        health issues. As your fitness increases you can
                                                                         like to encourage our visitors to engage tackle progressively longer distances or aim to
                                                                               with the Irish language during       complete routes in shorter periods of time. Visit
                                                                                  “Seachtain na Gaeilge”          the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and collect a route
                                                                                  1st – 17th March 2019.        map to help you improve your health as you enjoy
                                                                                                            the beautiful surrounds of the Phoenix Park.
                                                                                                                                                                     15
Weekend Lectures & Walks 2019
             Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
             Free Admission. For bookings, please call 01-6770095. Subject to change.

                                                                                                      Sunday 28th 2.30pm
       January
                                                                                                      Pollination Plan
     Sunday 20th 3.00pm                                                                               A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee
     The First Dáil                                                                                   found within the park.
     Learn about the formation of the First Dáil and the start of the War of Independence in
     their Centennial year.                                                                            May
       March                                                                                          Sunday 5th at 2.00pm
                                                                                                      Music in the Courtyard
     Sunday 31st 3.00pm                                                                               Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
     Notable & Veteran Trees in and around the Phoenix Park
     Begin National Tree Week with a talk from one of our Tree Officers about our many                Sunday 26th 2.30pm
     fascinating trees here in the Phoenix Park.                                                      Lodges of the Park
                                                                                                      A walk and talk covering some of the wonderful Lodges within the Park.
      April
     Sunday 7th 3.00pm                                                                                 June
     Zoological Talk by a Guest Zoologist                                                             Sunday 23rd 3.00pm
     Learn all about the history of Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park. This interactive talk will take   Planning of Events in the Phoenix Park
     visitors on the story of Dublin Zoo from when it first opened its doors on 1 September           A lecture by Paul McDonnell, Park Superintendent.
     1831, to its evolution into a modern conservation organisation. Visitors will get an
     opportunity to learn more about our animals by engaging with some of our rare biofacts           Sunday 30th 2.30pm
     and behind the scenes video footage.                                                             Pollination Plan
                                                                                                      A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee
     Monday 22nd Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm                                                         found within the park.
     Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
     Bringing fairy tales to life!
                                                                                                       July
     Sunday 28th 2.00pm
                                                                                                      Sunday 7th 2.00pm
     Music in the Courtyard
                                                                                                      Music in the Courtyard
     Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
                                                                                                      Enjoy live music here at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

16
Sunday 14th 2.30pm                                                                         September
 Butterflies of the Park                                                                  Sunday 1st 3.00pm
 A lecture and a walk looking at the many different species of butterflies found within   Defences of Dublin, a Thousand Years of Fortification
 the Phoenix Park.                                                                        Since it was first established in the tenth century, Dublin has been fortified against various
 Sunday 28th 2.30pm                                                                       threats. In response, the government built an impressive array of towers, batteries and forts,
 Victorian Walled Garden                                                                  many of which still remain. The final threat to the city came from the bombers of the German
 A walking tour of the Victorian Walled Garden including its history.                     Air Force in World War 2. This lecture will discuss how each of these threats was met and
                                                                                          what remains of the various fortifications.
 Sunday 18th 2.30pm
 Trees at Ashtown Demesne                                                                 Sunday 8th 3.00pm
 A talk covering the history and identification of various trees found at Ashtown.        An Illustrated History of the Phoenix Park: Landscape and Management
                                                                                          A lecture by Margaret Gormley, Chief Park Superintendent.
 August
Sunday 18th 2.30pm
                                                                                            October
Dragonflies of the Park                                                                   Sunday 27th 3.00pm
A lecture and walk looking at the many different species of dragonflies and damselflies   Pumpkin Carving
found within the Phoenix Park.                                                            Join in this free family event suitable for all ages. Dale Treadwell will give a fun talk of
                                                                                          Ghosts, Ghouls, and Witches followed by pumpkin carving! Make sure to B.Y.O.
Sunday 25th 2.30pm                                                                        Pumpkin and dress to impress and there will be prizes for the best costume.
Pollination Plan
A lecture on pollinators and a walk recording the many different species of bumblebee     Monday 28th Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm
found within the park.                                                                    Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
                                                                                          Bringing fairy tales to life!

                                                                                           November

                         Heritage Week
                                                                                          Sunday 10th 3.00pm
                                                                                          St. John Ambulance in Ireland during WW1
                                                                                          St. John Ambulance was founded following a public meeting at the RDS in 1880. This
                                                                                          exhibition will focus on the untold story of the St. John Ambulance Brigade during the
                          17th to the 25th August                                         first World War.

                                                                                            December
                                                                                          Sunday 15th Two Shows at 1.30pm & 3.00pm
                                                                                          Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre
                                                                                          Bringing fairy tales to life!
                                                                                                                                                                                         17
Code of Conduct for
Dog Owners
      Dogs accompanied by responsible owners are
      welcome in the Phoenix Park. Please consider
      that other park users may not be as fond of
      dogs and may find dogs intimidating. Your dog
      should be kept in sight and under control at all
      times. However, they are not permitted in
      Ashtown Walled Garden or the Playgrounds and
      must be kept on a lead at all times in certain
      areas. Dog waste should be placed in a tightly
      sealed bag and taken home or deposited in the
      normal bins provided. The full Code of Conduct
      for Dog Owners is available to download for free
      from www.phoenixpark.ie
      Some species in the park – especially ground
      nesting birds and deer – are sensitive to distur-
      bance by dogs, please pay attention to and
      observe the signs to protect our wildlife. At cer-
      tain times of the year, deer can become particu-
      larly intolerant to intrusion, during rutting
      (September-October) or fawning (May-July) for
      example. For your own safety and that of your
      pet, please observe signage.
      Thank you for helping us protect our wildlife and
      ensuring the Phoenix Park is a safe and pleasant
      environment for all our visitors.

                                                           18
19
Primary School Modules
              The modules can be arranged at a time to suit school requirements, Monday to Wednesday, between 10am – 12noon.

                                         Module 1. Trees - what would we do without them?
                                       Introduction: Identify exotic and native tree species in the arboretum beside the Visitor Centre. Break for 15mins.
                                       Then a 20-minute video on the history of the park, after which the group can look around the visitor centre, which is
                                       self guiding over two floors.

                                         Module 2. Discover the animals that live in the park
                                       Introduction and PowerPoint presentation on deer, squirrels, badgers and much more. Break for 15mins.
                                       Then a 20-minute video on the history of the park, after which the group can look around the visitor centre, which is
                                       self guiding over two floors.

                                         Module 3. Step back in time with our Heritage module
                                       Introduction: Video and self guiding tour of the visitor centre. Break for 15 mins.
                                       Become a king or queen for the day with a visit to Ashtown Castle and find out about what life was like in medieval
                                       times.

                                         Module 4. Biodiversity
                                       Learn about the different habitats that exist in the Phoenix Park and the diversity of species that can be found here.
                                       There are trees, wild flowers, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies and dragonflies all living in the Phoenix Park.

                                         Module 5. Pollinators
                                       Learn about the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and what everyone can do to help our pollinators survive and
                                       thrive in Ireland. By protecting our pollinators, we protect our food supply of fruit and vegetables.

     Aglais urticae / Ruán Beag /      The Visitor Centre is located just off the Phoenix Monument beside Áras an Uachtaráin on the main
     Small Tortoiseshell               road of the park.

20
SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER
                                                    9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
                                                    11.00AM – 1.00PM        CHOIR

                                                    SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER
Welcome to the Phoenix Park Visitor                 9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
Centre 2019 Christmas Programme.                    2PM – 4.00PM            CHOIR
                                                    12.00PM - 4.00PM        WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE

                                                    SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER
There is plenty here for all the family to enjoy.   9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
                                                    11.00AM – 1.00PM        CHOIR

For further information visit                       SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER
                                                    9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
WWW.phoenixpark.ie or contact 01-6770095            11.00AM – 1.00PM        CHOIR
                                                    1.30PM & 3.00PM         MOON AND SIXPENCE PUPPET THEATRE
                                                    12.00PM – 4.00PM        WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE

                                                    SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER
       ALL                                          9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
     EVENTS                                         11.00AM – 1.00PM        CHOIR
    ARE FREE                                        SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER
                                                    9.30AM – 5.00PM         LIVE CRIB – COURTYARD
                                                    11.00AM – 1.00PM        CHOIR
                                                    12.00PM – 4.00PM        WOOD TURNERS IN ASHTOWN CASTLE
                                                                                                               21
Come Fly
     with Me
     Bird & Biodiversity Events in the
     Phoenix Park 2019

                                         Dama dama / Fia buí / Fallow Deer
                                         Corvus monedula / Cág / Jackdaw

22
MAY Bat Walk
Monday 6th May at 9.30pm
Join us for a guided walk to seek out one of our most mysterious Irish mammals,
the Bat. Experts will be on hand with bat detectors, to help find bats in the
parklands and woods of the Phoenix Park. This free event is suitable for families.
All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Car Park.
Booking essential, as places are limited, through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre:
Ph: 01-6770095.

 JUNE Gardening for Birds and Wildlife
Sunday 16th June at 2.00pm
An illustrated talk followed by a guided walk to view the beautiful walled
gardens of Ashton Demesne in the Phoenix Park, the talk and walk will be full
of tips and advice from BirdWatch Ireland on how to make your garden more
wildlife friendly.
All welcome. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking necessary
through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.

 JULY Badgers, Bats and Nocturnal Birds
Wednesday 10th July at 9.00pm
A night walk to experience the wildlife of the
Phoenix Park that comes to life after dark.
 We will search for tracks and signs of Badgers,
look for various species of Bats and listen for
nocturnal birds such as the Long-eared Owl.
All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Car Park. Booking
necessary through the Phoenix Park Visitor
Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.
                                                                                     23
AUGUST Bat Walk
     Wednesday 7th August at 9.00pm and Wednesday 21st August at 9.00pm
     Join us for a guided bat walk to seek out one of our most mysterious Irish
     mammals, the Bat. Experts will be on hand with bat detectors, to help find
     bats in the parklands and woods of the Phoenix Park. This free event is
     suitable for families.
     All welcome. No torches. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre car park.
     Booking essential, as places are limited, through the Phoenix Park Visitor
     Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.

       NOVEMBER Winter Bird Walk
     Saturday 16th November at 11.00am
     A guided bird walk to look for winter bird species in the Phoenix Park. Our
     target species on the day will include winter migrant species such as Fieldfare,
     Redwing, resident woodland species such as Jay and Treecreeper and a range
     of waterbirds on the ponds and lakes. We also provide useful tips and advice
     on feeding birds in gardens.
     All welcome. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking necessary         Troglodytes troglodytes / Dreolín / Wren
     through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.

       DECEMBER Santa’s Little Helpers
     Sunday 8th December at 11.00am
     A fun family event to learn more about winter birds with a range of activities
     for children; making fat balls and bird Christmas cake.
     Children’s Event. Meeting at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Booking
     necessary through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: Ph: 01-6770095.

24
Dark sky event with
                                                     the Irish Astronomical
                                                     Society
 A guided bird walk to                               The Irish Astronomical Society will host an exciting
   look for winter bird
species and visit a wide                             free, family friendly, outdoor event. As Mars will be
range of waterbirds on                               close to the moon and Saturn will be on view, this
  the ponds and lakes                                will be a wonderful viewing opportunity as there is
                                                     no light pollution within the Phoenix Park.
                                                     The event will take place on a clear night in
                                                     October; meet at the Papal Cross from 7.45pm.
                                                     Please call the Visitor Centre at 01-677095 in the
                                                     autumn for the exact date.

            Anas platyrhynchos / Mallard / Mallard

                                                                                                             25
Orienteering in the
     Phoenix Park
     Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines
     running with navigation. It is a timed race in which individual
     participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select
     routes and navigate through diverse terrain and visit control points in
     sequence. There are twenty-one Irish Orienteering clubs with
     approximately 1,100 members ranging in age from nine to ninety. The
     Phoenix Park has a permanent orienteering course which comprises of
     three courses. It is located in the vicinity of Ashtown Demense and
     you can collect the course map from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre,
                     or download for free from www.phoenixpark.ie. The
                              answer sheet for this course is permanently
                                 displayed at the Visitor Centre.

                                   Please come suitably prepared for the
                                    weather and ground conditions. It is
                                    recommended that sturdy boots are
                                    worn on rough ground.

                                   Log onto Website to print map.

26
Fallow Deer in the                                                               Menil: In summer ginger-brown, white spots, brown tail stripe, white
                                                                                 rump. In winter grey-brown, spots very faint.

Phoenix Park                                                                     Antler Shedding (April/May)
                                                                                 In April, the bucks start shedding their antlers, known as casting. This
The Phoenix Park is 1752 acres in size and is home to a herd of circa 450        is when the old antlers fall off. Sometimes Bucks are seen with just
Fallow Deer (Dama dama) which roam freely in the park and have done so           one antler, as they often do not lose both at the same time. The new
for over 350 years.                                                              antlers start growing in May, and growth is complete by August, ready
                                                                                 then for the rut in autumn. The antlers are covered with a soft
We would ask people to be mindful that the deer are wild animals. The            vascular skin called velvet, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the
deer may seem tame and friendly, please remember that the deer are wild          growing antler. In August, the blood supply to the antler is cut off and
animals and not to approach them or try to touch them.                           the velvet dries. The Buck then removes the velvet by rubbing its
                                                                                 antlers against trees.
Deer naturally only eat plant vegetation such as grass (90% of the time),
leaves and seeds such as acorns. We always try to explain this to all our        Fawning Season (June/July)
visitors to the park. Sometimes people try to feed the Deer human food, but      The fawns are born in June and July each year and they are rarely
if Deer eat human food this will lead to health issues and make them ill.        seen for the first few weeks. The Doe hides them to keep them safe.
                                                                                 Do not worry if you find a fawn alone; it is not lost or abandoned.
The Herd                                                                         They rely on their mother’s milk, so she will hide them in long grass
The male is called the Buck, the female the Doe, and the young are called        while she goes grazing. Please do not get too close or try to touch the
Fawns. There are four different types of colours in the park. These are Black,   fawn as your scent may cause the mother to reject the fawn. If an
Brown, Common and Menil and the colour varieties are best seen in sum-           animal threatens a fawn, the mother stamps her forefeet, snorts and
mer.                                                                             might try to drive the threatening animal or person away. The fawns
Black: In summer glossy black, black rump, spots very faint. In                  are colour tagged shortly after birth. A different colour tags is used
winter, dull black.                                                              each year so that it is possible to tell the age of each deer.
Brown: In summer rich chestnut brown, brown rump, spots very faint. In
winter, dull black.                                                              Rutting Season (October/November)
Common: In summer rich brown, white spots, black tail stripe, white rump.        Autumn is mating season, known as rutting, and lasts about five or
In winter dark grey, spots not evident.                                          six weeks. The rut peaks in October and during this time, Bucks can

                                                                                                                                                            27
be seen sizing each other up, known as parallel walking. If neither
     Buck backs down then they will clash antlers until one is exhausted,           Top tips for helping to look after the Deer:
     gives up, and is chased off. The victor Buck can then mate with the
     nearby females. Bucks can be heard at this time making loud grunts             The Deer are wild animals even though they look tame.
     to attract Does and warn off other Bucks. The best time to see rutting         Please do not get too close to the Deer, touch or try to feed
     is early morning when it is quiet in the park. We ask that visitors            them.
     allow the Deer a bit of privacy for this ritual and not get too close.         Human food is not good for Deer. Even though Deer will eat
                                                                                    it, human food can make them very ill. They get all their
     Cull (December/January/February)                                               nutrition from grass and leaves. They do not need help eating
     The Deer are a valuable component of the biodiversity of the Phoenix           and can manage just fine by themselves.
     Park. However, this must be balanced with an equal recognition of the          Keep a look out for signs. Sometimes paths can be closed off
     potential for deer to impact adversely on a range of other biodiversity        during fawning season or during culls.
     values. Sustainable deer management must rely on sound, practical
     and applied scientific research. An over-abundant deer population can
     result in an increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and increase
     the potential role of deer in spreading specific diseases. Deer
     management is the integrated management of deer populations in
     balance with the carrying capacity and land use objectives.

     In Ireland, Deer do not have any natural predators since the last
     wolves disappeared in the 17th century. Therefore, artificial
     suppression of the deer population is necessary and this is best
     accomplished by culls, which take place every year. This keeps the
     heard healthy and maintains the deer numbers to around 450 animals
     to prevent the herd from getting too large and from over grazing the
     park. Each cull is undertaken in consultation with the School of
     Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin and a
     veterinary expert in deer welfare following a detailed protocol.           Fallow deer in the Phoenix Park. Dama dama / Fianna buí / Fallow Deer

28
Phoenix Park Fallow Deer
Please never feed the Wild Deer or come within 50 metres of the animals.

                                                                           Copyright: Alan Timms
Walking Meeting Spots:
                                         ■ Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
                        P                ■ Farmleigh House
                                         ■ Grangegorman Military Cemetery
                                                                                                 www.phoenixpark.ie
                                         ■ Peoples Gardens
                                         ■ Victorian Walled Garden
                                                                                        A   Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
                                                                                        B   Áras an Uachtaráin
    M                                                                                   C   Papal Cross
                                                                                        D   The Peoples Gardens
                                 A             N                                        E   Wellington Testimonial
                            P                                                           F   Dublin Zoo
                                R                                                       G   Magazine Fort
        L                                                                               H   St. Marys Hospital
                                                                                        I   Cara Cheshire Home
                                                                                        J   Furry Glen
                                                                                        K   US Ambassador’s Residence
                                                                            S           L   Ordnance Survey Ireland
                                                                                        M   Farmleigh House Entrance
                                                                                        N   Ratra House
                                                   B                                    O   War Memorial Garden
                                                                                        P   Parking
                                                                                        Q   Bike Hire
                                                                                        R   Victorian Walled Garden
                    K                                                                   S   Grangegorman Military Cemetery

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