Emerald Park announces 2026 opening with popular Zoo Walk returning this February!

Emerald Park has announced its opening date for the 2026 season, with the Zoo Walk experience set to welcome guests on select dates throughout February and March.

Located only 20 minutes outside of Dublin in Ashbourne Co. Meath, Emerald Park’s Zoo Walk opens on Saturday, 7th February with entry priced at €10, and members go free! In an exciting new initiative, guests attending Zoo Walks can avail of €10 off Return All Access tickets for any visit to Emerald Park in 2026, giving families even more value and the perfect reason to return later in the year.

Offering families and animal lovers the chance to take a walk on the wild side, guests can explore the award-winning zoo at Emerald Park. Discover incredible birds of prey in a World of Raptors engagement, put your zoo skills to the test with over 250 animals to discover, learn all about the parks majestic leopards, tigers and lemurs with Emerald Park Keeper Talks all while enjoying the park’s scenic surroundings ahead of the full season launch.

Visitors of Zoo Walk can enjoy a range of engaging animal experiences. Lemur Woods and the Emerald Park Petting Farm will be open from 11am to 3pm, offering the chance to meet favourite farmyard friends such as ouessant sheep, pygmy goats and alpacas. The Emerald Park Education Centre will host interactive biofacts activity sessions, where the park’s expert team will showcase fascinating artefacts from the animal world.

At 3pm, a special World of Raptors engagement will take place, where zookeepers will carry out an exclusive engaging experience with a range of majestic birds of prey. Keeper Talks will take place at 11am, 12pm and 2.15pm across various habitats, giving guests unique insights into Emerald Park’s conservation work and the care of its more than 250 resident animals.

Speaking about the return of Zoo Walks, Lee Donohoe, Zoo Manager at Emerald Park, said, “Zoo Walk is a really special way for guests to experience the zoo at Emerald Park and allow families a chance to slow down and really enjoy the zoo at their own pace. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see our animals up close, learn about their individual stories and the conservation work we do every day. We love welcoming guests back early in the year and inviting them to take a walk on the wild side with us at Emerald Park Zoo.”

While rides and attractions will not be in operation during Zoo Walk, visitors can enjoy full access to Emerald Park’s renowned playground, the Pow Wow Playground Ireland’s largest outdoor play area ensuring plenty of adventure for younger guests.

Emerald Park will fully open on Saturday, 21st of March where guests will be able to enjoy over 45 thrill-seeking rides and attractions.

Zoo Walk Dates:

February 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th

March 1st

What’s Included

Access to Emerald Park Zoo and playgrounds – NOTE – rides and attractions are not open at this time.

For more information and T&C’s visit www.emeraldpark.ie.

Slán go fóill.