Emerald Park’s ‘Hop & Hunt’ Returns Bigger Than Ever with over 12,000 Easter Eggs Up for Grabs!
- Danny Joyce | Editor
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Emerald Park is bringing back its hugely popular Hop & Hunt this Easter and it’s bigger, better, and more egg-citing than ever! Following last year’s success, one of Ireland’s largest Easter Egg Hunts returns from Thursday, April 2nd to Monday, April 6th, with an incredible 12,000 chocolate Easter eggs waiting to be claimed. New for this year, families can also enjoy ‘Little Bunny Mornings’, a specially designed early experience for younger guests to enjoy the magic of Easter in a more relaxed setting before the park opens fully.
Located just 20 minutes from Dublin in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Emerald Park will once again transform into an Easter wonderland, offering families a magical springtime adventure filled with fun, exploration, and plenty of chocolate eggs!
Upon arrival, guests can collect their official Hop & Hunt map and set off on a themed trail through the Emerald Park Zoo and Junior Zone. Along the way, families will discover specially marked locations where festive characters will be waiting to stamp maps as eggs are found. Once all stamps are collected, little explorers can make their way to the Hop and Hunt Chocolate Station to receive their very own delicious chocolate Easter egg, where golden ticket surprise awaits on lucky explorer! The fun continues at the Big Top Tent where guests can get their creativity hopping at the Easter activity station, featuring themed arts and crafts, giant games and along with a special competition offering families the chance to win a return trip to Emerald Park.
Over at the Emerald Park Zoo, visitors can enjoy exclusive Giant Rabbit talks, where expert keepers share fascinating facts and stories about these incredible animals. Plus, little explorers can take part in hands-on learning at Bio Facts, discovering interactive displays, fun activities, and the wonders of the animal kingdom at select times throughout the day.
The Junior Zone and Zoo will be buzzing with Easter cheer, complete with festive decorations and access to family-favourite attractions including the Crazy Bus, Ladybird Loop, Honey Pot Bears, Balloon Chase, and Flight School perfect for in-between egg-hunting adventures.
Entry to Hop & Hunt is included with all Emerald Park admission tickets during the event dates.
New for 2026, Emerald Park is introducing ‘Little Bunny Mornings’, a specially designed early experience for younger guests to enjoy the magic of Easter before the park gets busy. Taking place in the Emerald Park Education Centre on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of April, these intimate 45-minute sessions are tailored for children aged between 2 to 4 years and must be pre-booked in advance. Guests can choose from two session times (10:15am and 11:15am) with each including a warm welcome with tea and coffee for parents, followed by an engaging bunny-themed story time, interactive biofacts exploration, a magical meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, and a fun-filled bunny dance party including songs, dancing, bubbles and more!
Little guests will also enjoy a gentle visit to the Giant Rabbit Habitat, where they can see Emerald Park’srabbits up close and learn fascinating facts from expert staff, making it the perfect first Easter experience for small adventurers. Pre-booking is essential from events@emeraldpark.ie
Beyond the Easter excitement, Emerald Park offers a full day of thrills and discovery for all ages. Younger guests can explore 14 Junior Zone attractions, multiple playgrounds, the petting farm, and the Emerald Park Zoo home to more than 250 animals including big cats, birds of prey, and the ever-popular Lemur Woods experience.
For thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled fun. Brave the legendary Cú Chulainn Coaster, Europe’s largest inverted wooden rollercoaster make a splash on Ireland’s only flume ride, Viking Voyage, or experience the immersive world of Tír na nÓg, featuring Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill rollercoasters.
Tickets for Hop & Hunt are available now at www.EmeraldPark.ie
Hop and Hunt
Dates: Thursday, April 2nd to Monday, April 6th
Times: 11am – 4pm.
Location: Emerald Park Zoo & Junior Zone.
Price – Hop and Hunt is included in Emerald Park ticket.
Little Bunny Mornings
Dates: Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of April.
Times: 10:15am and 11:15am.
Location: Emerald Park Education Centre.
Bookings: Pre-booking is essential – bookings to be made at events@emeraldpark.ie
Slán go fóill.
