Parking Phoenix Park, Dublin

Parking in Phoenix Park is currently free in designated car parks, but spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and internal parking rules matter. Choose a car park near your intended entrance, check its opening time and allow extra time on busy weekends or event days.

Car parks for parking in Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park has several visitor car parks spread across its grounds. Their normal opening times are:

• Phoenix Park Visitor Centre: opens at 7.30am
• Papal Cross: opens at 8.30am
• Soccer Pavilions on Military Road: opens at 8.30am
• The Lord’s Walk, beside Dublin Zoo: opens at 9.45am
• Civil Service Cricket Club: opens at 9.45am
• Phoenix Cricket Club: opens at 9.45am
• Upper Glen Road: open 24 hours
• Knockmaroon car park: open 24 hours inside Knockmaroon Gate

Most car parks close one hour before dark. The Upper Glen Road and Knockmaroon car parks are the exceptions and remain open around the clock.

Free parking and availability at Phoenix Park

Designated Phoenix Park car parks are currently free of charge. Parking is not reserved, so a free space is not guaranteed when you arrive. The Visitor Centre and Papal Cross are useful options for daytime visits, while the later-opening car parks beside the clubs and Dublin Zoo may suit drivers arriving later in the morning.

A new parking strategy could introduce charges and stronger enforcement in the future. Check the latest signs and access information before each visit rather than relying on older parking advice.

Overnight parking in Phoenix Park

For overnight or very late parking, use only the Upper Glen Road or Knockmaroon car parks, which are open 24 hours. Other Phoenix Park car parks close one hour before dark, even though the main park gates at Parkgate Street and Castleknock remain open 24 hours.

Side gates normally operate for shorter hours, approximately from 7am to 10.45pm. Confirm your exit route before leaving a vehicle overnight and never move onto grass or verges to extend your stay.

Street parking rules around Phoenix Park

Chesterfield Avenue is not available for general parking, and parking on grass verges, turf, footpaths or cycle lanes is prohibited. Use a marked car park instead of stopping along the park roads, particularly near junctions and entrances.

Double yellow lines prohibit parking at all times. Vehicles must also stay at least 5 metres from a junction, and parking is restricted near pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, bus lanes, clearways and disabled bays. Outside the park boundary, follow the signs and restrictions for the relevant Dublin street.

Phoenix Park concert and event parking

Event parking can fill quickly. Additional parking spaces are available behind Dublin Zoo along the North Road, reached via North Road West, and on Upper Furze Road beside Chesterfield Avenue. These areas remain subject to access controls and may be affected by temporary event arrangements, so check the organiser’s travel guidance before driving.

As there are currently no Mobypark spaces within 3 km of Phoenix Park, drivers can check Mobypark in future if local availability changes.

Parking penalties and safer vehicle access

A general parking violation can start with a €40 fixed-charge fine and rise to €80 if it is not paid within 28 days. Parking in a disabled bay without a valid permit can attract a higher penalty of up to €150. Do not block junctions, entrances, cycle lanes or pedestrian routes.

Designated accessible spaces are available at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and near Dublin Zoo, with access via Fountain Road or North Road. Remove valuables from your vehicle, including items in the boot, and park only in marked spaces.