Emerald Park, near Ashbourne in County Meath, is Ireland's only combined theme park and zoo. It opened in 2010 as Tayto Park — built by the crisp manufacturer of the same name — and was rebranded as Emerald Park in 2023. The 55-acre site mixes white-knuckle rides, family attractions and a zoo across a set of themed areas, and is one of the most visited family attractions in the country.
The headline ride is the Cú Chulainn Coaster, a wooden roller coaster that opened in 2015 — one of the largest wooden coasters in Europe, with a steep first drop and an inversion that is rare for a wooden coaster. Around it sit the Air Race, the Viking Voyage water ride, the Rotator and a growing roster of thrill and family rides. The zoo holds Amur tigers, monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, reptiles and an aviary, with keeper talks through the day.
It is a full-day family destination, and the All-Access ticket covers the rides, the zoo and the shows. Booking online in advance is cheaper than the gate and strongly advised in summer and at weekends, when the park is busy. Emerald Park is about 30 minutes from Dublin and Dublin Airport, off the M2/N2 — an easy day trip from the capital, or a stop on the way to the Boyne Valley (Newgrange is 30 minutes north).
Highlights
- Ireland's only theme park and zoo, on a 55-acre site in County Meath
- The Cú Chulainn Coaster (2015) — one of the largest wooden roller coasters in Europe
- Thrill and family rides: the Air Race, Viking Voyage water ride, the Rotator and more
- A zoo with Amur tigers, monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and an aviary, with keeper talks
- About 30 minutes from Dublin and the airport — easy to combine with the Boyne Valley
Good to know
- →Book online in advance — it's cheaper than the gate and the park sells out on busy days.
- →The All-Access ticket is the one to get; it covers rides, zoo and shows.
- →Allow a full day, and aim for a weekday in term time to dodge the biggest crowds.
- →Newgrange and the Boyne Valley are 30 minutes north — a natural pairing for a Meath day.
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Aug for full opening and all rides running. A weekday in school term is far quieter than weekends and holidays.
Getting There
Nearby Attractions
Book this experience
Emerald Park All-Access ticket
The All-Access ticket covers the rides, the zoo and the shows. Booking online is cheaper than the gate, and prices vary by date.
Book now →Quick Facts
- Type
- Adventure
- County
- Co. Meath
- Province
- Leinster
- Entry
- €40
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:00 in peak season; reduced and seasonal days otherwise — check the website. Last entry about 2 hours before closing.
- Allow
- A full day
Destination guide
Ireland's Ancient East
Itinerary, best stops and local tips for Leinster & Munster · Ireland.
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