Phoenix park
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The Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, the circumference being 11.2 km and the encircling walls covering an area of 1,752 acres (over 700 hectares). It was first enclosed by the Duke of Ormond in 1662, when the Duke turned the land into a deer park. Then it was landscaped and opened as a public park in 1747. (By the way, nowadays deers still can be seen in the park!) Although the park is public, there is a number of residences which are very strictly private. One of these is Aras an Uachtarain (House of the President). The house was built in 1751, was added onto in 1782 and in 1816 the celebrated architect Francis Johnston added the Ionic portico. Between 1782 and 1922 the house was known as the Viceregal Lodge and was used as a residence for the Viceroy and lords lieutenant. When the office of President was created in 1937 it became the official residence of the President of the Irish Republic.
Another house which has an official use is the residence of the American Ambassador. It was formely the Chief Secretary's Lodge and Demesne.
The name "Phoenix" is said to be a corruption of the Gaelic Fionn Uisce, or "clear water", referring to a spring near the Phoenix Column, crowned by a statue of the mythical bird. Another fine monument is the Wellington Testimonial (1817-61) which commemorates Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. There is a dispute over Wellesley's birthplace which was either near Trim, Co. Meath or at 24 Merrion Street Upper.
The 27-m (90-ft) steel Papal Cross marks the spot where the pope celebrated Mass in front of one million people in 1979. Close to the cross you can see deers, here they live.
Near Park Gates is the lakeside People's Garden - the only part of the park which has been cultivated. A little further on are the Zoological Gardens, established in 1830, making them the third oldest zoo in the world. The zoo is remowned for the succesful breeding of lions, including the one of that appears at the beginning of MGM movies.
The Phoenix Park is the lungs of the city, with its numerous trees and large, open, grassy spaces. Its many sporting facilities - over forty soccer pitches, the second oldest cricket club in Ireland (Trinity Cricket Club is the oldest), a vast training ground for budding athlets and for ordinary Joe and Mary Citizen trying to keep fit. Have a nice time!