There is no better city in the world when the sun is shining.
Dublin is a great city at the best of times, but it really does come into its own when the sun comes out.
The city is built to stroll around and enjoy the sights and there is no better place to be when the heat is on.
Below are our Top 5 parks in Dublin where you can relax, have a picnic, soak up some rays and watch the world go by.
Stephens Green is a park in the south city centre of Dublin. It is just off the main tourist shopping area, Grafton Street.
Join the office crowd enjoying their sandwiches, feed the pigeons, ducks and swans that live around the large pond and let the kids run off some steam in the popular playground.
Another city centre park popular with local workers. The park is beautifully maintained and is perfect for a nice stroll or a picnic away from the busy shopping streets. There is also a large playground to keep the U-12s entertained.
There are plenty of attractions in the park which is not surprising considering it is almost 2,000 acres in size and easily accessible from the Red Line Luas or any Tourist Bus. Aras an Uachtaráin, where the sitting Irish President resides is based here as it, Farmleigh House, Dublin Zoo, the Papal Cross, People's Flower Gardens, plenty of walks, picnic areas and a fantastic playground. ANd of course, a photo opportunity with the local wild deer.
Popular Northside park looking out across Dollymount Beach and Dublin Bay. It is a beautiful setting for a walk, especially among the Rose Garden and down by the Pond. There are plenty of places for the kids to play - the race track is popular with young cyclists and skaters -, a dog run, a large playground and a busy cafe.
Malahide Castle & Gardens is a magnificent park set on 260 acres with fantastic facilities for all the family.
At its centre is the magnificent Malahide Castle owned by the Talbot for almost 800 years. Surrounding the castle are fantastic gardens, plenty of room for games or long walks.
There is also a large playground that although it can get busy has plenty of activities for kids of all ages including zip wires, large ripe climbing frames, little sand diggers and slides of all different sizes. There is also an Avoca within the grounds offering great wholesome food.
Some other good parks to check out are Carysford Park, Fairview Park, St. Catherine's Park, Blackrock Park and Ardgillan Castle.
