VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Emerald Park in Meath

Emerald Park, located in Kilbrew, Ashbourne, County Meath, is the country’s only major theme park and zoo, situated 30 minutes northwest of Dublin. Formerly Tayto Park (rebranded in 2023 to reflect Ireland’s “Emerald Isle” nickname), it spans 22 hectares and welcomed 750,000 visitors in 2015, making it Ireland’s sixth most popular paid attraction. Combining over 100 rides and attractions with a BIAZA- and EAZA-accredited zoo housing over 250 animals, it offers a thrilling and educational family-friendly experience.

A visit to Emerald Park typically lasts 5–7 hours, covering thrill rides, family attractions, a zoo, and seasonal events, making it ideal for families, thrill-seekers, and animal lovers. The park operates seasonally, typically from March to October, with hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (extended to 9:00 PM for special events like Halloween). All tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.emeraldpark.ie, as gate purchases are not available. Here’s a breakdown of the core experience:

Thrill Rides (All Access Zone):

Cњ Chulainn Coaster: Ireland’s only wooden roller coaster (opened 2015, Ђ8.5m), designed by The Gravity Group. At 32 meters high, 1,092 meters long, and reaching 90 km/h, it offers a 2.45-minute ride with steep drops and tight turns, themed after the mythical Irish warrior. It’s a top-tier coaster, ranked among the best in Ireland by enthusiasts.
Na Fianna Force: A 2024 Vekoma Suspended Thrill Coaster in the Tír na nÓg land, featuring two inversions, smooth tracks, and close encounters with castle-themed walls. Its immersive theming, inspired by the elite Irish warriors of folklore, makes it a highlight for thrill-seekers.
The Quest: A family-friendly steel coaster in Tír na nÓg, offering a smoother ride with scenic Celtic theming, ideal for all ages. It interweaves with Na Fianna Force, resembling a Celtic knot.
Viking Voyage: A well-themed flume ride with splashes, popular for its long water adventure.
Rotator: A dizzying upside-down flat ride for adrenaline junkies.
Windstar: A Zierer waveswinger offering swinging thrills and park views.
Air Race and Endeavour: High-energy rides for older kids and adults.
Junior Zone (for Younger Visitors):
Dino Dash: A fast, dinosaur-themed coaster with animatronics, perfect for young adventurers.
Flight School: A gentler coaster with a themed queue featuring a departure board.
Balloon Chase: A hot air balloon-inspired ride for kids.
Nissan Driving School: A car-driving experience for children.
Junior Drop Tower: A 10-meter Zamperla tower ride for young thrill-seekers.
Ladybird Loop: A small coaster, though it may close in wet weather, as it reportedly malfunctions in rain.

Other Attractions:

5D Cinema: An immersive experience with air gusts, water jets, flashing lights, and leg ticklers, ideal for rainy days.
Extreme Climbing Wall: A 21-meter structure with multiple routes for adventurous visitors.
Zip Lines and Maze: Additional activities for active families.
Playgrounds: Multiple adventure playgrounds for kids to explore.
Notes: Most rides open 30 minutes after park opening, with queues closing 30 minutes before park closing. Some rides (e.g., Viking Voyage, Cњ Chulainn) may close earlier to clear queues. Height and age restrictions apply (e.g., Cњ Chulainn requires 1.2m minimum height). Suitable footwear is required.

Zoo Experience:

The zoo, included in all tickets, is accredited by BIAZA and EAZA, emphasizing conservation education. It houses over 250 animals, with 60% of visitors exploring this section.

Big Cats: Amur tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, with a new tiger added in 2023.
Lemur Woods: An open walk-through habitat with playful ring-tailed lemurs, a visitor favorite.
World of Raptors: A 30-minute free-flying birds of prey show featuring eagles, owls, and falcons, highly praised by visitors.
Farmyard Friends: Hands-on petting area with goats and other farm animals, popular with kids.
Reptile House: Features snakes, lizards, and unique reptiles.
Keeper Talks and Exhibits: Interactive sessions educate visitors on wildlife conservation, making the zoo both fun and educational.

Tír na nÓg Land:

Opened in 2024, this 6.5-acre immersive land, themed after the Celtic Otherworld of eternal youth, is a standout feature. Designed by Jora Vision, it includes Na Fianna Force, The Quest, and Windstar, with detailed theming (buildings, music, landscaping) rivaling top global theme parks. The Celtic knot-inspired coasters and mythical storytelling enhance the experience.

Shows and Entertainment:

Fossett’s Circus: Run by Ireland’s historic Fossett family (since 1888), this show features aerial stunts, comedy, illusions, and knife-throwing, earning rave reviews for its Olympic-worthy quality.
Seasonal Events: The “Tricky Trails” Halloween event (October) offers a family-friendly trail with maps, clues, and stickers, praised for its engaging setup.
Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Magic Shows: Additional activities for kids, varying by season.
Practical Details: Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, A84 EA02, 30 minutes from Dublin via M2 motorway. Accessible by Bus Éireann 103 from Dublin city center (Berresford Place). Parking is free but limited; arrive early.
Tickets: All tickets must be booked online at www.emeraldpark.ie:
All Access: €39–€45 adult, €35–€41 child (3–12), covering all rides, zoo, and shows. Early bird discounts apply if booked before midnight the day prior.
Junior Zone: €20–€25, for kids under 1.2m, includes Junior rides, zoo, and playgrounds.
Senior Citizen: Discounted rate for 65+.
Additional Needs: Free carer tickets with documentation.
Child 0–2: Free entry with Junior wristband (height restrictions apply).
Annual Pass: Offers unlimited visits, ideal for repeat visitors.
Group Rates: Available for schools and large groups.
Dining: Fast-food and sit-down restaurants serve affordable, tasty meals (e.g., Jolly Rancher slushies). Visitors praise food quality but note the lack of free water stations.
Gift Shop: Sells park-themed souvenirs, with reports of reasonable prices.
Wheelchair-accessible paths and rides, with accommodations for additional needs (e.g., wristbands, ear defenders). Staff are trained to assist, though signage could improve.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, toilets, lockers (€3–€5, non-refundable, criticized by some), and a clean campus.
Weather: Ireland’s unpredictable weather may close rides like Ladybird Loop in rain. Bring rain gear and check

Visitor Feedback:

Social media comments on queue times (5–40 minutes, managed capacity of 13,000), affordable tickets when booked early, and friendly staff (e.g., a team leader retrieving glasses from Viking Voyage). The zoo and circus exceed expectations, and Tír na nÓg’s theming is world-class.
Social media also mentions long queues (up to 2 hours for zip lines) on peak days, insufficient staff for some rides, and gift card system issues (e.g., €150 vouchers not accepted). No free water stations and non-refunded ride closures in wet weather are drawbacks.

What’s New for 2025

Emerald Park continues to evolve following its 2023 rebranding and €30m expansion, with 2025 focusing on enhancing visitor experience and addressing feedback.
Introduced in 2024, the kids’ multimedia guide has new characters and interactive content across key attractions, making the park more engaging for young visitors. This builds on the guide’s success in enhancing family experiences.

Seasonal Events:

Tricky Trails Halloween Event: Returning in October 2025, this family-friendly trail with clues, maps, and stickers was a hit in 2024. Expect enhancements like new themed elements or extended hours, based on its popularity.
Potential New Events: With the park aiming for 900,000–1m visitors, new seasonal events (e.g., summer festivals or Christmas activities) will be introduced, though details are pending. Check www.emeraldpark.ie for updates.
The zoo, a major draw, will continue its conservation focus with new keeper talks and interactive exhibits in 2025. Following the 2023 addition of a tiger, expect new animal introductions or expanded habitats (e.g., Lemur Woods or Reptile House upgrades).
In response to 2024 complaints about long queues (e.g., 2 hours for zip lines) and understaffing, the park increased staff for peak days to maintain its reputation for short wait times (5–40 minutes). Plans for free water stations will be considered to address sustainability concerns.
The gift card system, criticized for technical issues (e.g., vouchers not accepted), is under review to improve customer service in 2025. Visitors are advised to avoid gift cards until resolved.
While Tír na nÓg opened in 2024, minor updates (e.g., additional theming, landscaping, or pre-show elements) are expected in 2025 to maintain its world-class appeal, based on Jora Vision’s ongoing collaboration.

Tips for Visitors

Book Early: Purchase All Access or Junior Zone tickets online at www.emeraldpark.ie before midnight the day prior for early bird discounts (€39–€45 adult). No gate purchases; book early for summer or Halloween.
Arrive Early: Arrive at 9:30 AM for 10:00 AM opening to enjoy minimal queues (5–10 minutes) for CњChulainn and Na Fianna Force.
Prioritize Tír na nÓg: Start with Na Fianna Force and The Quest for their immersive theming, then hit CúChulainn.
Family Strategy: Use Junior Zone (Dino Dash, Balloon Chase) for kids under 1.2m, and don’t miss Fossett’s Circus or the birds of prey show.
Zoo Focus: Allocate 1–2 hours for Lemur Woods, World of Raptors, and keeper talks, especially for kids.
Weather Prep: Bring rain gear; some rides close in wet conditions. Wipe down seats if needed.
Request accommodations for additional needs (e.g., wristbands, ear defenders) at booking. Most paths and rides are wheelchair-accessible.
Budget Wisely: Pack snacks to save on dining, but food is reasonably priced. Avoid gift cards due to reported issues.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Visit Newgrange (20-minute drive), Trim Castle (15 minutes), or Dublin (30 minutes) for a full trip