One of the directors of the program here had told us that the Dublin Zoo was the most popular attraction in the city. Monday June 4th was bank holiday Monday. We did not have classes as a result but many touristy attractions around the city were still running. Dublin Zoo is located inside Phoenix Park, a massive, sprawling park about twenty minutes from my apartment complex. Before I left, I slathered sunscreen over my exposed skin, not wanting another Howth-like sunburn.

The park is massive. At the front is a bike rental location where you can rent a bike to help you get through the truly gigantic space. I followed my google maps and found the zoo. It was madly crowded. In line and inside the zoo, there were tons of families with small children. It makes sense, zoos are a fun place to go for young kids. I was stunned though at how many kids were there, though. I’ve visited the Pittsburgh zoo a handful of times and haven’t seen it so crowded before, especially not with so many kids.

I paid for a student ticket and headed inside. Quick note on the student tickets, almost any place in Dublin has student pricing and I think America should definitely take note of that. Please, my wallet is begging you.

I spent about three and a half hours inside the zoo.

This zoo trip marked a couple firsts for me, including seeing zoo animals mating or attempting to mate (the crowd gathering around that exhibit were highly amused).

After the zoo, I walked back to my apartment, tired from the busy weekend.