Blackrock Park is one of the best small parks in Dublin.
It has strong Victorian influences, as you’ll see from the entrance off Merrion Avenue—the massive granite piers and gates give you a sense of what’s to come.
When you ramble through it, you’ll be treated to a beautiful melody of sights and sounds, with plenty to discover within its grounds.
Some quick need-to-knows about Blackrock Park
Photo by luciann.photography (Shutterstock)
Although a visit to Blackrock Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
If you’re coming off the R118, Blackrock Park is located on the left of Rock Road just before the Frascati Centre in Blackrock Village and on the right if you’re coming off the N11. You can reach it from either Blackrock or Booterstown DART stations. See it here on maps.
2. Opening hours
Probably because it’s a linear park that takes you through to Booterstown, the Park is open twenty-four hours a day, all year round.
3. Parking
There are a few options for parking at Blackrock Park. Eighteen spaces are available inside the park (see them here). Naturally enough, these fill up fast on warm days/at weekends, so try and arrive early.
4. Playground
The playground is not huge but is perfect for small children, and you can also take them to the pond to see the ducks and swans. All ages will enjoy the butterfly garden, and there are loads of spaces that encourage wildlife and teach about the importance of creating these havens for pollinators.
5. Public transport
Several bus routes, including the 46A, service Blackrock from all corners of Dublin City and County and you can also reach Blackrock Park from either Booterstown or Blackrock DART stations.
About Blackrock Park
Photo by Bruno Negri (Shutterstock)
Blackrock Park unites urban and suburban as its location is part of both a coastal route north and a coast-to-mountain route on the south side.
The Park has strong Victorian influences, as you’ll see from the entrance off Merrion Avenue—the massive granite piers and gates present an impressive welcome.
Inside the entrance is an unused toilet pavilion, while another pavilion sits on a raised area overlooking the bandstand. This pavilion was built in the late 19th century and was where visitors could buy sweets and cakes. The East entrance off Rock Road also has ornate gates, and this entrance leads to the railway.
Nowadays, the park boasts sports, exercise, and picnic areas as well as a cycle path and a well-equipped children’s playground. The gardens are beautiful and categorised as sensory, herb, bees & butterflies, and a wildflower meadow.
There’s also a demonstration site teaching about home composting. Ducks and swans populate the pond, which has a small island and is a firm favourite among visitors. Both birds and the island share the pond with the Peace Fountain, which was erected to mark the 1986 International Year for Peace.
Why Blackrock Park is a fine spot to take some time out
This is a special place to get away from the traffic on Rock Road. Feel the breezy sea air from just over the wall that runs the length of the Park or climb up higher and watch the cargo ships and ferries as they near Dublin Port.
Easy access to and from the Blackrock or Booterstown DART stations makes it easy for Dubliners near and far to pay a visit to this urban oasis. You’re close to the food hall of the Frascati Centre if you want to make a day of it or wander into the village and enjoy all it has to offer.
Watch the ducks and swans darting and diving around the island in the centre of the pond, and if you have children, there’s a lovely well-maintained playground for them. There’s also a clearly defined cycle lane, so everyone is safe, and there’s a gym area for adults.
Like many parks around the country these days, Blackrock Park is playing its part for pollinating species with a wildflower meadow, a Bee and Butterfly Garden, and a demonstration area to teach you about composting at home. Allow a couple of hours here.
Things to do nearby
One of the reasons that a trip out to Blackrock Park is one of our favourite day trips from Dublin City is due to its proximity to some mighty Dublin attractions.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Blackrock Park.
1. Seapoint Beach (5-minute drive)
Photo by the gent that is @Padddymc.ie
Seapoint Beach is rocky. You can swim there at high tide but be careful at the South end because the shallow water holds hidden rocks. The North end has slipways and steps leading to water which makes it easy to access. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
2. Dun Laoghaire (15-minute drive)
Photo by Peter Krocka (Shutterstock)
Dun Laoghaire is home to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland and is popular for its East Pier, which offers excellent walks, winter, and summer. There’s plenty of things to do in Dun Laoghaire and there’s lots of great restaurants in Dun Laoghaire, too.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.