Emerald Park | FAQs | Ireland's Only Theme Park & Zoo
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Frequently asked questions

General questions

Some general questions people ask about their trip to Emerald Park.

  • What happens if an activity is closed or there is bad weather during my visit?

    Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, an activity may have to close. This may be temporary or for the day.

    If we are aware of a scheduled closure, we will advertise in advance on our website and social media. We will advertise as soon as we receive notification on our notice boards throughout the park.

  • Am I entitled to compensation if a ride/attraction is closed during my visit?

    Rides and attractions at Emerald Park are subject to availability and may close for operational or technical reasons, seasonality, inclement weather, special events or to ensure the safety and security of guests. The full value or part of the value of tickets/memberships will not be refunded nor will compensation be payable if any attraction or ride is unexpectedly closed or removed at any point during the course of your visit/membership.

  • Are tickets refundable?

    All of our tickets are purchased on a non-transferable and non-refundable basis. We are therefore unable to cancel any bookings or process refunds. If you wish to change the date of your booking, please contact our bookings office 48 hours prior to your visit and the team will try to assist you, subject to availability.

    Refunds or date changes cannot be facilitated after your visit. Any exceptions to this will be made on a case by case but are not guaranteed in accordance with our company operations and procedures.

  • How does the up to 20% off advance bookings work?

    If you make an advance booking, you will benefit from our early bird ticket rate.

    Ticket type Early bird rate Regular rate
    All Access €43 €52
    Junior Zone €39 €47

    To avail of our early bird rate, be sure to book your tickets online before midnight, the night before you visit. Otherwise our full-price regular rate will be applied.

  • Do children need adults to accompany them to Emerald Park?

    Yes. We require that children under 16 be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. Children must remain under adult supervision at all times. Adults must purchase either an All Access or Junior Zone ticket for park entry.

     

  • What tickets and attractions can a child under 3 use?

    We operate an ‘Under 3’s go free’, policy. Children aged 0-2 will receive free entry into Emerald Park.

    When booking, please select a Child 0-2 ticket. This ticket will include a Junior wristband, that includes use of Junior Zone attractions, subject to height requirements.

    Once your child has turned 3, they must purchase a Junior Zone ticket to enter the park.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept cash and most forms of Debit and Credit Cards. We do not accept Diner Cards or American Express. We do not accept personal cheques.

    We can accept sterling notes but not coins and all change will be given in Euro.

  • Is there an ATM on site?

    There is currently one ATM onsite located in our admissions building.

  • Do you have Electric Vehicle chargers onsite?

    New 2025 : We offer convenient EV charging stations near the Admissions building, with spaces clearly marked in green. The charging block includes two designated disabled bays for accessible parking.

    Important Information:

    • Charging Lead: Please bring your own charging lead.

    • E Power App: To use the chargers, download the E Power app. You can use it as a guest without needing to sign up. (It’s quick and easy!)

    • Charging Time: The time it takes to charge your car varies based on your vehicle, battery size, and current charge level. Most cars can be charged from 0% to full in approximately 7 hours.

    • Charger Specs: Our chargers are 22kW standard chargers.

    EV chargers are available on a first come serve basis or may be reserved for a small fee when you are booking your entry tickets .

    For any assistance, please visit the admissions team

     

  • Smoking & Vaping policy

    There are two designated smoking/ vaping areas available in the park, these are the only areas onsite where smoking is allowed. Our staff will be happy to direct you to the nearest one upon request.

    Smoking/vaping is not allowed in any other outdoor space, queue, restaurant, shop or attraction and cigarettes or vapes are not sold on site.

    Failure to adhere to this will result in removal from Emerald Park.

  • Can I bring prams, scooters, trikes, footballs or carts etc. to Emerald Park?

    Standard prams and buggies are welcome at Emerald Park. However, for the safety and comfort of all guests, the following items are not permitted:

    • Scooters
    • Push trikes
    • Tricycles
    • Rollerblades
    • Heelys
    • Electric Scooters
    • Footballs
    • Pull-along wagons/carts

    Exceptions may be made for certain items under special circumstances  (e.g., trikes with adequate brakes or sensory wagons) if they are required to support a guest with additional needs. If you have any of these items and believe they are necessary for accessibility reasons, please speak to a team member at the entrance on arrival.

     

  • Pregnant guests

    For health and safety reasons, pregnant guests will be unable to make use of the majority of the rides and attractions at Emerald Park. For this reason, pregnant guests can avail of our additional needs ticket (without the free accompanying carer) at a reduced cost of €25. We advise pregnant guests to view our Ride Access Guide prior to visiting to familiarise themselves with any restrictions.

    On arrival to admissions, guests may be asked to provide documentation to confirm that they can avail of this rate. Documentation can be anything from a prenatal appointment card to a doctor’s letter.

  • Emerald Park Complaints & Feedback Policy and Process

    Our process for handling feedback or complaints typically involves two methods:

    In-Person Assistance: During your visit, we encourage guests to speak with a member of our management team. This way we can instantly react to your feedback. They are trained to assist with immediate concerns, ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as possible.

    Post-Visit Feedback: Alternatively, after your visit, we invite you to provide feedback through our online feedback form . We value this channel as it allows for detailed feedback and provides a written record for our reference. Please note that we do not provide direct contact via telephone for our management team. However, please be assured that once we receive your feedback, it will be thoroughly reviewed by both our guest experience and senior management teams ,who will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. Response times may increase during peak times. To help us investigate fully, please ensure you provide us with proof of visit such as tickets or receipts.

    However, please note that any payment-related queries must be raised and addressed on the day of your visit. Unfortunately, we are unable to investigate payment-related issues after the visit has concluded. Guests should report any payment-related queries to a member of our staff on the day of their visit for prompt resolution.

    If you would like to provide feedback on your experience with us, please click to fill out our contact us form.

     

  • I have a large group attending, can we check in separately?

    We cannot partially process any bookings on arrival. For this reason we would ask that all guests booked in the same transaction arrive and check in together.

  • Lost and Found

    If you have lost an item during your visit , please report details to the reception desk in admissions before you leave or contact the team as soon as possible using our web form.

    We will do our best to locate and retrieve any items that have been reported as lost within the park. All found items will be stored in our Lost and Found department for up to 30 days from the date the item was recovered. Items not claimed within this 30-day period will be donated to charity as part of our standard policy. Unfortunately, after this time, we are unable to recover or return these items.

    To claim a lost item, guests must provide a detailed description of the item, including identifying information. Guests will be required to show identification when collecting high-value items such as phones, wallets, or jewelry.

    For larger items or items that cannot be easily posted (e.g., strollers or bulky clothing), guests are responsible for arranging collection or delivery via a courier service at their own cost.

    While we strive to help reunite guests with their lost items, Emerald Park is not responsible for lost, damaged, or unclaimed property.

     

  • Do you work with charity partners?

    Yes, we work closely with a number of fantastic charity partners.

    Our current charity partners are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, Mental Health Ireland, and Just a Minute (JAM). We also work closely with zoo conservation partners and initiatives including WildCats Conservation Alliance, Macaca Nigra Project, Golden Eagle Trust, the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP).

    Due to ongoing commitments to our current partners, we are not actively looking for new charity partners.

Gift cards

Your questions answered about Emerald Park gift cards. You can buy gift cards online.

  • Where can I redeem an Emerald Park gift card?
    • Admissions office for memberships
    • Online booking site for park entry tickets
    • Any onsite Emerald Park food outlets
    • Concessions outlets such as Scoops & Sprinkles
    • Retail outlets such as the Gift Shop and Sweet Station

    Gift cards cannot be accepted as payment in external concessionary outlets such as at arcade games, Twisted Chip and Sausies.

    As of December 1st 2024 , Emerald Park gift cards expire 5 years from date of issue.

  • Lost or forgotten gift cards

    To redeem an Emerald Park gift card you must have the physical gift card or proof of the online gift card on the day of your visit. We cannot accept payment confirmation as proof.

    Gift cards cannot be reprinted for security reasons, so we will be unable to reproduce a gift card that you have previously purchased.

    If you have forgotten a gift card, we would advise you to pay entry as normal and flag this with a team member. They will copy your purchase receipt and if you can present the gift card within 24 hours we can refund you and redeem the balance from the gift card instead.

  • Will my Tayto Park gift card still be valid?

    From January 2023, we are known as Emerald Park. All gift cards purchased under Tayto Park will remain valid and be honoured by the park.

  • Do Emerald Park Gift Cards / Vouchers have an expiry date?

    From 1st December 2024 ,  Emerald Park gift card/voucher are valid for 5 years from date of purchase. After this period, the card cannot be used to purchase any items, and any used balance will be lost and will not be recoverable by the cardholder under any circumstances.

    To check your balance please click here

    For Full Terms & Conditions click here

Visiting the park

Do you have questions about visiting Emerald Park or buying tickets?

  • Do I have to pre-book tickets?

    Yes, we would strongly advise that tickets be purchased online, in advance of your visit, to avoid disappointment on sold out days.

    To ensure our guests have the best day out we operate at a limited ticket capacity. Early booking is suggested and we offer an early bird rate of up to 20% off full ticket price, when tickets are booked before midnight, the night before visiting.

    Otherwise, our regular ticket rate will be applied and guests will be required to pay full price.

    In accordance with our terms & conditions, pre-paid tickets are non-refundable. If you contact the bookings office 24 hours prior to your visit we can look at changing your date, subject to availability.

  • How much are tickets?

    We currently offer two entry rates to our park; Early Bird and Regular Rate. An All Access ticket costs €43 with our early bird rate while a Junior Zone ticket costs €39. To avail of our early bird rate, tickets must be booked online before midnight, the night before visiting. Find more information on tickets here.

  • Are there any special offers?

    We have a special early bird offer of up to 20% off when tickets are booked in advance of your visit.

    To receive this rate, you must book your ticket before midnight, the night before your visit. otherwise our full price regular rate will apply.

    Please keep an eye out for special events/offers on our events page or on our social media.

  • Do you provide an “entry only” ticket option?

    We do not provide an entry only ticket option. For guests who decide not to participate in our attractions we recommend purchasing a Junior Zone ticket which includes park entry, access to our zoo, playgrounds, and shows.

  • Can I exit and re-enter the park?

    Exiting and reentering the park is only permitted  by visiting the Exit gate and requesting a re-entry pass . This will be validated by a member of the security team when departing and re-entering. Wristbands must not be removed and must be shown to gain entry again.

  • What time is last admission to Emerald Park?

    Last admission for general guests is 2 hours before official park closing time and 1 hour for members. Find more information on our opening hours.

    Please note: Ride and Attraction queues will close 30 minutes prior to official park closing , or may close earlier if queue length is over 30 minutes.

  • Lost children/parents

    If you lose your adult or are an adult who’s lost their child in Emerald Park, please look for a member of staff who will help you reunite as soon as possible!

    A great idea is to write the adults contact details down and give them to your child. We have blank child identity bands available from the admissions office for this purpose.

    Another recommendation is to take a photograph of what your child is wearing on the day so you can give an accurate description to staff.

  • Can I rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter?

    Available to hire from May 2025 :

    We will have a limited number of mobility scooters and wheelchairs available to hire, available on a first come, first served basis. Mobility scooters are hired at a cost of €50 per day and require a €25 deposit which will be returned once the scooter is returned in the same condition. Wheelchairs are also available for hire for a €20 deposit to rent. We advise guests who depend on a mobility scooter to bring their own if possible.

    Please note that mobility scooters will only be hired to individuals 18 years of age or over.

     

  • Where do I collect my park photographs?

    Attraction photos can be collected near the exit of the ride you have been photographed on. These include the Cú Chulainn, Viking Voyage, Nissan Driving School, Flight School, and Dino Dash.

  • Are pets allowed in the park?

    We are only able to allow registered assistance dogs. Please see Accessibility policy for further details.

  • Do you cater for guests with food allergies?

    Yes, we cater for many food allergies.

    For example we can serve our tasty gluten free goujons in the Lodge Restaurant. Just make sure to ask your server.

    In the Lodge, The Outback Chicken Shack, Argentinian Grill, Dino Bite, & Pizza Place we are a nut free environment and all of our chicken is Halal.

    For more allergen information please click here.

School tours

Are you planning a school trip to Emerald Park? You can find out all you need to know for a memorable day out.

  • Do you offer School Tour Packages?

    Yes, we facilitate and support educational experiences for students, immersing in topics from zoo conservation, sustainability, ecology, business studies, CSPE and more.

    We offer educational tour packages for secondary, and QQI and third level institutions.

    We also offer primary school tours that include full park access.

    To find out more visit our education section.

  • Are Queue Assist Passes available for a child visiting on a school tour?

    Yes , School Tour Queue Assist Pass are available by request in advance .

    While we wish all students to have an enjoyable visit with us, certain conditions must be met to successfully apply for a QAP.

    As this service is in high demand and many guests rely on it to visit Emerald Park, we kindly ask for your cooperation in only applying if it is absolutely necessary. To ensure that the reduced QAP queues remain as efficient as possible, we encourage guests to use this service only when needed. Your understanding and cooperation help us provide the best experience for all visitors.

     

  • What does the School Tour QAP cover ?

    The QAP allows reduced wait time on up to 6 attractions for an eligible student with additional needs, one named adult companion (such as a career, Teacher/SNA, or family member – 18 years or older), and one additional guest. It does not guarantee immediate access and may include return times.

  • How do I apply For a School Tour QAP ?

    School tour QAPs must be applied for in advance by the person booking the school tour.

    To do this please indicate that you would like to avail of this service when making your initial School booking. The bookings team will send you the appropriate forms to fill out in advance of your arrival and assist you with any queries .

    If you have not notified us of your requirements for a QAP and have already made your booking , please email bookings@emeraldpark.ie with your request and booking reference number and they will contact you.

  • What are the requirements to apply for a School tour QAP

    Standard QAP terms and Conditions apply

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

    The QAP is not issued automatically with an additional needs ticket. It requires supporting documentation confirming the guest’s inability to queue. This must be shown on arrival to Emerald Park. Without this a QAP will not be issued. Examples of accepted documentation may include:

    • A card from an Additional Needs Association which meets requirements for a Queue Assist Pass. For example, AsIAm Card, Autism NI Card, etc.
    •  A form / headed letter that names the guests, and states why they would be unable to queue for extended periods.
    • A letter from a Professional Body, your GP or Consultant on header paper that names the guest and states an inability to queue. It must be dated within the last two years.

    SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS ON THE DAY OF VISIT

    Students using the QAP must be accompanied at all times by their named adult companion (aged 18+) on a 1:1 ratio. Without this, QAPs will not be accepted by the ride operator. In cases where there is any doubt regarding a companion’s age, valid photo ID may be required to confirm they are over 18.

    The named companion must be able to assist with boarding and understand ride safety instructions, must accompany the QAP passholder on all rides and attractions on a 1:1 ratio.

    If the named companion is unable to accompany the QAP passholder on a particular ride, the additional guest with a QAP wristband may take their place. The named companion must ensure that any substitute companion is capable of supporting the QAP passholder.

    The ride operator will confirm whether the substitute companion can assume responsibility and effectively communicate safety procedures. The named companion must still accompany the QAP passholder when entering and exiting all rides and attractions

    For safety, some rides—such as Viking Voyage—require the named companion to be present on the ride.

    If the companion is not present at each attraction the student will be unable to use the QAP. Should you require additional adults to fulfil this role, please let us know and we will amend your booking.

Membership

Your questions about becoming a member of Emerald Park.

  • What is an Emerald Park membership and how does it work ?

    An Emerald Park membership is a named and photographed, seasonal pass that grants access to the park for 12 months from the date of purchase, subject to the park’s operating calendar. Emerald Park closes each December and reopens in March/April of the following year (dates subject to change).

    Members can use their membership card to book visits online and visit the park as often as they like within the membership period.

    Please note that memberships are non-transferable—only the named and photographed member may use the pass. Any misuse will result in immediate termination without a refund.

    For full Terms and conditions visit our membership page here 

  • Do members need to pre-book tickets? What is the deposit?

    Yes, members must pre-book their park visits online. A €5 deposit per booking is required.

    The deposit that is paid to secure your booking as a member, is a pre-authorisation. The deposit is held in a pending transaction for up to 48 hours, and is then released back into your account. Emerald Park will only claim the deposit should you fail to arrive on the day you have booked. There will be no transaction to show a refund into your account and there will be no transaction shown for the deposit.

  • What are the benefits to becoming an Emerald Park member?

    2025 member benefits*

     

    20% off Discounted rates Cheaper renewal
    • Emerald Park food and beverage outlets.
    • Emerald Park retail outlets.
    • On special events throughout the year.
    • Get €10 off if you renew your membership within 14 days of its expiry date.

    *Terms & conditions of member benefits

    • Membership card must be presented and in date at the time of purchasing a ticket or an item. Photocopies or names on memberships will not be accepted.
    • No refunds will be issued in respect of producing membership card at a later date.
    • 20% discount on retail/food & beverage is subject to fair usage. This discount will be applied to full price items only.
    • 20% discount on retail/food & beverage will only apply to those named and photographed and will be limited to the amount of people per membership.
    • Membership benefits excludes external vendors, such as Twisted Chip, Sausies, Freestyle Beverages and Paid for Games.
    • If there is any doubt on likeness in photos, guest will be advised to visit the admissions department to update account details.
  • Who can use my membership?

    Only those named and photographed at set up, can use an Emerald Park membership. The pass is non-transferable and pass holders cannot be substituted under any circumstances. Any misuse of this will result in your pass being revoked.

    Amendments to membership details may be made on request. Any change in details must be made my the main contact on the memberships and name changes for members will not be actioned.

  • How do I renew my membership?

    Unfortunately, we cannot process renewals over the phone or online. They can only be renewed in the park, as you are required to complete a renewal form and have your photographs updated.

    All guests must be pre-booked in advance to enter Emerald Park.

    If you book for a date when your membership is not valid, you must either renew on arrival or pay the price /price difference of general entry tickets.

    If your membership is out of date and you wish to renew, please book general tickets online and we will use the cost against your membership.

  • Can Hotel or Admit-one tickets be used to upgrade to a membership?

    Hotel and discounted pre purchased All Access tickets cannot be used as part of the “try before you buy” offer. Only tickets purchased directly from Emerald Park can be used in this offer.

  • How do I become an Emerald Park member?

    Check out details on how to become an Emerald Park member here.

  • Can I add to or amend a current membership?

    In some circumstances, you can add an additional person to your membership, however the membership will still expire at its current expiry date. We would recommend that you add all members to your account at the beginning of each membership term for best value.

    Any amendments in details to existing memberships , (Contact details )  must be made by the main contact. Please note that names/photos  of members cannot be changed during a membership term.

  • What happens if my child turns 3 during the duration of my membership?

    Children aged 0-2 receive free admission to Emerald Park and do not need to be named on a membership. We would recommend if your child is turning 3 within a membership, that you add their name at the beginning. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a full priced ticket for any visits after they turn 3 or choose to add them to your current membership at the usual cost of upgrade. Please note any additions to an existing membership will expire on the current membership date and will not be prolonged.

Attractions

All about the attractions and rides available at our theme park.

  • Ride closures and seasonal schedules

    Attractions are subject to availability and may close for technical/operational reasons, weather, special events or to ensure the safety and security of guests.

    In off-peak season (April-June & September-December), seasonal closures will occur. Activities such as Sky Walk and The Show by Robert Fossett will open in July & August only.

    All Rides and Attractions in the All- Access Zone and Tír na nÓg will close on November 2nd 2025  for the year and will reopen in 2025 season

    Find out more about seasonal open times of our attractions.

  • Do the rides have height/weight restrictions?

    Yes, for the safety of our guests, all rides and attractions have minimum and maximum height/weight restrictions. Height restrictions for each ride can vary.

    We do have some attractions that children under minimum height requirements can be accompanied on by an adult in our Junior Zone.

    For more information on individual height restrictions, please check our attractions page.

  • What time do attractions open and close?

    In peak season, majority of attractions open within 30 minutes of official park opening times, however, this may vary. Please check update boards on the day of your visit for the most accurate information.

    Attraction queues will close 30 minutes before park closing time.

    Certain attractions such as the Viking Voyage, Nissan Driving School and Cú Chulainn may close an additional 30 minutes earlier to ensure all guests in the queue will have time to use the attraction prior to park closing.

  • Can I use the rides & attractions if I’m wearing a cast or have a pre-existing injury?

    All rides require guests to brace themselves. Therefore guests with broken limbs, boots, splints or casts are not permitted to ride, for their own safety and the safety of others.

    For more information please visit our ride access guide.

  • What footwear is suitable for using attractions?

    For safety reasons, high heels, football boots , open toe/open heeled shoes or sandals are not allowed on rides. You will not be able to participate on these activities if you don’t have suitable footwear.

    We would recommend flat, sensible, comfortable walking shoes or runners when visiting Emerald Park.

  • Am I entitled to a refund if a ride/attraction is closed during my visit?

    Rides and attractions at Emerald Park are subject to availability and may close for operational or technical reasons, seasonality, inclement weather, special events or to ensure the safety and security of guests. The full value or part of the value of tickets/memberships will not be refunded nor will compensation be payable if any attraction or ride is unexpectedly closed or removed at any point during the course of your visit/membership.

Tír na nÓg

  • What is Tír na nÓg?

    Tír na nÓg is the first fully themed and immersive land at Emerald Park and is guaranteed to excite both thrill seekers and families alike. The name Tír na nÓg is rooted in Irish mythology, stemming from the classic story of Oisín and Niamh, and their legendary journey to the Land of Eternal Youth.

    Please note Tír na nÓg and its rides & attractions will close at the end of the October Mid term break every year and re-open the following season.

  • What is in Tír na nÓg?

    Tír na nÓg has two new rollercoasters; a Suspended Thrill Coaster called Na Fianna Force, a Family Boomerang called The Quest, along with a third classic theme park ride, a Waveswinger called the Celtic Dreamer. Along with these new attractions, there will be new food & beverage, concessionary, and retail units which will also be fully themed.

  • Is Tír na nÓg open?

    Yes! Tír na nÓg is now open for all guests to enjoy.

  • Do I have to pay to enter Tír na nÓg?

    Entry to Tír na nÓg is included in all ticket prices. An All Access ticket must be purchased for Na Fianna Force and The Quest. A Junior Zone ticket will allow access to The Celtic Dreamer.

  • Who is Tír na nÓg suitable for?

    Tír na nÓg is a magical area of Emerald Park to be enjoyed by the whole family!

Careers at Emerald Park

Our applications are now closed for 2025 season. Please check or careers page and social media channels for future opportunities .

Continue the adventure…

Contact us
Contact us

The team at Emerald Park are here to help with all your questions and queries. Contact us here.

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Getting here
Getting here

Get road directions and bus information to Emerald Park from Dublin and Belfast.

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Park accessibility
Park accessibility

We want everyone to experience the joy and wonder that comes from a visit to Emerald Park. Full information on our park accessibility can be found here.

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