At Emerald Park our mission is to create adventure and serve our community through nature conservation. Our award-winning team of educators provide a range of opportunities for students of all ages to achieve this mission.
From primary school pupils to researchers at third-level institutions, we facilitate and support curriculum linked educational experiences for students, immersing in topics from zoo conservation, sustainability, ecology, business studies, CSPE and so much more!
Habitat Explorers is an off-peak educational experience designed especially for primary school children. At our accredited zoo, home to over 250 animals, pupils will explore real animal habitats alongside knowledgeable zookeepers, learning how animals live, adapt, and survive in the wild. Through guided exploration and hands-on learning, children will deepen their understanding of habitats, conservation, and animal care in a fun and inspiring environment.
Diets and Nutrition is an off-peak educational package designed for primary school children at our accredited zoo, home to over 250 animals. Guided by experienced zookeepers, pupils will discover what different animals eat, why diets vary between species, and how nutrition supports animal health and survival. By exploring real-life feeding routines and adaptations, children will gain a deeper understanding of animal diets, food chains, and the role of zookeepers in providing balanced nutrition.
In this study, students will conduct an investigation of a grassland ecosystem including qualitative and quantitative plant and animal surveys. This package includes outdoor and indoor portions, use of apparatus and data collection, as well as a recap of ecology curriculum material.
This session can be adapted to suit Junior Cycle Science, Leaving Certificate Biology as well as Further Education Programmes.
This session includes a presentation and guided tour, highlighting the parks’ growth as both a dynamic business hub and a premier visitor destination. Attendees will gain insights into the park’s development, operations, and the strategic initiatives that make it a successful and evolving enterprise. The tour also offers a firsthand look at the facilities, showcasing how business and visitor experiences are integrated in a real-world setting.
This session includes a presentation, guided zoo tour, and interactive group activity designed to inspire students to understand and appreciate the impact of the environment on our daily lives. The experience encourages observation, discussion, and reflection on environmental issues, making it highly suitable for students working on the CSPE Action Project. Through hands-on engagement and real-world examples, students gain a deeper awareness of conservation, sustainability, and their own role in protecting the natural world.
This session includes a presentation and guided zoo tour with a focus on biology and wildlife conservation. Students will explore the diversity of animal life, learn about habitats and ecosystems, and gain insights into conservation efforts that protect endangered species. The experience is designed to combine education with hands-on observation, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Animal Behaviour is an off-peak educational package designed for third-level students at our accredited zoo, home to over 250 animals. Delivered while the park is closed, this experience offers in-depth insight into animal behaviour through direct observation of real habitats, guided by experienced zookeepers. Students will explore behavioural patterns, enrichment, social structures, and welfare practices, gaining practical understanding of how behaviour is monitored and managed in a modern zoological setting.
Availability: Off-peak only, €18 per student
A key feature of this session includes understanding the ways in which a well-designed enclosure can promote optimal animal welfare along with enhancing visitor experience.
Enclosure design is an interactive and engaging module suitable for Level 5 and 6 QQI Animal Science and Animal Care students.
In this study, students will conduct an investigation of a grassland ecosystem including qualitative and quantitative plant and animal surveys. This package includes outdoor and indoor portions, use of apparatus and data collection, as well as a recap of ecology curriculum material.
This session can be adapted to suit Junior Cycle Science, Leaving Certificate Biology as well as Further Education Programmes.
If you are currently enrolled at a university and are interested in pursuing a research project at a zoological collection in Ireland, we welcome you to get in contact with us.
We would also recommend that you read the Zoo Research Guidelines series produced by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), which can be downloaded for free from the BIAZA website.
Emerald Park is pleased to participate in a variety of research projects with undergraduate and post grad students from a number of leading universities and colleges.
Visit Emerald Park Zoo, home to over 250 incredible animals, during exclusive off-peak hours. Enjoy behind-the-scenes insight from our expert staff in a calm, relaxed setting while the park is closed* — the perfect day out for specialised organisational groups.
*Please note: as the park is closed during this experience, attractions will not be available.
What’s included:
Engaging guided zoo tour
Exclusive animal experience (animal feed, enrichment session, or bird of prey experience)
Interactive presentation in our Discovery & Learning Centre (tailored to your group’s needs)
Meet-and-greet session with a zookeeper
Enjoy the zoo in a quieter, crowd-free environment
Free on-site coach parking
Wheelchair accessible
Optional lunch add-on (additional cost)
Price: €15 per person
Carers: One free carer per guest (if required)
Group size: Minimum 15, maximum 30
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Find out more about research projects at Emerald Park through the form below.