There’s always a bit of a panic when the sun shines in Dublin. What’s lovely about a somewhat unpredictable climate is that when the weather is glorious, everyone wants to spend as much time as possible outside, enjoying the blue skies and making the most of it.

Luckily, Dublin has some beautiful parks, perfect for lounging on the grass, enjoying a picnic or going on a bike ride. Here are some of our picks for the best green spaces in the city.

Stephen’s Green

Possibly the best-known park in the city, this central gem is a popular meeting spot. Just a few minutes walk from The Westbury, Stephen’s Green is large enough to feel like you can take a good stroll, but small enough to explore easily. Pick up a coffee and take a walk past the duck pond (keeping an eye out for the seagulls who have perfected their duck impressions) and find the Victorian bandstands and manicured flowerbeds.

Iveagh Gardens

Just around the corner from Stephen’s Green, but a whole lot quieter, the Iveagh Gardens are something of an undiscovered glory in the city centre. With plenty of benches for picnicking and a beautiful waterfall, these gardens are perfect for an ambling stroll in the sunshine.

Phoenix Park

The largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe, the Phoenix Park is home to plenty of exciting draws. This is where you’ll find the excellent Dublin Zoo, as well as a wild roaming herd of fallow deer. You can rent bikes and cycle around the park, or just follow your feet and stroll around the various landmarks. You could easily spend a day here.

St Patrick’s Cathedral 

A relatively small space in the shadows of St Patrick’s Cathedral, this pretty park is filled with vibrant flowers and even a small playground for children. On sunny days, people relax on the grass and soak up the sun. It’s a great jumping off point for anyone exploring more of Dublin 8.