Emerald Park
Emerald Park, formerly Tayto Park, is a 55-acre amusement park and zoo located in County Meath, Ireland. It offers a variety of rides, attractions, and an accredited zoo focused on conservation education and research, making it a significant family entertainment and educational destination in the region.
Key Facts
- ›Located in County Meath, Ireland, approximately 25 km northwest of Dublin.
- ›Covers an area of 55 acres (22 hectares).
- ›Originally opened as Tayto Park on November 24, 2010, and rebranded as Emerald Park on January 1, 2023.
- ›Features the Republic of Ireland's only permanent rollercoasters.
- ›The zoo is accredited by BIAZA and EAZA and houses conservation-dependent species.
- ›Attracts around 750,000 visitors annually, making it a popular paid attraction.
World of Raptors, Lemur Walk, Petting Farm, TíR Na NóG
About Emerald Park
Emerald Park, known from its 2010 opening until 2022 as Tayto Park, is a significant amusement park and zoo situated in County Meath, Ireland. Spanning 55 acres (22 hectares), the park is located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Dublin. Originally themed around the Irish potato crisp brand Tayto, the park was conceptualized by farmer-turned-entrepreneur Raymond Coyle.
History and Development
The park officially opened its gates on November 24, 2010. Initially, it focused on its zoo area and playgrounds, with rides being added and expanded over the subsequent years. The park underwent a major rebranding in 2023, changing its name to Emerald Park, a nod to Ireland's nickname, the "Emerald Isle," following the non-renewal of its sponsorship agreement with Tayto Snacks.
Attractions and Features
Emerald Park offers a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages. These include theme park rides, with the park boasting the Republic of Ireland's only permanent rollercoasters. A dedicated Junior Zone caters to younger children with various gentle rides. The park also features general attractions such as playgrounds, a maze, a 5D cinema, and live entertainment like magic shows and face painting.
The Zoo
A key component of Emerald Park is its accredited zoo, which holds certifications from BIAZA and EAZA. The zoo is dedicated to conservation education and research, housing a diverse collection of animals, including large cats, primates, exotic birds, and native Irish birds of prey. Notable features within the zoo include a "World of Raptors" bird of prey display, a "Lemur Walk" enclosure, and a "petting farm." The zoo's commitment to conservation is evident in its focus on several conservation-dependent species.
Recent Developments
In May 2024, Emerald Park opened a new themed area named "Tír na nÓg," inspired by Celtic mythology. This expansion includes two new rollercoasters from Vekoma: a Suspended Thrill Coaster and a Family Boomerang, further enhancing the park's appeal as an entertainment destination.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Emerald Park called before?
Emerald Park was previously known as Tayto Park. This name was used from its opening in 2010 until its rebranding on January 1, 2023.
Where is Emerald Park located?
Emerald Park is situated in the townland of Kilbrew, County Meath, Ireland. It is located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) northwest of Dublin.
What kind of attractions does Emerald Park offer?
Emerald Park features a range of attractions including theme park rides, an accredited zoo, adventure playgrounds, a maze, a 5D cinema, circus shows, and arts and crafts activities. It also has a dedicated Junior Zone for younger visitors.
What is notable about the zoo at Emerald Park?
The zoo at Emerald Park is accredited by BIAZA and EAZA and is committed to conservation education and research. It houses a diverse collection of animals, including big cats, primates, exotic birds, and native Irish birds of prey, with several conservation-dependent species.
Are there any rollercoasters at Emerald Park?
Yes, Emerald Park features the only permanent rollercoasters in the Republic of Ireland. A new themed area called 'Tír na nÓg' opened in 2024 with two new rollercoaster models.
What happened with the Tayto's Twister slide?
The Tayto's Twister slide experienced two incidents, one in 2012 resulting in an employee's broken ankle and another in 2013 where a boy suffered a kidney injury. Following these events, the slide was altered and has since been permanently closed.
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