Overview
Emerald Park – known as Tayto Park until its re‑branding in January 2023 – is Ireland’s only permanent theme‑park‑and‑zoo complex. Set on 22 hectares of former farmland in the Kilbrew townland of Ashbourne, County Meath, the attraction sits just off the M2/N2 corridor, a 30‑minute drive north‑west of Dublin city centre. Visitors are greeted by a bright orange gateway that nods to the iconic Tayto crisp brand, and inside they find a seamless blend of high‑octane rides, a BIAZA‑ and EAZA‑accredited zoo, seasonal shows and a self‑guided tour of the neighbouring crisp factory. The park’s all‑access wristband model means families can hop from coaster to carousel without worrying about tokens, making it a hassle‑free day out for all ages.
History
The park opened its doors on 24 November 2010 after a €8.5 million investment from Ray Coyle, the farmer‑entrepreneur behind the Tayto snack empire. Designed by Stewart and Sinnott Architects with landscaping by Anthony Ryan and ride design by Milo Fitzgerald, the original concept focused on a modest zoo and playground surrounded by the scent of fresh‑cut potatoes. Over the next decade the site expanded dramatically: the wooden coaster Cú Chulainn (opened June 2015) gave Ireland its first inverted wooden coaster, and a series of thrill rides – the Rotator, Air Race, Endeavour and Viking Voyage – transformed the park into a full‑scale amusement destination. In February 2022 the sponsorship agreement with Tayto Snacks ended, prompting the 2023 re‑brand to Emerald Park, a nod to Ireland’s “Emerald Isle” nickname. Today the park welcomes roughly three‑quarters of a million guests annually and remains a flagship attraction in Ireland’s “Ancient East” tourism corridor.
What to See & Do
Thrill rides
- Cú Chulainn Coaster – Europe’s largest wooden inverted coaster, soaring 32 m high, stretching over a kilometre of track and reaching speeds of around 90 km/h. The ride is themed around the legendary Irish hero Cú Chulainn and delivers a series of steep drops, tight turns and a single inversion.
- Viking Voyage – Ireland’s only water‑flume ride, featuring 1.7 million litres of water and a 12 m drop that splashes riders into a Viking‑themed splash zone.
- Rotator – An inverting, spinning maxi‑dance‑party ride that whirls guests 360° at a height of 31 m.
- Air Race, Endeavour, Shot Tower, Power Surge and the newer Sky Glider zip‑line (23 m high, 120 m long) round out the high‑adrenaline portfolio.
Family‑friendly attractions
- Junior Zone – Home to a 10‑m Junior Drop Tower, a steam‑train circuit, a Nissan‑powered car‑driving experience and the gentle Dino Dash junior coaster.
- Playgrounds – Multiple themed play areas, including the Spudhara and Pow Wow playgrounds, cater to toddlers and early‑school children.
- 5D Cinema – A motion‑seat theatre that combines 3‑D film with water sprays, wind and lighting effects – perfect for a rainy‑day break.
- Extreme Climbing Wall (21 m) and Sky Walk rope‑course provide active challenges for older kids and adults.
The Zoo
Emerald Park’s zoo is accredited by both BIAZA and EAZA, housing over 250 animals across several habitats. Highlights include:
- Big cats – Amur tigers, leopards and lions.
- Primates – Squirrel monkeys and lemurs, with a dedicated Lemur Walk.
- Birds of prey – A free‑flying “World of Raptors” display featuring eagles and owls.
- Farm animals – A seasonal petting farm where younger visitors can interact with goats, sheep and alpacas. All zoo experiences are included in the general admission, and daily talks add an educational layer to the animal encounters.
Crisp Factory Tour & Seasonal Events
A self‑guided walkthrough of the adjacent Tayto crisp factory is bundled with entry; visitors can watch potatoes become the iconic snack and leave with a complimentary packet of crisps. Throughout the year the park hosts themed events such as The Wicked Adventures (family‑friendly Halloween) and The Christmas Experience, each adding extra shows, decorations and limited‑time rides.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Emerald Park, Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, A84 EA02, Ireland |
| Website | emeraldpark.ie |
| Phone | +353 183 51999 |
| Coordinates | 53.5438 ° N, ‑6.46361 ° W |
| Public transport | Bus Éireann routes 103 & 105 connect Dublin (≈ 30 min, €6) and Ashbourne to the park entrance |
| Driving | 28 km (≈ 30 min) north‑west of Dublin via the N2/M2. Free on‑site parking is available for cars and coaches |
| Opening times | Generally open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (check the website for seasonal variations) |
| Admission | Wristband day‑pass gives unlimited ride access; entry also includes zoo, playgrounds, crisp‑factory tour and most shows |
| Food & drink | Several sit‑down restaurants, fast‑food outlets and a large picnic area for families who prefer to bring their own meals |
Getting There
By car – From Dublin, follow the M2 north‑bound, exit at the Ashbourne round‑about and follow signs to the park. The site offers ample free parking for cars, coaches and disabled vehicles. By bus – Bus Éireann services 103 and 105 run every 30 minutes from Dublin’s Busáras stop to the Ashbourne bus station; a short shuttle walk (≈ 5 minutes) leads to the park entrance. For those staying in nearby towns such as Navan or Drogheda, the same bus routes provide convenient links.
On‑site logistics
The park operates an all‑access wristband system; children under a certain height are limited to the general attractions and must be accompanied by an adult for the more intense rides. Wheelchair‑accessible routes are available throughout the main grounds, and the zoo’s pathways are level and suitable for mobility‑impaired visitors. Several restaurants provide allergen‑friendly menus, and the picnic area is equipped with benches and sheltered tables.
Suggested visit length
Most visitors find 2 to 4 hours sufficient to experience the major rides, zoo highlights and the factory tour, though families with younger children often linger longer in the playgrounds and animal areas. Planning a mid‑day visit allows you to catch the 5D cinema showtimes and any scheduled live‑performance slots.
Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) remains a standout destination for families seeking a blend of high‑speed thrills, wildlife encounters and a uniquely Irish snack‑themed experience. Whether you’re chasing the inversion on Cú Chulainn, splashing down the Viking Voyage, or simply watching lemurs swing overhead, the park delivers a full day of entertainment just a short hop from Dublin’s bustling centre.