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 (see note below). 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.
New developments (2024‑2025)
- Tír Na nÓg land – In 2024 Emerald Park opened a new 6.5‑acre Celtic‑themed area called Tír Na nÓg. The immersive zone houses Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters, Na Fianna Force and The Quest, and expands the park’s footprint by roughly twice the size of Croke Park.
- Two new steel rollercoasters – The park announced a €30 million investment for two state‑of‑the‑art steel coasters slated for early 2025. Names are being kept secret, but they will sit within Tír Na nÓg and add to the existing thrill portfolio.
- Crisp factory tour changes – Following the end of the Tayto sponsorship, the self‑guided factory walkthrough is no longer part of the standard admission and the complimentary packet of crisps has been discontinued (the Twisted Chip outlet remains open for purchase).
- Membership continuity – Existing Tayto Park membership cards are still valid and can be used to book online. New Emerald Park membership cards will be issued on renewal, with the same benefits.
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.
- 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.
- Na Fianna Force & The Quest – Family‑friendly and thrill coasters launched in the Tír Na nÓg land (2024).
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.
- Eagles’ Nest – A soft‑play area with slides, climbing frames and a small indoor slide, perfect for toddlers.
- Flight School – A mini‑coaster designed for the youngest guests who are not yet tall enough for the main rides.
- Playgrounds – Themed play areas such as Spudhara and Pow Wow.
- 5D Cinema – A motion‑seat theatre that combines 3‑D film with water sprays, wind and lighting effects.
- Extreme Climbing Wall (21 m) and Sky Walk rope‑course provide active challenges for older kids and adults.
- Twisted Chip – A snack outlet selling the iconic Tayto chip in various flavours.
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, red‑bellied tamarins and a growing collection of lemurs on the 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.
Seasonal events & special experiences
- Wicked Adventures (Halloween) – Spooky decorations, themed shows and a night‑time “After Dark” ride schedule.
- The Christmas Experience – Festive lights, Santa’s grotto, a holiday market and special seasonal rides.
- Summer Splash – Extra water‑play features on Viking Voyage and pop‑up splash zones.
- Mascot photo‑ops – Giant Tayto chip mascots roam the park on busy days, offering fun photo opportunities for families.
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; a short 5‑minute shuttle walk leads to the gate |
| Driving | 28 km (≈ 30 min) north‑west of Dublin via the N2/M2. Free on‑site parking for cars, coaches and disabled vehicles |
| Opening times | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily (seasonal variations may apply) |
| Admission | All‑Access wristband €43 adult / €52 family (prices 2024); Junior Zone €39; Senior/Child €30; Children 0‑2 free. All‑access includes rides, zoo, playgrounds, most shows and the 5D cinema. |
| Food & drink | Restaurants, fast‑food outlets, the Twisted Chip snack bar and a large picnic area. Allergen‑friendly menus available |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair‑friendly routes throughout the park; zoo pathways are level. The Tea House in the Tree House and the Buffalo viewing platform are not wheelchair‑accessible. |
| Pets | Dogs are not permitted inside the park (except guide dogs) |
| Height restrictions | Certain rides require a minimum height (e.g., Cú Chulainn 120 cm, Rotator 130 cm). Children below the limit must be accompanied by an adult. |
Visitor tips
- Book online – Advance ticket purchase reduces queue time and guarantees entry on busy days.
- Mid‑day visit – Arriving around 11:30 am helps you beat the early‑morning rush and still catch the 5D cinema shows.
- Bring a raincoat – Many attractions are outdoors; the park remains fully operational in wet weather.
- Picnic option – The large picnic area is free to use; bring your own food if you prefer a quieter meal.
- Photo‑friendly spots – The orange gateway, the giant Tayto mascot and the coaster’s lift hill are popular backdrops.
- Plan for the zoo – Allocate at least an hour for animal talks and the Lemur Walk to get the most out of the accredited collection.
- Factory tour – The self‑guided crisp‑factory walkthrough is no longer included with admission; the Twisted Chip outlet remains open for purchase.
- Membership – Existing Tayto Park membership cards are still valid and can be used for online booking. New Emerald Park cards will be issued on renewal.
Nearby attractions
- Bective Abbey – A 13th‑century Cistercian ruin set in tranquil parkland, just a 15‑minute drive from Emerald Park. Bective Abbey
- Boyne Valley – Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, all within a short drive.
- Ashbourne town centre – Offers cafés, shops and the historic St John’s Church.
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 exploring the new Tír Na nÓg land, the park delivers a full day of entertainment just a short hop from Dublin’s bustling centre.