Emerald Park, Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, reopens for the 2023 season on Saturday, 25th March. It’s a huge year for the park with the business recently undertaking an exciting rebrand. Over the past few months, the Emerald Park team have been working to introduce the new branding, identity and theming throughout the park, and the 25th of March will be the first time all is revealed in its entirety to the public.
Not only is there a new name over the Irish theme park’s door, this year Emerald Park will also introduce two new delightful junior attractions, Balloon Chase and Crazy Bus. Both rides are the first additions to the Emerald Park Junior Zone in three years, and are sure to thrill younger adventurers visiting the park.
Balloon Chase is whirling its way into the Emerald Park Junior Zone! The sky is the limit as you get ready to go up, up and away on this colourful, hot air balloon inspired ride, designed for adults and kids.
All aboard the Crazy Bus! On this cheery, school bus themed attraction, the wheels are sure to go round and round. Set off in the Crazy Bus and have silly fun with an exciting flying carpet motion. Crazy Bus is perfect for riders of all ages, particularly families.
The accredited Emerald Park zoo has welcomed some new animal arrivals over recent months, including one of the world’s most endangered species of big cats. Visitors can look forward to spotting a group of energetic squirrel monkeys, along with striking arrivals, Bira, an “Endangered” Amur tiger, and Freya, a “Critically Endangered” Amur leopard. The two stunning sub-species of big cats arrive at the zoo as part of the prestigious European wildlife conservation management programme, the “EEP”. The zookeeping team are delighted to say the new additions have settled in well and got straight into the swing of things at Emerald Park!
Bira, an Amur tiger. Amur tiger's are classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN. Bira joins the Emerald Park zoo as part of the EEP.
Freya, an Amur leopard. Amur leopard's are one of the world's most endangered species of big cats, recognised as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN. Freya joins the Emerald Park zoo as part of the EEP.
Charles Coyle, General Manager of Emerald Park, will cut the green ribbon on Saturday and officially open the park doors, with help from Clare and Shane McHugh from Maynooth, Co. Kildare, and their children Ellie (6), Ben (4) and Tom (2). Ben receives in-home nursing care from the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, which is the chosen charity partner of Emerald Park for 2023.
"At Jack and Jill, we are all about giving families the gift of time through the in-home nursing care hours we fund and provide, so that the families under our care can take a much-needed break. We're thrilled at being selected as charity partner by Emerald Park and we have no doubt this will be an adventure-filled partnership that really puts the fun into fundraising. On behalf of the 400 families under our care today, right across the country, we'd like to wish the Emerald Park team all the very best as they embark on this exciting new chapter, and we are very happy to be part of their story."
March 25th is set to be an epic reopening weekend for Emerald Park, with family favourites such as Cú Chulainn, Dino Dash, World of Raptors, and more, all ready and waiting to welcome guests. All food outlets will be open with a guarantee of delicious, mouth-watering dishes. The park will also introduce a new partnership with Unilever for 2023, which will see two new Ben & Jerry’s units opening. The units are located at Blásta in the Junior Zone, and Scoops, in The Lodge.
"We are excited to reopen the Park for the 2023 season and welcome guests new and old to Emerald Park to enjoy everything that the Park has to offer throughout the 50 acres of fun. We've been working hard behind the scenes to upgrade the park and we hope that everyone who comes through our doors will enjoy treasured moments big and small in the Park."
On the 25th of March get ready to step inside the gates of Emerald Park for a full day of unforgettable family fun. With eye-popping rides, a jaw-dropping zoo, and show-stopping events, you are guaranteed to make memories you will treasure forever!