Scenes from Dublin’s Tymon Park
One of Dublin’s main attractions is the huge Phoenix Park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe. It’s basically the Central Park of Dublin, and it really is so beautiful and wonderful.
BUT, I’m here to tell you about another great park in Dublin that stole my heart – Tymon Park. Now that I’m a #local, I have had a bit of time to explore this lesser known park. I truly believe it’s one of the best parks in Dublin.
I spent my first 2 weeks here in Dublin at a Homestay. We decided to use Homestay.com for the first time and we had the most amazing host family. (I’ll be posting more about that later).
We were staying in the ‘burbs of Dublin, in an area called Templeogue in Dublin 6W. Near to our Homestay was the amazing Tymon Park. I was able to go for a few runs (OK FINE, walk/jogs) through Tymon Park when it wasn’t raining. It was so picturesque, so pleasant and so peaceful. I WELCOMED the excuse to stop mid-run and snap pictures!
Because I went during the day (since I was unemployed, and all) the park was very quiet. At some points I really felt like I was the only person there, lost in this huge park that seemed like a secret that only I knew about.
And yes, when I say I got lost in this park, I literally got lost. This park has so many different paths that sometimes connect and sometimes don’t, that sometimes bring you full circle and sometimes don’t, that sometimes end in a dead end and sometimes don’t. There are even several bridges that take you over the highway to the other side and reveal even MORE expanse of this park. I didn’t even discover that part until my last day exploring. But when I did get lost, every local that I stopped and asked for directions was super friendly and helpful OF COURSE.
Since I would go during the day when most people were working, there weren’t many people there. I did see many elderly people taking strolls. Most with dogs, some without. What struck me as something different that I don’t really see at home was that most people who were with their dogs didn’t have their dogs on leashes. The dogs were just following along beside their human, sniffing around and having the best time. But even if they would fall a little behind, their owner would never turn around and see if the dog was following. They just knew that even if the dog was really far behind, it would notice and catch back up to them eventually.
Other notable moments in Tymon Park were when I was walking along the narrow little path and I saw, I’m not kidding, like 10 rabbits hopping across the path. They were trying to go from one wooded area to the other side. This little area was so quiet and deserted, that it was just the rabbits and me. It was such a cool sight to be able to witness this little rabbit family doing their thang.
Another time, I was crossing this bridge and saw a huge rat carrying food in its mouth crossing the same bridge. The rat seemed completely unphased that I too was crossing the bridge; it didn’t scurry off or anything. And, surprisingly, I found myself unphased as well. (But, had I seen that rat in my kitchen, it would be a different story.) After all, I was in HIS home, instead of him being in mine.
OK, enough rambling about this park. After all, it’s only a park, right? This park managed to steal my heart with its hidden paths, mass amounts of greenery, great scenery, various wildlife, and very friendly locals. It was such a pleasant escape for me during my first few very hectic and stressful weeks as a new expat.
Although this park is located outside of the center of Dublin, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Here are a few pictures I managed to snap on my iPhone, which definitely don’t do Tymon Park justice!
Can’t wait to update you guys more on my life here! We have officially settled in to an apartment in the heart of Dublin, and have started a few part-time jobs! It’s been a whirlwind thus far but SUCH a learning experience! Can’t believe we haven’t even been here 3 weeks and SO much has happened!
