Why almost all Phoenix Park drivers break the speed limit

In The News · Aug 31, 2026 · 21m

Every year, more than 10 million motorists drive through Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Almost all are breaking the speed limit.

All of the park’s attractions, including Dublin Zoo, the People’s Gardens, the Ashtown Castle Visitor Centre, Farmleigh House and almost 2,300 parking spaces, are accessed from Chesterfield Avenue, the main road that bisects the park. Yet there is no dedicated way for pedestrians to cross this 4km-long road.

And even if there were, crossing might still be perilous, as more than 95 per cent of motorists exceed the speed limit. And despite the addition of cycle lanes on some…