Confused about costs Dublin Zoo ticket + Wild Lights

Haigh!

My family and I will visit your beautiful country very soon: the day after tomorrow we'll fly in from Schiphol airport. We are looking forward to exploring Dublin and Howth with our boys (7 and 11 yrs old).

But I don't seem to get my head around the tickets for Dublin Zoo (day) and the Wild Lights ones (night). We would very much like to combine the two, but the costs are holding me back 😞

Do we really need to buy separate tickets for the two? And if so, can anyone please tell me whether the animals can still be 'visited'/seen while enjoying the Lights?

Many thanks in advance!

Slán go foíl,

Astrid

Hi Astrid,

I hope you and your family are having a great time in Dublin! You may have already visited Dublin Zoo and experienced Wild Lights by now, but I still hope this information is helpful.

It seems like your research was spot on. For Wild Lights, you'll need a separate ticket. Wild Lights opens at 5 pm, which is when regular zoo opening times end. Most animals will be in their indoor enclosures by then, enjoying some rest and warmth. If you'd like to see them, you'll have to get a separate daytime entry ticket to the zoo.

If you're worried about the costs, this could be a nice alternative: You might have already seen some buildings in Dublin beautifully lit up. This is part of Dublin Winter Lights, which can largely be enjoyed for free. 

I'm very curious to learn about your experience in Dublin with your kids!

All best,

Noortje