Phoenix Park Playground (NCR)

Phoenix Park is one of those places where you can actually breathe — it’s massive, green, and doesn’t feel overcrowded even on a busy weekend. The paths are well kept, so whether you’re pushing a buggy or going for a proper jog, you’re not dodging puddles or broken tarmac. Bring a picnic blanket and make a proper afternoon of it, there are tables dotted around and plenty of flat grass to spread out on. Locals use this place constantly and it shows — it’s looked after in a way that a lot of Dublin parks just aren’t.