phoenix park pope visit

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Pope Ends Visit To A Disillusioned Ireland, Where Church Authority Has Plunged

Frank Langfitt

Pope Francis arrives as people gather for the Mass in Phoenix Park on Sunday in Dublin. Matt Cardy/Getty Images hide caption

Pope Francis arrives as people gather for the Mass in Phoenix Park on Sunday in Dublin.

Back in 1979, Pope John Paul II arrived in Ireland to an outpouring of love, affection and enormous crowds, including an estimated 1.2 million people for a Mass in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Among the faithful that day was Carmel Malone.

Carmel Malone (center), 78, came in her wheelchair on Saturday with her two daughters, Margaret and Catherine, to see Pope Francis during his visit to Dublin. Frank Langfitt/NPR hide caption

Carmel Malone (center), 78, came in her wheelchair on Saturday with her two daughters, Margaret and Catherine, to see Pope Francis during his visit to Dublin.

Nearly four decades later, Malone's daughters brought her in a wheelchair to watch Pope Francis pass through downtown Dublin on Saturday. This time, the crowds were far sparser — only one deep in some places — and there were even some boos from victims of clerical sexual abuse who protested along the road.

"I believe," said Malone, 78, explaining why she came out. "I know the young people of today don't believe, but I do."

Francis spent the weekend in a radically different Ireland than the one John Paul II encountered. It is richer, more educated, more secular — and deeply disillusioned after revelations of widespread clerical sexual abuse, the cruelty of church-run workhouses that took children away from their unwed mothers and repeated church cover-ups.

When John Paul II visited, weekly Mass attendance in Ireland was around 80 percent and homosexuality was illegal. Today, Mass attendance hovers around 35 percent . In 2015, Irish people voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Ireland's Taoiseach, or prime minister, Leo Varadkar, is openly gay. In May, two-thirds of voters went against church doctrine and cast ballots to remove a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

"Most people here in Ireland have changed their views on the church due to the hurt and the neglect that's been caused," said Catherine Malone, Carmel's daughter, who wheeled her mother to the sidewalk to see the pope. "Ireland was such a poor country back in 1979, but so much was expected from us. We were really bullied into donations every week."

Pope Francis Visits Ireland Amid Church Scandals Across The World

Whereas the last papal visit was a national celebration, some people at Francis' Sunday Mass in Phoenix Park were a little defensive amid all the criticism of the church as it continues to grapple with what has become a global sexual abuse crisis. Sarah O'Rourke, who teaches religion in a Roman Catholic primary school, went to witness Francis' message so she could bring it back to her students, the vast majority of whom don't attend Mass. She brought her family but didn't tell several acquaintances because she thought they might be critical.

More than 1,000 people demonstrated for justice for church abuse victims in Dublin on Sunday as Pope Francis celebrated Mass across town. Frank Langfitt/NPR hide caption

More than 1,000 people demonstrated for justice for church abuse victims in Dublin on Sunday as Pope Francis celebrated Mass across town.

"Unless I was asked and I knew it would get a good reception, I didn't say anything," said O'Rourke. "Maybe that's the wrong approach to take but, you know what I mean, it wasn't a popular thing to say."

Many who attended Sunday's service were delighted to see some of the faithful turn out amid criticism and opposition to the visit.

"It's been as if the pope's visit is a bad thing more than a good thing," said Ailbhe Lawlor, 15. But, she said, "It's great to see that so many people are happy that he's here and are respecting him."

"He's a good man," added Lawlor, who wore a Vatican City flag draped over her shoulders. "It's not his fault."

The pope spent much of his two days in Ireland apologizing for the church's behavior. His most abject apology to date came at Sunday's Mass. Reading from a statement beneath leaden skies, he said, "We ask for forgiveness for the abuses in Ireland, abuses of power and conscience, sexual abuses on the part of qualified members of the church. ... We ask forgiveness for some members of the hierarchy who did not take care of these painful situations and kept silent."

Many survivors of clerical sexual abuse were unmoved. They said the pope needs to move beyond apologies and toward strict accountability, including the firing of bishops.

Archbishop Alleges Pope Francis Long Knew About Abuse, Calls On Him To Resign

The pontiff's message of contrition was marred by a new allegation: Over the weekend, a former Vatican official accused Francis of ignoring sexual misconduct allegations for years against an American cardinal and called on him to resign. In an 11-page letter, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò — a former Vatican ambassador to Washington — said he had told the pope five years ago that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, D.C., faced extensive allegations of sexual misconduct.

Viganò said the pope did nothing. McCarrick resigned last month, but he maintains his innocence. The pope dismissed Viganò's letter, which took the form of a political attack and, according to the National Catholic Reporter , contained factual errors.

Sarah O'Rourke, a primary school religion teacher, didn't tell some acquaintances she was attending the pope's Mass in Dublin on Sunday. "It wasn't a popular thing to say," she said. Frank Langfitt/NPR hide caption

Sarah O'Rourke, a primary school religion teacher, didn't tell some acquaintances she was attending the pope's Mass in Dublin on Sunday. "It wasn't a popular thing to say," she said.

"Read the statement carefully and make your own judgment," the pope told reporters. "I will not say a single word on this."

As Francis preached in Phoenix Park on Sunday, more than 1,000 people protested across town, demanding the truth and justice for clerical sex abuse survivors and others mistreated by the church. The rally concluded with a rendition of "We Shall Overcome."

The gospel song associated with the American civil rights movement underscored how many in attendance saw the Catholic Church as an oppressor. Martin Grehan, a local government researcher, had seen news of the allegations against Pope Francis that morning. Based on the church's track record of inaction, Grehan said he wasn't surprised.

"We've had cardinals and bishops, they knew about abuse for years, they were covering it up," said Grehan. "This pope has better PR than the two previous popes, I think, in relation to abuse, but I don't believe a word he comes out with."

As the pope flew home to Rome Sunday night, his visit to Ireland only seemed to reinforce the collapse of Catholic authority in a country that was once synonymous with the faith.

"It's too late," said Diarmaid Ferriter, a leading historian at University College Dublin. "I don't think you can reverse this decline."

But Ferriter was not completely pessimistic about the church's future in Ireland. Perhaps, he said, there were advantages to having a smaller, more committed flock.

NPR producer Samuel Alwyine-Mosely contributed to this report.

Correction Aug. 27, 2018

A previous Web version of this story incorrectly referred to the National Catholic Reporter as the National Catholic Register.

• Catholic church
• Roman Catholic Church
• Pope Francis

Sign up for free and get an extra article.

Everyone can read three articles a month on our website for free, but if you create your own account here you can get a fourth. Also, you can choose to get one our free email newsletters.

Newsletters

• Dublin City

Privacy Policy

Thanks for signing up!

An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.

Dublin Inquirer

Local. Independent. Different.

Why the Papal Cross in Phoenix Park was never taken down

Share this:.

• Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

The papal cross in the Phoenix Park loomed over a million people on the afternoon of 29 September 1979 when Pope John Paul II celebrated mass there on his visit to Ireland.

At 116 feet tall, the purpose-built structure designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker was supposed to be temporary.

Nearly 40 years on – and with Pope Francis’s visit fast approaching – it still stands off Chesterfield Road.

The passage of time is one reason why. But the former taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey, also played his part, says former Irish Times Environmental Editor Frank McDonald.

The papal cross, built of painted steel beams, stands at the centre of a flight of stone-clad steps.

The “landmark monument” was “a considerable feat of engineering, rather than a piece of sculpture”,  according to the  National Inventory of Architectural Heritage .

It is a reminder of a significant moment in Irish history and, as such, “is of considerable social and religious importance”, the website notes.

But it wasn’t supposed to become a lasting symbol.

The cross, in fact, never got planning permission. (The council has no record of any planning permission for it, a spokesperson said.)

That’s because it was never sought, says McDonald. It was supposed to be a “temporary structure”, he says.

Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, temporary structures were exempt from normal planning rules, says a spokesperson for Dublin City Council.

Instead, the Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages Phoenix Park, just had to consult with the council – which at the time was Dublin Corporation – about it, the spokesperson said.

Taking It Down

Pope John Paul II’s visit took place over three days, with the late pontiff travelling across the country. An estimated 2.5 million people attended various events throughout his visit.

On this month’s visit, the current Pope Francis is also scheduled to perform mass under the papal cross – on 25 August. But some are calling for reminders of Pope John Paul II’s visit to be dismantled.

A recent petition, signed by just 112 people by the time this was published, demands that the papal cross be removed from the park ahead of the pontiff’s visit.

The Phoenix Park isn’t “a place to have a religious symbol”, says John Mallon, who started the petition. “It should be removed and replaced with something more in tune with nature and a public park.”

But even though the cross didn’t originally have planning permission from day one, it has been legalised since.

Dublin Corporation wrote to the OPW on 23 January 1981 “stating that the planning authority sees no objection to the retention of the papal cross at Phoenix Park”, said an OPW spokesperson.

In other words, Dublin Corporation – now Dublin City Council – said it could stay atop its stone-clad steps.

Besides, says the council spokesperson, “the papal cross has been in place for more than seven years and is exempt from any enforcement action”.

McDonald says he believes there was some behind-the-scenes manoeuvering, too.

After John Paul II’s visit to Ireland, then-Taoiseach Charlie Haughey took a close personal interest in developing the site around the cross, wrote Joe Humphreys  in the  Irish Times  in December 2012, based on state papers that had recently been released.

Haughey wasn’t the biggest fan of the papal cross, but he changed his mind following a meeting with then-Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Ryan, he writes.

It wasn’t just Ryan who impressed upon Haughey the significance of the holy monument though, says McDonald.

A new exhibition at the Phoenix Park visitor centre chronicles Pope John Paul II’s visit and recounts the mammoth task of transporting the papal cross across the River Liffey from J and C McGloughlin steelworks in Inchicore.

It had been designed by the late Ronnie Tallon, an influential architect. “Ronnie was appalled to learn that the OPW planned to take it down and mentioned this to the then Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey,” says McDonald.

Haughey told McDonald many years later that he had rung the OPW and vetoed any potential removal, says McDonald. “And that, in a nutshell, is why it’s still there.”

Cónal Thomas

Cónal Thomas is a city reporter for Dublin Inquirer. More by Cónal Thomas

Join the Conversation

“…designed by the late Ronnie Tallon” A couple of crude I-beams bunged together. “Designed” is maybe overstating it a bit. And what caused the architect to be “appalled” that the OPW planned to take the cross down I’d like to know? It’s not worthy of a longterm monument, even leaving religion out of it.

It reminds of the great occasion that it was. I love that you can even see it from the Dublin mountains. It’s become a landmark.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Leave a comment

Sign up to continue reading.

You’ve read your three free articles for the month, but we have so many more stories for you. Already have an account? Sign in .

Get four free articles a month, and, if you want, a weekly email newsletter too.

Unlimited access to all articles on our website, old and new. Cancel anytime.

Unlimited website accesss + monthly print edition by post. Cancel anytime.

Really can’t afford to join at the moment? Send an email to [email protected] and we can arrange a discount subscription.

We've recently sent you an authentication link. Please, check your inbox!

Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email .

Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password .

Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password .

Subscribe to our newsletters:

Sign in with your email

Lost your password?

Try a different email

Send another code

Sign in with a password

What to See

The magazine fort, the phoenix monument, prehistoric burial chamber, the wellington testimonial, the papal cross, the people’s gardens, ashtown castle and demesne.

• The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden

Phoenix Park is open every day throughout the year.

The Park currently holds a Green Flag Award , and there is no admission fee to explore its many sights. Please read notices for public caution, particularly in regard to dog-walking and interacting with the wild deer in the Park. Please note that BBQs are not permitted in the Park for public and fire safety reasons.  Scroll to end of this page for a map showing the location of each sight.

Click here for more information on opening times.

The Phoenix Monument was erected by the fourth Earl of Chesterfield in 1747. The column was carved in Portland stone. It is in the shape of a Corinthian column with a Phoenix bird rising from the ashes at its pinnacle. It is located in the centre of the Park and forms a focal point of a large roundabout on the beautiful tree-lined Chesterfield Avenue.

West of St. Mary’s Hospital, on the hill of Knockmary, stands a prehistoric burial chamber over 5,500 yrs old.   The tumulus, which covered it, was opened in 1838 and skeletons, pottery and other relics, now in the National Museum were discovered.  A similar sepulchre found in a gravel pit at Chapelizod was re-erected in the Zoological Gardens. For more on the prehistoric burial chamber in the Phoenix Park, click here  for its entry on Megalithic Monuments of Ireland.

The Wellington Testimonial was designed by Robert Smirke as a testimonial to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, who is reputed to have been born in Dublin. It was completed in 1861 and is the tallest obelisk in Europe at just over sixty-two metres tall. There are four bronze plaques cast from cannons captured at Waterloo; three of which have pictorial representations of his career while the fourth has an inscription at the base of the obelisk. Read more on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage .

The Papal Cross is a simple large white cross that was erected near the edge of the Fifteen Acres for the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II on the 29th September 1979. On this day, before travelling to Drogheda, Co. Louth, Pope John Paul II delivered an open-air sermon to more than 1.25 million people. The Papal Cross was designed by the Irish firm of Scott Tallon Walker Architects and constructed by John Sisk & Sons. It stands 116 feet high and is made of steel girders. After several attempts to erect the cross, it was eventually put in place on the 14th September, which is also the feast day of the Exaltation of the Cross. When Pope John Paul II died in Rome on the 2nd April 2005, at the age of 84 years, a memorial service was held soon afterwards at this site. On the 8th April 2005, it hosted many thousands of people who gathered in tribute, leaving flowers and other tokens of remembrance of him.

The Victorian People’s Flower Gardens comprise of an area of twenty-two acres, which were laid out around 1840 and opened in 1864. They provide an opportunity to display Victorian horticulture at its best. A large ornamental lake, children’s playground, picnic areas and Victorian bedding schemes are just some of the attractions.

For opening hours please click here

Ashtown Demesne accessed off the Phoenix roundabout on Chesterfield Avenue, has numerous attractions for young and old alike. These include Ashtown Castle, a two and half acre Victorian Kitchen Walled Garden, the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, the Phoenix Café, toilets, car and coach parking, woodland walks, picnic areas and a universal access playground.

Ashtown Castle is a medieval tower-house. Until 1978, this castle was hidden within the walls of a Georgian mansion (called Ashtown Lodge) that was occupied by the Under Secretary for Ireland. When the Georgian house was demolished in the late seventies, the castle was discovered inside. It has since been restored and is now open to the public. It may date from as early as the fifteenth century.

There is bicycle parking available at the car park at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

The Office of Public Works has installed a new free water filling station in the courtyard of the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. You can now fill your reusable bottle for free, avoiding unnecessary single use plastic drinking bottles while helping the environment.  For further information on other tap locations near you, please go to  Refill Ireland  website  www.refill.ie/tap-map

Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden

The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden is a two and a half-acre garden set in the grounds of Ashtown Castle (next to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre). The Walled Garden is currently being restored to its original mid-Victorian layout. The garden will inspire and educate the public on the horticultural skills involved in the design and layout of a Victorian Kitchen Garden, as well as the growing of fruit, vegetables and flowers, with colourful summer displays such as Sweet Pea, Chrysanthemums, Lupins and Campanula (Bellflower) along with a wide range of fruit and vegetables.

Heritage Ireland

Phoenix park and biodiversity centre.

See all opening times

Free admission

Getting here

Dublin 8 D08 Y304

Get Directions

The Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe, at more than 700 hectares in area. It was created as a royal deer-hunting park in the 1660s and only opened to the public in 1747. The park is now home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin – home to the President of Ireland.

The Phoenix Park has been the location for a number of major events – from an international motor-racing event in 1929 to the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979, when more than a million people attended the celebrations.

The park itself is exceptionally scenic. A large herd of fallow deer still calls it home. Enjoy the landscape from one of the many walks and cycle routes available to the public.

Opening Times

The Phoenix Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

The Victorian Kitchen Walled Garden, beside the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, is currently under restoration and is open daily to the public from 10am to 5pm.

Average Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours

01 821 3021

[email protected]

By Car – Public car park close to site.

By Bus – Take the X8 to Cashel and walk 500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road.

By Train – The nearest train station is Thurles.

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Getting Here

Located in Dublin City

Open location in Google Maps

Facilities Restrictions

• Baby Changing
• Changing exhibitions
• Guided tours
• Interpretive exhibit

Restrictions

• Appropriate footwear
• Dogs on lead

Nearby sites to visit

Áras an uachtaráin.

A taste of presidential elegance

Approx. 0.9 km from Phoenix Park and Biodiversity Centre

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle

A rediscovered medieval gem and its demesne

Approx. 1.1 km from Phoenix Park and Biodiversity Centre

Irish National War Memorial Gardens

Relax and reflect in this beautiful garden monument

Approx. 1.6 km from Phoenix Park and Biodiversity Centre

You might also like

Doneraile Court and Estate

North Cork’s ‘real-life Downton Abbey’

The John F. Kennedy Arboretum

A garden of presidential proportions.

Fota Arboretum and Gardens

Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Keep up to date on our news, events, activities and publications.

The Phoenix Park: Things To Do, History, Parking + Toilets

By Author Emma Baird

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

A visit to the Phoenix Park is arguably one of the best things to do in Dublin .

Often referred to as the place ‘where Dubliners go to breathe’, Phoenix Park is one of the biggest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe.

And, as you can imagine, there is plenty to do here – from renting a bike to seeing the deer to visiting Dublin Zoo and more.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from parking and where to find the deer (it can be tricky!) to what to see and do in the park.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the Phoenix Park

Although a visit to Phoenix Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The park lies some two to four kilometres west of Dublin city centre and north of the River Liffey. It has several different entrances (you can see the main ones on this map ).

There are a number of spots for parking in Phoenix Park, depending on which gate you’re coming in through. Personally, I always go for this one at the Papal Cross, as it’s rare you won’t get a spot (there’s also another two parking areas next to it here and here ).

3. Getting here by public transport

Luckily, there are also plenty of public transport options for getting to Phoenix Park. By bus, there are plenty of bus routes to and from the outskirts of the park. For trains, Heuston Station is only a short walk from Parkgate Street (info here ).

Phoenix Park was always terrible for toilets. However, in 2021, a number of portaloos were added to the parking area next to the Papal Cross. About time, too!

5. Lions, Deer and the President

Wild deer roam freely here, but you must not feed or touch them as you will put them in danger, and it is advised to always stay 50 metres away from them. Phoenix Park is home to a variety of institutions, including Dublin Zoo , where you will see the lions, and Áras an Uachtaráin , the residence of the President of Ireland.

6. The cafes

You have the choice of two places to eat within the park – the Victorian Tearooms and the Phoenix Café. The former is near to the zoo and is situated within a beautiful building that has inspired many artists and filmmakers. The award-winning Phoenix Café can be found in the ground of the Visitor Centre.

A brief history of Phoenix Park in Dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

After the Normans conquered Dublin in the 12th century, Hugh Tyrrel, the 1st Baron of Castleknock, granted land, including what is now the Phoenix Park, to the Knights Hospitaller.

They established an abbey at Kilmainham. Following the dissolution of the monasteries by the English Henry VIII, the knights lost the land, which reverted to the monarch’s representatives in Ireland some 80 years later.

Restoration

When Charles II was restored to the throne, his viceroy in Dublin, the Duke of Ormond establish a royal hunting park, some 2,000 acres in size.

The Park contained pheasants and wild deer and needed to be enclosed. Later, a Royal Hospital for veterans was built at Kilmainham and the park was reduced to its current size of 1,750 acres.

Later years

The Earl of Chesterfield opened the park to the public in 1745. Landscapers improved the parks public areas in the 19th century.

In 1882, the infamous Phoenix Park murders took place when a group calling itself the Irish National Invincibles stabbed the then Chief Secretary for Ireland and the Under Secretary for Ireland to death.

Things to do in Phoenix Park

There are heaps of things to do in Phoenix Park, from walks and the Zoo to historical sites, monuments and more.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from the various Phoenix Park walks and where to rent bikes to a couple of indoor attractions. 

1. Phoenix Park walks

Map via the Phoenix Park (high res version here )

Phoenix Park is home to some of the best, handy walks in Dublin , many of which are suitable for both young and old.

In the map above, you’ll get an overview of the different walking trails in Phoenix Park, many of which are looped.

Your best bet is to pick one that’s either close to the gate you’re entering on foot or the car park you’re parking in.

2. Rent a bike and zip around

Photo by Akintevs (Shutterstock)

Phoenix Park Bikes can be found inside the main gate on Parkgate Street and offers bikes for all ages so you can take in the park along the extended network of 14 kilometres of cycle trails.

You can also book in for tours – a two or three hour guided tour around the park, which includes stops to take photos, information on the park’s many features and a 25-minute film about the park’s history.

3. See the deer (never feed them!)

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

Deer have roamed the park since the 17th century when they were brought in for hunting. They are most often to be seen near the Papal Cross. Dogs should also be kept under control.

Deer can feel threatened by dogs, even when the dogs aren’t behaving aggressively, particularly during the mating or birthing months (September to October, and May to July).

We tend to always see the deer in Phoenix Park over near the Papal Cross, however, it can often be pot luck whether they’re here or not.

4. Visit The Magazine Fort

Photo by Peter Krocka (Shutterstock)

The Magazine Fort is in the southeast of the park on the location where Sir Edward Fisher built the Phoenix Lodge in 1611.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland demolished the lodge in 1734 and ordered the building of a powder magazine for Dublin. An additional wing was added for troops in 1801. 

5. Take a tour of Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo has a long history – opening first in 1831 and founded as a private society by anatomists and physicists. It opened its doors to the public in 1840 when people could pay a penny to visit on Sundays.

These days, the zoo is spread over 28 hectares and is managed by caring zoo professionals keen to ensure the animals at the zoo are well cared for.

The zoo follows strict codes of practice and supports conservation practices relating to great apes, tigers, rhinos, African wild dogs and more. It is home to more than 400 animals and is one of the most popular things to do with kids in Dublin for good reason. 

6. Explore Farmleigh House

Farmleigh House is the official Irish State Guesthouse. This historic house is also home to important collections, an art gallery and a working farm, and is seen as truly representative of the late Edwardian period with tis artworks and furnishings.

You will also find the Benjamin Iveagh collection of rare books, bindings, and manuscripts in the library here, and the estate has a walled garden to admire. 

7. See where the President sleeps

Áras an Uachtaráin is the official and private residence of Ireland’s President. Guided tours of the house are organised by the Office of Public Works.

Tours take place on Saturdays, state/official business permitting and are free of charge.

8. Ramble around the Wellington Monument

Photo by Timothy Dry (Shutterstock)

The Wellington Testimonial is a testimonial to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, who is thought to have been born in Dublin. It was completed in 1861 and, at just over sixty-two metres tall, is the tallest obelisk in Europe.

Around the obelisk, there are bronze plaques cast from the cannons captured during the Battle of Waterloo. Three have pictures representing his career, while the fourth is an inscription.

9. Or the equally huge Papal Cross

Still in need of a large monument to stare at? The Papal Cross is a large white cross that was put in place ahead of the Papal visit by Pope John Paull II in 1979.

It is some 166 feet high and made from steel girders. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, thousands of people gathered at the cross in tribute, leaving flowers and other items of remembrance. 

Places to visit near the Phoenix Park

One of the beauties of visiting the park is that it’s a short spin away from some of the most unique places to visit in Dublin .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Phoenix Park (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Kilmainham Gaol (10-minute drive)

Step back in time at the Kilmainham Gaol where many leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were held and in some cases executed. During the Anglo-Irish War of 1912 to 1921, many members of the Irish Republican Army were also detained here, held by British troops.

2. Guinness Storehouse (10-minute drive)

Courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes

The Guinness Storehouse is a must-see for fans of Ireland’s most famous drink. Here, you will explore the history of Guinness in the iconic building that is spread over seven floors, with the Gravity Bar at the top, and Arthur’s Bar named after the beer’s founder. 

3. Endless other Dublin City attractions (10 minutes+)

Photo by Sean Pavone (Shutterstock)

You’re not short of other attractions to visit and admire in Dublin, many of which are close by. From the Botanic Gardens (a 20-minute drive), the Jameson Distillery (a 10-minute drive), The Irish Museum of Modern Art (a 10-minute drive), Dublin Castle (a 15-minute drive) and loads more. And don’t forget that Dublin is the party city – restaurants, cocktail bars and traditional Irish pubs a-plenty.

FAQs about Phoenix Park

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Why is Phoenix Park famous?’ (it’s one of the biggest enclosed parks in any European capital) to ‘Is Central Park bigger than Phoenix Park?’ (it’s not).

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Phoenix Park?

Either rent a bike and zip around or take it handy and explore the expansive grounds on foot. You can also head off in search of the deer, visit the Zoo and much more.

Where can you park in Phoenix Park?

In the past, we’ve found that the parking area over near the Papal Cross to be the easiest place to get a spot.

Where are the toilets in Phoenix Park?

There are currently temporary toilets over in the Papal Cross car park. Hopefully these remain, as the toilet situation has been a joke for years.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby you
• Get travel inspiration based on your location
• Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
• 2 Select Location settings
• 3 Choose “Allow
• 1 Open the My Ireland website

• 2 Select the Icon below

• 3 Select “Website Settings

• 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

• Tips for events happening during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

Dublin's Phoenix Park

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

I would like to receive information and special offers by email from carefully selected travel partners. For more information please see our privacy policy .

The Phoenix Park is a stone’s throw from Dublin’s city centre, but once you enter the gates, you could be a million miles away from the bustling urban hub.

The park was originally the Royal Hunting Park in the 17th century, when it became home to a large herd of wild deer. In fact, those you see roaming freely across the land today are its descendants. At 1,752 acres, the Phoenix Park is twice as big as New York’s Central Park. Open all year round – its two main gates stay open 24 hours a day – you can enjoy this city oasis for hours if you like. Here's what else you'll find inside…

Phoenix Park, Dublin city

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Ashtown Castle, dating back to the 15th century, is a medieval tower house that was originally hidden inside the walls of a Georgian mansion until 1978. It’s now part of the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, which displays historical interpretations of the Park from 3500BC to today.

The Ashtown Demesne also features a 19th century Victorian Kitchen Walled Garden. Its talented gardeners give public talks at 10.30am on the second Saturday each month.

The fourth oldest zoo in the world, Dublin Zoo was established in 1830. It received its first animals as a donation from London Zoo and has grown exponentially since. It covers 69 acres and houses more 400 animals split into distinct habitats, including the Orangutan Forest, the Kaziranga Forest Trail, Sea Lion Cove, African Savanna and the House of Reptiles.

Dublin zoo, Phoenix Park

baby Orangutan at Dublin Zoo

Áras an Uachtaráin,  Phoenix Park

The "President’s Residence" is pronounced "aw-rahs on ook-tar-awn" in Irish, and has a colourful history. The original house was built in 1751 by park ranger and amateur architect Nathaniel Clements, and only became the official residence of the Irish President of Ireland in 1938, a year after the role of President was established.

If the neoclassical design, angled three-point portico, stoic Greek columns and white-washed walls look a little familiar, that may be because the Áras is said to have inspired Irish-born architect James Hoban in his design for the White House in the United States. The Áras is open to the public every Saturday.

The candle burning in the window [of the Áras] is an old Irish tradition, to guide the Irish diaspora home. Lonely Planet

L-R: Enjoying a horse and carriage ride; a stag in the park; the Boathouse Café; the clock tower

Used to house visiting dignitaries, Farmleigh House is only accessible to the public by guided tour, but its grounds are open for everyone to enjoy, as is its gallery .

Restored as a unique representation of the Edwardian period (early 20th century), the house has a thoroughly eclectic style. It was built by Arthur Guinness’ great-grandson – the family known for its famous black stout – and many of the artworks and furnishings remain at Farmleigh on loan from the Guinness family. If you’re visiting, check the dates to see if its wonderful food and crafts farmers' market is on in the courtyard behind the gallery.

Farmleigh Estate

Located close to the Parkgate Street entrance, the People’s Flower Gardens cover 22 acres and were laid out and enclosed in 1864 to demonstrate Victorian horticulture at its absolute finest. With a large ornamental lake and picnic areas, there’s a lot to be said for eating alfresco right here.

In the 19th century, archaeologists discovered a Viking graveyard in the park, consisting of 40 graves, swords and decorative Viking jewellery. Did you know

3 places to eat and drink

Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park

Almost opposite the People’s Flower Gardens, you’ll find Phoenix Park Bikes , where the team can measure you up and introduce you to the newly extended 14km network of cycle trails that criss-cross the park. Cycle past impressive monuments, including the Phoenix Monument and the Papal Cross – erected for the open air mass given by Pope John Paul II in 1979 – and the Wellington monument, the largest obelisk in Europe at 62m tall.

You’ll also discover the star-shaped Magazine Fort on St Thomas Hill, close to the Islandbridge Gate. It used to store gun powder and ammunition for the British Army, and is open for tours daily (note: tours start at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre).

Dublin highlights

Don't miss these things to see and do

Dublin city: top attractions

First time in Dublin? Here are some uniquely Dublin attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Dublin City

Kilmainham Gaol

For a hauntingly vivid look back through Ireland’s history, a trip to Kilmainham is a must

Inspiration

Whether you love city jaunts or seaside strolls, Dublin offers the best of both worlds.

Dublin Castle

St. Stephen's Green

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

The James Joyce Centre

Dublin Tour Guide - Private Walking Tours

Dublin city: music

U2 call the city home and Phil Lynott loved this ‘Old Town’. Dublin IS music.

For a hauntingly vivid look back through Ireland’s history, a trip to Kilmainham is a must

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin City is a dynamic modern art museum nestled on 48 acres of land in the heart of Dublin 8. The home of IMMA is the historical site of the 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where it presents ground breaking exhibitions by the most exciting Irish and international artists.

The James Joyce Centre is located in an exquisite 18th century townhouse in the old Georgian quarter of Dublin. The James Joyce Centre is a museum and cultural institute dedicated to the life and works of James Joyce and more broadly, Irish literature, history and culture.

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

• Temperature Check
• The Stardust Inquests
• Inside The Newsroom
• Climate Crisis
• International

As it happened: Pope Francis' official visit to Ireland comes to an end

THE POPE HAS ended his official two-day visit to Ireland.

There was a packed schedule for the pope today, with events starting at Knock Shrine in Co Mayo, before a mass at the Pope’s Cross in the Phoenix Park attended by thousands of people.

There were also a number of demonstrations around the country in solidarity with survivors of clerical abuse. Take a look back:

• He started his morning at Knock Shrine .
• Many pilgrims braved the wet weather .
• Catherine Corless said she was disappointed the pope didn’t mention Tuam, where there was a protest today to coincide with the Phoenix Park mass.
• At the park, the pontiff asked for forgiveness for all abuses by members of the clergy.
• Numbers attending the mass were in the thousands , but not nearly as high as expected.
• The pope told bishops that the way the Church confronts abuse can offer an example to society.
• Also, it was reported in the US that a former Vatican official accused Pope Francis of failing to act on abuse by an ex-Cardinal.

Good morning! It was an early start at Knock Shrine for people hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis. So far the weather has not been in their favour…

Families arrived in Knock at 5am to queue with tickets for Knock Shrine @Pontifex @rtenews #popeinIreland pic.twitter.com/yuYdVo6RHG — Teresa Mannion (@TeresaMannion) August 26, 2018

The pope is due at Knock Shrine at 9.45am and in the last few minutes he landed at Knock International Airport.

Some local children on the runway to meet the pope and welcome him.

Meanwhile, Daragh Brophy reports there are 8km tailbacks in Mayo this morning.

Some 45,000 people applied for the free tickets to the pope’s Knock visit. Organisers were encouraging them to travel by coach, warning motorists that they would face a 3km walk to the event.

Pope Francis will only stay in Knock for about an hour. At the shrine he will lead the Angelus prayer – the time has been changed to fit his schedule.

If you are in Dublin, don’t forget that there are road closures – 80 in total – there too due to the mass at the Phoenix Park later.

Areas impacted include Ballyfermot, Chapelizod, Castleknock, Navan Road, Islandbridge, and the north and south quays.

People are advised to take public transport, but these services are expected to be very busy as the hundreds of thousands attending the mass will be using the bus and Luas to get there.

If you really need to get somewhere today, here’s our bumper guide for getting around.

Speaking of the Phoenix Park, roaming reporters Daragh Brophy and Nicky Ryan are there and have some live footage for us on Facebook .

We hope they have their wellies on, it looks very wet there…

They do, at the very least, have an umbrella between them:

This is the view from under my umbrella. #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/iluCJuZhgE — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

And a spacious media centre to shelter in…

The media centre in the Phoenix Park is HUGE. #PopeInIreland #WMOF2018 pic.twitter.com/ptjyNXRq1L — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

The first of the mass goers are being allowed in to take their seats. It will be a long wait for them now though.

To coincide with the mass at the Phoenix Park later, we will also have an event at the the Garden of Remembrance. People will gather in solidarity with with survivors of clerical abuse.

Artists including Hozier, Roisin O from Thanks Brother and Liam O’Maonlai will perform at it.

And in Tuam, Co Galway, Catherine Corless has oraganised an event to remember everyone who died at the mother and baby home.

There was disappointment yesterday that the pope did not apologise or acknowledge a cover-up by the Church in his speech, though he did address the general topic of child sexual abuse by members of the clergy.

Last night, Darren McGavin, a survivor of abuse at the hands of former priest Tony Walsh  called for greater accountability within the Catholic Church.

McGavin told a ‘Separate Church and State’ meeting at Dublin’s Gresham Hotel last night that he had hoped to meet with the pope during his visit “because I represent nine lads in Ballyfermot that died from suicide at the hands of Fr Tony Walsh”.

Pope Francis has now arrived in Knock village and is driving through in the Popemobile, thankfully not as quickly as he travelled through Dublin yesterday.

Pope Francis has arrived at Knock Apparition Chapel.

We have an update from Daragh Brophy at the Phoenix Park:

“It was very wet indeed here at the site of the papal Mass, when we arrived shortly after 9am this morning.

“The weather has eased a bit now. There’s a steady stream of people arriving – but it’s mostly people involved in the ceremony at the moment (choirs, priests etc).

It's mostly people involved in the ceremony arriving at the moment. Choirs, priests etc. Some pilgrims getting good spots though. #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/UC6YwXa0vV — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

One women who’s singing today said she had walked to the papal cross from O’Connell Street. She was also at the concert at Croke Park last night and said she was delighted the pope had spent so long touring the playing field in his Popemobile.

“There’ll be more of that later, before the Mass itself starts at 3pm. The pope will be here at 2.30 and will, once again, tour the site on the back of his custom vehicle.

“There are reporters from around 30 countries in a giant media centre with 400 work areas – including lots of reporters from religious newspapers and broadcasters.”

Pilgrims in Knock are now joining the pope in a silent prayer.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Knock turned into a global pilgrimage site, we’ve got everything you need to know about the ‘strange occurrences’ here.

Next, Pope Francis will deliver a brief address to those gathered outside and will then lead them in the Angelus prayer, which will be in Latin.

Pope Francis is now addressing the crowd.

Speaking of his prayer to the Virgin Mary inside the chapel, he said: “I presented to her all the victims of abuse, of whatever kind, committed by members of the Church in Ireland.

“None of us can fail to be moved by the stories of young people who suffered abuse, were robbed of their innocence and left scarred by painful memories. This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice.

“I beg the lord’s forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many in God’s family. I ask our blessed mother to intercede for the healing of the survivors and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur.”

The pope is back in his Skoda, windows down, on his way back to the airport. He is a little behind schedule for this flight back to Dublin.

Store this in your brain for future table quizzes:

Mildly amusing aviation fact: @Pontifex ’s flight from Dublin to Knock is EI 1979, the year of JPII’s visit, and his return flight to Dublin is EI 2018. #popeinIreland — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) August 26, 2018

RTÉ is speaking to the family who greeted the pope when he got off the plane in Knock. Mary McCarthy said “time stood still” when he came down the steps and stood in front of her.

“I had to take the opportunity to kiss him on both cheeks, I didn’t think I’d ever get that opportunity.”

Pope Francis gave them each rosary beads and asked them to pray for him.

Abuse survivor Colm O’Gorman has been reacting to the pope’s address in Knock.

He begs for the Lords forgiveness for “these sins”. Clearly referring to the crimes of child rape and sexual abuse. He doesn’t mention accountability, or the Vatican’s responsibility for directing the cover up of these crimes #Stand4Truth — Colm O'Gorman (@Colmogorman) August 26, 2018

The “firm and decisive” language is of note. Yesterday @Pontifex described Pope Benedict action as recognizing the gravity of the situation and demanding “just & effective” measures. How did that go? #Stand4Truth — Colm O'Gorman 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🇮🇪 (@Colmogorman) August 26, 2018

Remember O’Gorman has organised an event in support of abuse survivors this afternoon to coincide with the Phoenix Park mass. He said thousands of people are expected to attend.

Parish priest Fr Richard Gibbons, who is presiding over the pope’s visit to Knock, spoke to us as part of a report on the abortion referendum campaign back at the start of May.

We also visited the nearby small town of Kiltimagh, where we spoke to activists calling for a Yes vote in the referendum.

It’s worth a watch if you’re interested in knowing more about attitudes towards the Church in the area, and how they have changed since the last papal visit in ’79 and the 8th Amendment referendum in 1983.

So, next on the itinerary for the pontiff is a lunch with the papal delegation, once he lands back in Dublin. And after that he will travel to the Phoenix Park – he is due to arrive there at 2.30pm.

Up to 500,000 people are expected to attend the mass.

Back in 1979, the last papal visit to Ireland, over 1.25 million people attended the mass in the Phoenix Park to see Pope John Paul II.

Our reporter Nicky Ryan, who is at the Phoenix Park said there is a high level of security and people have been arriving since early this morning to get a good spot.

Also worth highlighting the level of security. Media are screened - bags put through metal detectors etc - in the Dublin Castle media centre. Any walkabouts, like today during our tour of the altar area in the Phoenix Park, there are plain clothes gardaí #PopeInIreland (1/2) — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

He and fellow roaming reporter Daragh Brophy are braving the rain to bring you updates from the park today.

Also the rain has started again. #WMOF2018 #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/T2OzxfxSJV — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

They spoke to sisters Breda Regan and Pauline Lenihan who have brought the same chair their parents brought to the 1979 mass.

“I’ve kind of nostalgic reasons for coming. We’re born and bred Catholics, none of us are as good as we used to be in our youth but we’re still hanging in,” Pauline told them.

Good news from another early arrival Declan Brady , who said the journey there was “very easy”.

“There must have been about 30 or 40 buses waiting and we ended up coming in a bus on or own – we were probably first to leave Swords, there were only three of us on the bus. I’d say once the rain eases off, people will come in droves.”

“We’ve been walking for maybe about an hour and leisurely at that so it hasn’t been a problem,” he added.

We are not sure what is on the menu for the pope’s lunch this afternoon, but the reporters in the Phoenix Park are being well fed anyway…

The menu for the media at the Phoenix Park... Beef or chicken with rice, followed by choice of chocolate cake or 'lavender and lemon' cake, with cream. There are fridges of sandwiches too. #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/4JEzceFD5W — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

Bring us back a bit of cake will you, Daragh?

Er, maybe keep the horses off the red carpet…

Red carpet rolled out for Donagh Garda Mounted Unit pic.twitter.com/8Ka0jWNBgF — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) August 26, 2018

We have some pictures now from the pope’s visit to Knock:

As we mentioned earlier, there has been criticism again today of the pope’s choice of words in relation to clerical abuse.

He made reference to survivors in his address to the crowd in Knock earlier, and begged for God’s forgiveness for “these sins”.

Abuse survivor Colm O’Gorman pointed out that, again, the pope did not mention accountability “or the Vatican’s responsibility for directing the cover up of these crimes”.

We are hearing that the official headcount for Phoenix Park at the moment is 50,000. Of course, it’s still early – the mass doesn’t start for about another two hours.

Our roaming reporter Nicky Ryan said the numbers heading to the park are starting to build now:

There’s a large number of people, although mostly spread out, making their way down the quays to the papal mass. #PopeInIreland #WMOF2018 pic.twitter.com/RIXLVO4w3G — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

A special shoutout to Paul the bus driver for getting Nicky back into the city centre…

And thank you to Paul from Dublin Bus for bringing us out to the park and back. G’wan Paul. #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/8282xSVOjy — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

He – Nicky, not Paul the bus driver – will be heading to the Stand for Truth demonstration at the Garden of Remembrance later. There he will speak to people who have attended to stand in solidarity with clerical sex abuse survivors.

And don’t forget there is also an event in Tuam this afternoon to remember those who died at the Co Galway mother and baby home.

Marian Cassidy, who is attending the mass at the Phoenix Park, told us she’d like to hear the pope announce Dubliner Matt Talbot is to be canonised.

Talbot, who was an unskilled laborer, is considered the patron of men and women who are struggling with alcoholism, though he has never been formally recognised as a saint.

He was an alcoholic from the age of 13, but took the pledge at 28 and never drank again. Talbot said he found strength in the early years of his sobriety in prayer and became a devout Catholic.

He died on heart failure in 1925 and when his body was found it was discovered that he wore chains around his waist, one of his arms, and one of his legs, as well as chords around the other arm and leg. These were symbols of his devotion to Mary and his wish be her servant.

“I would love it with all my heart,” Marian Cassidy said of the possibility that Pope Francis could announce Talbot’s canonisation.

She has been praying to him for 40 years.

We have more from the Phoenix Park, where pilgrims are continuing to filter in for this afternoon’s mass. Less than an hour to go now…

Daragh Brophy, still reporting from the park has  set the scene for us – he said people came well prepared:

“Raincoats and backpacks were the uniform of the day, and everyone we spoke to said they’d brought a packed lunch.”

Dublin Fire Brigade are among those keeping tabs on those arriving to the Phoenix Park for the pope’s visit. Here’s the latest view from their control tower.

Latest imagery from our command unit in @phoenixparkopw . Corrals starting to fill up, people moving well #PhoenixPark #PopeInIreland #PopeInThePark pic.twitter.com/aSwj5577Vt — Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 26, 2018

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has given his take on Pope Francis’ comments on clerical abuse.

He said they show he is “clearly angered” by what took place. Speaking to RTÉ Coveney said the pope’s remarks included “the strongest language I’ve ever heard from a pope”.

This photo from An Garda Síochána shows the Phoenix Park is starting to fill up. Just a half an hour now until Pope Francis is due to arrive for his mass…

And here’s the latest update from our reporter Daragh Brophy, who is awaiting the pontiff’s arrival at the park:

“The media centre is rammed now, and there’s been a noticeable uptick in activity as crews get everything organised in time for the pope’s arrival outside.

“Weather-wise, the worst of the rain has stopped but there’s still some misty showers about and most people arriving have either a poncho or a proper raincoat.

“We’ve just been let up to the raised platform overlooking the crowd.

“Much larger crowds coming in from the main drag of the park, Chesterfield Avenue, and from Islandbridge direction.”

It is worth pointing out in the context of discussion around sex abuse by members of the clergy in Ireland that news on the topic broke in the US this morning.

The Vatican’s retired ambassador to the US has accused the pope of failing to act on abuse by an ex-Cardinal.

In an 11-page letter, he claims Pope Francis initially rehabilitated Theodore McCarrick despite being informed of his penchant for young seminarians in 2013, soon after he was elected pope.

As pilgrims flock into the Phoenix Park, crowds are also starting to gather at the Garden of Remembrance for the Stand for Truth event:

We couldn't find this Tweet

Heading 2 #StandforTruth I am not a Roman Catholic though I know many fine people who are I am not opposed to the existence of their church but am disgusted by the actions of some in that church and even more disgusted by the actions of those in positions of power who covered up pic.twitter.com/1hYd2szvWS — Louise O’Reilly TD for Dublin Fingal (@loreillysf) August 26, 2018

And at the GPO, people are currently gathering for the Nope to the Pope protest:

Big crowd here at Nope To The Pope protest #PopeInIreland #WMOF2018 pic.twitter.com/ugH7RaCceo — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

Lisa Breslin told the crowd the people of Ireland stand in solidarity with abuse victims and “there is no need for them to be afraid anymore.

“The Catholic Church is losing its power and the world is waking up to the reality of this institutional power,” she added, receiving a big cheer.

Back at the Phoenix Park, the congregation is growing steadily, though it is not expected to reach the 500,000 figures we have been hearing the the lead-up.

The weather may have been a contributing factor in that, as well as the long walk facing pilgrims and the ban on mobility scooters.

And the pope has arrived at the Phoenix Park. He starts by driving around to wave to the crowd gathered in the rain to greet him:

This from our reporter Daragh Brophy:

“Another weather update for you. That was QUITE the squall we had there, but the rain and wind has died down a fair bit now.

It’s still showery and breezy here in the Phoenix Park. The pope has just arrived. Pope Francis is smiling and waving.

“He looks a little windswept.

“Enthusiastic cheers from the crowd and people are waving Vatican flags as he tours the site.

The Popemobile stopped briefly there as he shook hands with wellwishers.

Daragh tells us people are reaching up to greet him wherever they can, but not everyone is quite so lucky.

“People are running through open spaces towards barriers to try and catch a closer look,” he said.

Daragh Brophy reports from the park:

“The Popemobile slowed down as the pope made his way through the busier areas of the crowd.

There were some complaints yesterday that his parade through Dublin city centre proceeded with unanticipated haste.

He’s moving at a rather more stately pace here.

“He’s going all about the site, and isn’t due to begin celebrating Mass until 3pm.

“My next few updates may also be about a man moving around atop a vehicle, in other words, so feel free to come back later.”

But not too much later, readers, if you want to catch the mass. It is due to start in about 20 minutes.

The Taoiseach isn’t too happy about the weather today it seems, though President Higgins is still having a ball:

Don’t think Leo is enjoying this #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/APyf5DLsAZ — Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) August 26, 2018

Back at the Garden of Remembrance, our reporter Nicky Ryan says the crowd at the Stand for Truth event – standing in solidarity with abuse survivors – is growing fast.

And in Tuam, an demonstration to remember those who died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home has also started.

Toys tied to the railings of Scoil Muire NS #Tuam where some of the #TuamBabies went to school. #PopeInIreland #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/3TG6zeiTDW — 🏳️‍🌈 Just Izzy 🏳️‍⚧️🦕🦖 (@IzzyKamikaze) August 26, 2018

The crowd, which includes hundreds of people, is walking in silence:

Toys tied to the railings of St Patrick's PS #Tuam where some of the #TuamBabies went to school #PopeInIreland #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/99b919mfiA — 🏳️‍🌈 Just Izzy 🏳️‍⚧️🦕🦖 (@IzzyKamikaze) August 26, 2018

Tuam#796rememberourdarkhistorytoday pic.twitter.com/REdjcPXzEl — Noelle Brown (@BrownNollieb) August 26, 2018

At the Phoenix Park, the pope is still touring the site.

Daragh Brophy tells us there is still a fair bit of space in the sprawling site that’s been set aside in the park to host the papal event.

“500,000 tickets were sent out, free of charge, but the rain may well have put some people off this morning. A million people attended Pope John Paul’s Mass here in 1979,” he says.

A sign of how much Ireland has changed over the last 39 years… Bishop Eamon Casey and Father Michael Cleary acted as the warm-up act for the pontiff during his ’79 visit.

Wondering why the pope’s registration number is SCV 1?

From Daragh:

“According to an article in the Telegraph that I just Googled it’s the registration given to all Popemobiles and “is an abbreviation of the Italian and Latin names for Vatican City, Stato della Città del Vaticano and Status Civitatis Vaticanae, respectively”.

“I may be back with more facts purloined from that Popemobile article, if this driveabout doesn’t end soon.”

More from outside the Garden of Remembrance:

Really emotional here at Garden of Remembrance #Stand4Truth @Colmogorman you should be very proud of what you do ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ImUPspCE3S — Anita (@AnitaWhyteMoran) August 26, 2018

Wow amazing turn out at #stand4truth ⁦ @Colmogorman ⁩ pic.twitter.com/bps0GEMufs — MDub (@margedouglas) August 26, 2018

The mass at the Phoenix Park is about to begin – the crowd as been asked to refrain from holding up banners or waving flags now.

Here’s a view of the crowd size in the park. We won’t have official numbers from the gardaí until afterwards – people are still making their way inside.

Latest aerial shot of the park #PopeinIreland pic.twitter.com/30BPik0OUT — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

The Stand for Truth event is also about to begin in Dublin’s city centre.

#Stand4Truth about to begin #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/zgW41RKjdh — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

We’ll be bringing you updates from that as well as the mass in the Phoenix Park over the next couple of hours, so stay with us.

Large cheers from the congregation at the Phoenix Park at the first sight of the pontiff on the altar:

As the mass gets underway, Daragh has some thoughts on bishops’ attire:

“The thought ‘some of these bishops have very impressive hats’ just occurred to me. I know they’re referred to as mitres, but my knowledge more-or-less ended there (I’ve only been papal correspondent since yesterday morning). So here’s a bit more info from an ABC News article :

“The tall folded hat worn by popes and other bishops is called a mitre, and is an ancient symbol of priestly authority. Mitre’s come in several styles: simplex or simple, made of white linen or silk; pretiosa or precious, adorned in precious stones; and auriphrygiata or gold (seen here) made of gold cloth or white cloth with a gold fringe, typically worn during celebrations.”

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin in his opening prayer says the Church in Ireland has gone through a difficult time, noting the people have been “wounded” by members of the clergy.

Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin is talking about the papal cross.

We are gathering around this cross in the hope of a spring for the Irish church, he says.

A spring that does not with to cover up those dark days.

The Church in Ireland needs the message of Jesus to reappear in all it’s hopefulness, he says.

Faith in Ireland is strong, he says. But it is also fragile.

The Pope begins by asking for forgiveness for abuses against people by members of the clergy.

“We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland. Abuses of power, conscience and sexual abuse perpetrated by members with roles of responsibility in the Church.”

He also asks for forgiveness for some members of the Church hierarchy who “did not take charge of painful situations and kept quiet”.

In his prayer, Pope Francis asked pardon “for all the abuses for all the abuses committed in various types of institutions run by male or female religious and by other members of the Church and we ask for forgiveness”.

He said the Church was also asking for forgiveness for those exploited through manual work.

Back at the Garden of Remembrance, abuse survivor Colm O’Gorman started the solidarity gathering by asking the large crowd to silently consider why they are there.

“And then think about our shared intent – what we bring here as individuals, as people, as women, as men, as children as people living in this country and what we’ve got to say to the world. We’re here to stand for truth.”

Following a song by Mry Coughlan – Magdelene Laundry – Brian Kennedy took to the stage, encouraging the crowd to chant “truth, justice and love”.

And in Tuam, Catherine Corless has joined survivors of mother and baby homes:

Catherine Corless in Tuam with survivors @Colmogorman @jenoconnell pic.twitter.com/zw0OtJh2SP — Mary Coll (@marycoll14) August 26, 2018

Outside the Garden of Remembrance, Brian Kennedy sings ‘Imagine’ and the crowd joins in:

Meanwhile back at the Phoenix Park, the pope is leading the prayers again, speaking now about the importance of family.

We’ve heard the total number in attendance is just under 130,000. Here’s the latest aerial photo from the Air Corps:

One of our Airbus H135 blending into the background as the Phoenix park is starting to fill up. #PopeInIreland #Popeinthepark #strengthenthenation pic.twitter.com/wPtpF0T4iw — Irish Air Corps (@IrishAirCorps) August 26, 2018

A few moments of silent reflection now at the Phoenix Park:

Our reporter Daragh Brophy, who has been at the Phoenix Park all day, says the pope’s earlier comments on abuses by Church members were not necessarily expected:

“Material on what he would say in his homily was distributed to the press ahead of the Mass – and his remarks at the opening of the ceremony were a departure from that,” he said.

If you missed it earlier, here are some of his comments :

“We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland. Abuses of power, conscience and sexual abuse perpetrated by members with roles of responsibility in the Church.

In a special way we ask pardon for all the abuses committed in various institutions run by male or female religious members of the church and we ask for forgiveness for those cases of exploitation through manual work that so many young women and men were subjected to.

“We ask forgiveness for the times that as a church we did not show survivors of whatever kind of abuse compassion and the seeking of justice and truth through concrete actions. We ask for forgiveness.”

Gifts now being brought to the altar by families, including Emma Mhic Mhathuna – one of the woman impacted by the Cervical Check scandal – and her children:

If you’re curious about the music today, Daragh Brophy tells us that in total, 3,000 voices from across all 26 dioceses will make up the main choir.

“Many more will contribute to the congregational singing with their own parish choirs in the corrals spread across the Phoenix Park,” he explained.

“Individuals and choirs have been rehearsing together locally in their dioceses for a number of months but this was the first time that the countrywide group was brought together.”

Daragh has also just realised he unintentionally joined the Vatican delegation:

The Vatican delegation just got up and left to head back to Rome. There were an awful lot of them. Turned out I'd been sitting in the middle of them all day. #PopeinIreland pic.twitter.com/vEEV0h3o4R — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

If you missed Archbiship Diarmuid Martin’s welcome earlier, here are some extracts :

“It is commonplace to say that today you come to a different Ireland. The Church in Ireland has gone through challenging times. People have been wounded in the depth of their being by Church people; people’s faith has been challenged and the Church of Jesus Christ has been wounded.

“This Cross which dominates our gathering today is a symbol. It was probably never intended to be a permanent memorial. There were times when people asked that it be removed. There were times when this Cross appeared starkly isolated in the bleakness of an Irish winter.

In these years Ireland has had its winter moments but also its moments of spring. Those of us who know what an Irish winter is like – and we have had good experience of that this year – know also what happens when the first rays of spring sun emerge. Ireland changes.

“Today we gather around the same cross in the hope of a spring for the Irish Church. We look towards a spring sun that does not wish to cover up the harshness of dark days. We wish rather to help families realise anew that the future of Ireland needs the light of the message of Jesus Christ to reappear in all its simplicity and hopefulness.”

We told you earlier that fewer than 130,000 people are in attendance, though 500,000 tickets were sold.

Our reporter Stephen McDermott has reminded us that this month, HSE emergency chiefs  warned those with health problems  against attending the mass if they were unable to do so, while poor weather is also understood to have kept many mass-goers at home.

He also notes a significant number of tickets were snapped up by protesters when they were made available in July, with some booking hundreds of tickets without any intention of attending today’s mass.

Some more images from the park:

Let’s hear now from our reporter Nicky Ryan, who is outside the Garden of Remembrance.

He tells us writer Marian Keyes made a particularly strong speech:

Marian Keyes up now: “Caught between terror and honour, Ireland made its abused people invisible” #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/Qjdmqzvev0 — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

“More than anything, what we need from the Catholic Church is humility…that these were real children, women, babies…and nothing they [the Church] have said has shown that they think we’re real.”

Hozier also performed at the gathering:

Hozier! #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/HLwU62EfoE — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

And Colm O’Gorman shared his own story of clerical sex abuse, which he said started soon after John Paul II’s visit, during which he made the ‘young people of Ireland, I love you’ speech.

“You did not love us,” O’Gorman said.

Colm O’Gorman speaking before final performance: ‘The harm caused to survivors of abuse can not be lessen with a euro sign, it must be love, and that’s why we’re here today.’ #stand4truth #PopeInIreland — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

The crowd is now going to start moving in silence to Sean McDermott Street, the site of one of the last Magdalene Laundries.

Colm O’Gorman: “This week I’ve been asked by journalists all over the world, ‘how has Ireland changed?’. This, is how Ireland has changed.” #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/od02xSMQaU — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

In Tuam, the names of 796 babies were read out, as people in the crowd held up cards which also had individual names on them:

Earlier in the Phoenix Park, Pope Francis specifically addressed the treatment of women who in the past became pregnant outside of marriage:

“We ask for forgiveness for those times in which many single mothers were told that to seek out their children who had been separated from them, and the same time being said to the daughters and sons themselves, that this was a mortal sin. This is not a mortal sin. We ask for forgiveness.”

The Mass at the Phoenix Park is now coming to an end. The crowd was told that more than 500,000 people were there, but that’s not quite right. We’re hearing around 130,000 , but we will have to wait for official figures after it’s all over. As soon as we find out you guys will be the first to know…

And the big announcement people were waiting for – the next World Meeting of Families will be held in Rome in 2021. So the pope won’t have far to travel.

Roaming reporter Nicky Ryan is bringing us footage live on Facebook now from the Stand for Truth walk to Sean McDermott street, the site of a former Magdalene Laundry.

They are making their way there in silence.

At the same time, Pope Francis is delivering his final remarks. He thanks everyone, “religious or not”, to large cheers from the congregation.

The Stand for Truth crowd has arrived at the former Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street:

#Stand4Truth #standfortruth pic.twitter.com/zRQ3cGQ5aO — Daithi W🇮🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@daithibhard) August 26, 2018

And in the Phoenix Park, announcements are being made about how people should leave the site. Some sections being asked to remain where they are for the moment, until they’re given a gate to exit, Daragh Brophy tells us.

They were also being asked not to push and to be mindful of children in the crowd.

“People are taking selfies at the site. ‘If you are asked to stop at any point by stewards you are asked to please obey,’ announcer says. ‘Slán Abhaile.’ … Entertainment is to continue here at the site for the moment.”

Now, road closures today were only supposed to be in place until 5.15pm at the latest, but it is likely that there will be disruption for the next couple of hours as the thousands of people who attended the mass make their way home.

When leaving the mass in the Phoenix Park later, please use the colour coded route as outlined on your ticket. Gardaí & Stewards will assist you. #PopeInIreland #Popeinthepark pic.twitter.com/QgKx1yljHT — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) August 26, 2018

We have more from Nicky Ryan now at the former Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street.

Crowd asked to write their thoughts on today on this fabric #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/QxMWiVnsln — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

“You are not forgotten. We love you. We stand with you,” reads one message. Another says: “For my mother, whose abuse was buried by the parish priests.”

And another: “For everyone they hurt…”

The crowd walked there in complete silence:

Crowd is still silent. #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/tDcDj7bQPc — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

Some of the placards #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/XQ9xQvhq2R — Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

The last item on Pope Francis’ itinerary is the farewell ceremony at Dublin Airport, which will take place at 6.30pm. After this the pontiff will board his flight back to Rome.

The Stand for Truth gathering has also now concluded:

The conclusion of the #StandforTruth march at the site of A former Magdalene laundry on Sean McDermott street pic.twitter.com/HKvB7Qcbnt — Ruth Kennedy (@ruthkennedy1) August 26, 2018

Here is the crew that will be travelling with the pontiff as he makes his journey home:

Four Captains for the Pope. Captain Steve Kelly (far right) will be at the controls of the A321 for take off on @AerLingus flight with @Pontifex @DublinAirport to Rome. pic.twitter.com/z48TeoKytd — Ray Kennedy (@RayKennedyNews) August 26, 2018

The Pope will be arriving shortly at Dublin Airport.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is on the runway for the pope’s send-off.

Some last minute handshakes from Pope Francis…

A final wave from the steps of the Aer Lingus plane that will take him home:

Ahead of the Pope’s departure from Dublin Airport, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has welcomed his call for action and forgiveness in relation to clerical sex abuse, but once again said words should be followed by action.

We welcome Pope Francis’s call for firm and decisive action and for forgiveness. We now ask that from words flow actions. We thank Pope Francis for his visit, and ask for his prayers. pic.twitter.com/6cg2YKh6Pr — Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) August 26, 2018

A sense of normality is resuming in the Phoenix Park, where our tireless reporter Daragh Brophy is still (just about) hanging on.

I'm walking back to the city from the cross. Park v quiet by now pilgrims in ones and twos walking towards Chesterfield Ave. #PopeinIreland pic.twitter.com/lWFFn7ti7W — Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) August 26, 2018

And he’s off.

Pope Francis boards his plane for his flight back to Italy #popeinireland pic.twitter.com/enCoZhwFnW — RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018

Back in Rome, Vatican News – the official news source of the Holy See – has called the pope’s request for a pardon for clerical abuse, made during his Mass at the Phoenix Park, “unprecedented and unexpected”.

Elsewhere, at least 1,000 people gathered for a vigil at the site of a former home for unmarried mothers in Tuam, Co Galway, to coincide with the papal visit.

Here are a selection of images from the protest taken by PA’s Niall Carson:

Dr Umar Al-Qadri, head of the Islamic Centre Ireland, has expressed his support for demonstrators who attended today’s Stand4Truth march in Dublin city centre.

I also congratulate those that are protesting against the injustices and the covering up by the #Church leadership. Religious leadership must be challenged when required and this ultimately strengthens faith because justice is the essence of faith. #Stand4Truth — Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) August 26, 2018

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation..

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

To embed this post, copy the code below on your site

600px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/liveblog-pope-visit-4202217-Aug2018/?embedpost=4202217&width=600&height=460" ></iframe>

400px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/liveblog-pope-visit-4202217-Aug2018/?embedpost=4202217&width=400&height=460" ></iframe>

300px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/liveblog-pope-visit-4202217-Aug2018/?embedpost=4202217&width=300&height=460" ></iframe>

• Defamation Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
• Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
• Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion.
• Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
• Spam Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.

Leave a comment cancel

Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user

Create an email alert based on the current article

• Northern Ireland
• Hurling & Camogie
• GAA Fixtures & Results
• Personal Finance
• Holidays & Travel
• Food & Drink
• Irish Language
• Entertainment
• Opens in new window

Phoenix Park: Pope Francis asks for forgiveness over Catholic Church sex abuse

The Pope has asked for forgiveness for the crimes of church figures in Ireland as he laid bare a litany of abuse and mistreatment meted out to victims.

Addressing a large crowd at an open air Mass in Dublin, as his historic visit to the country drew to a close, Francis said the church hierarchy had been guilty of cover-ups and failing to show compassion.

Praying for the strength to achieve justice for the victims, the Pope referred to his private meeting with eight abuse survivors on Saturday evening, explaining that he wanted to take up what they had said to him.

"We ask forgiveness for the abuses in Ireland, abuses of power, of conscience, and sexual abuses perpetrated by members with roles of responsibility in the church," he said.

Belfast Marathon: Finaghy heart attack man’s treatment delayed by unregistered defibrillator

Wetherspoon sales jump amid Guinness boom and ale recovery

"In a special way, we ask pardon for all the abuses committed in various types of institutions run by males or female religious and by other members of the church, and we ask for forgiveness for those cases of manual work that so many young women and men were subjected to. We ask forgiveness."

The reverberations of a litany of clerical sex crimes have cast a shadow over the first papal visit to Ireland since 1979.

The Pope's plea for forgiveness rang out around Phoenix Park as elsewhere in Dublin survivors and campaigners protested at his visit.

A vigil for the victims was also held at the site of the mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, where a mass grave containing around 800 babies not afforded proper burials was recently uncovered.

The Pope told the pilgrims who braved the rain and a three kilometre hike to reach Phoenix Park: "We ask forgiveness for the times that, as a church, we did not show the survivors of whatever kind of abuse the compassion and the seeking of justice and truth through concrete actions. We ask for forgiveness.

"We ask for forgiveness for some of the church hierarchy who did not take charge of these situations and kept quiet. We ask for forgiveness.

"We ask for forgiveness for all those times in which many single mothers were told that to seek their children who had been separated from them, and the same being said to daughters and sons themselves, that this was a mortal sin.

"This is not a mortal sin. We ask for forgiveness."

The pontiff ended the prayer by asking: "Give us the strength to work for justice. Amen."

His words were met with applause by the massive crowd of faithful.

The Papal Mass in Dublin came hours after the Pope called for firm action in pursuing justice for church abuse victims.

On the second day of his visit, he said the crimes committed by members of the church had left an "open wound".

At an address at the holy shrine of Knock, in Co Mayo, he said no-one could fail to be moved by stories of young abuse victims who were "robbed of their innocence" and left with "painful memories".

Thousands who came to see the Pope applauded as he urged decisive steps to bring truth to the victims.

"I beg the Lord's forgiveness for these sins and for the scandal and betrayal felt by so many others in God's family," he said.

The first day of the papal visit on Saturday was dominated by the bitter legacy of historical scandals linked to church abuse and mistreatment.

On Saturday evening, the Pope met a number of victims of criminality and cruelty inflicted by church members.

The private engagement in Dublin came hours after Francis expressed "pain and shame" over failures to tackle the scandals.

Some of the survivors who attended the behind-closed-doors meeting said the pontiff employed blunter language with them, apparently using the Spanish word "caca", Spanish for excrement, to describe those who covered up abuse.

Abuse survivor Marie Collins, who was at the meeting, told the Press Association: "He was very frank, he listened to us all and he gave us all an opportunity to talk about our experiences."

• Pope Francis Phoenix Park Mass: Pontiff prays for abuse cover-up forgiveness
• Pope Francis signs Mayo GAA shirt - and fans hope 'curse' will be lifted
• Pope in Knock: Ponchos, tea and a birthday treat
• Pope Francis visit: Reports from day one
• Pope Francis sends 'warm greetings to the beloved people of Northern Ireland'
• Pope Francis begs for God's forgiveness over church abuse scandal
• Up to 500,000 expected at Pope Francis' Phoenix Park Mass
• Pope Francis warns Croke Park crowd of social media dangers
• Church abuse survivors welcome 'cordial' meeting with Pope Francis
• Anti-clerical abuse protests held during Pope's visit
• Pope thrills Dublin crowds during Popemobile tour
• Leo Varadkar urges Pope to listen to abuse victims
• Pope Francis prays for Irish victims of abuse
• Pope Francis 'pained and shamed' by Church's clerical abuse failure?
• Belfast couple 'asked Pope to pray for peace in the north'
• Michael D Higgins tells Pope of anger felt by clerical abuse victims
• Pope Francis begins Irish visit

Watch: The moment the Pope passed me in the Phoenix Park but he didn’t bless me. But great to see him anyway. @NewstalkFM #PopeInIreand #PapalVisit pic.twitter.com/5eI0oo7pNK — Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) August 26, 2018

Irish Souvenirs

Sky blunder with 'Pope in England' and Daniel O'Donnell graphics

Pope Francis waves goodbye and heads back to Rome

Crowds for Pope Francis' Phoenix Park Mass fall well below expected level

Hundreds call for exhumation of remains of babies at Tuam

Smear test campaigner leads offertory procession at Papal Mass

Pope visit Ireland 2018 RECAP: 130,000 people turn up at the Phoenix Park for Pontiff's final mass at World Meeting of Families

The Pope will conclude his visit to Ireland today in the same spot where Pope John Paul II addressed over a million people

• Updated 19:36, 26 AUG 2018

Over half a million tickets were snapped up but only 130,000 people turned up at the Phoenix Park today as Pope Francis says the final mass at the 2018 World Meeting of Families.

Yesterday the Pontiff arrived in Dublin to much fanfare, and was greeted by thousands of people as they lined the streets of the capital.

He also visited the President at the Aras, the Taoiseach at Dublin Castle, the Pro Cathedral, the Capuchin Day Centre and Croke Park within his first few hours in the city.

Pope visit to Dublin

In a private meeting away from the public and the media, he also met with eight survivors of clerical and institutional abuse.

There are mass road closures across the capital today, and many restrictions to public transport.

We'll have all the latest updates from across the capital and the Phoenix Park mass as they happen.

• Colm O'Gorman quite emotional after Stand4Truth rally 18:56
• Thousands turn up to Stand 4 Truth rally 16:59
• Gardai estimate around 130,000 people attended Phoenix Park 16:24

WATCH: Pope prays for forgiveness for Irish abuse scandal

Colm o'gorman quite emotional after stand4truth rally, leo varadkar thanks pope for visit as he leaves dublin, pope set to depart dublin.

Preparations are currently underway at Dublin Airport.

He’s expected to leave in the next few minutes.

Dublin Bus is ready to bring people home

Thousands turn up to stand 4 truth rally.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin today for the Stand 4 Truth rally in support of the victims of clerical abuse.

Crowds turned up to the Garden of Remembrance as the Pope said mass to around 130,000 people in the Phoenix Park.

The event kicked off at 3pm, and included performances from Hozier, Mary Black and Roisin O.

Following the rally, the crowd then headed silently to the former Magdelene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street.

Clerical abuse survivor and Amnesty Ireland Executive Director Colm O’Gorman addressed the crowd at the rally.

He said: “We don’t need to look to a Bishop. We don’t need to look to a Priest, or a Cardinal or a Pope.

“We need to look to ourselves, to our humanity, to our tradition. We have learnt how to love each other.”

Gardai estimate around 130,000 people attended Phoenix Park

Around half a million tickets were made available for the mass, but less than a quarter of the crowd expected turned up.

Buses all lined up to take people home from Phoenix Park

That’s quite a sight.

The other side - #Stand4Truth Protests

As mass takens place in the Phoenix Park protests are underway in the city centre

Plea for forgivenenss

Pope Francis has opened his address by asking people to forgive the church for its abuses - the crowd is applauding as his message is translated

Leo Varadkar ahead of mass

Followers gather as mass is about to start in the phoenix park, early pilgrims.

BY Ferghal Blaney

Pilgrims poured into Phoenix Park from early yesterday morning, with the gates open from 8am and an estimated 50,000 filling the park by 12 noon, a full three hours before Pope Francis was due on stage.

Some had walks of up to 11 kilometres to reach the site where the stage was erected, but all were in good spirits - despite the inclement weather - as they waited for the Pope to arrive for the big mass at 3pm.

The Irish Mirror walked around Phoenix Park and spoke to the early arriving pilgrims who made their way into the park before noon.

Brenda McCorry from Belfast was standing behind an Argentinian flag along the barriers on the way to the main stage.

She brought the flag for two reasons she said, because of her admiration for Pope Francis - who is from Argentina - and because her boyfriend is also an Argentinian.

Ms McCorry was at the last Papal visit in 1979.

“I was very young when John Paul II was here.

“I was in Drogheda and my sister Mary, who’s here too, was also there, she was only four months old,” Breda said.

“We all travelled down this morning from Sacred Heart parish in Belfast, loads of coaches went from there.”

Another pilgrim who travelled from Belfast with the McCorrys was Peruvian national, Marco Antonio Amao Unda.

“I live in Belfast because of my job, and I’m coming here because he was in Cusco in my home town in Peru and I missed him there.

“My family saw him there so I wanted to see him here,” Marco Antonio said.

People of all ages were at the papal mass yesterday.

19 year olds Darragh Lankford and Liam Tuohy made the trip up from Ballincollig in Co Cork for the special day, and they were making a right day ou out if it, with their local parish running a special bus deal, inclusive of transport and food.

They were both decked out in yellow Pope Francis tee-shirts and matching baseball hats.

Darragh said: “We’re die-hard Catholics.

“We’re from Ballincollig parish and we decided to come up with our parish today.

“For €20 we got a full Irish (breakfast), dinner and all, an opportunity to see the Pope and mass here and all, sure you couldn’t beat it, we can’t wait,” he added.

Another family originally from the Phillipines, but now living in Dublin, the Lelis’s, had a long walk in to the Park, having trekked in on foot from Clonsilla, some 11 kilometres from the centre of Phoenix Park.

It was lashing rain for most of the walk in, but Benjie, the father of Lyka, and husband of Belyn said it was definitely worth it.

“We walked from Clonsilla this morning, it took over one hour and I’m a quick walker, just didn’t like that it was raining though.”

Benjie and Belyn are members of Couples for Christ, an Irish Catholic organisation.

They have been in Ireland 17 years and last year went to see the Pope in the Vatican for their 28th wedding anniversary.

Niamh Murphy from Belfast was working as a volunteer at the Phoenix Park mass yesterday.

The young woman said she was not actually particularly religious, but was here because she values volunteering in communities.

She said it was her granny that encouraged her to go after telling her what a special event the 1979 mass was, when upwards of one million turned up for the Pope in Phoenix Park that day.

Almost ready to kick off in the Phoenix Park

Leo has his poncho, just over an hour to go, come on you pope in green.

From the World Meeting of Families:

Green has been chosen as the colour of vestments to be worn by Pope Francis during the Closing Mass of WMOF2018 which is the colour associated in the liturgy with Ordinary Time.

The green is a symbol of how God is ever-faithful, and it also quite appropriate for a celebration in Ireland.

At the centre of each vestment is the Trinity spiral, the same as can be seen in the WMOF2018 logo. The three parts of the spiral represent the mystery of the Holy Trinity, and also draws from Celtic imagery, as spirals can be found on many ancient stones and monuments of Ireland’s past.

The colours used in the spiral are the same green, red and gold as the vestments.

Alongside the central spiral are lines which lift and spread out along the side of the vestments. These lines are inspired by the line in the liturgy ‘Lift up your hearts’ inviting us to participate in the celebration of Mass. When expanded the lines represent a cross, with the Trinity spiral as the head of the cross.

The vestments were produced by Haftina, a family business based in Poland, which specialises in liturgical vestments, chalice gowns, altar tablecloths and canopies. The vestment designs were created by Haftina in collaboration with the WMOF2018 Liturgical Committee.

Pope Francis signs Mayo jersey before boarding flight

If you missed it yesterday - here's our hilarious interview with an aussie in dublin yesterday, francis arrives in dublin airport.

Dublin Airport have tweeted a picture of Pope Francis arriving in Dublin.

Phoenix Park starting to fill up as we edge closer to mass

Weather set to clear up as people roll in.

Met Eireann says: “Sunday morning will be breezy with widespread and persistent rain, and some heavy bursts. Maximum temperatures of 16 or 17 degrees and it will feel humid.

“Drier, brighter and fresher conditions will develop later in the afternoon with a few showers.”

Heading into the week, we can expect more of the same changeable weather and it’s going to remain relatively cool.

With hours to go before mass people are already flooding the park

Francis has left knock.

The Pope has now left Knock and is heading back to Dublin.

Gardai are asking people to be patient in the area as there is extremely heavy traffic around all routes.

Plans have been put in place to help facilitate movement.

Gardai and volunteers out in force today

Flooding on m50 northbound slip road, spilling in, buzz begins to grow.

Road closures are starting to kick in around Dublin as over half a million people flood the capital for mass in the Phoenix Park.

Pope Francis is currently headed towards Mayo where he will deliver the Angelus at the Chapel of Knock Shrine.

He is set to begin in Knock around 9.45am and will be back in Dublin to deliver mass at 3pm.

Last night, Francis met with survivors of clerical abuse as the World Meeting of Families took place in Croke Park.

Eight victims spoke with the head of the church for an hour and a half.

Among those he met were Marie Collins, Rev Patrick McCafferty, Rev Joe McDonald, councillor Damian O’Farrell, Paul Jude Redmond, Clodagh Malone and Bernadette Fahy.

Earlier on in the day he took the popemobile in front of thousands before paying a private visit to the Capuchin Day Centre.

The Irish tricolour flew overhead as he pulled up and stepped down from the popemobile.

The Capuchin centre provides an important service in a country where homelessness is a major political issue.

Addressing a gathering of disadvantaged people who use the centre, the Pope thanked them for trusting the Capuchin fathers.

“They help you without taking away your dignity,” he said.

“That’s the face of Jesus Christ.”

The Pope offered a blessing to those in attendance before meeting a number of volunteers who work in the centre.

• Pope Francis
• Most Recent

LIVE: Watch Pope Francis’s final Mass at the Phoenix Park

Pope francis celebrates the final mass of the world meeting of families 2018, in phoenix park dublin, before a crowd of hundreds of thousands..

Despite blustery and wet weather hundreds of thousands have turned out at the Phoenix Park to greet Pope Francis and celebrate the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families 2018.

This is the first time a Pope has visited Ireland since Pope John Paul's trip in 1979 when for 1,250,000 people, one-third of the population of the Republic of Ireland came out to see the Pope.

Today in  Phoenix park it's estimated that 500,000 have turned out.

The day-long event is a major undertaking. RTE broke down what's involved in the colossal Mass:

- 2,500 police are on duty around the city today, 700 inside the park and 900 outside - 1,000 stewards in the park itself - 7,000 World Meeting of Families volunteers - 3,000 people taking part in the mass choir - 2,000 Ministers of the Eucharist - 1,000 medical staff on duty, including 30 doctors and 30 nurses

15.21: In the opening moments of Pope Francis's Mass at the Phoenix Park. He asked the hundreds of thousands gathered for forgiveness for the crimes committed by the Catholic Church. 

"We ask forgiveness for the abuse in Ireland. Abuses of power, conscience and sexual abuse perpetrated by members with roles of responsibility in the Church.

“In a special way we ask pardon for all the abuses committed in various institutions run by male or female religious members of the church and we ask for forgiveness for those cases of exploitation through manual work that so many young women and men were subjected to.

"We ask forgiveness for the times that as a church we did not show survivors of whatever kind of abuse compassion and the seeking of justice and truth through concrete actions. We ask for forgiveness."

He asked forgiveness of the historic crimes committed and the pain caused to generations of Irish by the sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by the Catholic Church. 

He ended his opening speech by asking forgiveness to those mothers and children who were separated from their families and each other by the Catholic Church. He said, "this is not a mortal sin".

Wonderful scenes at the Phoenix Park as Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the last time in Ireland. . . . . #popeinireland #popefrancis #phoenixpark #phoenixparkmass #catholic #wmof2018 A post shared by IrishCentral (@irishcentral) on Aug 26, 2018 at 8:24am PDT

15.00: Many having traveled through the night, hundreds of thousands of devout Roman Catholics and fans of Pope Francis trudged through the muddy ground at the Phoenix Park to attend the historic event. The old, young, family groups and representatives from around the world have arrived in Dublin to celebrate their faith and see the Pope.

Crowds are streaming in to the Phoenix Park ahead of Pope Francis’s Mass at 3:30pm. Despite the damp weather spirits seem high among the expected 500k people attending. For more news and analysis visit https://t.co/TIDa5i4mpi pic.twitter.com/2F1JRDrotu — IrishCentral (@IrishCentral) August 26, 2018

Dublin city center is all about the @Pontifex merch this weekend! IrishCentral will be live from Phoenix Park this afternoon for the historic mass. #popefrancis #papalvisit #phoenixpark #phoenixparkmass #popeinireland #knock pic.twitter.com/Qdp2cGwTMF — IrishCentral (@IrishCentral) August 26, 2018

Related: Catholic , Dublin

Ireland's most unique raffle, WIN a new McHale Fusion 4 Plus Baler or €75,000 cash

WATCH: Dublin's St. Patrick's Day parade the biggest ever!

Belfast to host presitgious Oireachtas na Samhna festival in 2025

Ireland in spring - Fun festivals and wonderful hidden gems you don't want to miss

How big is Ireland? The answer might surprise you!

The top Irish filming locations from "The Banshees of Inisherin"

Billy the Kid's Irish mother, a Great Hunger survivor

Faces of the Titanic: John Horgan, lost at sea, remains a mystery man

Book of Kells remains closed as Trinity College protests continue

The history of Derry emigration to the US and Canada

Why is Derry also called Londonderry?

Lions, luxury and living history - explore the epic Fota Island, off Cork

Mystery of how many people attended Pope Francis' Phoenix Park Mass in Dublin finally solved

The official figures were revealed through an FOI request to the OPW

• 15:33, 19 SEP 2018

Get daily headlines and breaking news alerts for FREE by signing up to our newsletter

We have more newsletters

The mystery of how many people attended the Papal Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park has finally been solved.

The Office of Public Works revealed on Wednesday that the final count was almost certainly just under 152,000 -more than 300,000 less than the 485,000 expected.

The OPW released official count figures following an FOI request and said the number of pedestrians to enter the park on the day was 131,875.

In addition to that, an estimated further 20,000 people travelled to the event by bus and were not officially subject to headcount.

The OPW had in place counting systems on the day of the final mass for health and safety reasons.

“This data was critical for the egress after Mass as each gate had a flow capacity, and all had to be out of the Park before sunset,” they said.

They said the 131,875 figure only includes those who entered the site through monitored gates by foot.

An information note explained: “In addition to those on foot, there were several thousand of attendees who entered the site by vehicle access through the unmonitored gates such as invited guests who were coached in, the choir, those involved in the mass, and those availing of universal access.”

The OPW said their best estimate of how many came in this way was “in the order of 20,000”.

They said the maximum capacity for the event had ended up being 485,000 tickets, all of which were supposed to have been taken.

The Office explained: “When the ticket allocation was complete, the World Meeting of Families collated all of the information in conjunction with their ticking company, and gave an oral presentation, confirming that they had reached all their ticket targets.”

In the immediate aftermath of the visit, neither gardaí nor the OPW said they were in a position to confirm exactly how many people had actually attended.

However, they did confirm that attendance was lower than expected, which had made managing the event much easier than anticipated.

On social media, some claimed that the crowd had barely topped 100,000 while commentators supportive of the Catholic Church said it was likely to have been in excess of 200,000.

The turnout paled in comparison with the numbers that attended the mass held by Pope John Paul II in 1979 when an estimated one million people turned up.

The poor attendance for the event was blamed on a variety of factors, including poor weather on the day and also the length that people – particularly older people – would have to walk to get there.

Separately, warnings for those suffering from health problems as well as reports about the spread of contagious diseases may have turned off others.

In addition, an unknown number of tickets were block-booked by protesters who took large numbers of tickets without having any intention of attending.

One man, part of the ‘Say Nope to the Pope’ Facebook page, claimed to have got 800 tickets in this manner, including booking several tickets in the name of “Jesus Christ”.

• Pope Francis visit to Ireland 2018
• Most Recent