A Heritage Tramway for the
City’s Green Heart

This project doesn’t try to bring it all back — just one charming, meaningful stretch: a 2.2km heritage tramway through Phoenix Park, from Park Gate to the Phoenix Monument.

This short journey revives a lost piece of civic identity. It offers something rare in modern cities — a slow, scenic, and character-rich way to enjoy one of Dublin’s most beautiful public spaces. Not a means of getting anywhere fast, but a chance to take in the park from a new perspective — to make the journey the experience itself.

Why Phoenix Park?

Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed city park in Europe — a place of scale, history, and calm. Though trams once ran up to its gates, none ever entered. This proposal imagines a charming first: a heritage-style tramway running gently along Chesterfield Avenue, connecting key landmarks while offering a new way to experience the park.

With its straight, level roads and iconic views, the park is the perfect setting for a slow, scenic journey — not as transport, but as a destination in itself. The project is designed with respect for the park’s protected status, ensuring minimal intervention and complete harmony with the surrounding landscape.

The Route: Park Gate to Phoenix Monument

The proposed tram would run on a single, bidirectional track along Chesterfield Avenue, separated from car traffic by simple wrought-iron railings.

🔷 Stops Along the Route

1. PARK GATE (Origin & Depot)
The main entrance to Phoenix Park. Ideal for tram stabling, ticketing, and first boarding. Close to Heuston Station and Dublin Bus routes.

2. WELLINGTON
Serving Wellington Monument recreation area.

3. ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
Alight here for Dublin Zoo, Cricket Clubs and Tea Rooms.

4. MONUMENT
Allowing access for Papal Cross, Visitor’s Centre, Ashtown Castle and The Hole in the Wall pub.

(CLICK ON MAPS FOR LARGER VIEW)

Technical Snapshot

  • Length: 2.2km

  • Track: Single, embedded

  • Tram Type: Bidirectional, double-decker (replica of 1900s Dublin tram)

  • Power: Overhead catenary system (electric wires, low-voltage, heritage spec)
    Alternatively, a restored tram with electric motor that negates the need for a catenary system.

  • Stops: 3

  • Journey Time: ~20 minutes each way (with stops)

  • Turnaround: Either loop track at MONUMENT or reconditioned tram to have two opposing driver cabins.

  • Depot Location: Park Gate terminus

  • Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes

Bringing the Phoenix Tramway to life would require the support and cooperation of several key organisations.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), which manages Phoenix Park, would play a central role in approving and guiding any development within the park grounds.

Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) could advise on integration with the city’s broader infrastructure and ensure the proposal complements existing mobility plans.

While this isn’t a public transport system, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) may be consulted for safety and engineering expertise.

On the cultural and tourism side, both Fáilte Ireland and the Heritage Council could support the project as a destination experience rooted in Irish heritage.

The Transport Museum of Ireland could contribute historical insight or operational guidance, while local councillors, TDs, and community leaders would be vital in advancing the proposal through public channels.

Most importantly, this idea belongs to the people of Dublin — the public will shape its future, through participation, enthusiasm, and civic support.

Who could be involved?