Many visitors to the Phoenix Park were left disappointed today.
Phoenix Park has been open to the public of Dublin since the beginning of last week, and photographs from the roads outside the park suggest that it has only become more popular a destination in its absence.
Many social media users complained that they waited hours to even enter the park by car, with some missing their booked times for Dublin Zoo tours.
Posting a video to his social media channels, Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe said: "No fun being stuck in this mile and a half long jam in #PhoenixPark today. Best to park outside or better still take public transport and walk, or cycle."
https://twitter.com/CiaranCuffe/status/1271855869630787590?s=20
AA Roadwatch has noted that: "Chesterfield Ave is extremely slow both ways through the Phoenix Park. Gardaí advise to avoid the area."
Since reopening, the Office of Public Works has not changed the status of vehicular access to the park, with motorists able to enter via Parkgate Street and Castleknock Gate. Similarly, parking remains forbidden on Chesterfield Avenue, where road space has been converted into space for pedestrians and cyclists.
