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The name is a corruption of the Irish ''fionn uisce'' meaning "clear water". It is one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe . Richmond Park in London , England is larger at 2,500 acres (10 km&2). Phoenix Park is larger than both Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London . Unusually for north Dublin, Phoenix Park has an even-numbered Area Code (Dublin 8/D8). All other areas (except for the adjacent Chapelizod ) have even numbered area codes if on the southside of Dublin, or odd-numbered on the northside. grazing near the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park]] HISTORY line the main avenue of Phoenix Park]] After the Normans conquered Dublin and its hinterland in the 12th century Hugh Tyrell, 1st Baron of Castleknock , granted a large area of land, including what now comprises the Phoenix Park, to the Knights Of St. John Of Jerusalem . They established an abbey at Kilmainham on the site now occupied by the Royal Hospital . The knights lost their lands when Henry VIII confiscated monastic properties in 1537 and eighty years later the lands once more reverted to the ownership of the King's representatives in Ireland. On the restoration of Charles II , his Viceroy in Dublin, Lord Ormonde established a Royal Hunting Park which contained pheasants and wild deer, therefore it was necessary to enclose the entire area with a wall. It was opened to the people of Dublin by Lord Chesterfield in 1747 . SIGNIFICANT FEATURES Áras an Uachtaráin The residence of the President Of Ireland ( Áras An Uachtaráin ) is located in the park. Zoological Gardens One of the main attractions in the park is Dublin Zoo , which houses more than 700 animals and tropical birds from around the world. It was founded in 1830 making it the third oldest zoo in the world. Papal Cross The Papal Cross was erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II in September 1979 . Over one million people attended an open air mass in the park at the time. Wellington Monument The Wellington Monument , a 62m (205 Foot ) tall Obelisk memorial for the Duke Of Wellington . Deerfield Residence The Deerfield Residence was the former residence of the Chief Secretary Of Ireland . It is now the official residence of the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The Phoenix Monument This monument in shape of a Corinthian column with a Phoenix bird rising from the ashes at its pinnacle. It was erected by Lord Chesterfield in 1747. The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Ashtown Castle The oldest building in the park is Ashtown Castle , a restored medieval tower house dating from the 17th century. It is located beside the Visitors Centre which houses interpretive displays on the 5,500 years of park and area history. OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST The headquarters of the Irish national police force, An Garda Síochána , are located in the park. It also contains several sports grounds for Football , Soccer , Cricket and Polo . The State Guest House, Farmleigh , adjoins the park to the north-west. The south western corner of the park is known as the Furry Glen and has a series of short walks centred around a small lake with birds, plants and wildlife. The park is featured prominently in James Joyce 's novel, '' Finnegans Wake ,'' and tangentially in '' Ulysses ''. It is occasionally used for open-air Concert s and the annual Phoenix Park Motor Races. MOTOR RACING Motor racing first took place in Phoenix Park in World Champion Racing Driver Mike Hawthorn . Irish International Grand Prix winners CONCERTS The park has played host to music concerts over the years including Robbie Williams , U2 , Red Hot Chili Peppers to name but a few.In October 2007 , there will be a string of concerts held at the park in a Circus big top style stage. Confirmed acts for this include Arcade Fire and Ian Brown . REFERENCE SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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