Dublin Zoo's Historic 1833 Cottage Orné Has Been Beautifully Restored

If you’ve visited Dublin Zoo with the kids and paused to look at that beautiful little thatched cottage near the entrance, wondering about its story, you’re not alone. That cottage has been quietly watching over generations of Dublin families since 1833, and this week it got the recognition it truly deserves.

Dublin Zoo officially celebrated the completion of a major restoration of the Cottage Orné, the Zoo’s original entrance lodge, which is believed to be the oldest surviving zoo entrance in the world. The ceremony took place on 4 June 2026 and was attended by Minister of State Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, alongside Carmel O’Connor, President of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo.

Nearly 200 years of history, carefully preserved

The Cottage Orné was completed in 1833, designed by architect William Deane Butler at a cost of just £30. For well over a century it served as Dublin Zoo’s main entrance, welcoming visitors until the 1960s. These days the Zoo draws close to a million visitors a year through its modern entrances, but this little building has never stopped being one of the most photographed spots in the whole place, and now it looks better than ever.

The restoration used specialist conservation techniques, traditional craftsmanship and historically appropriate materials. It was supported through funding from the Government of Ireland through the Office of Public Works, and by Dublin City Council through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. In other words, this was a proper, considered restoration, not a quick patch-up job.

Minister Moran spoke at the official ceremony, saying: “Investing in heritage is about much more than repairing old buildings. It is about protecting our shared history, supporting traditional skills and craftsmanship, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from places like this.”

Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, added: “The Cottage Orné, believed to be the oldest Zoo entrance still in existence, is a remarkable part of Dublin Zoo’s history and a tangible link to our past. We are proud to celebrate the completion of this restoration project, which preserves an important piece of Ireland’s built heritage while recognising the skilled craftspeople and partners whose expertise made it possible.”

Something extra to look out for on your next visit

Alongside the restoration, Dublin Zoo has added an engaging historical visual timeline at the Cottage Orné, tracing the building’s journey from original entrance lodge to heritage landmark. It brings together stories, photographs and historical insights covering nearly two centuries of Zoo history, touching on the people, events and changing visitor experiences that have shaped Dublin Zoo since it first opened in 1831.

It’s the kind of thing that makes a Dublin Zoo visit feel a little more meaningful than just the penguins and the lemurs (though obviously the penguins are also very much part of the draw when you’ve got small ones in tow).

Looking ahead to a milestone anniversary

As Dublin Zoo approaches its 200th anniversary in 2031, the restored Cottage Orné will stand as a centrepiece of that remarkable history. It’s a lovely thought that the same little building that greeted the very first visitors to the Zoo in the 1830s will still be there for the next generation of Dublin kids being dragged past it on a rainy Tuesday while arguing about who gets to see the giraffes first.

Worth a look next time you’re heading in through the gates.