Is the Phoenix park safe for a session?

Hi all I hope everyone is well. I would wondering if anyone has any experience setting up in the Phoenix Park? It does not have a great reputation but is the closest darkish sky to my home. I would like to try image Mars. It will only be myself and my brother so there's no safety in numbers really. 

Thanks in advance. 

Neil. 

You will definitely need to have quite a number of amateur astronomers with you, Neil. 
The Phoenix Park is a very dangerous place for any individual after sunset. 

A number of members of the Irish Astronomical Society will be in Dunsink Observatory this coming Friday. Perhaps then would be a good time to do some imaging on Mars. 

Clear skies and safe observing from Aubrey.  

Hi Aubrey thanks for that. Tomorrow is suppose to be completely clear and I am in work until 10pm on Friday. What time will you guys be there till? I was already almost sure that I would not go to the Phoenix Park but I thought it may have become a little more safe in recent years. Wishful thinking I suppose.  I go cycling during the day sometimes there. What a pity that such a wonderful place is still a no go area at night.
None of my friends are interested in astronomy so it would be nice to meet some people who are.  Thank you for the invite. 
Ps I read about a guy who brought his binos to the Phoenix Park years ago. He noticed someone watching him so he promptly left. For me that would be very difficult with a cpc 1100 and a laptop!  I will try and make it on Friday. Until then I will steer clear of the Phoenix Park. 

Thanks again. 

Neil

Having thought about your proposal a bit more, Neil, I would suggest you ought to have at least 5 people in the Phoenix Park. 
So are there any folks here who would be willing to meet up with you?
Sadly I'm elsewhere on Wednesday night. 

Please feel free to check out the main page here on the IFAS website. 
The event is called Comets, Stars and Mince Pies @ Dunsink. 
The event starts at 7.30pm on Friday.
Normally this event ends at about 10.30pm. 

Clear skies from Aubrey.  
 

It's odd, isn't it?  I have gone to dark sites in remoter places like Glendalough alone and never had any worries, but going to somewhere like the Phoenix Park alone would have me a nervous wreck.
I guess you are thinking of somewhere like the Papal Cross, but would it be a better option if you go to a more out of the way section of the park?  Anywhere that is just off Chesterfield Avenue might attract unwanted attention as there is more passing people, but deeper into the park might be better.  There is a dead end road near the Magazine Fort that could work.
What about going up to Michael D's place and asking to set up in his back garden?

Paul

Thanks Aubery. I night try and get off work a bit early and come along. It would be nice to put a face tw some of you guys. 

clear skyr

neil