PARKS AND GARDENS

Parnell Square EastDublin 1
Designed by Daithi Hanly and dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. The large sculpture by Oisin Kelly is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection. (As the garden contains steps there is restricted access for visitors with disabilities). Opening Times: ...

BallsbridgeDublin 4
Herbert Park is named after Sidney Herbert (1810-1861), the father of the Earl of Pembroke who, in 1903, offered the site to Pembroke Urban District Council for development as a public park. The famous Dublin International Trades Exhibition was held on the site in 1907, housing exhibits from the British Empire (including a complete Somalia village). Thereafter the lands were developed as a ...

The Scalp, KilternanDublin 18
Knockrose is situated 500 feet above sea level nestling on the shoulder of The Scalp, a geological feature formed by the melting waters of a glacier. Tom and Trish Farrell are the owners and custodians of this beautifully cultivated unique garden, which is backed by an old mixed forest. Attached to a traditional farmhouse and buildings, it has been evolving over the last seventy years. The ...

Merrion SquareDublin 2
This elegant Square, adorned by an attractive public park, retains much of its Georgian character. One of the most beautiful and interesting parks in Dublin, it is officially named Archbishop Ryan Park in memory of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin who generously transferred on a long lease the 12 acres or 4.75 hectares to Dublin City Council in 1974. The Church had bought the park in 1930 ...

GlasnevinDublin 9
The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, were founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1795. The Gardens, 19.5 hectares on the south bank of the Tolka contain many attractive features including an arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden and burren area, large pond, extensive herbaceous borders, student garden and annual display of decorative plants including a rare example of Victorian carpet ...

Bull Island DollymountDublin 5
A 300 hectare island in Dublin Bay formed after the construction of the Bull Wall in the 1820's. It is now a Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary of international importance with up to 25,000 wading birds using the area in Winter. Opening Times: Visitors Centre is open 7 days a week, 10.00am-4.30pm. Admission Prices: Admission is free. How to Get There: By bus: 30, 31 ...

Dublin 8
The Phoenix Park is one of the largest and most magnificent city parks in Europe at 707 hectares. It is an historic landscape of international importance and one of the largest designed landscapes in any European city. About 30% of the Phoenix Park is covered by trees, which are mainly broadleaf parkland species such as oak, ash, lime, beech, sycamore and horsechestnut. A more ornamental ...

Phoenix ParkDublin 8
The Phoenix Park is one of the largest and most magnificent city parks in Europe. A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Centre. Here visitors can receive information and enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500BC to the present day. There is a special section for children which allows them to explore the ...

Primrose Lane, LucanCounty Dublin
Primrose Hill is a Regency villa attributed to the architect James Gandon. Its political history is connected with Dr. Irwin and Eamon de Valera who was a frequent visitor to the house. The house and grounds were part of the Lucan House Demesne. The 2.5ha garden has been created over the last forty years by Cicely and Robin Hall and is more of a botanical garden with a strong sense of design and ...

Grange Road, RathfarnhamDublin 14
In recent years, this park in the heart of Rathfarnham village has been lovingly restored by the council to its former glory. It forms part of the original demesne of the adjacent castle. Rathfarnham Castle was built by Adam Loftus in 1588 and the building and extensive demesne remained in the family until 1723 when it was sold to “Speaker” Connolly. It returned to the Loftus family in 1767 and ...