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 The lady in white |
Ballbriggan Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 849 2212 http://www.gardensireland.com/... |
This 18th-century castle and garden was built by the Dean of Clonfert in 1738 and boasts superb views of the Dublin coastline and countryside. Now furnished and restored in Victorian style, Ardgillan houses a permanent exhibition of 17th-century Down Survey maps of Ireland. The garden features a conservatory and rose garden, including sections for herbs, vegetables and Irish plants. Rumours abound that there's also a ghost on the premises! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gilbo's Pics |
 Photo: monkeyonagazebo |
 Photo: monkeyonagazebo |
 Inner-city oasis |
Blessington Street Phibsborough Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 (Dublin Tourism Centre) |
Stroll up beyond Parnell Square to the end of Blessington Street and you will find a little-known oasis of calm. Blessington Basin used to serve the water needs of this part of Dublin but it has recently been transformed into a small artificial lake (with the obligatory ducks and swans, of course), surrounded by pleasant landscaped seating areas. It's a surprisingly tranquil retreat in the often-hectic inner-city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: theapothecaryguy |
 Photo: Paul Duane |
 Photo: Blackie_Colmcille |
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Natural urban wildlife |
Rathfarnham park Dublin Ireland +353 1 668 434 / +353 1490 0320 |
Bushy Park (in the suburb of Rathfarnham) is a natural oasis worth visiting if you want to escape the city streets for a while. The river Dodder skirts the park and a delightful duck pond has been made with the diverted flow. The naturalised planting area attracts squirrels, foxes and birds. It's a good spot to kick a football around in and the large children's playground should keep all the family occupied for an afternoon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: Stephen Heron |
 Photo: Robert Mourik |
 Photo: Peter Brown |
 Photo: Darragh Bracken |
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Dublin Garden Group |
Talblick Lehaunstown Dublin 18, Leinster Ireland +353 1 236 9796 http://www.dublingardens.com |
The Dublin Garden Group lets you get a glimpse of the incredible private gardens in Dublin. On this excursion you will see the amazing Irish gardens that are not open to the public. You can almost imagine yourself in Eden, amidst luscious fruits, trees and flowers. So, tour the Dillon Garden, Mouth Usher Gardens and many more to get a feeling of paradise. Visit the website for timings and schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A garden for all seasons |
Enniskerry Road Dublin Ireland +353 1 295 6000 |
This secluded garden is the perfect place for a picnic if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden features a cathedral-like aisle of giant Wellington trees and a large collection of shrubs, roses and herbaceous plants: all in a tranquil woodland setting. Many of the trees on the estate date back 200 years and the work of William Darley (who collected plants from all over the world) has been continued by the garden's present owners, the Walker family. A modest admission fee is charged to help with the garden's upkeep. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ronán |
 Photo: Ronán |
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Death in pursuit of freedom |
Parnell Square East Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 647 2498 (Head Office) / +353 1 874 3074 |
Opened by President Eamon de Valera in 1966 for the fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising, this rather austere park serves as a fitting tribute to its martyred leaders. Daithi Hanly designed the lawns, which encircle a mosaic-tiled pool. The mosaic depicts swords, shields and arms, all broken to represent peace. At one end of the park stands a bronze statue of the Children of Lir, sculpted by Oisin Kelly. The children are an important part of Irish folklore - according to legend, they were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother for 900 years. They became human again after this time but, frail and weak, died soon afterwards. To this day, killing a swan in Ireland is illegal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: emelef |
 Photo: Ricardo Silva |
 Photo: Mark Waters  |
 Photo: Matt Meyer |
 Photo: Mark Waters |
 Photo: Matt Meyer |
 Photo: Bryan Fernandez |
 Photo: Wolfgang Schwarz |
 Photo: Loki Delta |
 Photo: d+w+f |
 Photo: Danny |
 Photo: Neil Dorgan |
 Photo: Ana Silva |
 Photo: Fabio Paoleri |
 Photo: Barb Sheehy |
 Photo: patricia sahertian |
 Photo: Sean O'Donnell |
 Photo: Malorie Binn |
 Photo: Bryce Allen |
 Photo: Eirik Bolstad |
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Centre of Celtic Ireland |
20 miles from Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
The Hill of Tara is a site of great mythical importance and is said to have been the spiritual and political centre of Celtic Ireland until the 11th century. The spread of Christianity diminished the importance of Tara as a religious centre, although Daniel O'Connell (the "Liberator") chose this location as the site for a famous political rally in 1843 which was attended by over a million people! There is not much to look at today, but the grassy slopes leave you to imagine what it used to be. Tara is located north-west of Dublin, about 15-20 miles from the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Danny Nicholson |
 Photo: Max |
 Photo: Matteo Rocchi |
 Photo: lvlysenbei |
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Well-hidden Gothic gardens |
Clonmell Street between Harcourt Street and Earlsfort Terrace Dublin Ireland + 353 1 475 7816 http://www.visitdublin.com/see... |
Developed as part of the Iveagh Estate in the 18th century, these gardens are still one of Dublin's best kept secrets, so well-tucked away that they remain quiet and tranquil even in the height of summer. The grounds were laid out at a time when all things Gothic were the height of fashion, so prepare to be slightly spooked by the park's dark, ivy-clad corners, eerie statues and winsome grotto. The gardens are currently under restoration and a Victorian rosarium has been recently rebuilt. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Looby |
 Photo: Iker Larrañaga |
 Photo: Gino Roncaglia |
 Photo: Ngareta Bagnall |
 Photo: Maj Adev |
 Photo: WalkTell |
 Photo: Matt |
 Photo: David Gill |
 Photo: Dan Dennison |
 Photo: Kate Southall |
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Splendid formal gardens |
45 km south of Dublin Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 45 52 1617 http://www.irish-national-stud... |
The brilliantly-designed Japanese Gardens lie close to the Irish National Stud in the countryside west of the city. Located in Kildare Town and only twenty miles from Dublin, they are certainly worth the detour or a stop on your way to destinations further afield. The gardens were created in 1906-10 by a Japanese landscape gardener. The path through them is arranged thematically and leads one on a symbolic journey from birth' to death. Features include a Zen rock garden and a variety of exotic plants, trees and sacred bamboos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kasia and Mike |
 Photo: Kasia and Mike |
 Photo: Cris Rodriguez |
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Suburban Park |
Rathfarnham Dublin Ireland |
The Marlay park is equipped with a gold course, fourteen football areas and intertwining walkways, passing by lazy waterfalls and plant life local to the area. A perfect place for kids, friends, picnics, or all of the above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Georgian city-centre square |
Upper Gardiner Street Dublin, Leinster Ireland |
Although surrounded by magnificent Georgian townhouses, Mountjoy Square does not live up to its potential. In the 18th century, the square was the most elegant address in Dublin, but the migration of the gentry south of the river turned this district into a slum in a matter of decades. One hundred years ago, this part of town was one of the poorest areas in Europe, but recent refurbishments have given the area a new sheen. The square is traditionally landscaped with the ubiquitous trees, grass and roses but an adjacent tennis court seems somehow out of place in such elegant surroundings. The district deserves a visit, however: its Georgian terraces remain undiminished in elegance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Ireland's horticultural repository |
Finglas Road Glasnevin Dublin Ireland +353 1 837 7596 |
A short bus ride from the city centre, the splendid Botanic Gardens are always worth an afternoon's exploration. Entrance is free and guided tours are available most of the year. The gardens are divided into different areas of interest, featuring long herbaceous beds, a rose garden, alpine houses, a vegetable garden, an arboretum, a yew-walk along the river Tolka and a wonderful area exhibiting the various natural habitats of Ireland. The great glasshouses full of exotica were constructed in the mid 19th century and designed by Richard Turner, who was also responsible for the glasshouses at Kew Gardens. After all the fresh air, you'll probably need to visit the coffee shop to rest and recuperate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: peppe yakanama |
 Photo: Barry Smyth |
 Photo: Barry Smyth |
 Photo: Neil Weightman |
 Photo: joanreynolds |
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Important prehistoric site |
Boyne Valley Dublin Ireland |
Newgrange is a passage tomb in the Boyne valley, 20 miles north-west of Dublin. It was constructed 5000 years ago and pre-dates both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. For centuries, Newgrange was the heart of an advanced Bronze Age civilization inhabiting the valley of the Boyne. The tomb was constructed in alignment with the night sky and the heavens: on the morning of the winter solstice, the first rays of the sun flood the inner chamber of the tomb for several minutes. Because of the site's enormous importance, access is limited. Demand for places on the tour is high, so plan your visit in advance. The nearby interpretative centre, however, is a perfectly adequate substitute for a visit to Newgrange itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Koehntopp |
 Photo: Frank Koehntopp |
 Photo: Emiliano B. |
 Photo: Danny Nicholson |
 Photo: Cati V. |
 Photo: Megan E. Foldenauer |
 Photo: Alan Jones |
 Photo: Tiffani A. |
 Photo: loy310 |
 Photo: Laurent Espitallier |
 Photo: John Ellis |
 Photo: shalini akhil |
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Europe's largest city park |
Park Gate Street Dublin Ireland +353 1 6057700 (Tourist info) http://www.visitdublin.com/see... |
Measuring just under 1,800 acres, Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe. The great green expanse in the west of the city is a mixture of wilderness and formal landscape gardens. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as Gaelic football, polo and cricket. A towering Papal Cross marks the visit of Pope John Paul II, back in 1979. Also enclosed within the park's boundaries are a Visitors' Centre, Ashtown Castle, Dublin Zoo, Aras an Uachtarain (the official residence of the President of Ireland) and the Residence of the United States' Ambassador. Phoenix Park also has a bird sanctuary and a herd of fallow deer as well as boasting an impressive diversity of plantlife. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Walter Browne |
 Photo: Patrick Garvey |
 Photo: Cedric Schopfer |
 Photo: Giuseppe |
 Photo: Ashok Manayangath |
 Photo: maxidublin |
 Photo: RandomWay |
 Photo: Durk |
 Photo: Mamluke |
 Photo: blackfish_pl |
 Photo: leinsterman |
 Photo: Alessandro Ribeiro |
 Photo: gezzajax |
 Photo: Keith Jack |
 Photo: carolina.ireland2 |
 Photo: Kristi Orlando |
 Photo: DaxMairead |
 Photo: Gonzalo |
 Photo: Alan Lepofsky |
 Photo: Felix Haslimeier |
 Photo: tprice |
 Photo: Matt Perreault |
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A secret retreat |
Phibsborough Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
This little-known park makes a handy short cut from Phibsborough to the city centre. Formerly an extension of the Royal Canal, the linear stretch was drained in the 18th century to facilitate a traditional Victorian park. Now the locals use it for dog- walking and on sunny days you'll find a mass of pink bodies stretched out here, catching the rays. The area feels a little isolated, however, so it's probably best to avoid the park at night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ronan Flynn |
 Photo: Thomas Scott |
 Photo: Thomas Scott |
 Photo: Siobhán Silke |
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Pretty oasis in city centre |
Grafton Street Dublin Ireland +353 (0)1 475 7816 /+353 (0)1 605 7700 (Tourist info) http://www.visitdublin.com/vis... |
Dublin's most famous park is steeped in history. It started life as common ground, not far from a lepers' hospital, and was eventually enclosed in 1664. The site of public hangings throughout the 18th century, it was not until Lord Ardilaun's patronage in 1880 that the park took on the landscaped form that we see now. Memorials are dotted around the flower beds, trees and willow-fringed duck pond. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats are just some of the famous names commemorated, while the Three Fates smugly measure the thread of humanity's destiny from their fountain at Leeson Street Gate. Free concerts are held on summer days in the bandstand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wolf |
 Photo: Jen Whelan |
 Photo: Ed Stuart |
 Photo: Gosia Kaszubska |
 Photo: Andy Sheridan |
 Photo: Daniel Maier |
 Photo: Reinhard Kozdon |
 Photo: Elisa |
 Photo: Ronán |
 Photo: Regina Tassone |
 Photo: Andrew Mangan |
 Photo: Jill and Steven Good |
 Photo: Federico Chi |
 Photo: Chris Kenworthy |
 Photo: Peter Gaw |
 Photo: garamigergely |
 Photo: Micka GERWIG |
 Photo: magic_bee |
 Photo: rdisney2006 |
 Photo: Betsy Lewis |
 Photo: Rich Brame |
 Photo: green little monster |
 Photo: Ignacio Reviriego |
 Photo: Vanda Wallace |
 Photo: Linda Stine |
 Photo: pinkpurplecloud |
 Photo: martin j murphy |
 Photo: keith walsh |
 Photo: Rebekka Begay |
 Photo: AvrilC |
 Photo: Jodie Cheffins |
 Photo: Philippe S. |
 Photo: Deirdre Woods |
 Photo: Sylvia Kates |
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Rose Gardens and More |
41 All Saints Road Dublin, Leinster Ireland http://www.stannespark.org/ |
Not far from the city centre, St Anne's Park has many attractions. Originally part of a large estate, the big house itself was burned down, leaving the surrounding grounds to exist in their own right. The park is famous for its rose garden - a rose festival is held here in the summer. Well worth seeing is the mile-long avenue of huge stately oaks which formerly led up to the grand house and which now terminates, quite poignantly, at an empty space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: Gerry O'Beirne |
 Photo: Niall Griffin |
 Photo: Brian H Fitzsimons |
 Photo: Alex Nesbitt |
 Photo: Mark Stanley |
 Photo: Mark Taylor |
 Photo: michealflanagan |
 Photo: theapothecaryguy |
 Photo: boorje |
 Photo: Pat Moroney |
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Value for money |
Suffolk Street Saint Andrews Church Dublin, Leinster Ireland +353 1 605 7702 |
If Dublin is your destination for a holiday, then plan it the best way possible. To help you, there is the TFM Backpacker Travel and Accommodation, an initiative started to help tourists and visitors scout the city. Through this service, you can plan tours, trips and accommodation in Dublin. If you're tight on budget, this service will enable you to get value for your money. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Developing suburban park |
Walkinstown Dublin Ireland +353 1 605 7700 |
At the edge of the city in Tallaght, Tymon Park is a public open space in progress. Not long ago this area was agricultural and some of the original field hedgerows remain. Under pressure from the rapidly growing residential development all around, the authorities are trying to keep this space undeveloped and there is certainly a touch of the prairie about it. Interesting water features, streams and lakes can all be seen. It's a good place for blowing the cobwebs away with a long windswept walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: slua |
 Photo: sebastian szarkowicz |
 Photo: Laurent Adgie |
 Photo: John Healy |
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Reflect by the river |
Islandbridge Dublin Ireland +353 1 661 3111 |
Designed by Edwin Lutyens (one of the most significant architects of the twentieth century), these simple but dignified gardens commemorate the 49,000 Irish soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The central garden consists of a lawn enclosed by a high limestone wall with granite piers. At either end are two book rooms (also done out in granite) which hold the names of all the dead soldiers. Visitors can view the shrine upon application to the administration. A pair of sunken rose gardens flanks this central lawn and the park slopes down to a tranquil stretch of the river Liffey. This stretch of the river is used by rowers from the local universities and is a calm and pretty spot on a bright day. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Krissi's Pictures |