Nature spot · County Dublin
An Gairdín Cuimhneacháin
Garden of Remembrance
A place of quiet remembrance and reflection, the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin city centre is dedicated to the memory of ‘all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom’.
This site was originally a former pleasure garden of the Rotunda hospital. In 1966, on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, it was officially opened by president Éamon De Valera as memorial garden to commemorate the lives of all those who died during Ireland’s struggle to gain independence.
Designed by Dáithí Hanly, the cross-shaped pool has mosaics of broken weapons in the water, referencing the old Celtic tradition at the end of battle. The dramatic Children of Lir sculpture was added in 1971 and represents transformation.
Liam Mac Uistin’s poem called "We Saw A Vision" is written in English, French and Irish.
In May 2011 Queen Elizabeth II laid a wreath here, which was the first time a British monarch had visited Ireland for 100 years.
The garden is open daily throughout the year and admission is free.
Outdoors in County Dublin this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, light winds, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Scattered clouds
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 13°Scattered clouds
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 500 m awayBlessington Street Basin (Dublin's Secret Garden)ParkDublin CityThe Blessington Street Basin is known as Dublin's secret garden, as it remains largely undiscovered in the city. Most of the park is water and it also includes an artificial island created as a refuge for animals.
Nature spot · 1.6 km awaySt. Stephen's GreenParkDublin City CentreSt. Stephen's Green in Dublin City is a Victorian public park, with tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders, rockeries, and ornamental lake and a garden for the visually impaired.
Nature spot · 1.8 km awayMerrion SquareGardenThe elegant Merrion Square, in Dublin City, is adorned by an attractive public park and retains much of its Georgian character.