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War Memorial Gardens
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
3 reviews for War Memorial Gardens
Islandbridge is a little off the beaten track, and with so many city sunbathers plumping for the nearby Phoenix Park, the War Memorial Gardens are blessedly calm.
The gardens are undeniably beautiful -- sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree planting make for a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Gorgeous, green and laid out in the grand Victorian style of commemorative landmarks, the War Memorial Gardens has become a year-round refuge for D8 locals. Built to remember the thousands lost in just four years during the Great War, the park offers long views and spectacular gardens befitting a tribute to fallen heroes.
Enter from the Islandbridge gates and walk along Lime Avenue, stopping at the domed temple before heading up to the obelisk and fountains at the top of the sloping Kilmainham hill. From there, look out across the gardens into Phoenix Park for a transporting view of the park's abandoned British military base and more distant obelisk of the Wellington Monument.
Amble to the banks of the Liffy at the bottom of the gardens and watch local rowing teams practice throughout the Spring and Summer (be sure to mind the swans, teenagers and local cyclists!)
I am a big fan of modern art and I feel very lucky that the museum is housed on spectacular grounds, also on those grounds are the War Memorial Gardens.
They are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers that died during the 1914-1918 war. Sadly for awhile successive governments did not highlight this monument due to them fighting for the British. Thankfully we have moved on from that era in our history.
The garden was designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It truly is a masterpiece of design. It intrigues me how back then the goal was to tame nature so that it is as rigid as a reserved Victorian person. Another remarkable feature is that,
'The names of all the soldiers are contained in the beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms in the gardens.'