Background

Garden of Remembrance: A Sanctuary of Reflection

A tranquil Dublin memorial garden dedicated to those who sacrificed for Irish freedom, featuring symbolic sculptures and reflective spaces.

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The Garden of Remembrance in Dublin is a tranquil memorial dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for Irish freedom. Originally part of the Rotunda Hospital's pleasure gardens, it was opened in 1966 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The garden offers a space for quiet reflection amidst the bustling city.

A brief summary to Garden of Remembrance

  • Monday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a quiet day to fully appreciate the garden's peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take some time to reflect on the historical significance of the garden and the struggles for Irish independence.
  • Look for the mosaics of broken weapons in the water, representing an ancient Celtic tradition.
  • Read Liam Mac Uistin's poem "We Saw a Vision" inscribed on the stone wall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From O'Connell Street, walk north towards Parnell Square. Pass the O'Connell Monument and the General Post Office (GPO). Continue to Parnell Square East, where you'll find the Garden of Remembrance on the left, approximately two-thirds of the way up the street. The garden is a short walk from the city center.

  • Public Transport

    Several Dublin Bus routes serve Parnell Square. Bus lines 1, 2, 14, 16, 19, 33X, 39X, 41X, 48A, 58X, 70B, and 70X stop at Parnell Square East. Alternatively, take the Luas (Green Line) to the O'Connell Upper/Parnell stop. From either stop, it is a short walk to the Garden of Remembrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A taxi from Dublin city center to the Garden of Remembrance is a short ride. Expect to pay between €8 and €15 for a standard journey within the city center. Note that fares may be higher during evenings and weekends.

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Discover more about Garden of Remembrance

The Garden of Remembrance, or *An Gairdín Cuimhneacháin* in Irish, stands as a poignant tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the pursuit of Irish freedom. Situated on Parnell Square, at the northern end of O'Connell Street, this memorial garden provides a serene escape from the city's hustle. Designed by Dáithí Hanly, the garden features a cruciform pool with mosaics of broken weapons, symbolizing the Celtic tradition of breaking weapons to celebrate peace. The garden's focal point is the sculpture of the Children of Lir by Oisín Kelly, representing rebirth and resurrection. Added in 1971, the sculpture depicts a scene from Irish legend where children are transformed into swans, a powerful symbol of transformation. Inaugurated by President Éamon de Valera in 1966, the garden marks the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising. A wall within the garden features Liam Mac Uistin's poem "We Saw a Vision" in Irish, English, and French, capturing the ideals and hopes of the Irish people. The garden commemorates freedom fighters from various uprisings, including the 1798 rebellion, the 1803 rebellion, the 1848 rebellion, the 1867 rising, the 1916 Easter Rising, and the 1919-1921 Irish War of Independence. The site itself holds historical significance, as it was the location where the Irish Volunteers were founded in 1913, and where leaders of the 1916 Rising were held before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol. The Garden of Remembrance is open year-round and offers free admission.

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