Iveagh Gardens, County Dublin Travel Guide

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Discover Dublin's 'Secret Garden': A Victorian oasis of tranquility and beauty tucked away in the heart of the city.

Tucked away behind the National Concert Hall, the Iveagh Gardens offer a serene escape in the heart of Dublin. Designed in 1865 by Ninian Niven, these Victorian gardens feature a blend of French formal and English landscape styles, providing a unique and tranquil experience.

A brief summary to Iveagh Gardens

St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Park, D02 HX65, IE
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Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-7:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Iveagh Gardens.

Visit during the summer months to see the cascade in full flow and enjoy the vibrant colors of the rosarium.
Explore the yew maze for a fun and engaging experience.
Take a leisurely stroll through the woodlands and discover the hidden rustic grottos.
Check out the 'Live at the Iveagh Gardens' concerts that take place in July.

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Explore Iveagh Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Iveagh Gardens, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From St. Stephen's Green, walk south along St. Stephen's Green South, then turn left onto Harcourt Street. Continue onto Clonmel Street, where you'll find the entrance to the Iveagh Gardens on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Luas Green Line to the St. Stephen's Green or Harcourt Street stop. From either stop, it is a short walk to the Iveagh Gardens. Several Dublin Bus routes also stop near the gardens, including routes 9, 14, 15, 44, 83, 140, and 142. A single adult TFI 90-minute fare is €2.00 with a Leap Card.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Iveagh Gardens will typically cost between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Note that taxi fares have an initial charge of €4.40, with a rate of €1.32 per km.

Discover more about Iveagh Gardens

The Iveagh Gardens, often dubbed Dublin's 'Secret Garden', present a captivating blend of history and horticultural artistry. Originally known as Leeson's Fields in the 1700s, the land was transformed into Clonmell Lawns by the Earl of Clonmell, featuring a subterranean passage connecting his residence to the gardens.In 1865, Ninian Niven designed the gardens as grounds for the Dublin Exhibition Palace, intending it to be a space for 'rational amusement blended with instruction'. The gardens showcase a unique collection of features, including rustic grottos, sunken formal lawns with fountain centerpieces, woodlands, a maze, a rosarium, and an American garden. The cascade is particularly stunning in the summer.Throughout their history, the gardens have transitioned from private land to a public park named Coburg Gardens in 1817, even hosting elaborate ceremonies. After falling into disrepair, they were revived as the Iveagh Gardens, named after Edward Cecil Guinness, who donated them to the Irish nation in 1939. This ensured the gardens would remain a green space for the city.Today, managed by the Office of Public Works since 1991 and having undergone major restoration in 1992, the Iveagh Gardens stand as a testament to Victorian garden design. Visitors can explore the various landscape features, relax by the fountains, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.