Blessington Street Basin — Attraction in Dublin

Dublin is full of secret places none more dear to me than my own secret garden near were my father's family grew up. The Blessington Basin, amazing this gem of a place is so close to O'Connell Street and yet tucked away is this old Victorian Reservoir. Built in 1810 as a water storage reservoir for the city, the water is fed via the Royal Canal with water from Lough Owel. The is made from Calp Limestone and the bed is of water retaining blue clay. It is fed by pipe from Reilly's Bridge in Finglas at the 8th Lock. The Style Gate lodge was built in 1811 and still retains its wonderful old gothic style. From 1860 to 1970 water from the Basin was fed to Jameson's Bow Lane Distilery and Power's Whiskey Distillery at John's Lane. But this is a wonderful oasis for local residents and visitors, set in a quiet residential area at top of Blessington Street it has been a wonderful place for young children for years. The Swan's and many species of water fowl add so much to this beautiful place along with the hidden doorway entrances for example onto Primrose street. The lush vegetation, huge waterfalls, the discreet seating and lovely sculptures add touches of magic to Dublin's very own secret Garden. Author and philosopher Dame Jean Iris Murdoch was born in the last house on Blessington Street which was adjacent to and now included in the Basin/Park. Childhood memories of this wonderful place still stay with me. If looking for a great place to relax,have a coffee and just...

The 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. Blessington Basin is a real secret garden, only a 15-minute walk from Upper O'Connell St. Go past Parnell Square on Frederick St which becomes Blessington St, where charming Georgian doors and features remain. Cross over Dorset St & Berkeley St to the end. Through the iron gates you’ll be greeted by sweet-scented flowers, mature trees & serene swans on the water. Relax on a bench or stroll along the walkway. The Basin Keeper's cottage, built in 1811, is picture-perfect. Refurbished in 1994, the park is surrounded by high stone walls and lined with plants and seating. At the far end you will find a children's playground, exercise stations, fanciful bronze sculptures, a mixed-use games area and even beehives. Blessington Street Basin is one of the most unusual parks in the city, as 80 percent of the area of the park is water. It was formerly a city reservoir that supplied homes until 1885, then Powers & Jamesons distilleries until the 1970s. An artificial island has been developed in the centre to create a refuge for the ducks and swans that regard the...

A real hidden treasure in the city that I stumbled upon by chance one lunchtime five years ago. The DCC staff who look after it really take pride in their work.

Don't be put off by people down on their luck such as the homeless or addicts drinking cans on the benches, they never hassle you and if anything are some of the friendliest people you'll meet there compared to other public spaces in the city. It's partly why I love this place, that it's full of people from all backgrounds lost in their own thoughts just appreciating the beauty...