Irish National War Memorial Gardens — Attraction in Dublin

Tucked away in Islandbridge, just west of Dublin’s city centre, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens—or Gairdíní Náisiúnta Cuimhneacháin Cogaidh na hÉireann—offer a deeply moving and unexpectedly serene experience. Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, these gardens are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in World War I, and they strike a rare balance between solemnity and beauty43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.

The layout is a masterclass in symmetry and symbolism. Two granite bookrooms house the Roll of Honour, illustrated by Harry Clarke, listing the names of the fallen. Between them lies a sunken rose garden, flanked by tranquil reflecting pools and classical pavilions. The River Liffey flows quietly nearby, and a tree-lined avenue leads visitors through a space that feels more like a sanctuary than a public park43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.

What makes the gardens especially compelling is their quiet dignity. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, this place invites reflection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of landscape design, or simply someone seeking a peaceful walk, the gardens deliver a powerful,...

Designed by the great memorialist Sir Edwin Lutyens who had already landscaped designed several sites in Ireland and around Europe, it is outstanding among the many war memorials he created throughout the world. He found it a glorious site. The sunken Garden of Remembrance surrounds a Stone of Remembrance of Irish granite symbolising an altar, which weighs seven and a half tons. The dimensions of this are identical to First World War memorials found throughout the world, and is aligned with the Great Cross and central avenue. Opposite to the Phoenix Park obelisk, it lies about three kilometres from the centre of Dublin, on grounds which gradually slope upwards towards Kilmainham Hill. Old chronicles describe Kilmainham Hill as the camping place of Brian Boru and his army prior to the last decisive Battle of Clontarf on 23 April 1014. The Memorial was amongst the last to be erected to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in World War I (Canada's National War Memorial was opened in 1939), and is 'the symbol of Remembrance in memory of a Nation's sacrifice'. The elaborate layout includes a central Sunken Rose Garden composed by a committee of eminent horticulturalists, various terraces, pergolas, lawns and avenues lined with impressive parkland tress, and two pairs of Bookrooms in granite, representing the four provinces of Ireland, and containing illuminated volumes recording the names of...

Irish National War Memorial Gardens is a beautiful place to be. I love the character of this place. It is both serene and elegant. No matter the amount of people in it, it maintains a calming and comforting atmosphere. I see plenty of people visiting this place with their pets, mostly for walks. The terrain is slightly elevated in one corner of the garden, giving a perfect viewing angle to take a look at the entire area. On one side, the garden extends as far as the bank of river Liffey. One could continue to walk along the river bank as far as Chapelizod. It is a walking path also shared by cyclists and therefore, one needs to be cautious about that. There are two sunken rose gardens with ponds at their centre. The symmetrical design is evident when one gets to the actual memorial, for it stands in between the two sunken gardens. I love visiting this place. I feel that it is the perfect honour one could give to a war hero – making people feel safe and peaceful even in their death. The comfort enjoyed by frequent visitors to this place is enough merit for these heroes to walk peacefully to their next level of existence, whatever it may be according to...