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The Iveagh Gardens are located just behind the more famous St. Stephen’s Green. This park is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. It feels like one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. It is beautiful and calm, considering its closeness to the city’s major shopping streets and busy landmarks.
The gardens are well-maintained and more natural than some other city parks that may appear artificial. You’ll find winding gravel paths, wide open lawns, shaded spots, and plenty of space to sit and relax. We visited the park on a rainy day. Although the sky was almost completely covered by clouds, we still enjoyed the experience thanks to the large trees that protected us from the rain.



Originally designed in the mid-19th century, the Iveagh Gardens have a fascinating history. The land was once part of the private gardens of the Earl of Clonmell. Benjamin Guinness, a member of the famous family behind Ireland’s most well-known brewery, helped turn it into public gardens. Over time, the gardens fell into disrepair but were restored to their former beauty. Today, they offer a peaceful escape with a touch of old-world feeling that takes you back in time. One of the most striking features in the Iveagh Gardens is the lovely waterfall, built at the far end of the park. The sound of flowing water makes you escape from reality and reconnects you to nature. There’s also a delightful rosarium featuring rows of rose bushes arranged in circles.
Catching them in bloom depends on the season. We were fortunate to see several varieties flowering, which added pops of color to the green space. If you want to test your orienteering skills, you can also try reaching the center of a small circular labyrinth that has a solar clock. Unlike other parks in Dublin, the Iveagh Gardens are rarely crowded, mainly because they are not well-known and are quite hidden. During our visit, we saw a few people walking their dogs, others enjoying their lunch on benches, and a group of friends sitting on the grass and chatting. The park doesn’t have a playground or many tourist facilities, which might explain its peaceful atmosphere.



However, the seagulls can be a bit annoying if you are eating there, and they might follow you throughout the park. Several statues and stone structures can be found around the gardens. They add quiet dignity and a sense of history. For example, there is a bust of Seán O’Casey, one of Ireland’s notable playwrights. His works vividly portray the struggles of Dublin’s working class. Closer to the fountain area, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to John McCormack, the renowned Irish tenor. This memorial has a plaque and a surrounding stone bench that invites you to sit and reflect. These features are not always easy to spot, which makes discovering them feel like small personal connections to Ireland’s cultural heritage.
In 2020, another memorial opened to honor activists who fought for a better world and human rights. While the Iveagh Gardens may not be as well-known or as busy as St. Stephen’s Green, they offer a different experience. It feels more intimate, almost like you’ve uncovered a secret spot known only to locals. If you want a peaceful break from sightseeing or just a quiet corner to relax in, we highly recommend taking some time to explore this hidden gem in the heart of the city.