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I don’t think I’ve been to this park since I was about 18 years old. For no apparent reason. [It is where I was once employed.] But it has to be said, if there is a park comparable to poetry…. This *is* it! I’ve missed it…

The history, the story, the layout, in it’s entirety… I love it. Not as many know about it. Maybe because it’s only across the road from the ‘more popular’ Phoenix Park – but for me – this is the ultimate.

Built to commemorate the 49,000 Irish men who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 Great War. This was in one way employment for those who returned home and was built [to the best of my knowledge] entirely by the hand. Designed by Edwin Lutyens – even his name may suggest you might be bored by that ‘ye olde stylee symetrical garden crapola‘. Not on your nelly! For its symbolism – the roses tiered to that of a coloseum; the four book rooms representing the four provinces; the walkway in the shape of a horseshoe as it was one horse power built and the central garden to replicating the alter of a church – it even includes two massive water features as the candles…. the list goes on.

Outside of that, the park is relaxing & very well maintained. There are places near the water to sit and watch; places within the rose and herbaceous plants to ponder and versus that open areas enough to cycle, run, picnic or just lie down and look up at the dappled shadow created by the very many mature trees around the grounds.

Visit it, love it, take your time and enjoy.