Irish National War Memorial Gardens

About

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin, stand as a poignant tribute to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gardens are among Europe's most significant memorial landscapes. Their formal layout features sunken rose gardens, reflecting pools, and the central Stone of Remembrance, creating a serene environment for reflection. Granite bookrooms house illustrated manuscripts listing the names of the fallen, offering a personal connection to the past. Constructed between 1933 and 1939 by a team of ex-servicemen from both the British and Irish armies, the gardens symbolize unity and shared sacrifice. Today, they serve as a place of remembrance and tranquility, inviting visitors to honor history amidst beautifully maintained grounds.

Dublin Ireland

Location

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are located in Islandbridge, Dublin 8, along South Circular Road with entrances from Con Colbert Road and the Phoenix Park end. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gardens commemorate the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in World War I, with their names recorded in beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts housed in granite bookrooms. The gardens are renowned for their architectural elegance, featuring sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders, tree-lined avenues, and reflective pools. This serene space offers a tranquil escape and a place for remembrance, open daily with free admission. The gardens are easily accessible by bus, car, or on foot from the city centre. Nearby attractions include Kilmainham Gaol Museum (0.5 km), the Royal Hospital Kilmainham (0.9 km), and the People’s Flower Gardens in Phoenix Park (1 km), making it an ideal starting point for exploring Dublin’s historical and cultural sites.