Location: Dublin
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What to do and see in Dublin, Province of Leinster: The Best Gardens
You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family. No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques.
Restaurants in Dublin
1. Garden of Remembrance
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Peaceful garden marking the 50th anniversary of the Irish uprising against the English; contains a famous statue by Oisin Kelly of the Children of Lir, characters from ancient Celtic myth.
Reviewed By kpocampo
Nice memorial for a great cause. Great place to sit and relaxed after visiting the museum across the street. Pretty flowers in April.
2. Iveagh Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By lomimu - North Vancouver, Canada
Tranquil garden, lots of shade. Love the rose garden here as it's ringed by benches, plus the roses are lush with multi-head blooms and amazing strong scents. Sweet little waterfall too.
3. War Memorial Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By Leonorguevara87 - Dublin, Ireland
It took me some weeks to come here because I wasn't sure it was worth it, but it is! Actually, it's very small, but the place is beautiful for how greatly designed it is. You will the at the other side of the Phoenix Park crossing the Liffey River and see lots of birds, swans and even people rowing in their kayaks. Nice place to chill and sit in the gardens area or in the grass near the river.
4. Santry Community Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
5. National Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,910 reviews
Ireland's premier garden is a green oasis situated in the leafy suburb of Glasnevin, not far from Dublin city centre. It is just under 50 acres in size and home to over 17,000 different plant species. Famous for its Victorian glasshouses: the Curvilinear Range, designed by Richard Turner, and the Great Palm House, Ireland's only tropical rainforest. Outdoor features include the rose and rock gardens, double herbaceous borders, the pond and river walks, the organic fruit and vegetable garden and wild Ireland, the native conservation area. Guided tours of the Gardens all year round- Sundays at 12.00pm & 2.30pm, admission free. Monday-Saturday 11.30am & 3.00pm, €5 pp. Pre-booked tours by arrangement.
Reviewed By WirralChesterdraws
This garden is both educational and recreational, and (like the advert for the Victoria and Albert Museum) has an "ace cafe" attached. It is a great advertisement for horticulture in Ireland, and since one of their functions is to train the next generation of gardeners it provides the ideal learning environment for both experts and amateurs. This year I came a little too early to experience the annual sculpture exhibition, but in August the herbaceous borders were in peak flowering condition and of outstanding design and composition. While it is difficult to get excited by the arboretum which occupies the further parts of the garden, it is remarkable for the number of rare tree species, and like all the plants in the garden it is well-labelled. The glasshouses are the architectural highlights, particularly the 'curvilinear range' created by the Dublin ironmaster Turner, who also supplied the skeleton of the great Palm House at Kew. Glasnevin's palm house is less spectacular and the rear of the building has a facsimile of a domestic dwelling, though it won't fool the visitors. I enjoyed my visit to the cafe, which was buzzing on a hot summer's day, and the shop has the usual selection of publications. The only hiccup was that I paid my parking fee before going in for a snack, and as a result the barrier then refused to work. It was my own fault for failing to read the small print, but I felt sorry for the people queuing for the carpark while I messed around topping up the fee. I suppose it's the price you pay for "free" admission. The atmosphere of the garden is relaxing, and the river Tolka and its ox-bow lakes provide a soothing aquatic environment for herons as well as people. Highly recommended.
6. Farmleigh House and Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
A former historic home of the Guinness family, Farmleigh House now provides premiere accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation.
Reviewed By SueJ264 - Dublin, Ireland
Farmleigh is a beautiful place to take a walk around. It is the perfect setting for special occasions such as India Day and is the place where visiting dignitaries stay while in Ireland. However, the highlight for me is the Boathouse Cafe!! Good coffee, great brunch - the perfect finale to a long walk through the Park!
7. St. Patrick's Park
8. Urban Plant Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Nestled into a property that once housed a 19th century malting business, Urban Plant Life is the only city-based garden centre in Dublin. It is completely Irish owned and managed, an urban oasis in Dublin's historic Liberties. Stop in to enjoy a coffee, relax and take in the scenery!
9. Fernhill Park and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
10. Dubh Linn Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By T-SGlobetrotters - Preston, United Kingdom
This is a lovely peaceful space adjacent to Dublin castle. Anyone particularly interested in gardens will find a beautifully well maintained display with an interesting variety of planting and some spectacular mature trees. We called here in February when the late winter/early spring display was really good and again this month when most gardens are looking a little worse for wear, the garden was still looking pristine and still contained many flowering plants and shrubs. As well as planting, there are some lovely sculptors and a moving memorial to Garda officers. Plenty of seating available around the circular grassed area provides a wonderfully peaceful retreat.
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