On Parnell Square in Dublin’s north city centre, the Garden of Remembrance is a small memorial garden dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. Its sunken, cross-shaped pool, seasonal flowers and Children of Lir sculpture give the space a quiet, reflective character. The garden is free to enter, with benches around the grounds. Allow time to look at the memorial features and pause beside the water; it is an easy stop near the top of O’Connell Street.
A memorial on Parnell Square
The Garden of Remembrance stands at the northern end of Parnell Square, near the top of O’Connell Street. It was created to remember people who lost their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. The garden opened on Easter Monday in 1966, on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Its setting has an earlier history. The northern part of Georgian-era Rutland Square was once known as Vauxhall Gardens and was attached to the Rotunda Hospital. The memorial garden was designed by Dáithí P. Hanly, who served as Dublin City Council’s city architect.
The pool and the Children of Lir
The garden is laid out below street level, with grassed areas around a sunken water feature. The pool forms a cross, designed as a non-denominational symbol. Flowers around it bring seasonal colour to the formal grounds.
At one end of the pool is Oisín Kelly’s sculpture of the Children of Lir, figures from an Irish story in which children are changed into swans. The sculpture’s association with rebirth gives the memorial a note of renewal. Take time to view it alongside the pool and the garden’s commemorative features.
The events remembered here
The memorial honours those who died in several struggles for Irish freedom, including the 1803 rebellion associated with Robert Emmet, the 1848 Young Ireland rebellion and the 1867 Fenian rising. It also commemorates the Easter Rising of 1916 and the Irish War of Independence from 1919 to 1921.
The site is connected directly to the Easter Rising: some of its leaders were held here overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol. The Irish Volunteers movement was formed at this location in 1913. These links give the garden’s quiet layout a particular historical context; it is both a place of commemoration and a site associated with events that preceded the Rising.
Häufige Fragen
Is the Garden of Remembrance free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free.
What is the Children of Lir sculpture?
It depicts figures from an Irish myth in which children are transformed into swans. The sculpture is associated with rebirth.
Is the Garden of Remembrance accessible without stairs?
There are stairs at the main entrance. A lift is available at the far end of the garden.
How long should I spend at the Garden of Remembrance?
Allow around 20 to 40 minutes to walk through the garden and pause at the memorial features.
