When we get testimonials from our students they often mention that one of their favourite things about Dublin is the number of parks and green spaces. Everyone knows the most popular places. Stephen\’s Green and the Phoenix Park will no doubt be packed to the rafters over the next few days. But there are other, quieter parks dotted around the city that you may not know yet. So why not try these out and see what you think…
Iveagh Gardens
This park is just a stone\’s throw from St. Stephen\’s Green and it is much quieter. Featuring a small maze, a rose garden and a gushing waterfall made of stones from Ireland’s 32 counties this little park in the city centre is a real gem.
St Anne’s Park
St Anne’s on the northside is spread over almost 250 acres. It is close to Dollymount Strand and offers a less windy alternative for a picnic. It is full of strange features including a classical Chinese garden, a Greek Temple (that\’s not really Greek), a physic garden and a couple of boules pitches. If you\’re an au pair, the huge playground is great for kids.
Irish National War Memorial Park
Just across the road from the Phoenix Park, this little oasis of calm in the city is quite unique. The best time to come down here is on a Saturday morning when the rowing clubs take to the River Liffey for practice. You can continue on to the memorial gardens which were built to remember fallen Irish soldiers of the First World War. A really beautiful park that not many Dubliners know about. Try to keep it a secret if you can.
National Botanic Gardens
One of Ireland\’s most popular visitor attractions, the quaint greenhouses in this northside park contain 15,000 species of plant ranging from the everyday to the exotic and endangered. Join a twice-daily guided tour through these and the surrounding parkland: particular highlights include the sensory garden and the radiant carpet beds. Further on, open fields and shady spots attract picnickers.
Pearse Park
This park in Rathfarnham was run as a school by an Irish Revolutionary named Padraig Pearse. Long after he was executed, his family donated the grounds to Ireland and it has been a public park since. It is a strange mix of forest, river and playing pitches and you can also visit the house and find out more about Pearse, his family and the school that he ran on this site. The walk around the perimeter takes about twenty minutes and is easy.
Your Language School in Dublin City Centre
City Language School is right in the heart of Dublin City Centre. Dublin is the proud and vibrant capital of Ireland and with its cosmopolitan and modern feel, it has repeatedly been voted Europe’s friendliest city by Trip Advisor. Dublin boasts strong links with literature, music, dance and storytelling. As you walk through the streets of Temple Bar, you can absorb the musical tradition which spills onto the streets from the many bars and restaurants; truly a city of enormous beauty! Dublin is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery that will leave you with lifelong memories. It is perfectly located on the eastern coastline of Ireland and is a convenient gateway to the rest of Europe.