Iveagh Gardens

Overview

The Iveagh Gardens are Dublin's "secret garden" — a beautifully maintained Victorian park hidden behind the National Concert Hall, largely unknown to tourists despite being just minutes from St Stephen's Green.

Highlights

• Cascade Waterfall: A rustic grotto and artificial waterfall, rare in a city-centre park.
• Rosarium: A sunken rose garden with over 40 varieties.
• Archery Lawn: A broad, peaceful lawn that once hosted international archery competitions.

History

Designed by Ninian Niven in 1863 for the 1865 Dublin International Exhibition, the gardens were gifted to University College Dublin by Lord Iveagh (Edward Guinness) in 1908 and transferred to public ownership in 1939.

Visitor Tips

• Enter from Clonmel Street (off Harcourt Street) — the entrance is easy to miss.
• One of the most peaceful lunch spots in central Dublin.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.