The Iveagh Gardens is a “Green Oasis” in the heart of Dublin City often referred to as Dublin’s “Secret Garden”. The gardens are surrounded by buildings on three sides making them less noticeable and a little hard to find, unlike other green spaces in Dublin. The Gardens include many beautiful features including: a cascade, fountains, a rose garden, a yew maze, a woodland and park benches where people sit, read or watch the world go by. It is located in a residential and business area hosting a significant number of large international service companies alongside hotels and guest houses which accommodate international and national visitors.
The gardens were gifted to the State by Rupert Guinness in 1939, who specified that they should remain unbuilt on, so that they may function as a 'lung for Dublin'. Restored in the 1990s, the sculpture court has been much altered, but the garden retains the historic geometric layout and landscape features, which are enriched by the various fountains and statuary. The formalized layout is softened along the outer edges by areas of mature planting and rock strewn mounds. The large sunken lawn is the only purpose-built archery field in Ireland and in 1922 the carcass of an elephant was buried here.
The gardens are a source of solace, celebration, and recreation for all who call our community home. As we watch its beauty bloom with every changing season, we, the proud community who benefit from this green oasis, have come together to form the "Friends of Iveagh Gardens," a dedicated group committed to nurturing this invaluable asset.
The Gardens are managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and are wholly funded by the taxpayer.
Our mission is clear: to be part of ensuring that Iveagh Gardens remains a sanctuary accessible to everyone in our community. We believe in the power of parks to foster bonds, encourage well-being, and ignite a sense of belonging among all the local community and occasional visitors alike.
The Friends of Iveagh Gardens wish to collaborate with the OPW to work together to maintain the park's cleanliness and upkeep, allowing it to shine in all its splendour. We are aware that the park is not only a place of leisure but also a venue for private events that contribute to the vibrancy of our neighbourhood. We support events and we believe with improvement in terms of the events setup and takedown times with less idle days the gardens can be enjoyed to its fullest potential, with much improved public access in mid summer when access to the gardens is most needed.
Join us in our endeavor to make Iveagh Gardens a vibrant, accessible, and efficient community hub. Together, we can nurture this haven of nature and ensure that it flourishes for generations to come. Together, we can be the Friends of Iveagh Gardens, cultivating connection, fostering community, and preserving our cherished park for all to enjoy.