Walking out of work and seeing bright skies is one of the best feelings ever.
It’s as if you’ve been given an extra few hours in the day. Instead of rushing home to curl up onto my couch I’m strolling home with a pep in my step, dropping my bags and heading back out to adventure.
Living in the city, it can be hard to find a retreat from the city fumes. We actually have a plethora of stunning gardens that are ideal for just that. Take a breather and clear the head.
Here are some of my favourite gardens in Dublin:
1. Chinese Suzhou Garden In St Anne’s Park
Hidden away in St Anne’s Park is one of the most peaceful places in Dublin, the Chinese Suzhou Garden.
It’s a stunning cocoon of Zen and tranquillity where you can contemplate your spiritual side. The area was gifted by the Chinese people to the people of Ireland to coincide with Dublin’s twinning with Beijing in 2011.
It has a classic design and beautiful patterns.
St Anne’s Park is a huge spot so you could spend the whole day there and discover something new every minute.
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2. Iveagh Gardens
The Iveagh Gardens is often forgotten about when picking an inner-city park and I can’t understand why.
Inside there are various areas to perch yourself in the sun and smell the flowers. There’s also a GORJ waterfall tucked away at the back of the park.
Dreamy.
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3. Airfield
Airfield is one of my favourite places in Dublin.
You’ll feel as though you’re in some country estate down the countryside when you’re actually only a stone’s throw away from Dundrum Town Centre.
There are tonnes of flower beds, vegetable patches and even farming animals on site – the dream scenery for springtime.
When you’ve finished wandering around, head to the Overends café for one of the most delicious brunches around.
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4. Dartmouth Square
Whether it’s a walk with your doggo or a yoga class, Dartmouth Square has a lot to offer.
It’s a simple layout but it’s a really pretty spot.
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5. The Basin
The Basin is a hidden gem in Phibsborough.
The old drinking water reservoir is now a quiet area that’s mainly occupied by pigeons and ducks but it’s a grand spot for a short stroll.
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6. War Memorial Gardens
A seriously stunning spot.
Tucked away right behind Heuston Station in Islandbridge and neighbouring a particularly lovely spot on the Liffey, the gardens were erected in 1940 in honour of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War.
We think the beauty and tranquillity of this place certainly brings justice to this lovely memorial spot.
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7. Botanic Gardens
We’ve spent many a day wandering around this oasis of beauty and serenity.
Clears the head, teaches you something new every time you visit and results in plenty ‘o’ Instagrams.
Every day is made better with a trip here finished with an eclair and a cuppa in their cafe.
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8. Royal Hospital Kilmainham
A perfect spot for a weekend stroll that has a deep history in Irish culture, and if it’s ever off limits, it’s only because there’s a really cool concert playing on the grounds.
It’s also home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and is a massively popular tourist attraction.
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9. Bushy Park
If you’re over the southside, Bushy Park is a must.
It’s a huge open space with lots of facilities and plenty of room for doggos to run.
The Terenure Bushy Park Food Market has all the deliciousness you require whether it’s a meat feast you’re after or you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Enjoy the tastes and smells of the various food stalls while having a stroll around one of Dublin’s prettiest open spaces.
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10. Rathmichael Lodge
Rathmichael Lodge is a member of the Dublin Garden Group.
Situated in Shankill, between the mountains and the sea, it is home to a 2.5-hectare, old-world garden. Old roses and modern hybrids, climbers and shrubs grow in Rathmichael’s garden. The plants proliferate on walls, through apple trees and around an old orchard. Paths lead through to a vegetable garden, tennis court and up a hazel walk to a pavilion in a meadow.
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Now all you have to do is pick which one!
