It’s known as “The Emerald Isle” and it’s hard to deny that Ireland with its rolling hills and gardens isn’t living up to the name. This island has been called “The Emerald Isle” for well over two hundred years and the first time the words Emerald Isle appeared in print was in a poem by Belfast doctor William Drennan, titled “When Erin First Rose” published in the mid 18th century.
Spring in “The Emerald Isle” is simply magical and the gardens of Dublin are not to be missed on any visit to Ireland especially in the Spring.
The National Botanic Gardens – This is a really beautiful garden with a number of greenhouses matching several environments. There were greenhouses dedicated to orchids, another to tropical plants and another to desert flora. The outside gardens cover a number of acres and feature several different styles. Admission is free, there is a restaurant and gift shop as well as a number of special programs including lectures and concerts. If you have time while in Dublin do yourself a favor and get out to see this garden.
Backed up to the Botanic Gardens is Glasnevin Cemetery and Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. The museum’s web site describes it as “the guardian and storyteller for over 1.5 million people. From the ordinary to the truly extraordinary, these people helped shape the Ireland of today. They want to share their stories and times with you through tours of the cemetery, a visit to the museum or through a genealogy search for your family history”. While in the neighborhood stop in at the well known Gravediggers Pub for a pint.
St. Stephen’s Green is located in the heart of Dublin and is a focal point in the city, that provides an oasis of green in the middle of this busy metropolis. The Dublin Public Works web site describes this garden as “four centuries of history that are eventful and complex, involving such important figures as Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, and Countess Constance Markievicz. The park itself hosts a large number of important sculptural monuments to Irish history. Many species of birds and plants also call the park home. Public facilities at St Stephen’s Green Park include a playground and a garden for the visually impaired”.
Half way from the River Liffey to the National Botanic Gardens is the Blessington Street Park or “The Basin”. Located near the intersection of Royal Canal Bank and Primrose Avenue this is a beautiful and well kept pocket park surrounding a lake. After walking thru this park imagine how lucky the neighbors are to live next to this gem.
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