Experiencing Serenity At Herbert Park
I have fond memories of Herbert Park. While it isn’t a large park by any means, it certainly has its charms. I remember quite a few times where I found myself walking through the park, enjoying the serene atmosphere as I drowned in my own thoughts.
The park is a lovely place to be, as there are quite a few amenities available for you to enjoy during a quiet afternoon. It has been a beloved park to many of Dublin’s citizens and has enticed quite a few tourists to explore it as well.
If you’re looking to head to Herbert Park to have a lovely morning stroll or an afternoon walk, then we’ve got the guide for you! I’m here to tell you everything you need to know, as well as a few tips to make your stay that much more enjoyable.
What Is Herbert Park Known For?
Herbert Park is a serene park located in the lower half of Dublin City. The park hosts a variety of different sporting facilities that are free to use. There are also spaces to rent for other activities such as yoga, pilates, and dance.
Best Time To Go To Herbert Park
The best time to head to Herbert Park is in the early hours of the morning, as it’s a favorite for locals to walk through during those early hours. We’d also suggest that you visit in the afternoon, as the park is very nice to visit during those times as well.
Things To Know About Herbert Park
Address: Herbert Park is located at Herbert Park, Dublin, Ireland, and is near popular destinations such as Merrion Square Park, St. Stephen’s Green, and Sandmount Green.
Operating Hours: Herbert Park is open 7 days a week at varying times depending on the month. Here is a list of the opening hours of the park and their corresponding month.
| HERBERT PARK OPERATING HOURS | |
| January | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| February | 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| March | 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM |
| April | 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM |
| May | 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM |
| June | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| July | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| August | 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM |
| September | 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM |
| October | 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM |
| November | 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| December | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Parking: The park itself doesn’t offer parking for its guests. There is, however, on-street parking by meter near the park. Aside from that, you can also park at the Clayton Hotel, which should cost around €8 every 2 hours.
Contact Information: You can contact the park’s authorities then you can do so via their mobile number at +353 1 222 5278 or by email at [email protected].
Pets: Pets such as dogs are allowed at Herbert Park, so long as they are leashed and kept off spaces that aren’t meant for pets.
Accessibility At Herbert Park
Wheelchair Accessible: The entire park can be traversed by wheelchair users with ease, as most of the areas are flat land. There are some spaces where the roads may be a bit bumpy, but not to the extent that it would be impossible to access.
How To Get To Herbert Park
Car: Herbert Park can be easily accessed via the R118 or the Elgin Road. The main entrance of the park can be found at Herbert Park Road, but there is an entrance at Herbert Park Lane as well.
Dublin Bus:
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 4 | American Embassy | Monday to Saturday:6:00 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 7 | American Embassy | Monday to Friday:5:45 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:50 AM – 11:15 PM |
| Route 7A | American Embassy | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 11:15 PM Saturday:6:15 AM – 11:10 PM Sunday:8:10 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 7E | RDS Ballsbridge | Monday to Friday:5:20 AM Saturday:5:45 AM |
| Route 27X | RDS Ballsbridge | Monday to Friday:7:35 AM – 5:05 PM |
| Route S2 | American Embassy | Monday to Friday:5:20 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:20 AM – 11:25 PM |
Bike: You can easily get to Herbert Park through the same roads we discussed in the car section. Luckily for those heading to Herbert Park via bike, there is bike parking located inside the park.
There are, however, no Dublin Bikes stations near Herbert Park. The closest one is located at Wilton Terrace.
DART Train System: The closest DART train station to Herbert Park is the Lansdowne Road Station, which is a 16-minute walk from the station to the park.
Taxi: Herbert Park is well known among locals, especially with taxi drivers. You can easily get to the park by simply telling them to head to Herbert Park. This will be quite costly, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City Centre.
Amenities At Herbert Park
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There are quite a few different amenities that you can find at Herbert Park. While the park may be small, it offers a lot in terms of enjoyable activities and relaxing spaces.
Formal Gardens
Herbert Park hosts a few formal gardens sprinkled across its perimeter. These gardens range from spaces with tall grass and flowers to an assortment of flower bushes. There are also large stretches of cherry blossom trees located in the park’s premises.
Large Duck Pond
There is a large duck pond located in the southern section of the park. It’s a long stretch of water that typically houses the local ducks of the park and some fish like Common and Mirror Carp.
Old Public Children’s Playground
There are two playgrounds located at Herbert Park. The Old Public Children’s Playground is located at the lower end of the park and houses dated equipment. This is the smaller of the two children’s playgrounds.
New Public Children’s Playground
The New Public Children’s Playground is located in the northern section of Herbert Park. This is the larger of the two playgrounds and is the one that has been recently updated and refurbished.
Herbert Park Gazebo and Bandstand
The Herbert Park Gazebo and Bandstand are located at the Herbert Park Food Market and are near the entrance of the Herbert Park Hotel. Here you will find a simple roofed building that is perfect for those lounging or enjoying a meal at the Food Market.
Herbert Park Food Market
The Herbert Park Food Market is located near the main entrance of the park and houses a few local restaurants and food stalls that offer quick meals for those visiting the park.
Facilities At Herbert Park
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Herbert Park is known for its extensive sports facilities within its premises. They cater to almost every sport and have dedicated courts for each one that is fully equipped for visitors to use.
All-Weather Pitch
The all-weather pitch inside Herbert Park is the most well-known sports facility at the park. It’s a spacious facility that can cater to quite a few different sports, such as soccer, rugby, or tennis.
Bowling Green
Herbert Park houses a spacious bowling green that is perfect for those who want to try their luck at lawn bowling. You can easily find a few locals playing here, and they are more than happy for you to try and experience lawn bowling.
Croquet Court
There is also a Croquet Court located at Herbert Park. While not the largest, it can easily accommodate a few groups who enjoy the sport.
Soccer Pitch
The Soccer Pitch is the largest sports facility in the park. Located in the southern section of the park, you can find a spacious field with two goals located on either side that is perfect for a group activity.
Boules Court
Something that you’ll rarely find outside Ireland, and sometimes even in Irish parks themselves, is a Boules Court. While not the biggest court by any means, it’s servicable to those who enjoy the sport.
Tennis Court
There is a spacious tennis court located at Herbert Park. Here you will find 6 courts that are available for everyone to use. You can make friends and play with the locals who tend to use this court daily.
Outdoor Gym
There is a small outdoor gym located at Herbert Park. There aren’t many machines here, and you’ll mostly find monkey bars and in-place bicycle equipment, but they are serviceable for an outdoor gym.
Where To Eat When Heading to Herbert Park
Herbert Park has quite a few different restaurants, both inside and outside the park’s premises. Thankfully, with the abundance of these, you won’t need to go far to have a nice meal when visiting Herbert Park. Here’s a list of our favorites.
Lolly and Cooks
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Website: https://www.lollyandcooks.com
Address: 23 Herbert Park, Dublin 4, D04 W6Y2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 667 6398
Price Range: €1 – €10
Operating Hours:
- Monday:
- 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday to Friday:
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lolly and Cooks is a small cafe located inside Herbert Park. Here you’ll find artisan food that pairs beautifully with their freshly made coffee and tea. If you’re in Herbert Park and you’re looking to grab a quick breakfast, this is the place for you.
If you’re looking for a light yet filling lunch, then we’d highly recommend you try their Muesli that’s paired with yoghurt and fresh berries. It pairs beautifully with a cappuccino and is the perfect way to start your day after visiting Herbert Park.
Don Canizales Paellas & Catering
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Website: https://doncanizales.com
Address: Herbert Park, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 83 033 7929
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Don Canizales serves some of the best paellas in Dublin, and it’s such a shame that you’ll only get to experience it on Sundays. If you’re eager to try out some tasty paella, then you have to come by when they’re open.
If you’re looking to try something new, then we’d suggest trying their tapas and paella combo, as this is more than enough food for one person. They also offer barbecue and burgers for those who want something a bit milder.
El Milagro Mexican Food
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Website: https://www.elmilagro.ie
Address: Herbert Park, Sunday market, Dublin 4, D04 P5Y3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 223 8507
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
El Milagro is a lovely Mexican restaurant that serves some tasty tacos that are perfect for a Sunday brunch. While they’re only open on Sundays, you shouldn’t miss out on their tasty food if you’re looking to visit Herbert Park on a Sunday.
Their Conchinita Pibil has some of the most tender meat in the market and pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy sauce that it comes with. You should also try their Margarita Cake as it’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet.
Kites Chinese Restaurant
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Website: https://www.kitesrestaurant.ie
Address: 17 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 660 7415
Price Range: €10 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday:
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Kites is a Chinese restaurant that’s located near the entrance of Herbert Park. Here you’ll find some familiar Chinese dishes mixed with Cantonese, Sichuan, and Thai flavors that will surely make your mouth water.
If you’re looking to eat some tender pork, Char-Siu is definitely the dish you should be gunning for. The sweet and tender pork pairs beautifully with their rice or Chow Mein, and it’s one of the most hearty and filling meals you’ll have in Dublin.
The Lobster Pot
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Website: https://www.thelobsterpot.ie
Address: 9 9 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, D04 AP26, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 668 0025
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday:
- 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Lobster Pot has been in Dublin since the 1980s and has been serving some delicious seafood that’s sure to make you feel like a king. The place feels intimate and offers some of that old-world charm that you’ll definitely fall in love with.
You can never go wrong with Baked Wild Seabass. While it’s not Salmon, the fish is still flaky and tender. It’s a perfectly simple dish that will make you feel full and satisfied after you’ve eaten it.
Where To Stay When Heading To Herbert Park
While far from Dublin City Centre, there are still quite a few nice hotels that you can stay at when heading to Herbert Park. Here are some of our favorites that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.
Herbert Park Hotel
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Website: https://www.herbertparkhotel.ie
Address: Clayton Hotel, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin, D04 P3C3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 668 1111
Price Range: Starts at €153
Herbert Park Hotel is perfect for those looking for a cheap stay while being close to the park. Located at the park itself, they’re a classy, yet surprisingly affordable, hotel that combines ease of access with home-like comforts.
Ariel House
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Website: https://www.arielhouse.ie
Address: 50-54 Lansdowne Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 DD27, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 668 5512
Price Range: Starts at €168
The Ariel House feels antique, but don’t let that fool you, as they offer incredible service. Here you’ll find yourself in a small, yet luxurious, hotel that is reminiscent of Victorian Townhouses, and the rooms as spacious and fit for a Victorian Lord.
The Sandymount Hotel
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Website: https://www.sandymounthotel.ie
Address: Herbert Road, Dublin, D04 VN88, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 614 2000
Price Range: Starts at €144
The Sandymount Hotel is a cosy hotel that’s been run by 3 generations of a single family. Here you’ll be treated like you’re one of their own, and the amenities and service will make you think you’re still in your cosy room back home rather than in a hotel room.
Intercontinental Dublin
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Website: https://www.ihg.com
Address: Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin, D04 A9K8, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 665 4000
Price Range: Starts at €368
Intercontinental Dublin is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and will make you have that countryside feeling while still being in the big city. Here you’ll find comfortable, yet chic, rooms that will serve as a beautiful base of operations while exploring Dublin.
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
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Website: https://www.claytonhotels.com
Address: Clayton Hotel, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin, D04 P3C3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 668 1111
Price Range: Starts at €285
The Clayton Hotel at Ballsbridge is near the City Centre and Herbert Park, offering the best of both worlds in one hotel room. Here you’ll be pampered and with choice as the hotel is quite accessible from most public transport in Dublin.
Tips When Visiting Herbert Park
I’m sure you’ve had a wonderful time perusing everything the park has to offer. But here’s our last little treat as we’re willing to share some tips that we’ve garnered from our own experience, as well as others, to ensure you’ll have a wonderful time.
| Bring A Picnic BlanketHerbert Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing picnic with your loved ones. If you want to rest your head on the soft grass, then we’d suggest bringing a picnic blanket so you can bask in the Dublin sun while relaxing. Dress For The Weather Dublin’s weather isn’t exactly the most consistent. As such, it’s always suggested to bring at least an umbrella or a few extra layers of clothing, especially if you’re heading to Herbert Park in the winter, as it gets quite chilly. Play With The LocalsWe cannot emphasise enough how lovely it is to spend your day playing sports with the locals and fellow tourists. It’s the best way to make fast friends while in Dublin. Walk To The ParkDublin is a walkable city; as such, we’d highly suggest that you learn to walk from your hotel to your destination. It’s cheaper than any form of transport and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring every nook and cranny of Dublin City. |