We’re Lost in the Maze at the Iveagh Gardens
While there are countless parks inside Dublin, none of them is as special as the Iveagh Gardens. I recall the moment I first arrived in Dublin and saw the gardens for the first time; it was truly breathtaking.
The most memorable experience I’ve had while visiting the gardens was during my first visit, when my friends and I raced each other to see who could reach the middle of the maze first. Youth truly makes you do some of the most stupid stuff imaginable.
So, if you’re looking to head to one of Dublin’s national parks, then we sure have a guide for you. We’ll be sharing everything you’ll need to know about the park, and we’ll even throw in a few tips to make your experience that much more enjoyable.
What is the Iveagh Gardens Known for?
Located near the National Concert Hall, Iveagh Gardens is a national public park and is one of the more hidden green spaces in the city. It’s famous for being a tranquil space where you can relax amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Best Time to Go to the Iveagh Gardens
The best time to visit the park is definitely in the early morning hours. Once the park opens at 8:00 AM, it’s the perfect time to do a quick morning stroll around the gardens. We’d also recommend visiting just before closing time, around 9:00 PM.
Things to Know about the Iveagh Gardens
Address: The Iveagh Gardens is located at St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 HX65, Ireland. It’s situated near other cultural and heritage sites, such as St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street.
Operating Hours: The Iveagh Gardens open from Monday to Saturday at 8:00 AM and on Sundays and Bank Holidays at 10:00 AM. The closing time for each differs by month, but it ranges from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Parking: There is no parking located at Iveagh Gardens. If you’re looking for a parking space, we recommend checking car parks near St. Stephen’s Green, such as Q-Park St. Stephen’s Green.
Contact Information: You can reach the officials at Iveagh Gardens by calling their mobile number at +353 1 475 7816 or by emailing them at [email protected].
Pets: Dogs are permitted to enter Iveagh Gardens, provided they are kept on a leash. The few places where dogs are not permitted to enter are at the cascade and fountain, the rose garden, and the Iveagh Gardens maze.
Accessibility at the Iveagh Gardens
Wheelchair Accessible: Most of the Iveagh Gardens is accessible to those with limited mobility or those who utilise wheelchairs. There are some sections that may be difficult to navigate, and wheelchair access is not available through the Concert Hall gate.
Easy Read Information: The signage at the Iveagh Gardens is designed to be easily understood by those with intellectual disabilities, people who can’t read well, and by people whose first language isn’t English.
How to Get to the Iveagh Gardens
Car: The Iveagh Gardens can be easily accessed through three different streets: Harcourt Street, Hatch Street Upper, and Earlsfort Terrace. There is, however, no parking at the Iveagh Gardens, and the closest car parks are at St. Stephen’s Green.
Dublin Bus: There are a few Dublin Bus routes that pass near Iveagh Gardens. Here are a few of them, along with the designated bus stops where you should drop off.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 27 | Iveagh Garden Stop | Monday to Friday:5:15 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 44 | Harcourt Stop | Monday to Friday:6:45 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday:7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday:9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Route 56 | Iveagh Garden Stop | Monday to Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:9:45 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 77A | Iveagh Garden Stop | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:20 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 151 | Iveagh Garden Stop | Monday to Friday:6:30 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday:7:10 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:30 AM – 11:20 PM |
Bike: You can easily head to Iveagh Gardens through the routes we stated in the car section. If you’re looking for bike parking, we suggest visiting St. Stephen’s Green instead, as there are no parking spaces available at Iveagh Gardens.
Luas Tram System: There are two different Luas stops that you can drop off at when heading to Iveagh Gardens. The main one is located at Harcourt Stop, while the other is located at St. Stephen’s Green Stop; both are a short walk to the park.
Taxi: There shouldn’t be any problem with heading there by taxi. Though we must warn you that this can get quite expensive, especially if you’re coming from outside the city centre.
Key Locations at Iveagh Gardens
Iveagh Gardens offers a variety of amenities and key locations. Here are some of the most notable ones that you’ll see when heading there.
Rustic Grotto And Cascade
The Rustic Grotto and Cascade is a wonderful place to relax at when visiting Iveagh Gardens. The display features a small water element with two staircases on either side, allowing you to climb to a higher vantage point behind the small waterfall.
Maze
The Maze is one of the more notable features of Iveagh Gardens. This hedgemaze mirrors that of London’s Hampton Court Maze and is perfect for those looking to see the small fountain located in the centre.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the stunning collection of pink and magenta roses that can be found in the garden. It’s also a great place to take memorable photos due to the wonderfully bright lighting.
Rockeries and Rooteries
The Rockeries and Tooeries are a collection of large stones and roots that have been bundled together into an amalgamation of the two, which some might find artistic. Personally, I find it quite horrifying.
Count John McCormack Statue
As the Iveagh Gardens is close to the National Concert Hall, one of the most notable performers of the hall, Count John McCormack, has a statue in his honour located in the park. It’s a beloved piece of remembrance to one of Ireland’s greatest lyric tenors.
Front Line Defenders Memorial
The Front Line Defenders Memorial is a commemorative piece that remembers all those who staunchly defended Human Rights in Ireland’s history. They are fondly remembered at this memorial, with each of their names engraved in plaques.
Archery Grounds
The Archery Grounds at Iveagh Gardens is dedicated to those who want to practice their archery at the park. This place was designed to provide a safe environment for those who practice the sport, as it features an open field.
Fountain Centrepieces
The Fountain Centrepieces are located in the middle of Iveagh Gardens. Here, you’ll find fountain sculptures of two women holding basins on their heads. This is the main set piece of the park and is a beautiful sight to behold.
Wilderness Woodlands
The Wilderness Woodlands is a small thicket located near the entrance to the National Concert Hall. It’s a perfect place to walk as the breeze is quite cool there, and the dense shrubbery provides a nice shade for those humid summer days.
Where to Eat When Visiting Iveagh Gardens
After a relaxing walk through the Iveagh Gardens, I’m sure you’ve grown a bit peckish after all that walking. Here are some of the best restaurants and pubs in the area where you can enjoy a great meal.
Damascus Gate
Media Credit: Natalia Coleman Instagram
Website: https://damascusgate.ie
Address: 10 Camden Street Upper, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 H304, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 475 2000
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Damascus Gate is a lovely restaurant that shows a glimpse of the warm and tasty food of the Orient. Ranging from dishes originating from Syria to Lebanon, you’ll be served some of the most flavorful dishes that you can find in Dublin.
We highly recommend trying their Mashawy. It’s a collection of grilled, skewered vegetables and meats that is both filling and flavorful. You also can’t go wrong with their Ferri, which features two grilled quails served with vermicelli rice.
Dax Restaurant
Media Credit: Dax Restaurant Instagram
Website: https://www.dax.ie/restaurant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAXRESTAURANTDUBLIN
Address: Pembroke Street Upper, Dublin 2, D02 AK20, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 676 1494
Price Range: €100
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday:
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dax is a fine dining restaurant that specialises in blending together fine French cuisine with Dublin’s rich culinary heritage. While an expensive option, you simply can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a fine dining experience.
We highly recommend trying their Loin of Wicklow Gap Venison, as we rarely see restaurants get venison right. It’s also served with a side of White Asparagus and Elderberry Sauce, which pairs perfectly with the lean venison.
Mister S
Media Credit: Mister S Instagram
Website: https://www.misters.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MisterSdublin
Address: 32 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P029, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 683 5555
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday:
- 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Mister S might sound like a secret agent name, but all that’s secret here is their delectably tasty recipes. The unique twist at Mister S is that they specialise in utilising different wood types and charcoals in the cooking of their dishes.
When visiting, we highly recommend sampling their dry-aged Hereford sirloin. It’s truly mouthwatering, and the meat simply falls off the bone due to its tenderness. We’d pair it with the charred broccoli, as the smokiness complements the beef well.
Devitt’s Pub
Media Credit: Devitt’s Pub Instagram
Website: https://devittspub.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devittspub
Address: 78 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 C642, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 475 3414
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday:
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Wednesday to Thursday:
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Devitt’s Pub offers that traditional Irish Pub experience right in the heart of Dublin City Centre. If you want that true Irish lunch or dinner, then we’d suggest heading to a pub to chug their Guinness and sample some of that tasty pub food.
If you’re looking for something filling, we’d suggest their Roast of the Day. When we visited, it was roasted beef, and it simply melted in our mouths, pairing really well with whatever sauce it was served with (we forgot to ask).
Las Tapas de Lola
Media Credit: Las Tapas de Lola Instagram, Las Tapas de Lola Facebook
Website: https://lastapasdelola.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastapasdeloladublin
Address: 12 Wexford St, Dublin 2, D02 FK71, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 424 4100
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday:
- 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday:
- 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Las Tapas de Lola is a heartwarming restaurant that prioritises comfort and good service without skimping on their unique menu. Of course, the restaurant’s speciality is Spanish tapas, which are some of the best in Dublin City Centre.
You should order one from each category, but to be more specific, we’d recommend the Croquetas de jamón, Chorizo frito y morcilla, and their Queso cordobés.
Where to Stay When Going to Iveagh Gardens
Since the Iveagh Gardens are located near Dublin City Centre, there are quite a few different places where you can stay for different price points. Here are some of the best hostels and hotels nearby that we highly recommend.
Iveagh Garden Hotel
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Website: https://www.iveaghgardenhotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IveaghGardenHotel
Address: 71/74 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 Y282, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 568 5500
Price Range: Starts at €161
If you want to hang out at Iveagh Gardens a lot while you’re in Dublin, staying at Iveagh Garden Hotel makes sense since it’s literally right next to the park. The place is also quite nice, offering the kind of comfort you’d expect from a four-star establishment.
We love the smart upgrades here, like LED lighting, low-energy lifts, and a gas-turbine plant room that powers hot water on-site. They even added a 92kW solar PV system (220 solar panels), cutting about €25,000 annually.
Harcourt Hotel
Media Credit: Harcourt Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.harcourthotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theharcourthotel
Address: 60 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P902, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 478 3677
Price Range: Starts at €133
Harcourt Hotel was once the home of George Bernard Shaw, and it clearly retains that time period. The hotel has that rustic and antique, yet somewhat modern, vibe that feels like you’re paying for an expensive hotel, when in reality it’s cheaper than others.
Harcourt is a short walk from Iveagh Gardens and is conveniently close to public transport. It includes the Harcourt Luas, which is ideal for those who want to explore every inch of Dublin City Centre and the surrounding districts.
Camden Court Hotel
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Website: https://www.camdencourthotel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamdenCourtHotel
Address: Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 W086, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 475 9666
Price Range: Starts at €167
Camden Court Hotel offers Irish charm, and its services and staff certainly deliver on that promise. We cannot emphasise enough how kind and considerate their staff is here and how our stay was simply smooth from check-in to check-out.
We love the genuine eco vibes here. There are LED lighting basically everywhere, no single-use plastic, and even three honeybee colonies on the rooftop. Amazing, right?
Clayton Hotel Charlemont
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Website: https://www.claytonhotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonHotelCharlemont
Address: Charlemont St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 H9C1, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 960 6700
Price Range: Starts at €249
The Clayton Hotels are no strangers to those who have been to Dublin before. The one in Charlemont is the closest to Iveagh Gardens and still offers some of the most modern amenities and facilities available in any hotel in Dublin.
While the Clayton Hotel Charlemont isn’t as close as the others, it’s still a short 12-minute walk from the hotel to the park. There’s also the Charlemont Luas station, if you don’t want to walk to the park.
Jackson Court Hotel
Media Credit: Jackson Court Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.jackson-court.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCourtHotel
Address: 29-30 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 XV58, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 425 5300
Price Range: Starts at €189
The Jackson Court Hotel is a small but historic establishment. It’s basically a 36-room Georgian townhouse turned hotel. It’s tiny, but we really love how cosy this place is.
This hotel is also conveniently located near all the best attractions. There are shopping areas, cafes, pubs, and tourist sites, such as Trinity College or the Guinness Storehouse. Everything is very accessible on foot.
Tips When Visiting Iveagh Gardens
While Iveagh Gardens is a tranquil place to visit, we do have a few suggestions that might pique your interest. We can assure you that by following these, you’ll have one of the best times visiting one of Ireland’s National Parks.
Visit the National Concert Hall
Since you’re already in the area, why not visit the National Concert Hall as well? There is a path inside the park that leads there and is simply a highlight of any Dublin trip.
Go for a Walk at St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a short walk from Iveagh Gardens. If you want a more spacious park, or if you’re simply looking to visit Dublin City Centre, then heading to St. Stephen’s Green is the perfect choice.
Ride the Luas
If you’re staying anywhere else in Dublin, we’d highly recommend that you use the Luas to get to Iveagh Gardens. It’s the most convenient way to travel to the National Park.
Go Shopping on Grafton Street
Grafton Street is quite close to Iveagh Gardens. If you’re looking to do a bit of shopping before or after visiting Iveagh Gardens, then going on a short walk to Grafton Street might be a fun addition to your itinerary.