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# park life
10 little-known Irish parks you should visit this spring
From wallabies at Lambay Island to a hidden gem behind the Jervis Centre.
POWERSCOURT, GLENVEAGH, THE Botanics… we all know the big hitters of Ireland’s parks and gardens scene, and they’re all truly beautiful.
However, today we’re taking a look at some of Ireland’s quirkiest parks and gardens; they may not have the big-name recognition, but their blooms show that they’re all heart.
1) Glencree German War Cemetery, Co Wicklow
The only park dedicated to WWI vets in Ireland.
2) Chancery Park, Co Dublin
This tiny Art Deco-style park is located right by the Four Courts, but to visit, you’d best pop in on your lunchbreak, as it’s only open from 8am-4pm.
3) Lambay Island Gardens, Co Dublin
Keep an eye out for wallabies! The island’s owners, the Baring family, introduced them to the island in the 1950s, and the population has thrived here since.
4) King’s Inn Park, Co Dublin
Sitting pretty on Constitution Hill, this city centre gem is also home to the natural vs. man-made phenomenon that is the Hungry Tree. Approach at your peril.
5) Victor’s Way Sculpture Park, Co Wicklow
This meditative sculpture park is filled with realistic-looking Indian sculptures, and dedicated to none other than Alan Turing.
6) The Dillon Garden, Co Dublin
Helen Dillon is a noted horticulturist, and this Monkstown beauty is a scaled-down version of her iconic Ranelagh garden.
7) The Grow Dome, Dublin 8
This award-winning community space upcycles used timber, grows new crops, and is also used as an art space.
8) Mary’s Abbey Community Garden, Dublin 7
Just a stone’s throw from the Jervis Centre, this community garden transformed a derelict site into a natural wonderland.
9) Cluain na dTor Seaside Nursery and Gardens, Co Donegal
Cluain na dTor specialises in seaside and coastal plants.
10) Croppies Acre, Co Dublin
This city-centre acre is the final resting place of those killed in the 1798 rebellion, and stands as a monument to them.
More: 12 deliciously rain-or-shine photos from farmers’ markets around Ireland
More: 16 glorious photos that prove spring has finally sprung in Ireland
