Playdays

The Iveagh Gardens

GardensWoods, parks & walks Dublin

Checked July 2026

Designed by Ninian Niven in 1865, but with a history dating back over three hundred years, the Iveagh Gardens are located close to St Stephen’s Green Park in Dublin city centre. From modest beginnings as an earl’s lawn, the gardens went on to host the splendour of the Dublin Exhibition Palace in 1865. Many of the original landscape features are still in place, or have been restored and conserved since 1995. These include the yew maze, the rosarium, and the fountains. The cascade in particular is a stunning spectacle in summer. Iveagh Gardens are popularly known as Dublin’s ‘Secret Garden’.

Good to know

Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
CostFree admission
Opening hoursMonday to Saturday – 08:00 opening. Sunday and Bank Holidays – 10:00 opening. Closing times may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
What's thereWalking Track/Path
AccessibilityFor full accessibility details please contact michael.herbert@opw.ie
Data from Get Ireland Active — Sport Ireland 2023, CC BY 4.0
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Car park
Toilets
Buggy-friendly
Café on site
Dog friendly
EV charging
Baby change facilities
Picnic area