Iveagh Gardens

Developed as part of the Iveagh Estate in the 18th Century, these gardens are still one of Dublin's best kept secrets, so well-tucked away that they remain quiet and tranquil even in the height of summer. The gardens date as far back as three hundred years, and are collectively known as Dublin's 'Secret Garden', owing to their beautifully obscure setting. The grounds were laid out at a time when all things Gothic were in vogue, hence, it is no surprise that the park is replete with ivy-clad corners, statues and winsome grottoes. Gloriously bathed in beds of vibrant flowers, this sprawling, characterful site is also home to an array of attractions like the Clonmell Lawns, Coburg Gardens, the Winter Garden, a dainty yew maze, a rose garden and the splendid Dublin Exhibition Palace, which is a vast repository of Irish art. The gardens also shelter the eponymous Iveagh House and a jubilant cascade. These gardens are well secluded from the main streets, thus functioning as a peaceful oasis tucked away from the cacophony of city noises.