The gardens contain the original 'Harry Clarke' stained glass windows, which were commissioned for the project but never installed in the intended structures.
The central feature is a massive stone cross positioned on a granite platform, aligning with the architectural geometry of the garden's layout.
The site was constructed using exclusively Irish materials, primarily granite from County Wicklow.
The garden layout was planned to be symmetrical, following Lutyens’ characteristic focus on formal, axial composition.
The four book rooms were designed to house the 'Great Book of Ireland,' a detailed record of every Irish soldier who perished during the Great War.
The Irish National War Memorial Gardens is a formal commemorative site dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died during the First World War. Designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the park features a sunken rose garden, a central altar, and four book rooms containing the names of the fallen. It is situated on the site of the former Islandbridge army barracks. The gardens are enclosed by granite walls and feature extensive hedging and lime tree avenues. The location functions as both a site of remembrance and an public green space along the River Liffey. It remains one of the most significant Lutyens-designed landscapes in Ireland.
The view looking down the long central axis of the formal gardens towards the Great Cross.
Walk the full length of the lime tree avenues to appreciate the geometric symmetry of the original architectural plan.
Visit the riverside path for a quieter perspective of the Liffey away from the main formal gardens.
Bring a light waterproof layer, as the open garden design offers little cover during typical Dublin rain showers.
Do not mistake this for a standard recreational park; avoid loud music or disruptive ball games that disturb the solemn nature of the memorial.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a designated place of war remembrance.
