Garden of Remembrance — Parnell Square

National Garden of Remembrance, dated 1966, to designs of Dáithí Hanly, at north end of Parnell Square, having raised apse platform to west and sunken cruciform pool. Raised limestone paved semi-circular platform to west with monumental bronze group by Oisín Kelly, dated 1971, entitled ‘The Children of Lir’ set in small pool enclosed by low granite plinth wall with wave-form trim. Platform enclosed to west by marble-clad curved wall and pair of rock-faced limestone walls with inscribed gilt Gaelic lettering to centre, taken from ‘We Saw a Vision’ by Liam Mac Uistín, and two bronze plaques with French and English translations. Twenty-two stone steps lead to central sunken cruciform pool set on east-west axis, decorated with waves of blue mosaic tiles and repetitive mosaic motif of shields and spears (symbolising ancient custom of throwing weapons into water on cessation of hostilities). Low granite plinth wall encloses pool with cast concrete wave-form trim. Cruciform paved area encircling pool with rock-faced limestone ashlar retaining walls to lawns above. Secondary entrance to north side of gardens, built c.2005, with modern glazed terrace and two sets of stone steps descending to pool level accessed via stainless steel gate opposite Hugh Lane Gallery. Limestone paved platform to east, having two flights of limestone steps either side of three platforms with rock-faced limestone ashlar faces and benches. Two rock-faced limestone-clad wings to either side of principal east entrance, one containing tool store, other containing caretaker’s office, with concrete canopy facing garden sheltering benches. Stylized iron railings to upper platform at east of site with symbols of Brian Boru harp, Loughnashade trumpet, and Ballinderry sword. Iron entrance gate on roller with central bronze replica of processional Cross of Cloyne surmounted by words ‘GÁIRDÍN CUIMHNEACHÁIN’. Flanking masonry wings bearing text ‘GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE / DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR / LIVES IN THE CAUSE FOR IRISH FREEDOM’, Irish translation to south wing. S-curved iron railings enclose both entrance wings. Cast-iron railings on moulded granite plinth wall enclose east, north and west sides of garden with lawn to east. Double cast-iron gates to south of west railings allowing vehicular access to rear of apse. Rock-faced limestone wall between Rotunda Hospital grounds and garden.