Paul McDonnell
Parks Superintendent for the Phoenix Park, Office of Public Works
Matthew Jebb
Director, National Botanic Gardens, Office of Public Works
Ireland’s historic gardens provide peaceful green spaces and learning opportunities. From grand estates to flowering meadows, accessibility and comfort enhance the experience.
Ireland’s historic gardens and sites offer more than beauty — they provide peace, a chance to reconnect with nature and opportunities for enhanced wellbeing. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), these landscapes range from grand estates to natural spaces filled with flowers. They all share one trait, insists Matthew Jebb, botanist and director of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin: they are all full of surprises.
“We all think, as locals, we know everything about these sites,” he says. “But visitors are amazed by how much they can learn from a guided tour, especially about sites that have been right in front of them all their lives.”
Designing inclusive historic sites
The health benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented, with studies showing that interaction with nature can reduce stress and improve mood. The OPW is keenly aware of this and organises social gatherings, such as live music on Thursdays in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, as well as ensuring the sites are inclusive to all visitors.
“Uppermost in our minds is accessibility,” says Jebb. “We maintain paths that allow for easy walking. We also provide plenty of seating along the routes where people can relax, rest and take in the surrounding atmosphere. Everything is designed to make sure our properties are as safe and easy to use as possible.”
This partnership helps us create
spaces that can be enjoyed
by people of all generations.
Discovering hidden gems
One of the key features of these gardens is the blend of history and nature. For instance, The John F Kennedy Arboretum spans 252 hectares on Slieve Coillte, housing 4,500 tree and shrub species from temperate regions. It features an ericaceous garden, 200 forest plots and a scenic lake for waterfowl. Similarly, the Oldbridge Estate in Meath, known for its historical significance as the site of the Battle of the Boyne, now features orchards of apples and pears and a sanctuary for wildflowers.
Timing is also key to getting the best visiting experience, says Paul McDonnell, the Phoenix Park superintendent. “The time to go to Altamont Gardens in Carlow, for example, is in February to see its collection of over 200 types of snowdrops in flower,” he advises.
Incorporating community feedback
The OPW’s role in maintaining these spaces is crucial, but it’s also a collaborative effort with the public. “We encourage feedback, and we take onboard suggestions for improvements,” McDonnell says. “This partnership helps us create spaces that can be enjoyed by people of all generations while preserving Ireland’s historic sites and gardens.”
