WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHINESE GARDEN
THE WALLED GARDEN AT ST ANNE'S PARK [NO ACCESS TO THE CHINESE PAVILION]
When I first visited this Chinese garden in August 2018 a lady who I had a chat with told me that it had been there for at least a hundred years and that surprised me as it appeared to be new. About ten minutes later she returned and told me that her friend had just told here that it was installed in 2012 [not 1912 as she had believed].
The garden was first shown at the Bloom Festival in 2011 and it was designed by workers from the Suzhou Garden Bureau, which looks after nine famous UNESCO-listed gardens in China. Parts of the garden were relocated to St Anne's Park in Raheny after the festival as a gift to coincide with Dublin's twinning with Beijing in 2012.
Today, 25 July 2024, there was no public access to the area where the Chinese Garden and according to a gardener that I had a chat with "is being worked on". However, its recent closure has raised questions and left visitors like myself curious about the reasons behind it.
Updated Information:
Closure Date: The garden closed in 2020 due to the deteriorating condition of the wooden pavilions, which were not built to withstand the Irish climate.
Ongoing Renovations: The Dublin City Council has been working with experts from Suzhou to renovate and restore the garden, ensuring the work is done authentically and using materials suitable for the Irish weather.
Delayed Reopening: The renovation project has faced delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the specialised nature of the work.
Expected Reopening: As of now, there isn't a confirmed reopening date, but the renovations are ongoing, and the garden is expected to reopen to the public once they are completed.
The walled garden and clock tower at St. Anne's Park are fascinating historical remnants of the Guinness family estate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and meticulous landscaping of the past.
The Walled Garden:
Originally spanning 15 acres, the walled garden was a central feature of the Guinness estate. It served multiple purposes:
Kitchen Garden: It provided fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the household.
Ornamental Gardens: It showcased ornamental plants, flowers, and unique landscape features.
Plant Nursery: Today, it houses a plant nursery for the Dublin Parks Department, producing thousands of plants annually.
While the ornamental areas are not always open to the public, visitors can admire the exterior and envision the vibrant gardens that once flourished within.
The Clock Tower:
A prominent landmark within the walled garden, the clock tower is a testament to the Guinness family's attention to detail and love for architecture.
Purpose: The tower originally served as an entrance to the walled garden and housed a clock that helped regulate activities on the estate.
Restoration: In 2007, the clock was restored to working order, adding a touch of nostalgia and historical charm to the park.
Symbolism: The tower represents the estate's legacy and stands as a reminder of the meticulous planning and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Visiting the Walled Garden and Clock Tower:
While the ornamental sections of the walled garden might have limited public access, visitors can still appreciate the clock tower and the garden's exterior. The surrounding parkland offers a pleasant setting for walks and picnics, and the clock tower's presence adds a unique historical touch to the landscape.
If you're interested in learning more about the walled garden's history or catching a glimpse inside during open days, you can check the official St. Anne's Park website or contact the Dublin City Council for information on scheduled tours or events.
When I first visited this Chinese garden in August 2018 a lady who I had a chat with told me that it had been there for at least a hundred years and that surprised me as it appeared to be new. About ten minutes later she returned and told me that her friend had just told here that it was installed in 2012 [not 1912 as she had believed].
The garden was first shown at the Bloom Festival in 2011 and it was designed by workers from the Suzhou Garden Bureau, which looks after nine famous UNESCO-listed gardens in China. Parts of the garden were relocated to St Anne's Park in Raheny after the festival as a gift to coincide with Dublin's twinning with Beijing in 2012.
Today, 25 July 2024, there was no public access to the area where the Chinese Garden and according to a gardener that I had a chat with "is being worked on". However, its recent closure has raised questions and left visitors like myself curious about the reasons behind it.
Updated Information:
Closure Date: The garden closed in 2020 due to the deteriorating condition of the wooden pavilions, which were not built to withstand the Irish climate.
Ongoing Renovations: The Dublin City Council has been working with experts from Suzhou to renovate and restore the garden, ensuring the work is done authentically and using materials suitable for the Irish weather.
Delayed Reopening: The renovation project has faced delays due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the specialised nature of the work.
Expected Reopening: As of now, there isn't a confirmed reopening date, but the renovations are ongoing, and the garden is expected to reopen to the public once they are completed.
The walled garden and clock tower at St. Anne's Park are fascinating historical remnants of the Guinness family estate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and meticulous landscaping of the past.
The Walled Garden:
Originally spanning 15 acres, the walled garden was a central feature of the Guinness estate. It served multiple purposes:
Kitchen Garden: It provided fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the household.
Ornamental Gardens: It showcased ornamental plants, flowers, and unique landscape features.
Plant Nursery: Today, it houses a plant nursery for the Dublin Parks Department, producing thousands of plants annually.
While the ornamental areas are not always open to the public, visitors can admire the exterior and envision the vibrant gardens that once flourished within.
The Clock Tower:
A prominent landmark within the walled garden, the clock tower is a testament to the Guinness family's attention to detail and love for architecture.
Purpose: The tower originally served as an entrance to the walled garden and housed a clock that helped regulate activities on the estate.
Restoration: In 2007, the clock was restored to working order, adding a touch of nostalgia and historical charm to the park.
Symbolism: The tower represents the estate's legacy and stands as a reminder of the meticulous planning and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Visiting the Walled Garden and Clock Tower:
While the ornamental sections of the walled garden might have limited public access, visitors can still appreciate the clock tower and the garden's exterior. The surrounding parkland offers a pleasant setting for walks and picnics, and the clock tower's presence adds a unique historical touch to the landscape.
If you're interested in learning more about the walled garden's history or catching a glimpse inside during open days, you can check the official St. Anne's Park website or contact the Dublin City Council for information on scheduled tours or events.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHINESE GARDEN