2024

ST ANNE’S PARK 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

The walled garden at St Anne’s Park is a beautiful and historic area within the larger park, holding a fascinating past and a vibrant present. Originally part of the grand Guinness estate, the walled garden was a centrepiece of horticultural excellence, showcasing elaborate landscaping, ornate follies, and rare plant species.

Historically, the garden served both aesthetic and functional purposes. It provided a sheltered space for cultivating delicate plants and exotic fruits, contributing to the Guinness family’s lavish lifestyle. The garden also boasted numerous decorative elements, including marble statues, a nymphaeum, and a floral temple, reflecting the family’s wealth and refined taste.

Today, the walled garden retains much of its original charm while also serving the wider community. A portion of the garden is now dedicated to public allotments, allowing local residents to grow their own produce. The garden also houses the Parks Department’s plant nursery, responsible for producing thousands of plants for Dublin’s green spaces.

The walled garden at St Anne’s Park stands as a testament to the Guinness family’s legacy and Dublin’s rich horticultural heritage. It continues to be a place of beauty, productivity, and community engagement, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a glimpse into the past.

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 FEBRUARY 2024

PATRICK KAVANAGH BY JOHN COLL

Earlier today I photographed the Patrick Kavanagh sculpture at Wilton Terrace and did not not realise that John Coll was also responsible for this really popular memorial to Veronica Guerin.

This attracts a lot of attention and many visitors place a stone on the plinth and today I noticed that someone had laid a necklace at the base of the bronze bust. In some countries people leave stones on a grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited, grieved and prayed for by others. I like the idea.

Veronica Guerin
1959-1996

Be Not Afraid
Greater justice was her ideal and it was her ultimate achievement.
Her courage and sacrifice saved many from the scourge of drukgs and other crime.
Her death has not been in vain.

Unveiled by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D.
22nd June 2001

Veronica Guerin
Sunday Independent journalist,
was murdered in 26th June 1996.

This monument was jointly erected by
Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited and
the National Millennium Committee.
Independent News & Media PLC
sculptor john coll

John Coll is one of Ireland’s most prominent figurative sculptors. He has sculpted many works of national importance including monuments to the poet Patrick Kavanagh and the writer Brendan Behan on the Dublin canals. Other large-scale projects include a monument to Countess Markievicz in Rathcormac, Co Sligo and locally a life-size portrait of the racehorse “Bobby-Jo” in Mountbellew, Co Galway.

THE WALLED GARDEN IN AUTUMN

VERONICA GUERIN MEMORIAL AT DUBLIN CASTLE BY SCULPTOR JOHN COLL