Have a picnic in Dublin's 'Secret Garden'

What is it? The Iveagh Gardens, one of Dublin's finest, but least well known, public park  | Where is it? Entrance is on Clonmel Street, Dublin 2, D02YD96 |  How to get there? It's a 22 minute walk from the apartment  | Opening hours: The park gate is unlocked at 8am every morning (10am on Sundays and holidays) and closed at different times depending on season (approximate closing times are 5pm in January & February, 6.30pm in March, 7.30pm in April, May, June, July & August, 7pm in September, 6pm in October, 4pm in November, and 3.30pm in December)

Dublin City has several great parks and gardens - St Stephen's Green, Merrion Square and the Phoenix Park being the most well known of them - but one of the best, most central, yet least well-known is the Iveagh Gardens (known by many as "the Secret Garden" because so many people, even locals, don't know it even exists!). It's not new - in fact, it dates back to 1865 - but it's somewhat off the beaten track and tucked in behind the National Concert Hall. Despite its location, it's generally quiet and never crowded. You won't find colorful or ornate flowers - rather it's intended to be a green, calming space with lawns, trees, fountains, grottos, a maze, a rosarium and rockeries.  

It's the perfect place to take a peaceful walk, read a book, explore or picnic. On your way, pop into Fallon & Byrne (11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, D02RY63, open from 8am-8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am-7pm on Sundays) and get whatever you need for the perfect picnic!