Garden of Remembrance - waste of space?

Tombo2001

Am I the only one who thinks this?

This great big concrete bath right in the middle of town that hardly anyone ever goes into. So much could be done with this location. Total waste.

Citizen Six

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058334243/garden-of-remembrance-biggest-waste-of-space-in-dublin

I wouldn't say it's the biggest. Plenty of derelict spaces all around the city that are more wasteful.

Tombo2001

Yeah - that was a bit provocative.

Though there are very few derelict sites of this size right in the middle of the city.

(actually.....Carlton Cinema site on O'Connell Street).

Fair enough -but nonetheless, a public amenities go, I just think its a particularly useless one. Southside gets Stephens Green. Northside gets this .....

Other cities have beautiful public squares - Dublin really has none. If they just levelled this place, opened it up - allowed you to have a coffee and look at the beautiful buildings around it - it would not take much to make it a lovely place.

Everlong1

Any time I've been there there's always been plenty of people, particularly on the rare occasions of good weather.

Tombo2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706433#Comment_121706433

Fair enough -just wanted to see what other people thought.

I never go in, dont like it.

However, if other people think its worthwhile then all good.

easygoing39

I'd pop in the odd time over the summer with my otherhalf,we find it very peacefull/calming,like being in church if you get me.I'm not made into religion,but sometimes it's nice to just sit and reflect.

mcgragger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706477#Comment_121706477

What would you build on the space if it was up to you?

Hamsterchops

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058334243/garden-of-remembrance-biggest-waste-of-space-in-dublin

Good location for a shopping centre or a leisure centre, pool etc with a cinema attached. Or .... open air Arena for gigs and events!

Tombo2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706533#Comment_121706533

I think the design is dated, I dont like walking down steps into a concrete area with an 1950s fountain in front of it.

I think the Hugh Lane Gallery is one of the nicest buildings in Dublin - and yet this public space right in front of it doesnt really look onto it at all.

I'd get rid of the big fencing all around it, and put in more greenery/ trees.

Tombo2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706523#Comment_121706523

Fair point - but that in part highlights the issue - peaceful because there is hardly anyone there.

Citizen Six

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706913#Comment_121706913

You had me going there for a minute. 😂

PeaSea

Probably my favourite spot to sit in if I have half an hour or so to spare before getting the train back North.

Esel

We went there as kids to get money from the pool with chewing gum on the end of a stick. Good times.

Jellybaby_1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706416#Comment_121706416

Well......Northside also has this: https://twitter.com/DubCityCouncil/status/1742149920570679317. Although I haven't been there in person myself I'm told it's really a lovely park.

saabsaab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058334243/garden-of-remembrance-biggest-waste-of-space-in-dublin

Surely it's the Phoenix park! Massive empty space with foreign animals roaming around it eating the flowers..

Spanish Eyes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706533#Comment_121706533

A holding centre for messers.

Hontou

I remember as a child loving the Garden of Remembrance. From the age of 10, (in the 80's, before people were afraid to let their kids out), I used to get the bus into town on my own to go to a dance classes on North Great Georges Street, nearby. I didn't like going home for various reasons, and used to sit in the Garden of Remembrance to pass half an hour or so. Loved the place. Very peaceful. I don't live in Dublin anymore but if I go to Dublin I visit the Garden of Remembrance because it made me happy as a child.

saabsaab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121708008#Comment_121708008

A drunk tank?

Spanish Eyes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121708019#Comment_121708019

Not just drunks. Ah look I was only hopping a ball, but given the area and its troubles, it could be an idea!

Birneybau

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706913#Comment_121706913

I don't know if this is sarcasm or...

GSBellew

Is the Holocaust memorial in Berlin also a waste of space?

There is no harm in having a space to reflect on the sacrifices that were made by our ancestors to give us the country we have now.

bobbysands81

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058334243/garden-of-remembrance-biggest-waste-of-space-in-dublin

Dead right, let’s get rid of all the parks too. Nothing but people hanging round it them all the time.

Tombo2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121709174#Comment_121709174

Again - thats kind of the point, I've never seen more than a dozen people in it.

sydthebeat

"Southside gets Stephens Green. Northside gets this ....."

Where's the facepalm emoji?

Tombo2001

OP here - I changed the title to remove the hyperbole.

Not for me - I pass by this place regularly, dont like it, never use it. Personally I have zero interest in reflecting on the sacrifices of our forefathers in front of a big 1960s statue, while having a sandwich and coffee. Think it could be 100 times better just as a regular park.

However - I checked Google Reviews, its does seem well liked and a place people use for time out and calm, so happy to acknowledge that. Happy to see a lot of people think its worthwhile.

Enjoy folks!!

HerrKapitan

Agreed. The worst culprit is Phoenix Park. Far too big for the use it gets. You could get thousands in accomodation close to the city centre and still keep a small corner of it to use as a public park.

Annasopra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121706946#Comment_121706946

Part of its purpose is to be peaceful

loyatemu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121709381#Comment_121709381

I don't think that would be a popular opinion. If you want to build on green spaces within the M50, start with the numerous golf courses.

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121709139#Comment_121709139

They mightn't be too impressed though - 2/3rds of some areas round there are non nationals. Was is it for this that the sons of Roisín ....

GSBellew

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121710041#Comment_121710041

Nationality of immigrants is irrelevant to our history, we can not be expected to erase our past

gaiscioch

I've always loved the Liam Mac Uistin poem on the wall, the English of which is rendered:

"We Saw A Vision"

In the darkness of despair we saw a vision,

We lit the light of hope and it was not extinguished.

In the desert of discouragement we saw a vision.

We planted the tree of valour and it blossomed.

In the winter of bondage we saw a vision.

We melted the snow of lethargy and the river of resurrection flowed from it.

We sent our vision aswim like a swan on the river. The vision became a reality.

Winter became summer. Bondage became freedom and this we left to you as your inheritance.

O generations of freedom remember us, the generations of the vision.[1]

In front of it is a large statue of the Children of Lir by Oisín Kelly as they emerged from bondage as swans back into human beings after, coincidentally enough, 800 years. Powerful stuff to inspire each generation.