Palmerston Park
Overview
Palmerston Park is a historic park between Rathmines and Dartry in south Dublin, surrounded by grand red-brick Victorian villas. It has a playground, winding paths for a gentle walk and colourful floral displays.
Dublin City Council describes it as one of the finest examples of late-Victorian urban park design in the city.
History
The site was once part of the demesne of Rathmines Castle, built in the 16th century, which featured in the Battle of Rathmines in 1649. The castle was removed in the mid 19th century, when the area was laid out with fine red-brick villas after the tram line arrived in 1878.
The park itself, credited to the landscape gardener William Sheppard, kept its Victorian layout of paths, lawns and specimen trees. It was transferred to Dublin Corporation in the early 1930s.
Getting there
Palmerston Park is at the end of Palmerston Road, Dublin 6, about 15 minutes' walk from Rathmines village. Dublin Bus routes serve Rathmines and Dartry, and the Milltown Luas stop (Green Line) is about 15 minutes' walk away. The River Dodder walks are close by in Dartry.
Opening hours
Like most Dublin City Council parks, Palmerston Park opens at 10am every day and closes around dusk, so closing time changes through the year:
- January and December: 5pm
- February and November: 5.30pm
- March: 6.30pm, then 7.30pm once the clocks go forward
- April and September: 8.30pm
- May and August: 9.30pm
- June and July: 10pm
- October: 7.30pm, then 6.30pm once the clocks go back
Parks with several gates may start closing up to half an hour before these times.
Good to know
- Free entry.
- Facilities: Walking paths, playground.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Run by Dublin City Council Parks: call 01 222 5278 with questions about the park.
More Parks
Browse all places
