St. Anne's Park

Overview

St Anne’s Park is one of the best places in north Dublin for a long walk, a family outing or a quiet break among trees and gardens. Stretching between Clontarf and Raheny, this expansive public park brings together woodland paths, open playing fields, a celebrated rose garden and the curious bridges and garden buildings left by its former owners, the Guinness family.

You can make a short visit of the playground and Red Stables, or spend a few hours exploring the gardens, following the Naniken River and seeking out the park’s historic follies. Entry to the park is free.

Things to see and do in St Anne’s Park

Visit the Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is a highlight of St Anne’s Park, especially when the flowers are in bloom from late spring into autumn. Opened in 1975, it features a variety of roses, including hybrid tea and floribunda types. It is an inviting place to slow down, take photographs and enjoy the more formal side of the park’s landscape. Dublin City Council also holds its annual Rose Festival here in July; check the year’s programme before planning a visit around the festival.

Walk among the trees and follies

St Anne’s Park is more than its open lawns. Woodland paths and avenues offer room for a leisurely stroll, while the Naniken River leads you past some of the decorative structures known as follies. Built for the Guinness family, these include bridges, grottoes and other playful pieces of garden architecture. Dublin City Council identifies 12 follies in the park, many of them near the river.

For a walk with a purpose, follow the park’s Story Trail from the Red Stables through the Rose Garden, Walled Garden and follies towards the playground. The council describes it as an accessible trail and provides a downloadable map. The Native Tree Trail is another way to explore the park’s trees and natural heritage.

Stop at the Red Stables and Saturday market

The red-brick stables were commissioned by Lord Ardilaun, Arthur Edward Guinness, in 1885. Today the restored courtyard houses artist workspaces, a gallery and Olive’s Room tearoom. It makes a useful starting point or a coffee stop during a longer visit.

On Saturdays, the St Anne’s Park Market brings food producers, growers and craft traders to the Red Stables area. Its published hours are generally 10am to 4pm on Saturday, but check the market organiser for changes or cancellations before travelling specifically for it.

Enjoy a family day out

With a playground, generous space to roam and a trail linking several of the park’s main sights, St Anne’s works well for a family visit. The St Anne’s City Farm is a working farm and educational centre focused on growing food, traditional breeds and sustainable practices. Check its own activities and access arrangements before setting out, as a visit to the wider park does not guarantee that farm activities are running.

The park also has playing fields and sports facilities. If you are visiting with younger children, the Red Stables, Story Trail, gardens and playground make a simple route without needing to cover the entire park.

The Guinness family story

St Anne’s Park began as part of a large private estate developed by the Guinness family in the 19th century. Their former mansion, St Anne’s House, no longer stands: it was destroyed by fire in 1943. Its lost buildings and surviving landscape features give today’s park an unusual mix of public recreation and estate history.

The follies are the most visible reminders of that past. Annie Lee Bridge, for example, commemorated the birth of Benjamin Lee Guinness’s daughter in 1837. The Red Stables and tree-lined avenues add further layers to a walk through the grounds. Dublin City Council’s community archaeology work has also explored the remains of the former house.

Planning your visit

Where is St Anne’s Park? The park lies between Clontarf and Raheny on Dublin’s northside. The Red Stables on Mount Prospect Avenue are a useful landmark if you are meeting someone or starting the Story Trail.

Is it free? Yes, entry to the public park is free. Food, market purchases and any separately operated activities may cost extra.

When is it open? Park gate hours change with the season. Check Dublin City Council’s current St Anne’s Park listing before an early morning or evening visit. The park should not be described as open 24 hours.

Can I get there by public transport? Bus services reach the Clontarf and Raheny sides of the park, and nearby DART stations provide another option. Choose your entrance first, then check a current journey planner: the park is large, and the most convenient stop depends on where you want to begin.

Are there toilets? Dublin City Council lists public toilets, including an accessible toilet, at the St Anne’s Park tearooms near the Red Stables. Check current opening hours if this is important to your visit.

Whether you come for the roses, the market, a woodland walk or a day out with children, St Anne’s Park has enough variety to reward another visit in a different season.