St. Anne's Park
St Anne’s Park in Clontarf is Dublin City Council’s largest managed park, spanning over 220 acres. Originally part of the Guinness family estate, the park retains many historic features. These include follies, formal gardens and woodland walks that reflect its 19th-century designed landscape.
At the heart of the park is the Red Stables, commissioned by Lord Ardilaun (Arthur Edward Guinness) in 1885 and designed by George Ashlin in the Victorian Sussex style. Built from distinctive Portmarnock red brick, the stables have been carefully restored and now house an arts centre, artist studios and Olive’s Room - a popular tearoom with indoor and outdoor seating.
St. Anne’s also features a tree arboretum, which was planted in collaboration with the Tree Council of Ireland in 1988 to mark Dublin’s millennium. The arboretum showcases a wide variety of native and specimen trees and supports public engagement with Dublin’s urban forest.
Visitors can explore the park’s Native Tree Trail, which highlights the ecological and cultural significance of Ireland’s trees. They can also follow the Story Trail, which links key heritage and natural features throughout the park.
One of the park’s most treasured features is the Rose Garden, located near the main avenue. Originally laid out in the 1970s, the garden showcases over 25 varieties of roses, blooming in vibrant colours from late spring through autumn. The Rose Festival, held annually in July, celebrates the parks horticultural heritage with live music, food stalls and family friendly activities.