The Dillon Garden, Ranelagh.

The first I heard of The Dillon Garden was from Pól Ó Conghaile's book Secret Dublin - An Unusual Guide, an essential book if you want to get to know more about obscure parts of Dublin, I've written about it here before. The garden was one of a number of things that were new to me which I wanted to try. A lovely secret garden, what could be nicer to visit on a sunny summer's day? 

The only thing secret about the garden is the location, though maybe obscure would be a better word. Even a cursory bit of research on the internet reveals that the garden is, in fact, quite famous and Helen herself is renowned as a gardener. The Financial Times recently described her one acre plot as "the best walled garden". Wow, clearly I was out of my depth here as I thought I could saunter up, look at a few flowers and say how pretty everything was!

This is where the Dillon Garden comes into its own. It's visually perfect, a treat to the eye, you don't need a whole heap of gardening or horticultural knowledge to appreciate it. Our first view of the garden was from the drawing room window where it appeared as if framed just for us. 

The main central feature of the garden in a long canal which cuts through it's middle, it's restrained on all sides by Irish limestone. The rigidity of the canal and it's banks is offset by what appears to a higgledy-piggledy explosion of colour, it's a nice visual trick, but I've learned that there's nothing haphazard about this design whatsoever, everything is carefully positioned and groomed. 

Off to the side of the main thoroughfare are smaller paths leading you to hidden, wondrous, parts of the garden with statues and groves seemingly concealed from prying eyes. This whole garden seems to have secret compartments just waiting to be discovered! 

The garden was a joy to visit and what made being there all the more successful was that I didn't feel intimidated by my lack of knowledge about gardening. I spoke with Helen for a few minutes and she managed to pitch the conversation at a level I could understand and appreciate. The deceiving simplicity of the place can only be admired! I urge all Dubliners who have even the vaguest appreciation for plants to get out here and check it out, you won't be disappointed! 
The Dillon Garden 45 Sandyford TerraceRanelagh Dublin 6Website
***The garden is open everyday in March, July and August and Sundays only in April, May, June and September. Admission in €5***