The Irish National War Memorial Gardens

These gardens in Islandbridge, a Dublin suburb, are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. The name of every single soldier is contained in the sumptuously illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms. A total of 206,000 Irishmen served in the British forces alone during the war. Memorial Gardens also commemorate all other Irish men and women who at that time served, fought and died in Irish regiments of the Allied armies, the British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African and United States armies in support of the Triple Entente's war effort against the Central Powers.

These gardens are not only a place of remembrance; they are also of great architectural interest and beauty. The great Sir Edwin Lutyens designed them. Lutyens was a prolific garden designer, especially of war memorials, but nonetheless lent his expertise to only four gardens in Ireland.

Sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree-planting make for an enjoyable visit in any season. The solemn, serene atmosphere of this elegant garden makes it a perfect place in which to relax and reflect. At the north of the gardens overlooking the River Liffey stands a domed temple. This also marks the beginning of the avenue leading gently upward to the steps containing the Stone of Remembrance. 

On the floor of the temple are an extract from the "War Sonnett II: Safety" by Rupert Brooke:

"We have found safety with all things undying,

    The winds, and morning, tears of men and mirth,

The deep night, and birds singing, and clouds flying,

    And sleep, and freedom, and the autumnal earth."

Sources:  Irish Heritage; Wikipedia