On the 20th March Christy Boylan lecturer and consultant gave the Spring lecture on the Parks and Gardens of Dublin. It was based on his book of the same that has been published this summer.

The presentation was an account of the history and development of over 120 parks and Gardens in Dublin. Beautifully illustrated the talk was a horticultural and historical jaunt through the botanical and artistic heritage of Dublin.

From Phoenix Park the largest of the parks to the smallest pocket park around the statue of Anne Devlin in Rathfarmham village Christy described their relevance and the great benefits each has brought to the communities in which they are located, especially the city centre squares such as Merrion Square that dates back to 1750. The talk was a real encouragement to visit many of these parks especially the less well known.

Review by Claire Woods