The 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, is, perhaps, Ireland’s foremost Classical building. But its perfect balance and symmetry hides many surprises .. it is the home of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), the entrance to which is announced by a fabulous giant sculpture of a hare banging a drum.
“The Drummer” Barry Flanagan
The hospital was designed by William Robinson for the Duke of Ormonde in 1684, as a home for retired soldiers – a function it performed for 250 years. It has French influences, being inspired by Louis XIV’s home for retired soldiers, Les Invalides, and predates the Royal Hospital Chelsea by two years.
In the 20thC it fell into disrepair until restored by the State in 1984, its 300th Anniversary, and became the home of IMMA in 1991. It is now surrounded by avenues and ancient chestnut trees, dotted with sculptures from IMMA’s collection.
Sculpture by Bernar Venet
Below the north terrace, formerly the Master’s Garden, lies the stunning formal gardens, the main axes lined with pleached limes,
and focal points created by the garden house, statuary and central fountain.
The garden today is not an historical reconstruction of what may have existed here but rather a re-creation in the spirit of a Formal garden of the 17th and 18th centuries, as befitting the classical buildings it fronts.
The garden house, formal statuary and the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park in the distance.
The box-hedged walks lead on, past urns and statues to the perimeter stone walls, heavily clothed in wisteria in early summer
The scent of the white, lavender and purple wisteria is overwhelming
Entrance to the garden is free and office workers eat their sandwiches on the scattered benches amidst the statues and box-hedged walkways.
The juxtaposition of modern sculpture and formality works well; here the 8 Limestone monoliths by Ulrich Rückriem overlook the formal garden, almost echoing the solidity of the yew topiary below.
8 Limestones by Ulrich Ruckriem
The view from above outlines the structure created by the parterres and topiary.
This is Edward Delaney’s “Eve with Apple” …
“Eve with Apple” by Edward Delaney
… truly an Eve in a garden of Eden!
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Jardin 
What a beautiful place, I would so love to go here. I really like the “The Drummer”
LikeLike
Yes, it’s a real haven in the city. “The Drummer” is my favourite too.
LikeLike
I am not a fan of most modern art. I have to admit. I have enjoyed the artistry of the mason work and the angel statue. I find it magnificient. I enjoy the history and culture. The grounds of the building are beautiful. The wisteria is gorgeous.
Thanks again for the amazing tour.
Honey
LikeLike
Thanks Honey, glad you liked the historic setting. In fact there was some controversy about siting modern art in such a historic building!
LikeLike
That really doesn’t bother me. The important thing is that the building was restored to it’s former glory and the space is being used and enjoyed by the public. Just because I don’t particularly care for modern art doesn’t mean that I would deny anyone else the pleasure. I would just go to soak in the architecture and gardens.
Honey
LikeLike
I quite agree … and I think most of the original sceptics have been won over as, in any case, the gardens & buildings retain the greatest impact & their use by IMMA insures their future.
LikeLike
I am glad to hear it. It would be ashame if they couldn’t see the forrest through the trees.
Honey
LikeLike
Wonderful place and photos! Thank you.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
You’ve captured some lovely shots here and I think all the sculptors would value somebody capturing their work with interest and sensitivity. We all like to be appreciated.
LikeLike
Thank you Agnes – appreciate that!
LikeLike
Thanks for the tour!
LikeLike
Pleasure! Hope you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Great photos and descriptions (as always) — and, I could almost smell the wisteria through my computer monitor. 🙂
LikeLike
Many thanks Cindi, sorry about the late reply – battling with a naughty computer.
Your Comment was much appreciated … and glad the wisteria looked at its best.
LikeLike
Your posts are always lovely and interesting. I appreciate all the photos — and especially the ones of wisteria blooming. As you may recall, mine won’t bloom, no matter how much we prune.
LikeLike
Cynthia, I really appreciate that. I’m always hopeful that the camera (and me) will capture what I see/feel.
I’m sorry your wisteria isn’t flowering – it needs full sun and sometimes too much nitrogen means lots of green growth but no flowers.
LikeLike
Pingback: Exploring Dublin’s free open spaces. | Jardin
Pingback: Take 20: Unique Things To Do In Dublin For Free | Journalist on the run
Pingback: 20 Unique Things To Do In Dublin For Free | Your Irish Adventure
Pingback: UNIQUE 20 THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN FOR FREE 더블린에서 공짜 즐기기 - 이지유학이지유학
Pingback: Dublin Fun on a Budget!! | emmaroseanna
Pingback: Dublin on a Budget • Fine Dining on Discourse