New gate links the living with the dead

A NEW gate linking the Botanic Gardens to Glasnevin Cemetery was opened last week by Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Brian Hayes.

The gate is aimed at providing easy access to both attractions for over 1.2 million annual visitors.

Work on the gate involved the removal of a four metre section of existing railing, provision of a new security controlled access gate, paved steps, and a gently sloped route designed for universal access between each venue.

It’s anticipated that visitors to both the National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery & Museum will use the link to experience the amenities of both institutions and serve as a cultural and historical connector for future generations.

The linking of the gardens with the cemetery grounds and onto the Tolka Valley Linear Park will also create a green park of over 200 acres, which when combined will be the second largest green space amenity in Dublin after Phoenix Park.

Speaking at the opening Minister Hayes said: I’m very proud that OPW have led the initiative on this project and created a pedestrian link, which creates a wonderful public green-space for all to enjoy.

“I hope that visitors will use this new link to experience the amenities of both institutions and given that together the two sites contain the greatest number of protected structures in the State, it will serve as an important cultural and historical connector for future generations.

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Glasnevin Trust Chairman, John Green said, the museum was delighted with the new link.

“It combines two of Dublin’s leading attractions and we foresee visitors to both the Glasnevin Cemetery & Museum and the National Botanic Gardens availing of this link to experience the sights of both iconic institutions,

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