Wolfe Tone Park in Dublin city has reopened following a programme of key regeneration works.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland was on hand to open the new-look park, which is located in a busy shopping and business district in the north inner city. The park has been restored as an oasis of green space for the respite, rest and relaxation of locals and visitors. A contemplative 'garden' has also been created using the memorials which have been carefully restored by conservation specialists.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor Gilliland said: "I can see Wolfe Tone Park becoming a focal point to be enjoyed by the people of Dublin and a welcome addition to what Dublin has to offer to everyone in the city – local residents and those working in and visiting the city. Parks play a huge role in supporting people's wellbeing providing an outdoor space for recreation. They are also crucial to greening our city, both to increase our biodiversity and enhance our air quality."

Originally a market space in the 18th century as part of the Jervis Estate, it became the graveyard attached to St Mary's Church, and remained so until it was deconsecrated in 1966. It was first laid out as a park in 1998 by Dublin Corporation and re-designed in 2001 as an 'urban plaza'. It was subsequently used regularly for events which in hindsight were probably not appropriate in a former burial ground, however the new design is respectful of the site context and the Parks team have worked closely with Ruth Johnson, City Archaeologist, carrying out a full survey and inventory of the grave memorials. 

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Leslie Moore, Head of Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services added: "I am delighted that we have been able to restore an oasis of calm and the ambiance of a park to this small space in the north inner city. The design and use of materials is respectful of the former burial ground and I hope that people will enjoy the park with a similar respect for the space and other users."

The design for the park reconfigured the thresholds to four pedestrian entrance points which has created a sense of enclosure within which a new 475sqm lawn has been laid, twenty one trees and a mixture of herbaceous perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses and hedging shrubs have been planted. These will provide for year round interest and colour but also a biodiversity-rich environment for pollinators and wildlife in the city.

The project involved the removal of parking spaces adjoining the park on Wolfe Tone Street and Jervis Street and the narrowing of the carriageway on Wolfe Tone Street to maximise the public realm for pedestrians.

The highest quality materials have been used for this important city park. The new pavements and carriageway of Wolfe Tone Street have been constructed with Leinster granite, traditional Dublin setts and salvaged antique granite kerbing. The existing bench seating has been refurbished and new bench seating has been installed using granite and Orocco timber for additional comfort. 

The reopening of Wolfe Tone Park and the recent opening of Bridgefoot Street Park demonstrates Dublin City Council's commitment to its 'Greening' strategies. Improving access to quality greenspace and nature where opportunities arise for the benefit of the local communities and visitors alike.