Herbert Park – Ballsbridge’s green mile

Overview

Herbert Park’s duck pond started out as a fairground ride. It was dug as a “Canadian Waterchute” for the 1907 Dublin International Exhibition, which filled these 32 acres of Ballsbridge for a single summer; the ornate bandstand on the southern side dates from the same fair, and almost everything else was taken down before the park opened to the public in 1911. A full lap of the perimeter runs almost exactly one mile (1.57 km), which is why the same joggers pass the pond at the same point every morning. Herbert Park Road splits the grounds into a larger southern half along the River Dodder and a quieter northern half, with formal gardens, two playgrounds, sports pitches and a Sunday food market spread between them. Entry is free.

If you’ve only twenty minutes, stay on the southern side: the bandstand, the pond and the cherry-blossom walk all sit within a few hundred metres of each other. The catch is parking – there’s no car park, and the on-street spaces on Herbert Park Road only come free after 2pm on weekdays.

History

The site was originally a marshy tract known as the “Forty Acres”. From the early 13th century it belonged to the Augustinian Priory of All Hallows, later becoming part of the extensive Fitzwilliam Estate. In 1816 the 11th Earl of Pembroke inherited the land; his son, the 14th Earl, donated the 32 acres to Pembroke Urban District Council in 1903 for public use. The park takes its name from the Earl’s father, Sidney Herbert (1810-1861), a prominent British statesman.

In 1907 the Dublin International Trades Exhibition was held on the grounds. The exhibition’s “Canadian Waterchute” required a purpose-built pond, which survives today as the park’s duck pond. The ornate bandstand that still dominates the southern side also dates from the 1907 exhibition. After the fair the temporary structures were dismantled, and the park was formally opened to the public in 1911. Dublin Corporation assumed responsibility in 1932, and today the park is maintained by Dublin City Council.

What to See & Do

Bandstand and Heritage

The Edwardian bandstand remains a focal point for occasional concerts and community events. Its wrought-iron columns and decorative roof echo the spirit of the original exhibition, and it even earned a cameo in Phil Lynott’s “Old Town” music video. Recent restoration works have ensured the structure remains a standout feature for visitors.

Duck Pond and Wildlife

The pond, originally built for the exhibition, now hosts a thriving carp population (Common and Mirror Carp) alongside a resident flock of ducks, swans and occasional herons. In February 2006 the pond was drained for a major cleaning; carp were temporarily relocated and the water was re-stocked in 2009. It provides a peaceful spot for birdwatching and quiet reflection.

Formal Gardens & Cherry Blossoms

Spring brings a spectacular display of cherry-blossom trees, making April the ideal month for a leisurely stroll among pink petals. The formal gardens are dotted with seasonal flower beds, mature trees and benches that invite quiet contemplation. For nature enthusiasts, the park also features a marked Native Tree Trail highlighting 15 indigenous species, with a downloadable guide available from Dublin City Council.

Playgrounds

Two children’s play areas cater to different age groups. The older, smaller playground sits at the southern end near the pond, while the newly refurbished northern playground offers modern equipment and a safe, rubber-surfaced area for younger visitors.

Sports Facilities

Herbert Park is a hub for active recreation:

• All-Weather Pitch – suitable for football, rugby and casual games.
• Soccer Pitch – the largest field, located on the south side.
• Six Tennis Courts – free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Bowling Green – home to the Herbert Park Bowling Club.
• Boules Court & Croquet Court – provide niche sport options.
• Outdoor Gym – basic fitness equipment and monkey bars.
• The Hive – a flexible, bookable space used for yoga, pilates, dance, drama and community meetings.

Sunday Food Market & Dining

Every Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, the park transforms into a lively food market. Local vendors and street-food specialists set up along the gravel trails, selling artisan breads, cheeses, fresh produce, pickles, and hot meals ranging from paella to crepes. It’s a popular spot for a relaxed weekend lunch.

For a coffee or light bite during the week, Lolly & Cooks operates a café inside the park, serving pastries, salads and their famous “Savage Roll”. Nearby eateries on Ballsbridge Terrace, such as Kites (Chinese) and The Lobster Pot (seafood), offer excellent options for a post-walk meal.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The park opens daily at 10:00 am. Seasonal closing times align with daylight hours:

Note: Some gates may close 30 minutes early to allow time for secure locking.

Parking

The park itself does not have a dedicated car park. On-street parking is available on Herbert Park Road and is free after 14:00 on weekdays and free all day on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to local signage. Paid parking options nearby include:

• Clayton Hotel (Burlington Road) – 135 spaces at €3 per hour.
• APCOA Parking (RDS Simmonscourt Road) – €7 for two hours.

Getting There

• Car – Accessible via the R118 or Elgin Road. Main entrance on Herbert Park Road; secondary entrance on Herbert Park Lane.
• Dublin Bus – Routes 4, 7, 7A, 7E, 27X and S2 serve stops at the American Embassy and RDS Ballsbridge.
• DART – Lansdowne Road station is a 16-minute walk away.
• Bike – Secure bike racks are provided within the park; the nearest Dublin Bikes docking station is at Wilton Terrace.
• Taxi – Widely available; simply ask for “Herbert Park, Ballsbridge”.

Facilities

Accessibility

The entire park is wheelchair-accessible. Paths are level, well-maintained and suitable for pushchairs. The main entrances feature ramps, and changing facilities are adapted for visitors with mobility needs.

Pets

Dogs are welcome on a leash. Designated off-leash areas are not provided, so keep pets under control, especially near the pond, playgrounds and during the Sunday market.

Nearby Attractions

Herbert Park is a short walk from the Aviva Stadium, the RDS Arena and the historic Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club. For a longer coastal excursion, the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk (4 km) and Sandymount Strand are reachable by bike or bus, with wide views of Dublin Bay. Cycle south along the Dodder to reach the lighthouse, or pick up a city-centre bus on Morehampton Road.