Overview
The Royal Military Cemetery – also known as Grangegorman Military Cemetery – lies on Blackhorse Avenue, just a short walk from Phoenix Park in Dublin city centre. Managed to Commonwealth War Graves Commission standards by the Office of Public Works, the site spans more than a century of military history, offering a quiet place to reflect on the lives of soldiers from the British Empire who served in Ireland and abroad.
The well‑kept lawns, a variety of mature trees and a simple limestone screen‑wall memorial create a contemplative atmosphere that feels both historic and welcoming.
History
The cemetery opened in 1876 to serve Marlborough (now McKee) Barracks and their families. At a time when the British Army did not repatriate its dead, the ground became the final resting place for service personnel from across the Empire. Its rows of headstones tell stories from several conflicts:
- Crimean War (1854‑1856) – a handful of early burials mark the first overseas engagements of Irish soldiers.
- World War I – 613 Commonwealth burials, including two unknown soldiers, and a poignant row of graves for those lost when the RMS Leinster was torpedoed on 10 October 1918.
- 1916 Easter Rising – the cemetery holds the graves of many British soldiers killed during the uprising, notably members of the Sherwood Foresters and South Staffordshire Regiment.
- Irish War of Independence (1919‑1921) and World II – a further dozen Commonwealth graves, one of them an unidentified RAF airman.
A notable feature is the Screen Wall Memorial, a two‑metre‑high limestone slab erected in 1984 that lists the names of war casualties whose graves elsewhere in Ireland can no longer be maintained. The memorial is flanked by headstones transferred from Cork Military Cemetery, underscoring the site’s role as a central point of remembrance.
The cemetery also bears witness to personal stories, such as the five British officers whose bodies lay unclaimed for 46 years after the 1916 Rising before being re‑interred here, and the Victoria Cross recipient Martin Doyle (1891‑1940) whose grave stands among the others.
What to See & Do
Visitors can wander at their own pace, tracing the narrative of the conflicts through the carefully inscribed headstones. Key points of interest include:
- Battalion Badges – many headstones display the insignia of the soldier’s unit, offering a visual guide to the diverse regiments represented.
- The Screen Wall Memorial – a concise yet powerful tribute to those whose graves are elsewhere.
- Mature Tree‑Lined Avenues – over 26 species, including copper beech and coastal redwoods, provide shade and a sense of timelessness.
- Relocated Graves – stones moved from King George V Hospital, Trinity College, Portobello Barracks and other sites add layers of Dublin’s military past.
- Annual Anzac Day Service (25 April) – the cemetery hosts a moving commemoration that draws Australian and New Zealand communities.
Guided tours, free of charge, run every Thursday at 14:00 from April to October. These hour‑long walks, led by knowledgeable OPW staff, highlight the most historically significant graves and explain the broader context of Ireland’s involvement in global conflicts.
Location & Access
The cemetery is set within the northern fringe of Phoenix Park, making it easy to combine a visit with a stroll through the park’s extensive pathways.
Public transport (as confirmed by Dublin Public Transport):
- Bus – Dublin Bus route 37 stops on Blackhorse Avenue a few minutes’ walk from the gate.
- Luas – The Green Line’s Broom Bridge stop is a 25‑minute walk (or a short bus ride) away.
- DART – Broombridge station provides regular rail connections from the city centre and the north‑south commuter belt.
- Bike‑share – Dublin’s public bike‑rental stations are located near Broom Bridge; bike racks are provided at the cemetery entrance.
- Accessibility – All main routes to the site are wheelchair‑friendly, and the Luas and DART services are equipped with level boarding.
By car – Approximately a 10‑minute drive from the city centre. Free on‑site parking is provided near the gate.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Guided tours: Thursdays, 14:00 (April‑October, free, booking required via email).
Admission: Free for all visitors.
Accessibility: Main pathways are level and wheelchair‑accessible; some older sections have uneven walkways. Disabled parking is available near the entrance. Bike racks are situated beside the gate.
Contact:
- Phone (Cemetery): 01 821 3021
- Email (General enquiries): superintendent.park@opw.ie
- Email (Tours): phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
Website: Heritage Ireland – Grangegorman Military Cemetery
Visiting Tips
- The site has no on‑site café or restroom; facilities are available at the nearby Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
- Arrive early in the morning for the quietest atmosphere and the best light for photography.
- If you plan to join the Anzac Day service, arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a spot.
Nearby Attractions
After exploring the cemetery, consider:
- A stroll into adjacent Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
- A short walk to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (≈1 km).
- A visit to the historic Arbour Hill Military Cemetery, which houses the graves of leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.