This summer, Iveagh Gardens transforms into the ultimate destination for music lovers, boasting a comprehensive line up of concerts against its picturesque Dublin backdrop. Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of performances, from the soulful brilliance of Van Morrison to the invigorating energy of Phoenix and more. This blog post serves as your essential guide to navigating the exciting events, offering a sneak peek at the top acts, practical advice for concert-goers, and a brief history of the gardens themselves. Whether you're a devoted fan or exploring the music scene for the first time, we have all the information you need to ensure a memorable experience at Iveagh Gardens this summer.
The Iveagh Gardens Venue: A Quick Look
Nestled in the heart of Dublin, the Iveagh Gardens is a hidden jewel often overlooked even by many locals. Conceived by Ninian Niven in 1865, this enclosed garden complex is a prime example of classic English Landscape style, marking it as one of Dublin’s cherished yet lesser-known attractions. Unlike the more expansive festivals scattered across Dublin, the events held within these gardens offer an intimate, unique and personal experience. Despite its cosy ambience, the Iveagh Gardens are ingeniously designed to host larger crowds as well, ensuring a good view of the stage for everybody. This blend of exclusivity and accessibility sets the garden’s events apart, creating memorable experiences in a picturesque setting.
Iveagh Gardens Summer Line Up 2024: Our Top Picks
As we look ahead to this summer, the Iveagh Gardens line up is set to deliver a memorable time. Here is the preview of what we’re most excited about in this year's roster:
Van Morrison
The series begins on a momentous note with Van Morrison's soulful stylings on the 4th of July. Known for his rich, distinctive and poetic lyrics, Van Morrisons' performance is bound to be a highlight of the summer. With a career spanning over 5 decades, his timeless hits such as “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Moondance”, and “Into the Mystic” have become anthems for multiple generations. His iconic presence will make it a must-see for any music lover. Fans can expect a night of classics and perhaps some surprises from his extensive collection.
Christy Moore
On Thursday, 11th July, Christy Moore, whose powerful folk tunes have captivated audiences for decades, takes the stage. A true Irish legend, Christy’s passionate lyrics and timeless melodies have cemented his place in the hearts of music fans worldwide. His ability to tell stories through songs such as “Ride On” and “The Voyage” resonates deeply with his listeners. Christy Moore’s performances promise to be an intimate and emotional evening, celebrating the rich tradition of Irish folk music.
Pheonix
For some more international flavour, Phoenix will take the spotlight with its iconic blend of electronic rock music. The critically acclaimed French band will bring a dance-floor-ready atmosphere to the Iveagh Gardens, with classic hits like “Lisztomania” and “1901” sure to get the crowd moving.
Damien Dempsey
Damien Dempsey will perform for two nights this year on Friday and Saturday, July 19th and 20th. The Irish icon is set to deliver an unforgettable evening with his deep lyrics and infectious energy. Dempsey’s songs, like " It's All Good” and “Apple of My Eye,” reflect his passion for the human spirit. Additionally, fans can look forward to his appearance at festivals this summer as he is also part of the Electric Picnic Line Up for 2024.
Paloma Faith
This concert series will conclude with Paloma Faith's performance on the 21st of July. Known for her theatrical presence and powerful vocals, Paloma seamlessly blends pop, soul and jazz elements. Her vibrant and eclectic style stage presence will surely stand out in the summer series. With hits like “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” and “Picking up the Pieces”, Faith collection is emotionally charged and is most definitely uplifting. She promises to bring a dynamic and memorable performance to Iveagh Gardens this summer.
Where Is Iveagh Gardens?
Iveagh Gardens is located between Clonmel Street and Upper Hatch Street, near the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Finding the gardens should be a breeze as they are nestled conveniently in Dublin's city centre. Despite this, many people miss them!
If you're looking for a full-day experience, you can explore the area around the garden, and there’s plenty to do. You can rent a bike and explore the surrounding area leisurely, visiting landmarks like St. Stephen's Green, the National Concert Hall, Merrion Square, and many more.
Visit the venue's website here for maps and detailed garden directions.
What is Iveagh Gardens Capacity?
Iveagh Gardens can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees at a single concert. Although this may still sound like a large crowd, the venue ensures cosiness and intimacy throughout each and every performance.
While the crowd will likely be standing during the concert, Iveagh Gardens has a thoughtful layout that offers a great view of the stage from various angles, regardless of where you stand or sit.
Because of this limited capacity, we urge you to buy your tickets early, as they can be purchased in advance. Once you obtain your ticket, arrive early, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring essentials like water and comfortable shoes for the best concert experience!
Accessibility:
Iveagh Gardens aims to be a welcoming space for everyone, including individuals with mobility challenges. Entrances from Clonmel Street, for example, are available for those in wheelchairs.
Toilet areas also have accessible stalls featuring grab bars and wider doorways for easier manoeuvring. The majority of the pathways within the gardens are paved and mostly level, making them safe for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Additionally, sign language interpretation may be available for select concerts, and assistance for visually impaired guests or special accommodations can be arranged upon request. We encourage concert-goers with specific accessibility needs to contact the venue well in advance to discuss personalised arrangements to enhance their experience.
Public Transport & Parking Options
Iveagh Gardens is essentially accessible from all corners of the city. We’d recommend planning ahead for the best routes based on timing, convenience, and cost!
Public transportation, for starters, is an excellent way to reach Iveagh Gardens. It's easy, convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective! Multiple bus routes, trams, and trains all connect to the area. For example, several Luas tram lines (including the green line) stop at St. Stephen's Green, which is an easy 20-minute walk from Iveagh Gardens.
If you drive to an event, nearby parking garages and areas are also available. Street parking is free of charge and available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, except Sundays and bank holidays, which are free all day.
For a more dedicated parking lot, Q-Park Stephens Green is open 24 hours a day, costing €4/hour, €14 overnight, and €27/day.
The TFI Live App or Google Maps are handy for planning out your journey. These tools allow users to see transport routes, schedule transport, or reserve parking in real-time traffic updates. Utilise these tools to ensure a smooth trip to and from your concert!
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