Walks: National War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge

Lutyens's gardens and monuments remember the Irish killed in both world wars. The park, managed by the OPW, is adorned with fountains, pavilions, monuments and floral displays is an interesting place for walking.

Beyond the car park at Islandbridge, pass Trinity boat club and continue along the Liffey. At a small monument, pause to reflect on Rupert Brooke's lines: "Tears of men... and sleep, and freedom and the autumnal earth."

Turn left to the memorial area and the high cross above an imposing semi-circle of steps. Four pagodas represent Ireland's provinces. Illustrated books name the Irish killed in the first world war. Thanks to local poet, Liam O'Meara, a plaque to Francis Ledwidge was erected. Killed on Flanders fields, Ledwidge is renowned for his tribute to Thomas McDonagh, 1916 leader: "He shall not hear the bittern cry in the wild sky, nor voices of the sweeter birds above the wailing of the rain."

A pedestrian gate leads to Con Colbert Road and Inchicore. Return to Islandbridge through the gardens or take a longer trek along the river towards Chapelizod. The gardens are spectacular when roses cascade but in November the mood is sombre.

TONY QUINN

More www.heritageireland.ie; Dublin City Park & Gardens, Moira Bowers, 1999; www.dublinbus.ie. Train or Luas to Heuston Station