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13 Dec 2025

PHOTO GALLERY: Launch of Meditation Garden at Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens

Reporter:

Senan Hogan

08 May 2018 1:20 PM

All photographs by Caroline Norris The Irish National Stud & Gardens celebrates Japan and Japanese Culture   The Irish National Stud & Gardens is celebrating the launch of the newly re-developed Garden of Meditation. The Garden was originally created in the 1980’s as a Garden of Eternity. The original design by John Colleran, portrayed the link between the human and spiritual elements of human existence. The new Garden of Meditation re-interpreted by Yvonne O Conor, emphasises the simplicity of Zen thinking and invites the viewer towards meditation through contemplation. Zen is a way of life, a search for meaning that elevates simplicity to an art form. A Zen or dry landscape garden is created from the individual inspiration of the designer. Its purpose is to draw the viewer into a state of contemplation as a way towards meditation. On May 4th, the Garden of Meditation will be officially opened by her excellency Mrs Mari Miyoshi the Japanese Ambassador. Cathal Beale (CEO) said “We are delighted to welcome Her Excellency to officially open our new Garden of Meditation and to yet again celebrate the close ties between our two cultures.” In conjunction with the launch the Irish National Stud & Gardens are hosting a Hanami Festival on Saturday the 5th of May. The ‘Hanami’ or flower viewing is the centuries-old Japanese custom of families and groups all over Japan coming together to enjoy springtime and the viewing of the beautiful ‘Sakura’ or cherry blossom. A terrific line up of activities including origami workshops, fan painting and much more will take place throughout the day.   To finish the festivities a guided historical tour of the over 100-year-old Japanese Garden will be given by our expert Horticulturalist, Yvonne O’Conor.     For further information, please contact: David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager, Irish National Stud & Gardens Tel: 045 521 617 / dwardell@irishnationalstud.ie or Ellen Mitchell, Marketing officer, Irish National Stud & Gardens Tel: 045 521 617/ emitchell@irishnationalstud.ie   Notes to Editor:   The Irish National Stud is only 40 minutes from Dublin and is located off exit 13 on the M7   Admission Prices Adult – €12.50 Student / Seniors – €9.50 Children (5yrs – 15yrs) – €7.00 Children (under 5) – FREE Family Ticket – €29.50 (includes 2 adults and 4 children) You can also purchase a Season Pass and visit the stud and gardens all year round Tickets can be purchased at a reduced rate online at www.irishnationalstud.ie   Opening Times Monday – Sunday (including Bank Holidays) 9:00am – 6:00pm Last Admission 5:00pm Daily Guided Tour Times 10:30am, 12noon, 2:00pm & 4:00pm

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