About Dean Swift Square
Hidden gem among best parks in Temple Bar, Dublin, Dean Swift Square is a quaint public pocket park honouring the satirical genius Jonathan Swift, dean of nearby St Patrick's. Off Essex Street East, this intimate space blends manicured lawns, wrought-iron railings, and blooming herbaceous borders with the hum of Temple Bar's alleys. Benches under pleached limes invite lingering, while interpretive panels share Swift's wit on Dublin life. It's a serene contrast to the area's frenzy, perfect for reading or reflection amid heritage buildings.
What to Expect
Compact yet charming, expect soft grass for picnics, seasonal tulips and roses perfuming the air, and the trickle of a small water feature. Mornings see locals jogging or sipping flasks from Queen of Tarts cafe nearby; afternoons draw writers to the shaded seats. No big events, but occasional poetry readings nod to Swift. Fully accessible via ramps, free entry, and dog paradise off-leash hours. The square's enclosure feels like a secret garden, with ivy-clad walls echoing laughter from adjacent pubs.
Insider Tips
Channel Swift by pondering his 'modest proposal' plaque while munching a scone from nearby. Best at dawn for solitude, or pair with a Swift tour at St Patrick's Cathedral (5-min walk). Avoid lunch rush; instead, twilight brings golden light filtering through trees. Local hack: the adjacent Essex Street arcade has vintage shops for post-park browsing. For families, it's safe for toddlers chasing butterflies. This wee park captures Temple Bar's literary underbelly , don't miss it on your green spaces crawl.
Swift lived nearby, and the square perpetuates his legacy since 2000s restoration. Sensory delight: birdsong, floral scents, cool stone benches , a tranquil thread in Temple Bar's tapestry.