An illustrated history of its landscape and management, 1880 – 1980.

This book explores the history and evolution of the Phoenix Park, a site of cultural, recreational, and historical importance. From its infrastructure—gate lodges, cycling paths, and utilities—to its landscapes shaped by gardeners and horticulturists this text examines the chronicles of the Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park: An Illustrated history of its landscape and management 1880 – 1980 displays the role of the park in Irish life, from hosting events like the Tailteann Games and the Papal Visit, to serving as a hub for sports from cricket to Gaelic football, and adjusting during wartime and political change. With chapters on military history, law and order, and its role as a community space, the Phoenix Park is celebrated as a testament to Ireland’s strength and heritage.

Author bio:

John A. McCullen graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a first-class honours degree in horticulture in 1970 followed by an M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from Wye College, London University. In 2007 he was awarded a PhD by the University of Dublin (History of Art Dept., Trinity College) for his thesis on the Landscape History and Management of the Phoenix Park from 1800 – 1880. He retired as chief park superintendent (Office of Public Works, OPW) in 2012 and had been responsible for the management and conservation of the Phoenix Park for almost 25 years. John had also been involved in the conservation and restoration of many of the OPW’s Historic Parks and Gardens during this period. These included the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge; the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham; the Military Cemetery at Grangegorman; Arbour Hill; St. Stephen’s Green Park; Iveagh Gardens; the Swiss Cottage, Cahir; Roscrea Castle; the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge, Drogheda; Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow; Emo Court, Portarlington; Heywood Garden, Ballinakill, Co. Loais; Castletown Demesne, Co. Kildare and Kilkenny Castle Demesne. He is the author of An illustrated history of the Phoenix Park (Landscape and Management to 1880) published in 2009 and co-authored A Manual of Urban Trees (1982) with Richard Webb. He also contributed to Wild Plants of the Phoenix Park by P.A. Reilly, P.A., with contributions from Kelly, Synnott and McCullen, 1993.