One of the most unique and precious emeralds in Dublin's treasury is
the Phoenix Park, larger than all the London city-centre parks
combined and possibly the biggest urban park in Europe.
Named Anna Livia Plurabelle by James Joyce and lifeblood of the city
since and indeed before the Vikings plunged their longships into its
estuary nearly 1,200 years ago
Admittance to the park was once confined to the local residents which was deeply resented by other citizens accustomed to its accessibility.
The Grand Canal provides an almost idyll setting as it curves its way
through the south inner city.
In 1795 the Royal Dublin Society was appointed by the Irish
Parliament to open a botanical gardens where experiments and
research in Irish horticulture and agriculture would be undertaken.
