Merrion Square Rethinking

A proposal to transform one of Dublin's most beloved Georgian parks into a biodiverse urban meadow that would maintain its historic character while dramatically increasing ecological value. Native wildflower meadows would replace manicured lawns, and a network of rain gardens would manage stormwater while creating habitat corridors.

The Site Today

Existing conditions recorded at Merrion Square.

Before / After

Site photographs visualised with the proposed design interventions.

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After

Central path junction — the worn lawn would become a native wildflower meadow threaded with mown paths.

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After

The open central lawn reimagined as a flowering meadow with a sinuous mown walking route.

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After

The perennial bed would become a native rain garden with a stone-lined infiltration channel.

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After

The worn, puddled path would be replaced with permeable gravel and a planted stormwater bioswale.

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After

The wild hedge would be layered into a native Irish hedgerow with woodland bulbs at its edge.

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After

The woodland edge would gain a native understory of ferns and wildflowers around the timber play structure.

Our Approach

Our interdisciplinary team would conduct extensive soil analysis and historical research to develop a planting palette that honours the park's 18th-century origins while introducing native Irish species. Community workshops would ensure local residents shape the final design.