The Garden of the Other World

The theme of the Garden is inspired by ancient Irish Myths. The design is based on two of these. The Garden of the Tuatha de Danann or (The Garden of the Other World) and the Birth of the Shannon. These combine to form an appropriate theme for a commemorative garden for the deceased pupils of this school.

Each of the deceased is specifically commemorated by the planting of Snowdrops. Snowdrops flower in the coldest and shortest months of the year. They are rightly regarded as the harbinger of hope, better times and new life in our darkest times. The Snowdrops are planted in a space that is otherwise empty during the rest of the year, to symbolise the irreplaceable loss to the families and the school community of the deceased pupils.

The garden is many other things. It will be a little green oasis, a quiet space to repose and contemplate, where pupils and staff can retreat to repose and meditate. It is designed to captivate the imagination and to reflect the rewards and personal development from the pursuit of knowledge. The Garden is designed to appeal to all the senses, smell, sound, sight, touch and to captivate the imagination.

A contemplative garden is seasonless. It does not change during the year. It is composed of stone, water and evergreen plants.

The Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny from Tara is the central large boulder. It is a reminder that our actions now influence our own destiny. The seven rough hewn boulders around the pool represent the unformed pupil, initiated into the school in the Tuatha de Danann Garden of Knowledge. These are the benches where students sit and learn around the Fountain of Knowledge. The round smooth fountain stone in the centre of the pool represents the same students fully formed leaving the Garden of Knowledge.

The Hazel is a symbol of power and plenty. The Tuatha de Danann equated knowledge to power. Knowledge can be used to enlighten or to destroy. There are seven Hazels planted in the Garden of Knowledge as described in the Tuatha de Danann Garden.

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ or contorted Hazel is a deformity. It is planted alone in the small garden opposite to symbolise the end effect of abuse or misuse of knowledge. All other plants in the garden are deeply symbolised. In Christian and Pre-Christian times evergreen plants, those that stayed fresh in winter, were accorded a special status.

The walls in time will be clothed in the Ivy. The hedge is our native holly – a sacred tree in Ireland. The ground cover includes Gerenium Mourning Widow and the evergreen Spurge, Bainne Caoin. Surrounding the edge of the pool is Golden Thyme, which is a delight to touch, smell or taste. Finally the Arum Lily is the only flower in the garden. Its perfect noble white flowers at Easter symbolise perfection and fully realised potential.

Greenery, water and rock induce tranquillity and prepare one for contemplation.

JOHN JOE COSTIN, December 19th, 1996