← All events
arts · Saturday 11 July 2026 · 12:30pm 
RBL Ireland Annual Somme Ceremony of Remembrance
At Irish National War Memorial Gardens · Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Dublin
At Irish National War Memorial Gardens · Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Dublin
Every year on the Saturday closest to 1 July - the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme - the Royal British Legion Ireland holds a ceremony of remembrance and wreath-laying at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge. It is a free, public event open to all, and it stands as one of the most quietly affecting commemorations on the Irish calendar. If you have any interest in Irish and First World War history, or simply want to pay your respects to the approximately 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in that conflict, this is worth a Saturday afternoon.
The ceremony begins at 12:30pm and runs for roughly two and a half hours. A parade of standards opens the proceedings - representatives from the Royal British Legion, former service organisations, regimental associations, and commemorative groups marching together. After the parade, an ecumenical remembrance service takes place, with readings and musical performances. Wreaths are laid at the memorial. The tone is solemn and inclusive; this is an island of Ireland event, welcoming people from all backgrounds and traditions.
The gardens themselves are a significant part of the experience. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens - the architect behind the London Cenotaph - they were formally dedicated in 1988 and include sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders, a Stone of Remembrance, and four granite bookrooms, one for each Irish province. Those bookrooms hold the illuminated Harry Clarke manuscripts listing the name of every Irish soldier lost in the First World War. Even outside of the ceremony, this is one of the most architecturally and historically important public spaces in Dublin.
The gardens are in Islandbridge, Dublin 8, on the south bank of the Liffey, about 3km west of the city centre. By public transport, take the Luas Red Line to Suir Road or Heuston, then a short walk or taxi south to the gardens. Dublin Bus routes serving the general area include the 25, 25A, 26, and 66 series from the quays. By car, the gardens are signed from the South Circular Road; parking is available on surrounding streets, though spaces fill quickly near ceremony time so allow extra time.
Islandbridge sits between Kilmainham and Phoenix Park, and you can easily combine this visit with a walk through one of Europe’s largest urban parks or a visit to Kilmainham Gaol nearby. There is more to see in Dublin and across Co. Dublin.
Heading to Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Dublin? Dublin has plenty more to see. Read the Dublin area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.