Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden

Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden

Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden
5
About
A remarkably beautiful stone sculpted national commemorative garden to commemorate and celebrate the lives and generosity of spirit of organ donors. Its inclusive and welcoming design and aura of mysticism and healing provide a very special place to remember and reflect on loved ones. Its richness of imagery, symbolism and sentiment offers an inspirational and memorable visitation experience for all ages. Convenient to parking and hospitality facilities, served by public transport.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles217 reviews
Excellent
168
Very good
45
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0

Galwayforever
Galway, Ireland14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
This small park facing Salthill's Promenade is something that surprises you.
In a few seconds the scenery of the active and effervescent sea turns into a relaxing and peaceful landscape.
It is interesting to take some time to read the signs and understand the meaning of the circle of rocks and walk through the path enjoying the view and sounds of the small artificial lake which welcomes a tiny population of fish and birds.
Benches are available for resting under the trees.
If you have 10 minutes you have to pop in.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a really lovely review of the Circle of Life Garden and thank you for your description "Exquisite Designe". We always very much appreciate when people take the time to walk through the garden, read the inscriptions, and to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Thank you also for recommending a visit to other travellers. Kind regards, Martina & Denis
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gen B
Galway, Ireland10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
Calm and beautifully kept space. Plenty of seats in the different areas. Interesting to read the information boards to get more about the images carved in the stones. Small - could walk around in less then 10 minutes though could sit and meditate for much longer. Would be even better if the families were not using it as a playground (father racing children on bicycles/scooters around the paths with loud shouting)
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gen B, Thank you for your thoughtful review and your interesting observations about the Circle of Life Garden. Our aim when creating the garden was that it would be a special place of calm and peace for people to reflect on life and loved ones and that it would give people a memorable visitation experience. While we fully appreciate your comments about families and children using the area as a playground, unfortunately as it is a public park, there is little we can do about that. In most case, however, people and families are quite respectful and understanding of other visitors enjoyment of the garden and park. One of our biggest problems is the insensitivity of some dog owners who will not keep their dogs on a leash and very often do not clean up after them. A national problem, unfortunately. Thank you and, hopefully, if and when you do visit again, it will be a more relaxed and meditative experience. Martina & Denis
Written March 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

xxxJMKxxx
Dublin, Ireland136 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Salthill is a bustling holiday resort with all you would expect. Amusement arcades, lots of eateries and pubs, noisy funfares and all that goes with a typical holiday destination. But just up from the funfare is this peaceful enclave of restful contemplation. A park celebrating organ donation. Take a few minutes to ramble around and read the quotes on all the rocks. A beautiful park to while away a few minutes in another wise busy day
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi JMK, Great you got to visit the Circle of Life Garden and that you thought it was a peaceful enclave just off the very busy and lively Salthill Promenade. And thank you also for recommending spending a little while there to other TripAdvisor visitors. Best regards Martina & Denis
Written July 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FiFi
Naas, Ireland77 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Family
A hidden gem that could be easily missed with the hussle & bussle of Salthill. The garden is beautifully landscaped with meaningful messages dotted about. It's definitely worth a visit whether traveling alone or with family
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Fiona, Thank you for your lovely comments about the Circle of Life Garden and for recommending it to other visitors. Kind regards, Martina & Denis
Written July 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Doug J
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
What an incredible experience we had here. This place meant a lot to my wife and I as her brother had just passed away a month earlier and he was an organ donor. More importantly, our daughter got married in here! What a beautiful place.

Take your time to explore this little hidden gem!
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Doug, Apologies for not responding before now to your review of the garden on TripAdvisor. It is so lovely to read that you had a good experience in the garden and that it meant so much to your wife, as she remembered her brother. Also, how wonderful to know your daughter got married in the Garden. Sometime, you might contact us regarding your daughter's wedding event, we'd love to know more about it. With warm regards, Martina & Denis
Written March 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

O'Brien G
Athlone, Ireland724 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
This was our first visit to this garden, work was in progress on a new water feature. We felt that while the idea was a beautiful one that the place looked as if it tried to hard in terms of sculpture etc. Some of the planting was excellent and it is an oasis of peace just minutes from the Promenade in Salthill. The idea of commemorating those who donated organs is a very noble one and I'm sure this garden gives solace to many.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gearoid, Thanks for your review of the Circle of Life Garden and glad you found it to be an oasis of peace on the busy Salthill Promenade and "A Beautiful Idea". Galway City Council has been busy working on the pond and water features over the past few weeks as the water in the pond had become very stagnant and generally needed to be upgraded. The fish, have now returned to the pond, and are very happy with their new clean environment, as will visitors to the Park. You obviously had some reservations about the sculptures, but each sculpture with its carving and inscriptions has its own significance and relevance to the overall garden and to what it stands for. If you didn't have a chance to read the background and story of the garden on the entrance panels, maybe on another visit you might like to do so. Alternatively, you could take a look at the Circle of Life Garden leaflet which gives full details of the garden and its many features. This you will find on our Strange Boat website. Thanks again , Martina & Denis
Written September 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Joe D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Family
This is the most poignant, sentimental and touching place of serenity imaginable
I have been here on a number of occasions and each time I see and get more out of the experience.
Such a peacefull, poignant and beautiful place to sit, look, stare, think, reminisce, shed a tear and smile
It is incredibly stunning
Written January 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Joe, firstly apologies for not replying to your wonderful review of Circle of Life Garden on TripAdvisor. We very much appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the garden with other travellers. It is so lovely to know that visitors to the garden experience the kind of feelings and emotions you refer to, as this is what we hoped people might feel while spending time there. Our aim when designing and creating the garden was that it would be a place of beauty, and a place of comfort, healing and inspiration. You mentioned you have visited on a few occasions and we hope you will continue to visit and maybe we'll meet you there sometime. Warm regards, Martina & Denis
Written September 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nushaba25
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2014
This is a stunning garden of remembrance for organ donors who have passed on the gift of life to others It makes me want to live in Galway so I could visit more often.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, what a lovely comment you wrote on TripAdvisor about Circle of Life Garden making you want to live in Galway. Eventhough you don't live here, hopefully, you'll get the chance to visit the garden whenever you're back in the West of Ireland. Our apologies for taking so long to respond to your review which we very much appreciated. Warm wishes, Martina & Denis
Written September 2, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anna N
Galway, Ireland491 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Friends
well worth the visit and you will have a refreshed relaxing memory after and what is best about it - the location is between the two Hotels Salthill Hotel and the Galway Bay Hotel. After you visit it then walk the promenade so it is good for all age groups.
Written July 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Anna, thank you for taking the time to write a review of Circle of Life Garden for TripAdvisor, and sorry for taking so long to respond. You're absolutely right, the garden is located in a wonderful setting between two of Galway's best known hotels, the Galway Bay and Salthill Hotels, and on the busy Salthill promenade. As you said, a perfect place to relax and reflect on life. Hopefully, you'll visit again in the future. Regards, Martina & Denis
Written September 2, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Caroline R
Western Ireland, Ireland24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Solo
Absolutely love this park! Full of colour, looks beautiful all year around! Well worth a stroll through if your in Salthill.
Written May 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thanking you for taking the time to write a review of Circle of Life Garden for TripAdvisor, and sorry for taking so long to respond. We so much appreciate your very positive comments about the garden and for recommending it to other travellers. Thank you again, Warm regards, Martina & Denis
Written September 2, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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