Stardust Memorial Park facts for kids
Stardust Memorial Park (which in Irish is An Pháirc Cuimhneacháin Stardust) is a special park in Coolock, Dublin. It is also called the Stardust Memorial Garden. This park was created to remember the people who lost their lives in the Stardust fire in 1981. This sad event happened in Artane, a place not far from the park.
The park was officially opened on September 18, 1993. The person who opened it was Tomás MacGiolla, who was the Lord Mayor of Dublin at that time. The park is a peaceful place for everyone to visit.
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What is the Stardust Memorial Park?
Stardust Memorial Park is a place of remembrance. It helps people remember a very sad event that happened in 1981. This event was a fire at the Stardust nightclub. Many young people were there enjoying themselves when the fire started. The park helps keep their memory alive.
Remembering the Stardust Fire
The Stardust fire was a big tragedy for Dublin. It happened on Valentine's Day in 1981. Many young people were affected by this terrible event. The park was built to honor those who were lost. It is a quiet space for reflection and peace.
Exploring the Park's Design
The park has a very special design. It includes a beautiful memorial that helps us remember. This memorial is the main part of the park. It was carefully planned to be a meaningful tribute.
The Dancing Couple Memorial
At the heart of the park is a circular pool. In the middle of this pool, there is a bronze sculpture. This sculpture shows a dancing couple. A talented artist named Robin Buick designed this sculpture. It is a lovely way to remember the young people.
The Fountain and Fence Panels
The dancing couple sculpture is surrounded by a fountain. This fountain has 48 water jets. These jets pump water and light up, making the fountain shine. Around the fountain, there are 48 fence panels. Each panel stands for one person who was lost in the tragedy. It is a powerful way to show how many lives were affected.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Stardust Memorial Park is not just for remembering. It also has many things for the public to enjoy. It is a place where families can spend time together. The park offers different activities for visitors.
Playtime at the Playground
One of the fun things in the park is a playground. It has been recently updated, so it's new and exciting. Kids can play and have a great time there. It's a perfect spot for younger visitors to enjoy themselves.
Relaxing at the Garden Terrace
The park also has a garden terrace. This is a nice place to sit and relax. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a good spot to take a break and enjoy nature.
The Park's Natural Beauty
The park is quite large, covering 22 acres of land. It is located along the Santry River. This river adds to the park's natural beauty. The land itself has a long history.
A Look at the Park's History
A very long time ago, in the 12th century, this land was a monastic site. This means it was a place where monks lived and prayed. So, the park stands on land with a rich past. It connects the present with history.