Circle of Life Commemorative Garden
National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden 🍃
he National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden is located adjacent to the Promenade in Salthill overlooking Galway Bay. The title of the garden, “Circle of Life”, takes its name from its centrepiece which consists of five 2 metre tall standing stones positioned in a circle and each with a carving and inscription symbolising the connectivity and interdependence of man at the different stages of his journey through life.
The garden’s heart is encircled by five towering stones, each standing at 2 meters tall, adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. These stones serve as symbolic markers of the various stages of life’s journey, embodying the unity and dependence that weave through them.
An Oasis of Calm and Reflection 🌿
More than just a physical space, the garden invites all to experience its inclusive charm. Among its many remarkable features, the Global Heritage Stones trail is a standout, showcasing stones from each of the five continents. These stones carry the universal message of organ donation’s life-giving cause, while simultaneously fostering a sense of global togetherness.
As part of the Quincentennial Park, the garden also boasts a wildflower sanctuary, an ornamental pond graced by a majestic bird sculpture, a mesmerizing waterfall, and a picturesque footbridge. This meticulously crafted oasis offers an ideal backdrop for cherished wedding photographs and a haven for contemplation and solace.
Circle of Life Garden Highlights
Time capsule 📅
Originally opened in 1984 as a tribute to Galway’s rich history, the “Circle of Life” Garden was funded by the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), a computer manufacturing giant. Its legacy persists as a tribute to the elderly citizens of the city. A commemorative stone overlooks a time capsule, a window to the past that won’t be opened until the year 2484.
These, and the garden’s many other stone features, sculpture and inscriptions, are designed to create an inclusive place of beauty, inspiration which is welcome to all. The garden is a wonderful space to relax and reflect during your visit to Galway.