The garden which is situated at Brooklyn, 65 Knock Road, Belfast, provides a major tribute to policing in Ireland. It, in particular, marks the service and sacrifice of RUC officers and offers a unique three-dimensional experience unparalleled anywhere in the world.
The design of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC Garden represents a move away from the traditional concept of a war memorial, adopting a more contemporary aspect allowing people to take different experience from their visits. It includes an historical walk featuring benches and plaques to create what designers call a “history timeline” marking important dates in the history of the RUC. The needs of the disabled, visually impaired and hard of hearing and other specialist groups are accommodated in the Garden.
In the more private “Area of Peace” part of the Garden a “Roll of Honour” inscribed on granite tablets, includes the names of all officers who died, in service as a direct result of terrorism, in service but not directly related to terrorism, out of service but directly related to terrorism and Police Authority members and staff who died as a result of terrorism. Commemorative plaques also acknowledge the support given to the RUC by the Ulster Special Constabulary, the armed services and the wider police family.
The list of names commences at 1st June 1922 and ends at 3rd November 2001 after which the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC changed to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The RUC George Cross Foundation has responsibility for the upkeep of the Garden and will also have responsibility for a new purpose built police museum which will be built adjacent to the Garden.
View photos of the Memorial Garden on the Gallery page.
[Click image to view in more detail]