Victor's Way Indian Sculpture Park – Wicklow, Ireland - Atlas Obscura

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Victor's Way Indian Sculpture Park

An eccentric garden of sculptures crafted in India decorate an Irish green space dedicated to Alan Turing. 

211
1972

The unusual spiritual visions of an Irishman were created in stone by craftsmen in Mahabalipuram, India, and now populate a sculpture park in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Covering 22 acres, the park includes a series of dancing figures of Ganesh, Shiva, and other Hindu deities. It also includes more bizarre sculptures of a skeletal Buddha-like figure, an enormous disembodied finger, and a sculpture called “The Split Man” which shows a figure ripping itself in two, representing “the mental state of the dysfunctional human.”

Intended to represent the spiritual progression to enlightenment, this collection of 14 statues took 20 years to complete. A plaque dedicates the park to mathematician Alan Turing.

The park was known as Victoria’s Way until 2015, when it was closed by the owner, who stated, “Too may day-trippers came turned it into a fun park for parents with children. It was designed as a contemplative garden for over 28’s.” It was reopened in 2016 as Victor’s Way (reverting to its original name) with new age restrictions. 

Know Before You Go

From Dublin take the N11 south towards Wicklow. Turn right at Kilmacanogue towards Glendalough. After about 7 miles turn right towards Sally Gap (Route 759). At the first crossroad (after 600 yards) turn left towards Roundwood. You'll find the Indian Sculpture Park @ Victoria's Way, 300 yards up the road on the left. Admission is €5 per adult. Victor is usually outside by the small shed where you pull up to. If he is not there, he is probably out within the park; use the Honesty Box.

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