Biography

John A. McCullen graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a first class honours degree in horticulture in 1970 followed by an M.Sc. in Landscape Ecology, Design and Maintenance from Wye College London University. In 2007 he was awarded a PhD by the University of Dublin (History of Art Dept., Trinity College) for his thesis on the Landscape History and Management of the Phoenix Park from 1800 – 1880.

Retiring as chief park superintendent (Office of Public Works, OPW) in 2012, John had been responsible for the management and conservation of the Phoenix Park for almost 25 years. He was also involved in the conservation and restoration of many of the OPW’s Historic Parks and Gardens during this period.

John is author of 'An illustrated history of the Phoenix Park (Landscape and Management to 1880)', published in 2009 and co-author of 'A Manual of Urban Trees (1982)' with Richard Webb. More recently he has authored ‘The Phoenix Park: An illustrated history of its Landscape and Management 1880 – 1980’ which has just been published by the OPW.