If Queen Elizabeth visits the Garden of Remembrance, which commemorates Irish freedom fighters, during her proposed visit next year it would be a "provocative move" that would "rub salt on old wounds", according to the republican group Éirigí.

Éirigí is strongly opposed to the queen's proposed visit, which has been welcomed by most political parties.

While the monarch's proposed itinerary during her visit to Ireland has yet to be finalised, a government source said a trip to the Garden of Remembrance is being considered. It is not yet known if the queen's itinerary will be kept under wraps for security reasons.

"If she is going to go the Garden of Remembrance, she might as well go to the GPO. It would be rubbing salt in old wounds," said Éirigí chairman Brian Leeson. "The Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to those who fought for Irish freedom. It would seem to be a very provocative move. The primary reason for our opposition to the visit is because of the British occupation in the North."

In June, Taoiseach Brian Cowen confirmed discussions were under way between the Irish and British governments to arrange a visit by the queen before the end of next year. Since then, the government has not been drawn on where the monarch might visit during her trip.

While the idea of the queen visiting the Garden of Remembrance offends some, others believe a visit would prove the relationship between Ireland and the UK has reached maturity.

The Garden of Remembrance is a memorial garden dedicated to the memory of "all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom". It is located in Parnell Square on Dublin's northside.

The government has said a state visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth would honour all that has been achieved by the two countries in the peace process. While the threat from dissidents north and south of the border has grown marginally in the past 12 months, it is expected security around the queen during her trip to Ireland will be extensive.