Botanic Gardens Dublin

The National Botanic Gardens have two sites, one in Glasnevin, Dublin, and the other in Kilmacurragh, Co Wicklow. The Glasnevin site is 5 km north of the city centre, close to Glasnevin Cemetery. Consisting of 19.5 hectares, it was founded in 1795 by the Dublin Society (later the Royal Dublin Society). It is now owned by the State.

It holds approximately 20,000 living plants and many millions of dried plant specimens. As well as being a tourist destination and an amenity for nearby residents, the gardens, also serve as a centre for horticultural research and training, including the breeding of many prized orchids. Admission is free.

The gardens include some glasshouses of architectural importance, such as the Palm House and the Curvilinear Range.

The Kilmacurragh site, consisting of 21 hectares, is located about 20 km southeast of Glendalough in Co Wicklow. The different soil and climatic conditions at Kilmacurragh have resulted in many plant species succeeding here while struggling or failing at Glasnevin. Kilmacurragh is particularly famous for its conifer and rhododendron collections.

The Gardens at both Glasnevin and Kilmacurragh are open every day throughout the year and there is no admission fee to walk and explore.

Official site: Dublin Botanic Gardens