National Botanic Gardens of Ireland - Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland

Overview

The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, just 3 kilometres from Dublin city centre, are home to over 16,000 plant species and cultivars from habitats around the world.

Founded at the end of the 18th century and spread over 20 hectares, the gardens have been a favourite destination for Dubliners for generations.

Conservation is central to the gardens' mission - Glasnevin is home to over 300 endangered plant species, some of which are already extinct in the wild. Admission is free, making it one of the most rewarding and underrated stops in the city.

What You'll See

The jewel of the gardens is a set of exquisitely restored historic glasshouses - most notably Richard Turner's Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both winners of a Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture.

The Great Palm House is Ireland's only tropical rainforest under glass. Outdoor features include the rose garden, a bog garden, arboretum, rockery, herbaceous borders, an aquatic house, cactus house, fern house, and a vegetable garden.

The grounds also contain the National Herbarium and a wild Ireland native conservation area, with the River Tolka running along the boundary.

Visitor Essentials

The gardens are open year-round and admission is free. Guided tours run all year at designated times throughout the week. Use the link below to check current operating hours and tour schedules.

Tips

The gardens are easily combined with a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery, located directly next door, and the nearby Gravediggers pub (John Kavanagh's) is one of Dublin's most atmospheric old pubs.

The gardens are about 3 km from the city centre - Dublin Bus routes serve Glasnevin Hill, and the journey from O'Connell Street takes roughly 20 minutes.

Summer weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit; weekend afternoons can get busy with local families.

Parking in this area can be challenging, so I'd suggest navigating the local bus routes or taking a taxi to get here.

Official Site: https://www.botanicgardens.ie