NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS OF IRELAND
Located in Glasnevin, County Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens are noted for their fine plant collections holding more than 15,000 plant species and cultivars from a variety of habitats from around the world.
The gardens are famous for their exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses, notably the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture. Visitors can enjoy such features as the herbaceous borders, rose garden, the alpine yard, the pond area, rock garden and arboretum.
Conservation plays an important role in the life of the botanic garden and Glasnevin is home to more than 300 endangered plant species from around the world including six species that are already extinct in the wild.
Glasshouses and Gardens are accessible for people with disabilities but there are some steep gradients.
The activities and role of the Botanic Gardens is a great deal more varied than meets the eye. The purpose is to explore, understand, conserve, and share the importance of plants and they aim to make the National Botanic Gardens a place where leisure, recreation and education are all compatible for the enjoyment of their visitors.
CONSERVATION
Within the living collections at the National Botanic Gardens we have over 300 endangered species from around the world, and 6 species already extinct in the wild. These are a vital resource, like a Noah's Ark for the future.
EDUCATION
Education is a fundamental role of the National Botanic Gardens: through our collections and activities we aim to increase public awareness of plants and their importance to people globally.
They now have Audio tours which enable visitors to take self-guiding tours through their own MP3 player, mobile phone or souvenir player.
SCIENCE
Staff at the Gardens are actively describing new species; increasing our knowledge of the Irish flora; conducting collecting expeditions; and investigating the needs of our most threatened native species. The National Herbarium is based within the National Botanic Gardens, and has a collection of nearly ¾ million dried plant specimens. We also have an active DNA research lab.
REFERENCE
By holding a wide range of named and labelled collections and keeping an up-to-date catalogue of the collections, the collection provides a unique reference source for Irish Gardeners, Horticulturists and Botanists.
DEMONSTRATION
Cultivating a wide range of plants from the diverse climatic regions of the world, and displaying these under good horticultural practice allows our visitors to see what they too can achieve in their own gardens. We run training courses in gardening and hold practical workshops throughout the year - see our events page for details.
RECREATION
The overall design and contents of the Garden creates an environment that is stimulating, whether a visitor is here for instruction or pleasure. However, it should be remembered that the primary role of the Gardens is as a scientific collection and therefore we do not allow dogs, picnics, bicycles, scooters, fishing, ball games, jogging or running, nor the playing of musical instruments or recorded music.
Entry is free and it’s open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Opening times vary depending on the season.