Nature spot · County Dublin
National Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1795, the National Botanic Gardens are a botanic haven within the bustling capital city. Set in Glasnevin, County Dublin, the gardens contain more than 15,000 plant species from habitats around the world. Admission is free.
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.
Free guided tours are available on Sundays. A small fee is charged for guided tours on weekdays. The Gardens host many workshops, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Admission is free. Car parking is available for a small fee. Glasshouses and gardens are accessible for people with disabilities but there are some steep gradients.
Only guide dogs are allowed. As the Gardens are a scientific collection, picnics, bicycles, fishing, ball games, jogging or running are not allowed.
Follow a passage in the gardens to access nearby Glasnevin Cemetery.
Outdoors in County Dublin this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, light winds, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Scattered clouds
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 13°Scattered clouds
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 700 m awayGriffith ParkParkDublinSituated in Dublin City on the Tolka River between Glasnevin and Drumcondra and just downstream from the National Botanic Gardens, Griffith Park extends to 7.5 hectares.
Nature spot · 1.7 km awayBlessington Street Basin (Dublin's Secret Garden)ParkDublin CityThe Blessington Street Basin is known as Dublin's secret garden, as it remains largely undiscovered in the city. Most of the park is water and it also includes an artificial island created as a refuge for animals.
Nature spot · 2.1 km awayAn Gairdín CuimhneacháinGarden of RemembranceParkDublin CityA place of quiet remembrance and reflection, the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin city centre is dedicated to the memory of ‘all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom’.