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Can you believe it, this treasure is free!!!! Take a taxi out here, and go through the whole thing. It's marvelous. There's a palm house. A teak room- with begonias and things. There's a cacti room, and orchid room, a room dedicated to edible plants- like taro. It was just gorgeous in the glass houses. But outside is great too! There's a large water feature with water lilies (where we saw two herons hunting- one old guy and one youngster.) There are herbaceous borders, and large tree studded lots, rose gardens and edible plant gardens (with beets and kale). It was just a lovely place to wander and I had a superb time. I think children would enjoy it as much as adults (I saw several children enjoying it.) There is a cafe and nice toilets and a very small gift store. It's right next to Glasnevin, so maybe do a combined trip, as we did.
Serene and a great place to walk around, reflect and rejuvenate. I've only visited this garden once while on a long layover in Dublin. My friend Virginia and I decided to check it out because we were staying at a new hotel location. There wasn't much around the hotel, so we took a stroll to this lovely Botanical Garden. It's a nice place to chill especially on a beautiful sunny day. The park is tranquil with both local and exotic plants. It's a perfect place for a picnic. An excellent garden for children to explore, and learn about the different species of plants.
How in my 39 years I had not set foot through the gates of the Botanic Gardens before this is beyond me, particularly since I get such a kick out of all things green and flowery. After 2 hours of wandering and exploring we had only just scratched to surface, the place is vast and lends itself to hours of happy wandering and pottering. We shall be back - very very soon. Oh, absolutely worth mentioning - the café there is superb, It feels a bit basic but serves up some spectacular cakes (which we indulged in), some good looking food and some very bad coffee (get the tea, much better). The cost was not extortionate by any means.
On a sunny bank holiday in May, there may be no better place to come to observe almost as broad a cross-section of Dublin life as its worldwide plant counterparts, for on such days Dubliners in search of diversion flock to these gardens in their droves. All ages, shapes and sizes are to be found wandering its grounds, happily lulled into an easy sense of harmony with nature, however man-made. And why wouldn't they? This Irish treasure is big, beautiful, and exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with the exception of the odd underwhelmed botanist whom you'd guess may have devoted their life to plants to escape all that messy human-interaction business, as they glare beadily at anyone who gets too close to a rooted thing for their liking. But, in the main, Homo sapiens is a welcome genus here. In all seasons, the Bots, their local moniker, are well worth a visit, and there is artistic life to enjoy including the stunning new DNA sculpture of a double helix, down by the river, which was recently unveiled in the presence of none other than D-H discoverer himself, Nobel laureate Jim Watson. In spring and summer, though, the gardens come into their own, and the array of colour and diversity stops people in their tracks. You can almost taste the delicious aroma that wafts your way as you walk the flower pathways. There's also an organic walled garden and bee hives. The Tolka River runs through the Bots and there are large ponds which are gorgeous to sit beside and read or have a picnic, though I think that strictly speaking picnicking is out here, so it wouldn't be a lavish or overt affair. Surreptitious snacking, let's call it. There are two cafes, one large and a little canteen-feeling, but run by very friendly staff, even if the quality of the food doesn't quite live up to the service. I think it's improved over the past while though and there's a good range as they attempt to cater to all tastes. The alternative, newer café has less choice but is pretty good, and has a good range of cakes and sweet things. Oh, and the ubiquitous whipped ice cream (an Irish institution) that kids go crazy for when the clouds split for even five minutes (which, go figure, is the amount of time it takes for the vans that churn out the stuff to arrive, happiness-sirens sounding, in a suburban estate near you). SAD sufferers far and wide can take winter refuge in the huge central glasshouse, in fact I've harboured fantasies of moving in for just a week or two in the darkest months, its tropical temperatures being a welcome reprieve from the cold and grey, as you become temporarily engulfed in a canopy of green. There's a little bamboo house in its centre, and my kids have spent many happy times here playing games as I've sat on the steps and gazed into the mini-jungle of green, lapping up the warmth. The Bots borders Glasnevin cemetery and I have it on good advice that before too long there will be an adjoining gate between the two, which is a fantastic plan as both are places of great interest and exploratory possibility, yet to get from one to the other currently is quite the round trip. So come on Dublin council, make good on your promise and don't make us wait. One of the things I love most about this place is that it's not a park (with added advantage of no dogs, therefore no messes on kids' shoes), there is no playground, and therefore kids are ushered into the world of self-invented play. Trees with canopies become houses, sticks and fallen foliage are gathered and put to use, mostly clean-intentioned, and they proudly collect the small spoils of nature so essential to their adventures in the outdoors. It brings me back, and I never walk the river path without remembering my own indelible childhood moment from these gardens: age five or six, stopping with an open lace along that path and being shown how to tie it and, for the first time, succeeding all by myself. The Botanical Gardens is a great place to make memories, to watch children bloom, to take an elderly parent or relative, to talk with friends, to walk, draw or read a book by yourself, in an environment of botanical glory. So, not a bad spot to be a botanist, too. But, most of all, the perfect place to simply be.
I go to the Botanic Gardens a few times a year, but needless to say, the best times are Spring and Summer when the flowers and trees are in full bloom. There are several things about the Gardens that keep me entertained. First, the wildlife that lives here captivates me. Friendly squirrels and busy ducks will put on an amusing show. The squirrels are especially curious, probably from being fed, and they sometimes let you touch them. Second, the Victorian greenhouses are teeming with exotic plants and trees. I especially like to look at the cacti and bonsai collection, but then again the orchids and palm trees are pretty too. Third, the rose garden here makes me think I'm in the book Alice and Wonderland. There are beautiful red, yellow and pink roses sprouting off of thorny bushes. I'm always surprised that the flowers don't start talking because they seem so alive. Finally, another great aspect of the Gardens is that you can clip plant specimens and bring them home to pot and grow. Don't forget to bring your camera when you visit!
Oasis of calm 10 mins walk from my apartment. Great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If it is a nice day take a book and find a spot beneath a tree and leave reality behind. My only tip would be to avoid going on a Sunday afternoon if you are looking for quiet time as it can get very busy with families out for their Sunday stroll. Also the coffee shop is only so so, the coffee is not good.
This is one of the best spots in Dublin to wile away and afternoon. Compared to other botanic gardens such as Kew it is small, but it is perfectly formed and packs a real punch. The last time I was here I was so impressed by the amount of art installations, it had increased significantly even in the 4 months since I was last here. There was also an extensive and random assortment of temporary installations, the gardens really was a buzz of activity. There is also a lovely tearooms near the entrance, the cakes are great ;-) P.S. While you're in the area pop into Glasnevin Cemetery and explore Dublin's history in our garden cemetery.....
I'm not sure how in my almost 10 years in Dublin I hadn't heard of the National Botanic Gardens before. I went there at the weekend since (for once at this time of the year!) it was a sunny morning. Spent a couple of hours wandering around and taking pictures. The glasshouses are pretty cool in terms of both structure and variety of exotic plants and flowers inside. Despite not being the best season to visit I really enjoyed it and will definitely go back in spring/summer to check out flowers and trees in full bloom.
Has to be one of the best free attraction in Dublin. Just a bus ride away from the city centre, it's perfect in all seasons but at its best in spring and summer. The Victorian Glasshouse is fabulous. You can now access Glasnevin Cemetery from the gardens too. They have a lovely coffee shop which serves pastries, cakes, tea etc.
Although not too far from the city centre, the Botanic Gardens are an all too often forgotten leafy green patch, with enough rare flora and fauna to stump even your most avid amateur gardener. You don't need to be an Alan Titchmarsh-style enthusiast to appreciate the expanse of green loveliness the gardens have to offer. They host cavernous Victorian greenhouses with over-flowing plant life and beautiful walkways, which needless to say are best enjoyed in fine weather. On those odd afternoons when the clouds part and the Gods grace the city with a few rays of sunshine, there are few more scenic spots to soak them up than the Botanic Gardens, located just north of the city in Glasnevin.
What could be better than a lazy summer Saturday stretched on the warm grass in Glasnevin's lush botanic gardens? Carefully manicured and maintained since before Eamon D'Valera was a little boy, these gardens are a Northside retreat for locals and tourists alike. Stroll through the outdoor gardens, follies and stands of well maintained trees, toddle down to the river walk to admire statuary, or tour through the garden's Victorian arboretum. Those humid, high-roofed confections of glass are the dreamy homes of other-worldly plant life -huge ferns, delicate flora, plus an extensive (and sharp) cacti collection. Holiday Event: On Sunday 13 Dec The Gardens welcome Santa, story tellers and sellers of all things Yule at the 2009 Christmas Market. See website for details.
After walking through Glasnevin Cemetery, it was time for some green and some bright. Not that the cemetery isn't full of greenery, but let's see some without gravestones, mkay? The gardens dated back to 1795 when they were founded by the Dublin Society (later the Royal Dublin Society) and are a massive collection of some 20,000 living plants. And like the cemetery, it's free! Glass houses and gardens and walkways and benches and just beautiful flowers and blossoming trees and so much green. Even in early September as we're moving from Summer to Fall. I love that this is free and I think Dublin could do more to let people know that! [Review 1821 of 2024 - 80 in Republic of Ireland - 22843 overall] read more
2 years ago
A beautiful place with many different kinds of spaces and flowers. It was all free too! I can't recommend enough. read more
This is my second trip to Ireland and I am so happy I decided to stop at the National Botanic Gardens this time! It was utterly delightful & FREE!! Unfortunately our hop on hop off route was unable to take us all the way there but it was easy to take the bus the rest of the way. I only spent an hour and a half here but still saw so many beautiful things! I would highly recommend the trip. It is well worth the trip out for the sights you will see inside. However if you are or are with someone who has difficulty walking long distances this may not be for you. However most of the path had sloping ramps so that does appear to be wheelchair accessible! the greenhouses were really cool but they were not plants you would normally see in Ireland. I preferred walking the path to see all of the sights and plants blooming in the Ireland area! read more
Can you believe it, this treasure is free!!!! Take a taxi out here, and go through the whole thing. It's marvelous. There's a palm house. A teak room- with begonias and things. There's a cacti room, and orchid room, a room dedicated to edible plants- like taro. It was just gorgeous in the glass houses. But outside is great too! There's a large water feature with water lilies (where we saw two herons hunting- one old guy and one youngster.) There are herbaceous borders, and large tree studded lots, rose gardens and edible plant gardens (with beets and kale). It was just a lovely place to wander and I had a superb time. I think children would enjoy it as much as adults (I saw several children enjoying it.) There is a cafe and nice toilets and a very small gift store. It's right next to Glasnevin, so maybe do a combined trip, as we did. read more
2 years ago
9 years ago
Serene and a great place to walk around, reflect and rejuvenate. I've only visited this garden once while on a long layover in Dublin. My friend Virginia and I decided to check it out because we were staying at a new hotel location. There wasn't much around the hotel, so we took a stroll to this lovely Botanical Garden. It's a nice place to chill especially on a beautiful sunny day. The park is tranquil with both local and exotic plants. It's a perfect place for a picnic. An excellent garden for children to explore, and learn about the different species of plants. read more
4 years ago
15 years ago
12 years ago
How in my 39 years I had not set foot through the gates of the Botanic Gardens before this is beyond me, particularly since I get such a kick out of all things green and flowery. After 2 hours of wandering and exploring we had only just scratched to surface, the place is vast and lends itself to hours of happy wandering and pottering. We shall be back - very very soon. Oh, absolutely worth mentioning - the café there is superb, It feels a bit basic but serves up some spectacular cakes (which we indulged in), some good looking food and some very bad coffee (get the tea, much better). The cost was not extortionate by any means. read more
On a sunny bank holiday in May, there may be no better place to come to observe almost as broad a cross-section of Dublin life as its worldwide plant counterparts, for on such days Dubliners in search of diversion flock to these gardens in their droves. All ages, shapes and sizes are to be found wandering its grounds, happily lulled into an easy sense of harmony with nature, however man-made. And why wouldn't they? This Irish treasure is big, beautiful, and exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with the exception of the odd underwhelmed botanist whom you'd guess may have devoted their life to plants to escape all that messy human-interaction business, as they glare beadily at anyone who gets too close to a rooted thing for their liking. But, in the main, Homo sapiens is a welcome genus here. In all seasons, the Bots, their local moniker, are well worth a visit, and there is artistic life to enjoy including the stunning new DNA sculpture of a double helix, down by the river, which was recently unveiled in the presence of none other than D-H discoverer himself, Nobel laureate Jim Watson. In spring and summer, though, the gardens come into their own, and the array of colour and diversity stops people in their tracks. You can almost taste the delicious aroma that wafts your way as you walk the flower pathways. There's also an organic walled garden and bee hives. The Tolka River runs through the Bots and there are large ponds which are gorgeous to sit beside and read or have a picnic, though I think that strictly speaking picnicking is out here, so it wouldn't be a lavish or overt affair. Surreptitious snacking, let's call it. There are two cafes, one large and a little canteen-feeling, but run by very friendly staff, even if the quality of the food doesn't quite live up to the service. I think it's improved over the past while though and there's a good range as they attempt to cater to all tastes. The alternative, newer café has less choice but is pretty good, and has a good range of cakes and sweet things. Oh, and the ubiquitous whipped ice cream (an Irish institution) that kids go crazy for when the clouds split for even five minutes (which, go figure, is the amount of time it takes for the vans that churn out the stuff to arrive, happiness-sirens sounding, in a suburban estate near you). SAD sufferers far and wide can take winter refuge in the huge central glasshouse, in fact I've harboured fantasies of moving in for just a week or two in the darkest months, its tropical temperatures being a welcome reprieve from the cold and grey, as you become temporarily engulfed in a canopy of green. There's a little bamboo house in its centre, and my kids have spent many happy times here playing games as I've sat on the steps and gazed into the mini-jungle of green, lapping up the warmth. The Bots borders Glasnevin cemetery and I have it on good advice that before too long there will be an adjoining gate between the two, which is a fantastic plan as both are places of great interest and exploratory possibility, yet to get from one to the other currently is quite the round trip. So come on Dublin council, make good on your promise and don't make us wait. One of the things I love most about this place is that it's not a park (with added advantage of no dogs, therefore no messes on kids' shoes), there is no playground, and therefore kids are ushered into the world of self-invented play. Trees with canopies become houses, sticks and fallen foliage are gathered and put to use, mostly clean-intentioned, and they proudly collect the small spoils of nature so essential to their adventures in the outdoors. It brings me back, and I never walk the river path without remembering my own indelible childhood moment from these gardens: age five or six, stopping with an open lace along that path and being shown how to tie it and, for the first time, succeeding all by myself. The Botanical Gardens is a great place to make memories, to watch children bloom, to take an elderly parent or relative, to talk with friends, to walk, draw or read a book by yourself, in an environment of botanical glory. So, not a bad spot to be a botanist, too. But, most of all, the perfect place to simply be. read more
17 years ago
I go to the Botanic Gardens a few times a year, but needless to say, the best times are Spring and Summer when the flowers and trees are in full bloom. There are several things about the Gardens that keep me entertained. First, the wildlife that lives here captivates me. Friendly squirrels and busy ducks will put on an amusing show. The squirrels are especially curious, probably from being fed, and they sometimes let you touch them. Second, the Victorian greenhouses are teeming with exotic plants and trees. I especially like to look at the cacti and bonsai collection, but then again the orchids and palm trees are pretty too. Third, the rose garden here makes me think I'm in the book Alice and Wonderland. There are beautiful red, yellow and pink roses sprouting off of thorny bushes. I'm always surprised that the flowers don't start talking because they seem so alive. Finally, another great aspect of the Gardens is that you can clip plant specimens and bring them home to pot and grow. Don't forget to bring your camera when you visit! read more
10 years ago
Oasis of calm 10 mins walk from my apartment. Great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If it is a nice day take a book and find a spot beneath a tree and leave reality behind. My only tip would be to avoid going on a Sunday afternoon if you are looking for quiet time as it can get very busy with families out for their Sunday stroll. Also the coffee shop is only so so, the coffee is not good. read more
12 years ago
This is one of the best spots in Dublin to wile away and afternoon. Compared to other botanic gardens such as Kew it is small, but it is perfectly formed and packs a real punch. The last time I was here I was so impressed by the amount of art installations, it had increased significantly even in the 4 months since I was last here. There was also an extensive and random assortment of temporary installations, the gardens really was a buzz of activity. There is also a lovely tearooms near the entrance, the cakes are great ;-) P.S. While you're in the area pop into Glasnevin Cemetery and explore Dublin's history in our garden cemetery..... read more
11 years ago
I'm not sure how in my almost 10 years in Dublin I hadn't heard of the National Botanic Gardens before. I went there at the weekend since (for once at this time of the year!) it was a sunny morning. Spent a couple of hours wandering around and taking pictures. The glasshouses are pretty cool in terms of both structure and variety of exotic plants and flowers inside. Despite not being the best season to visit I really enjoyed it and will definitely go back in spring/summer to check out flowers and trees in full bloom. read more
Has to be one of the best free attraction in Dublin. Just a bus ride away from the city centre, it's perfect in all seasons but at its best in spring and summer. The Victorian Glasshouse is fabulous. You can now access Glasnevin Cemetery from the gardens too. They have a lovely coffee shop which serves pastries, cakes, tea etc. read more
17 years ago
Although not too far from the city centre, the Botanic Gardens are an all too often forgotten leafy green patch, with enough rare flora and fauna to stump even your most avid amateur gardener. You don't need to be an Alan Titchmarsh-style enthusiast to appreciate the expanse of green loveliness the gardens have to offer. They host cavernous Victorian greenhouses with over-flowing plant life and beautiful walkways, which needless to say are best enjoyed in fine weather. On those odd afternoons when the clouds part and the Gods grace the city with a few rays of sunshine, there are few more scenic spots to soak them up than the Botanic Gardens, located just north of the city in Glasnevin. read more
16 years ago
What could be better than a lazy summer Saturday stretched on the warm grass in Glasnevin's lush botanic gardens? Carefully manicured and maintained since before Eamon D'Valera was a little boy, these gardens are a Northside retreat for locals and tourists alike. Stroll through the outdoor gardens, follies and stands of well maintained trees, toddle down to the river walk to admire statuary, or tour through the garden's Victorian arboretum. Those humid, high-roofed confections of glass are the dreamy homes of other-worldly plant life -huge ferns, delicate flora, plus an extensive (and sharp) cacti collection. Holiday Event: On Sunday 13 Dec The Gardens welcome Santa, story tellers and sellers of all things Yule at the 2009 Christmas Market. See website for details. read more
10 years ago
Always enjoy wandering the gardens on a sunny afternoon! Perfect for a picnic! There are two cafes, one large and one which is a courtyard café-type thing. Ideal for sunning yourself! The lemon meringue pie is always yummy :) read more
Crisp autumn sunshine, leaves starting to change colour, some flowers still out, and the annual sculpture in context exhibition filling the grounds with interesting artwork, & free to visit!- what better time to go for a stroll round the National Botanic Gardens read more
11 years ago
I hadn't been to the botanic gardens in a couple of years but I will be going to it more frequently now. The plants there were so beautiful and the layout of the gardens is fantastic. I went there earlier this month when the sculpture gallery was on. I have to say that was one of the best things I have ever seen. The sculptures were absolutely amazing, there was not one of them that I can say I didn't like. The only bad thing is that I didn't get to see them all. Some of them were too far away from the others which is why I didn't see them. I hope the sculpture gallery comes back to the botanic gardens and hopefully on for a longer period of time or else have it on more than once a year. read more
My favourite place in Dublin to relax and clear my head. The amount of beauty is unbelievable. Different green houses with plenty of different exotic species. The palm/ tropics green house is astonishing so make sure you see it when you go. Also there is a cafe. You will definitely enjoy your time their wether alone or with your family. I highly suggest it for educational/ relaxation/ family all type of purposes. read more
15 years ago
Great place to go when you're stressed out and want to just walk around and look at something pretty (and not papers that you have to write!) I've been a few times now and its always different because of the changing weather in Ireland and I think I liked it the most in the Fall due to leaves changing colours. read more
15 years ago
13 years ago
Yet another Dublin treasure, this a great place to spend your day. Wandering around the plants and flowers, there is so much to see that you could really dedicate an entire weekend to exploring. My favourite part is the green house, the buiding itself is so impressive, it's huge inside and it's great fun to discover all the exotic plants. It's another free thing to do, I tend to get there early on the weekends that are sunny so as to avoid a huge crowd. They also run educational courses. read more
12 years ago
10 years ago
10 years ago
After more than 10 years in Dublin, I finally visited the Botanic Gardens. My mother made me. My parents went there on their last trip to Ireland and kept raving about it. So a couple a days later I was there, taking pictures of flowers and squirrels. It was sunny, which always helps and we were there for a good while so we had to have a coffee. This is all I spent that afternoon as the entry is free. It's nice to feel entertained while not having to spend loads. read more
12 years ago
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National Botanic Gardens - parks - Updated May 2026
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