
Is the National Botanical Gardens in Dublin Ireland worth visiting?
Yes, The National Botanical Gardens in Dublin are definitely worth visiting when you are in Ireland and they are beautiful all year round.
Location
The National Botanic Gardens, founded in 1795, are a botanic haven set in the leafy suburb of Glasnevin, County Dublin. The gardens are a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of Dublin City.
What you will see in the Botanical Gardens.
The gardens are extensive and contain more than 15,000 plant species from all over the world, giving the visitor an overview of global habitats. The National Botanical Gardens are famous worldwide for their exquisitely restored and planted award winning glasshouses.

The Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House are both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture and a favourite among visitors. On your tour of the gardens you can enjoy such features as the rose garden ( a firm favourite ), herbaceous borders, the alpine yard, the pond area, rock garden and arboretum.
Palm House
The beautifully restored Palm House houses contain many tropical and subtropical plants. Also housed here is a new multi storey complex built In 2002. The complex includes a cafe and a large lecture theatre.
Arboretum
50 Kilometres (31 miles) south of Dublin at Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow, you will find the Arboretum, a centre noted for its conifers and calcifuges and well worth a visit when on a daytrip from Dublin.
National Herbarium
The National Herbarium is a museum collection of more than 20,000 samples of plant products, including fruits, seeds, wood, fibres, plant extracts and artefacts, collected over the garden’s two-hundred-year history. The Herbarium which is housed at the National Botanic contains noted and historically important collections of orchids.
Conservation.
The National Botanical Garden is an important centre of conservation and Glasnevin is home to more than 300 endangered plant species from around the world. The garden protects six species that are already extinct in the wild.
Admission and Tours
Admission to the gardens is free as well as guided tours on Sundays. On weekdays a small fee is charged for guided tours.
Free guided tours are available on Sundays. A small fee is charged for guided tours on weekdays.
Many workshops, exhibitions and events are hosted throughout the year.
There is a small fee for car parking.
The Gardens and glasshouses and gardens are accessible for people with disabilities but do beware that there are some steep gradients. Guide dogs are allowed but no other dogs or pets. Unfortunately, picnics, bicycles, fishing, ball games, jogging or running are not allowed as the Gardens are a scientific collection that needs as much protection as possible.
You can access the nearby Glasnevin Cemetery through a passage in the gardens. Glasnevin Cemetery in itself has historical significance and is well worth the visit.
Ready for that trip to Ireland? Start planning with your guide, below.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!