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National Botanic Gardens
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National Botanic Gardens

See all things to do
See all things to do
National Botanic Gardens
4.5
#24 of 677 things to do in Dublin
Gardens
10:00 - 18:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
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About
Ireland's premier garden is a green oasis situated in the leafy suburb of Glasnevin, not far from Dublin city centre. It is just under 50 acres in size and home to over 17,000 different plant species. Famous for its Victorian glasshouses: the Curvilinear Range, designed by Richard Turner, and the Great Palm House, Ireland's only tropical rainforest. Outdoor features include the rose and rock gardens, double herbaceous borders, the pond and river walks, the organic fruit and vegetable garden and wild Ireland, the native conservation area. Guided tours of the Gardens all year round- Sundays at 12.00pm & 2.30pm, admission free. Monday-Saturday 11.30am & 3.00pm, €5 pp. Pre-booked tours by arrangement.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
  • abkell
    Sharon, Massachusetts37 contributions
    Great place - easy to get to, interesting
    We caught the bus here from our hotel and the bus stops right out front. There are free tours and ours was small and led by a scientist who was very informed on the history and science of the institution. Lots to see and a lovely cafe to relax in. It's next to Glasnevin cemetery, so add that to your itinerary.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 27 December 2022
  • Susieq965
    Dublin, Ireland109 contributions
    Beautiful walk
    Lovely place to walk around. The greenhouse’s are amazing. The amount of squirrels in and out of the trees are fabulous, not frighten of visitors at all. Cafe on site but tables to sit are very scarce, better off getting a take away coffee and drinking it on your ramblings thru the gardens. We went in January so not much colour in the flowers so will be back again ( with nuts for squirrels) in late spring
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 February 2023
  • Miriam S
    County Dublin, Ireland119 contributions
    Enjoyed our visit to the Gardens. Very well kept. Greenhouses very spectacular with wonderful plants.
    Plenty of signs on grass not to walk on it as bulbs beginning to bloom- so many ignoring the signs - awful to see that Restaurant busy Q moved quickly. Nice cakes reasonably priced. Toilets could be cleaner floors not clean.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 February 2023
  • Joeyhollow
    Belfast, United Kingdom9 contributions
    Beautiful gardens
    Beautiful gardens. Free admission. Friendly staff. Stunning glass houses. We enjoyed the walk out of the city centre to the gardens. We tagged it on with a tour of glasnevin cemetery and thoroughly enjoyed our day.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 April 2023
  • goddessmama3
    Boston, Massachusetts12 contributions
    A beautiful oasis - take a few hours to visit, it's a must see!
    Beautiful grounds, greenhouses, and gardens and it's free to visit. A true "hidden" gem in Dublin. We arrived about 2 hours before closing and wish we had more time to explore and enjoy the vast grounds. Be sure to explore all the nooks and crannies as there is so much more than it first appears there is when you enter! There is a small cafe on site as well.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 26 April 2023
  • Karen W
    19 contributions
    You could spend all day here
    Fascinating, gorgeous gardens and glasshouses full of every sort of plant you can imagine. The gardens are attached to Glasnevin Cemetery so make sure to visit there too. Easily reached by taking Dublin bus.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 1 August 2023
  • Inspiration52984
    Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
    Bank Holiday Monday Trip
    Amazing gardens and a fabulous place to walk around and ground yourself in nature even though you are in the city. Lots of space and very family friendly. Gardens are a credit to the caretakers. Def recommend a visit in rain or shine. Car park gets really busy on a Saturday and Sunday in the good weather so recommend going by public transport if you can.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 12 August 2023
  • John H
    Crowthorne, United Kingdom14 contributions
    A visit that is truly worthwhile
    A wonderful garden along with an exhibition of sculptures and free entry, a rareity these days. If you are interested in visiting one of Dublin's best kept secret gardens, you will not be disappointed. It has wonderful glass houses and open spaces with beautiful mature trees, all lovingly cared for by a team of excellent horticultural experts. The cafe is well worth a visit after a tour too. Surprisingly, it has a small car park so arrive early!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 9 October 2023
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4.5
2,964 reviews
Excellent
2,174
Very good
669
Average
104
Poor
10
Terrible
7
mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China493 contributions
Worth a visit
Oct 2023 • Family
Free entrance. Wide place to walk around. Wonderful huge garden. Glasshouses that full of plant were beautiful. Worth a visit
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
citymom5
Washington, DC11 contributions
A Beautiful Oasis in the City
Oct 2023 • Couples
A beautiful visit to this gem in the city. We went back to see it after visiting Glasnevin Cemetery which is adjacent. Definitely worth a trip!
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Crowthorne, UK14 contributions
A visit that is truly worthwhile
Oct 2023 • Friends
A wonderful garden along with an exhibition of sculptures and free entry, a rareity these days.
If you are interested in visiting one of Dublin's best kept secret gardens, you will not be disappointed. It has wonderful glass houses and open spaces with beautiful mature trees, all lovingly cared for by a team of excellent horticultural experts. The cafe is well worth a visit after a tour too.
Surprisingly, it has a small car park so arrive early!
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat Kinsella
Ireland3 contributions
Great place to relax
Sep 2023 • Friends
Lovely place to walk around and lovely plants and flowers 💐 and lovely small coffee shop with lovely sandwiches and cakes great day out
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspiration52984
Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
Bank Holiday Monday Trip
Aug 2023 • Solo
Amazing gardens and a fabulous place to walk around and ground yourself in nature even though you are in the city. Lots of space and very family friendly. Gardens are a credit to the caretakers. Def recommend a visit in rain or shine. Car park gets really busy on a Saturday and Sunday in the good weather so recommend going by public transport if you can.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartinaLiverpool
Liverpool, UK30 contributions
Brilliant guided walk through gardens.
Jul 2023 • Friends
Had a fantastic guided tour at these gardens. Well worth the €5. Our guide was an expert and knew the gardens really well. Also had a relaxed way of delivery.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frise
Geneva, Switzerland12 contributions
Well worth a visit
Aug 2023
Beautifully kept gardens, well worth a visit. Allow enough time as it is so huge and there is a lot to see.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen W
19 contributions
You could spend all day here
Jul 2023
Fascinating, gorgeous gardens and glasshouses full of every sort of plant you can imagine. The gardens are attached to Glasnevin Cemetery so make sure to visit there too. Easily reached by taking Dublin bus.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toby m
Bronx, NY29 contributions
Not to be missed
Jul 2023
Take a tour offered by a biologist. The area is huge and they will show you some amazing highlights! This is a 3+ hour attraction. Don't underestimate your time because you will be disappointed. There are hot houses that they call glass houses that are very old and well maintained. The tea shop is lovely too. don't miss it
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy N
3 contributions
Nice gardens
Jul 2023 • Family
Positive- beautiful gardens so pretty for walking around and for photos.

Negative - The cafe there is overpriced, the car park is a nightmare as you have to wait on one car to leave so another can enter meaning you could be sat in the car park queue for 20+ mins.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about National Botanic Gardens