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National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin (Ireland)

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The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, were established in 1795 by the Dublin Society and serve as a premier center for botany and plant conservation in Ireland. Spanning 19.5 hectares, the gardens house over 15.000 plant species from diverse habitats worldwide. An architectural highlight is the Curvilinear Range, a wrought-iron and glass conservatory complex built between 1843 and 1869 by the renowned architect Richard Turner. The gardens play a vital role in preserving endangered flora and conducting scientific research, including the management of the National Herbarium. In addition to the impressive plant collections, the site gives tranquil walks along the River Tolka and features several historical monuments. As a public space, the gardens promote awareness of biodiversity and climate change through exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Reconstructed viking house · National Botanic Gardens · The O'Connell Tower
Nearby: Swords (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	6	8	11	14	15	15	14	11	8	7
Rain mm	86	70	70	61	67	76	80	91	76	102	106	97

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The gardens are conveniently situated in the Glasnevin suburb, easily reachable by public bus routes directly from Dublin center. Visitors simply walk through the main entrance gates, which are seamlessly integrated into the local street network.

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Best season

While the historic glasshouses offer a great indoor experience year-round, the outdoor botanical displays peak from spring to autumn. Summer is particularly lively, though a winter visit provides a quieter atmosphere to appreciate the research collections.

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Terrain & paths

You will find mostly paved, level pathways throughout the park, making it highly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs in all areas. Some minor sections might feature gravel slopes, but overall the walking conditions are very comfortable.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are the primary requirement, as you will likely cover significant distances while exploring the plant collections. An umbrella or a light raincoat is always a sensible addition in Dublin, but specialized hiking gear is unnecessary.

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Parking

Street parking around Glasnevin can be limited and is often subject to local time restrictions or residential permits. Many visitors find it much easier to use public transport or designated parking facilities rather than searching for a space near the entrance.

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Safety

As a carefully managed botanical center, the area is generally very safe, but visitors should strictly avoid touching or foraging unknown plants. Standard urban safety precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings at all times.

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Time needed

Most guests spend roughly two to three hours wandering among the diverse plant habitats and the impressive historical glass structures. Enthusiasts of botanical research might easily extend their stay to a full afternoon to properly examine the rare species.

Geography

Coordinates

53.37170, -6.27080

Facts

The gardens were officially founded on March 1, 1795.
The Great Palm House was completed in 1884 and stands 20 meters tall.
The National Herbarium on site contains over 600,000 dried plant specimens.
Addison's Walk is one of the oldest parts of the garden, dating back to the 18th century.
The gardens have been managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) since 1992.
Over 500,000 visitors visit the Glasnevin site every year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Glasnevin Cemetery<1 km · NExplore →

Cabra1 km · SWExplore →

The Spire3 km · SExplore →

Guinness Storehouse4 km · SExplore →

Dublin Port4 km · SEExplore →

Dunsoghly Castle7 km · NExplore →

North Bull Island8 km · EExplore →

Blackrock10 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin (10)

Reconstructed viking house

Reconstructed Viking house in Dublin, showcasing Viking-era life.

National Botanic Gardens

Botanical garden in Glasnevin, Ireland, with glasshouses and plant collections.

🌐 botanicgardens.ie🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00🆓

The O'Connell Tower

Round tower in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, built in 1869.

Glasnevin Chapel

Chapel in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland.

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Griffith Park 🌳 park

Public park in Dublin, Ireland, along the River Tolka.

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Former swimming area

Former swimming spot on the River Tolka in Dublin, now a viewpoint.

Arts and Business Campus

Arts and business campus in Dublin, housing creative enterprises.

Irish Volunteers memorial

Memorial in Dublin for the Irish Volunteers, a republican militia.

St Peter's

Roman Catholic church in Dublin, Ireland, in the Phibsborough area.

Saint John the Baptist

Church building in Dublin, Ireland, dedicated to John the Baptist.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the Botanic Gardens free?

Yes, admission to the gardens in Glasnevin is free for the general public.

Are the glasshouses worth seeing?

Especially the Palm House and Curvilinear Range are architectural masterpieces filled with exotic plants.

Are picnics allowed in the gardens?

Picnics are not permitted on the lawns to protect the botanical collections.

Is there a connection to Glasnevin Cemetery?

Yes, there is a gate that directly connects the gardens to the famous Glasnevin Cemetery.

What are the opening hours?

In summer, 09:00-17:00 (weekdays) or 10:00-18:00 (weekends). Hours are shorter in winter.

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin: where is it located?

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin is located in Ireland.

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin: what is there to see?

Highlights include Reconstructed viking house, National Botanic Gardens, The O'Connell Tower.

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin: why is it worth visiting?

The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, were established in 1795 by the Dublin Society and serve as a premier center for botany and plant conservation in Ireland.

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