national botanic gardens

The Gardens, 19.5 hectares on the south bank of the Tolka, contain many attractive features including an arboretum, rock garden and Burren area, large pond, extensive herbaceous borders, student garden and annual display of decorative plants including a rare example of Victorian carpet bedding.

Glass houses include the beautifully restored curvilinear range built by Richard Turner between 1843 and 1869. The large Palm House is being restored. There is a well stocked alpine house and a complex of glasshouses for ferns, tropical water plants and succulents.

Most of the area is accessible for wheelchairs. There are some steep gradients. Guide dogs permitted.

There is a restaurant and an audio visual theatre as well as an information and book sales area in the visitor centre.