24 Feb National Botanic Gardens
If on Ireland tours you will find yourself in Dublin. These gardens are a hidden gem in the city.
The gardens were founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1795 to serve the scientific and agricultural communities of Ireland.
Doctor Walter Wade who laid out the grounds , introduced exotic plants from around the world.
The Botanic Gardens were placed under Government control in 1877 and now cover 50 acres of the river Tolka at Glasnevin , a suburb of Dublin.
The gardens contain a wonderfully large plant collection of more than 20,000 species , herbaceous borders , a rose garden , a rockery , an arboretum , and pond , as well as Burren areas.
The restored Curvilinear Range of Glasshouses ( constructed 1843 – 1869 ) are a fine example of the work of the Dublin iron-master Richard Turner , who also designed the Glasshouse at Kew Gardens ( England ).
A new education and visitor centre opened in Sept 2000 and the gardens continue to serve scientific functions and delight visitors of all ages.
They almost sound like a must see attraction on tours of Ireland !!!
The gardens are also accessible on our extended Belfast tours.