Improving Our Green Thumbs at the National Botanic Gardens
While you might find yourself heading south or north for your quick trip through nature, might we suggest a place that’s somewhat near Dublin City Centre? While it might seem a bit unrealistic to see over 20,000 living plants, this place certainly has that many.
We’re of course talking about the National Botanic Gardens. This beautiful garden is brimming with biodiversity, filled with plants, flowers, and trees that you can’t find anywhere in Dublin. We can’t emphasise enough how fresh the air is.
If you, or your family, are looking to make a quick trip to the city limits of Dublin City, then you’re in luck, as we’ve got the perfect visiting guide for the National Botanic Gardens. We’ll even throw in a few tips that should make your visit that much better.
What is the National Botanic Gardens Known for?
The National Botanic Gardens is Ireland’s premier conservatory when it comes to plant life. With over 20,000 living specimens in their garden and a slew of dried plant specimens, they aim to cultivate these plants and ensure their survival.
Best Time to Go to the National Botanic Gardens
The best time to visit the National Botanic Gardens is in the early morning, just as they open. The air during this time is fresh and cool, and the morning sunlight isn’t too hot. You might also want to visit them an hour before they close at around 4:00 PM.
Things to Know About the National Botanic Gardens
Address: The National Botanic Gardens is located at Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland, just south of the River Tolka. It’s close to some well-known green spaces in Dublin, such as Griffith Park, Mount Bernard Park, Dalymount, and Courtlands Park.
Operating Hours: The National Botanic Gardens are open daily, but their opening and closing times vary slightly on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. On weekends, it’s at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Parking: The National Botanic Garden offers limited parking spaces for its visitors, and a small fee applies. The second closest parking spots can be found at either Glasnevin Cemetery Car Park or DCU Alpha Car Park.
Contact Information: You can reach the officials at the National Botanic Gardens by phone at +353 1 804 0300 or by email at [email protected].
Pets: Pets aren’t allowed inside the Glasnevin site, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs. We’d suggest carrying proper documentation and identification for them, just so you can easily prove that they are assistance dogs.
Accessibility at the National Botanic Gardens
Wheelchair Accessible: Most facilities at the National Botanic Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. There are certain spots where you might find it difficult, but these are marked on the accessibility map and are far from the main facilities.
Accessible Washrooms: Accessible washrooms are available at the main entrance of the National Botanic Gardens. These can be found at the Visitor Centre and the Courtyard Tearoom.
Accessible Entrance: The National Botanic Gardens offer accessible entrances at their main facilities. These can easily be found on the Accessibility Map.
Accessibility Map: The Accessibility Map is a comprehensive map of the entire Glasnevin site, highlighting the paths and entrances designed for individuals with limited mobility. You can find the map here.
How To Get To The National Botanic Gardens
Car: The main road leading to the National Botanic Gardens is aptly named Botanic Road, which can be accessed via the R108 or Botanic Avenue. You can also access it through Glasnevin Hill if coming from the north.
Dublin Bus: There are a few Dublin Bus routes that should lead you to the National Botanic Gardens. Below are the specific routes and stops to look out for when visiting the National Botanic Gardens.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 9 | Mobhi Road Stop | Monday to Friday: • 6:20 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday: • 6:50 AM – 11:15 PM Sunday: • 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 83 | Botanic Gardens Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:45 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday: • 6:00 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday: • 7:20 AM – 11:20 PM |
| Route 83A | Botanic Gardens Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:45 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday: • 6:00 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday: • 7:20 AM – 11:20 PM |
| Route E1 | Mobhi Road Stop | Monday to Friday: • 4:50 AM – 4:30 AM Saturday to Sunday: • 5:30 AM – 4:30 AM |
| Route E2 | Mobhi Road Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:25 AM – 5:00 AM Saturday to Sunday: • 5:15 AM – 4:10 PM |
Bike: It’s quite easy to head to the National Botanic Gardens with a bike, as you can utilise the same roads that we discussed in the car sections. As for bike parking, there are bike racks available at the National Botanic Garden’s entrance for your bikes.
LUAS Tram System: The closest LUAS station to the National Botanic Gardens is the one located at Cabra Stop. You can easily take the bus routes we mentioned above, specifically 9, E1, and E2, from the LUAS stop to the Glasnevin site.
Taxi: You can easily take a taxi from anywhere in Dublin to the National Botanic Gardens. We’d only suggest this if you have enough cash to spare, as it will be an expensive option, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City Centre.
How Much Is A Ticket To The National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens has a free daily guided tour for its guests. The daily guided tour is free for children but costs €5 for adults. Booking is required for visitors. You can book your visit here.
Types Of Experiences At The National Botanic Gardens
The main experience available at the National Botanic Gardens is the daily guided tour. We’ll be discussing everything you need to know about the tour, including its availability.
Daily Guided Tour
| Daily Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Number of Slots | Minimum of 2 People |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The daily guided tour will allow you to experience everything that the National Botanic Gardens has to offer. Here you’ll relive the entire experience of the Garden’s first conception to its long history of protecting plant life in Ireland.
There are only two time slots available for guests, one just before lunchtime and the other in the afternoon. Booking for this tour is required, and there are limited slots available each day. You can book your visit here.
Types of Glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens
There are several glasshouses located within the National Botanic Gardens. Here’s a description of each of them and what you might expect to find inside.
The Teak House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Teak House is one of the National Botanic Garden’s most prominent glasshouses. Here you’ll find many potted flowers, such as orchids, and even a bonsai exhibition. This glasshouse is also often used as the setting for the Annual Orchid Fair.
The Alpine House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Alpine House, as its name suggests, is home to a diverse array of alpine plants. The plants in this glasshouse undergo constant change, as they are often cycled throughout the year. Some of the plants that you can find here can also be found in the Alpine Yard.
The Cactus And Succulent House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Cactus and Succulent house is also known as the Flowering House. While you may find it confusing, that’s because the previous houses of these plants are still under renovation. You’ll find many desert plants and arid flowering plants in this glasshouse.
The Great Palm House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Great Palm House is home to very tall and large tropical plant life, including ferns, palm trees, and many other species. You might notice that it’s taller than the others; this is to accommodate the right amount of space that is needed to house these plants.
The Orchid House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
While the orchids are showcased at the Teak House, they are all grown and cultivated at the Orchid House. These orchids originate from within and outside Ireland, with some tropical orchids having made their way to the glasshouse in recent years.
The Curvilinear Range
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Curvilienear Range comprises two distinct subgroups: those found in the Western Wing are primarily plants from South-East Asia, mainly from the Philippines and New Guinea, while those in the Eastern Wing are from Australia, South Africa, and South America.
The Victoria Waterlily House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
I don’t think you’ve seen this many waterlilies in one place! The Victoria Waterlily House is home to gigantic waterlilies, including the Victoria amazonica, also known as the Amazon waterlily, as well as other types of waterlilies, such as the Victoria cruziana.
Types of Features at the National Botanic Gardens
There aren’t just glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens. There are also wide open-space gardens that you can visit. Here are some of the most notable sections of the open-space gardens.
The Sundials
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
When visiting the outer areas of the National Botanic Gardens, you’ll find two different sundials. Each one is distinct, as the one found at Palm House is a typical sundial, while the other, at the Rose Garden, is a modern, armillary sundial.
The Bandstand
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
Although it never served its original purpose, the bandstand is often used by visitors as shelter from the rain or as a much-needed seating area after exploring the outer gardens. You can easily find it as it’s painted with vibrant red and green.
Craobh
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Craobh can be translated as “branch” or “bough of a tree” and can be found in the outdoor gardens of the National Botanic Gardens. This statue was commissioned in commemoration of the bicentenary of the gardens by the Royal Dublin Society.
The Viking House
Media Credit: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
The Viking House is a recreation of one that could once have been found in Dublin during the Viking Age. It’s filled to the brim with meats and vegetables that you might find inside one of these homes. It’s one of the highlights of the Guided Tours.
Where to Eat When Heading to the National Botanic Gardens
There is a limited number of restaurants and pubs near the National Botanic Gardens. Here are some that we can recommend for their great hospitality and good vibes.
Botanic Gardens Cafe
Media Credit: Botanic Gardens Cafe Instagram
Website: https://www.botanicgardens.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalbotanicgardens
Address: Education Visitors Centre, National Botanic Gardens, Botanic Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 W0Y0, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 804 0300
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
- 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Botanic Gardens Cafe is situated within the National Botanic Gardens compound. They serve a variety of cold and hot drinks, as well as snacks, cakes, and hot lunches. We’d suggest getting the chocolate-layered coconut cake, as it’s sweet and indulgent.
Botanic House Restaurant
Website: https://thebotanic.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBotanicHouse
Address: 26 Botanic Rd, Glasnevin, Ireland, Co. Dublin, D09 AK26, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 658 2510
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday:
- 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
The Botanic House Restaurant is a short walk from the Gardens, where you’ll find yourself cheering on live sports with the fellow locals. Their Louisiana-loaded fries pair well with their Ferrero milkshake and are perfect after a nice stroll through the gardens.
Where to Stay When Heading to the National Botanic Gardens
There are several accommodations available near the National Botanic Gardens. While these aren’t as close, they’re certainly great places to stay after a relaxing stroll at the National Botanic Gardens.
Egan’s Guesthouse
Media Credit: Egan’s Guesthouse Instagram
Website: https://www.eganshouse.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EgansHouse
Address: 7 Iona Park, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 E5XH, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 830 3611
Price Range: Starts at €100
If you’re looking for a nice house to stay at while visiting Dublin, then there’s no better place than Egan’s. The house is equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs, and facilities for hot drinks. They have comfortable beds, and the rooms are spacious and reasonably priced.
Bonnington Dublin
Media Credit: Bonnington Instagram
Website: https://www.bonningtondublin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonningtondublin
Address: 9 Swords Rd, Whitehall, Dublin 9, D09 C7F8, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 837 3544
Price Range: Starts at €171
If you’re looking for a more classic hotel experience, then Bonnington might be the accommodation for you. The place offers relaxing rooms and traditional, yet superb, service from its staff. It also has an indoor pool, gym facilities, and a spa.
They also have the B.Fit Fitness & Leisure Club, which is a two-floor gym paradise packed with strength and conditioning equipment, a functional track, and a variety of studio classes. These include spinning, HIIT, aqua aerobics, and cardio boxing.
Dublin Skylon Hotel
Media Credit: Tailor&Wolf Instagram
Website: https://www.dublinskylonhotel.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DublinSkylonHotel
Address: Skylon Hotel, stop 44, 27 Drumcondra Rd Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 V1Y2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 884 3900
Price Range: Starts at €229
While the Skylon is far from the city centre, the accommodation itself offers amenities that are typically found in the city centre. With all the modern amenities you can ask for, you’ll also find desks and Nespresso machines in their rooms for an additional charge.
Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, ritual toiletries, hairdryer, and even a laptop safe. Don’t forget that they also have the Skylon Bar & Grill on-site. You can get a full Irish breakfast at around €6 to €18.
Leevin Hostel Mountjoy
Media Credit: Leevin Hostel Mountjoy Instagram
Website: https://dublin.leevinhostel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leevinstay
Address: 61A Mountjoy St, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 AX51, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 83 205 3066
Price Range: Starts at €47
If you want to stay somewhat near Dublin City Centre, then Leevin is the hostel for you. The highlight of this hostel is its extensive array of activities for guests, as well as the spacious and well-decorated common room.
The common areas here are lovely. There’s a game room, a study room, a dining room, a chill garden, and even a laundry area. All the facilities you need for hanging out or studying are available.
Tips When Visiting the National Botanic Gardens
While you might be rushing to get the earliest ticket for the National Botanic Gardens, we’d suggest that you hold your horses for a bit and listen to a few tips we’re offering that might make your visit that much better!
Book Accommodation At The City Centre
While it might be tempting to book your accommodation near the National Botanic Gardens, we’d suggest that you look for hotels that are near the City Centre instead, as many of Dublin’s public transport services culminate there.
Bring Sunscreen
Most of the facilities at the National Botanic Garden will expose you to the sun. If you don’t want to get a nasty sunburn, then we’d suggest bringing enough sunscreen for yourself and everyone who’s coming with you.
Visit Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is a short bus ride away from the National Botanic Gardens. If the gardens haven’t fulfilled your need to be in nature, then Phoenix Park is your next stop!
Book Other Experience
There are constantly more and more experiences that come and go at the National Botanic Gardens. If the Daily Guided Tour hasn’t satisfied you, we’d suggest looking into their upcoming events on their website!