Name: National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh
Rating: 5.0

National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh

National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilmacurragh West, Westaston Demesne, Kilbride, County Wicklow, Ireland

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Description

The National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh is a scenic garden estate in County Wicklow, known for its rare plant collections and natural beauty. Developed in the 19th century, it played an important role in introducing plant species from around the world to Ireland. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape.

Visitors can explore extensive gardens famous for their impressive conifer and rhododendron collections, along with a variety of trees and plants thriving in unique soil and climate conditions. Free guided tours take place daily from mid-March to mid-October, offering insights into the garden’s history and plant life. The grounds provide scenic walking routes, seasonal blooms and plenty of quiet spaces to relax and enjoy nature.

Entry to the gardens is completely free, making it a great value attraction. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the on-site Acton Café, located in a restored historic courtyard building.

With its rich botanical heritage, peaceful setting and beautiful landscapes, the National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh offers a relaxing and enriching experience. Whether you’re exploring rare plants or simply enjoying a quiet walk, it’s a wonderful place to unwind in nature.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh lie within an estate developed extensively during the 19th century by Thomas Acton in conjunction with David Moore and his son Sir Frederick Moore, Curators of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin at that time.
It was a period of great botanical and geographical explorations with numerous plant species from around the world being introduced to Ireland for the first time.
The different soil and climatic conditions at Kilmacurragh resulted in many of these specimens succeeding there while struggling or failing at Glasnevin. Kilmacurragh is particularly famous for its conifer and rhododendron collections.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Situated in a restored historic courtyard building, Acton Café is run by Brambles. Pop in for a coffee before your guided tour or relax over lunch after exploring the garden.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Summer Opening Hours

(mid-Feb—Oct 27)
9am—5pm: Monday to Sunday
Last entry at 16:30

Winter Opening Hours

(Oct 27—mid-Feb)
9am—4:30pm: Monday to Sunday
10am—4:30pm: Sat, Sun & Public Holidays

Address: National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilmacurragh West, Westaston Demesne, Kilbride, County Wicklow, Ireland

Post Code: IE

Council: Kilbride

County: County Wicklow

By Car: If driving south from Dublin on the N11, leave the motorway at junction 18 (well signposted) south of Wicklow. Cross the motorway and take the L1113. Keep to the main route, and you will find the entrance to the gardens on your left after 5km. If driving from the south on the N11, again leave the motorway at junction 18, and take the L1113 from the roundabout. Keep to the main route, and you will find the entrance to the gardens on your left after 5km. If driving from Rathdrum, leave the village on the R752, signposted as Deputys’ Pass (Glenealy – Rathnew – Wicklow). After crossing the river there is a series of two hairpin bends and about 1.5km from Rathdrum there is a right turn (L1152) signposted Barndarrig. After 4km, turn left (signposted Wicklow 12km). After c. 200m you come to a division in the road, keep right. A further 1km further you will come to the entrance on your right.
By Public Transport: Unfortunately there is no easy to access to Kilmacurragh by public transport. The closest urban centre with good connectivity is Wicklow which has good Bus and Rail services from Dublin.