National Botanic Garden of Ireland – Kilmacurragh
An oasis of rare horticultural delights
A reminder to all our visitors: the gardens can get very busy at weekends and we may have to close the gates at certain times if the site reaches maximum capacity. Please note there is no parking outside the gardens.
Admission
Free admission
Free guided tours daily at 12:00 and 15:00 from mid March to mid October.
Free school tours are also available and booking is required.
Enquiries/bookings: kilmacurraghgardens@opw.ie or (0404) 48844
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National Botanic Garden of Ireland – Kilmacurragh
There was a monastery at Kilmacurragh, in this tranquil corner of County Wicklow, in the seventh century, and a religious foundation remained right up until the dissolution of the monasteries. After Cromwell invaded the land passed to the Acton family.
By the time the estate came to Thomas Acton in 1854, an unprecedented period of botanical and geographical exploration was afoot. In collaboration with the curators of the National Botanic Gardens, Acton built a new and pioneering garden.
In 1996, a 21-hectare portion of the old demesne officially became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. The following ten years were spent giving the estate’s rare and beautiful plants a new lease of life.
Kilmacurragh is now part of the National Botanic Gardens, providing a complementary collection of plants to its parent garden at Glasnevin. Arrive in spring to witness the transformation of the walks, as fallen rhododendron blossoms form a stunning magenta carpet.
Further details about the history of the gardens and the plant collection at https://botanicgardens.ie/kilmacurragh
Rhododendron Week is an annual event in the calendar (April). The plant collection boasts 180 species of rhododendrons and over 420 varieties. Since taking over the management of the site in 1996, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland have both restored, and greatly expanded the collection.
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all Year
Average Length of Visit: 1 hour
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Free guided tours daily at 12:00 and 15:00 from mid March to mid October.
Free school tours are also available and booking is required.
Enquiries/bookings: kilmacurraghgardens@opw.ie or (0404) 48844
Notice
Kilmacurragh is open all year round, every day, except for Christmas Day. The grounds are free to enter and explore, and Acton Café offers coffee and lunches on site. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.
A reminder to all our visitors: the gardens can get very busy at weekends and we may have to close the gates at certain times if the site reaches maximum capacity. Please note there is no parking outside the gardens.
Seasonal Opening Times
- Mid February – October
Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Last admission 16:30
- 01 November-Mid February
Daily 09:00- 16:30
Last admission 16:00
Getting Here
Approx. 5km off the N11. turn right just beyond the Beehive pub
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Café
- Car park
- Challenging Access
- Coach parking
- Guided tours
- Picnic Area
- Walking trails
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
Restrictions
- Appropriate footwear
- Assistance dogs only
- Challenging Access
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