News from the National Botanic Gardens | Irish Botany News | Research Projects | Kilmacurragh News
This is a round up of news stories from the National Botanic Gardens. We also run an Irish Botany News page, a Research Projects page and news from the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh.
Meadows at Kilmacurragh, June and July 2021
Seamus O'Brien, Head Gardener, shows us the wildflower meadows at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh. Find out how the meadows were restored, how they are maintained, and what you can see there in spring and summer. From 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘫𝘶𝘴 (pignut)and...
Resources for Schools – Tree Journal Activity Pack
Tree Journal Activity Pack This pack is designed for primary groups on self-guided visits to the National Botanic Gardens, however, the activities can be based around any tree, in your school grounds or local park. Before your visit please check in with us and let us...
Self-Guided Biodiversity Trail
Our Biodiversity Trail is back! Try out this self-guided tour of the Gardens, exploring biodiversity at its best while finding out about the importance and variety of plants and other life in the Gardens. Kids will have great fun finding the stops and answering the...
Peonies in Bloom, May 2021
If you are visiting the Gardens soon, be sure to take in our Paeonia (peony) collection, which is at its most breath-taking in May and June. The brief flowering period of peonies means that excitement tantamount to that concerning flowering cherries may surround the...
Blooms in the Breeze: Bluebells
For those of you who cannot make it to the gardens at the moment, a short video of our 𝘏𝘺𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 (Bluebells) blooming in the gardens right now. Featured are a mix of 𝘏𝘺𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘢, 𝘏𝘺𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 and...
Rhododendron Week Finale
Our last video story for Rhododendron Week 2021 is with Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, and Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Kilmacurragh. Here they...
Rhododendron Week: Taxonomy Workshop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NshqzfOZ2kI&t=538s A workshop for Rhododendron Week 2021 with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh. Seamus gives an overview of the taxonomy of the genus, using fresh...
Rhododendron Week: A Spring Visit to the Sikkim Himalaya
Online talk with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh, as part of Rhododendron Week. Recorded on 16th April 2021. Séamus recounts his Spring visit to Sikkim, Himalaya in 2015...
Rhododendron Week: The Propagation and Cultivation of Rhododendrons
Online talk with Richard Baines, Curator of Logan Botanic Gardens, as part of Rhododendron Week. Recorded on 15th April 2021. Learn about both seed and vegetative propagation of the genus Rhododendron. The...
Rhododendron Week Lecture: A Family History
Online talk with Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, as part of the Rhododendron Festival. Recorded on 14th April 2021. Matthew describes the close connections for over 160...
Rhododendron Week story from the RHS Rhododendron, Camellia, and Magnolia Group
This video story for the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh's Rhododendron Week (12-18 April 2021) is brought to you by Mark Bobin and Wendelin Morrison from the Royal Horticultural Society...
Hidden in Plain Sight: Amazing Semi-natural Grasslands – online talk with Maria Long
This talk was organised by the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland and took place on Crowdcast on 14 April 2021. Dr Maria Long will talk about how to recognise valuable semi-natural grasslands, where they are found,...
Rhododendron Tales from Kilmacurragh: Rooted in the Past
A video story for Rhododendron Week 2021 with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh. Seamus tells the story of some of the finest Rhododendron specimens at Kilmacurragh, their discovery, naming and entry into...
Launch of Rhododendron Week 2021 at National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEciRpLqRT4&t=1s Welcome to the launch of Rhododendron Week at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh. Here is our first video story of the week, with Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland,...
Paper Plants: How to make a paper watermelon peperomia
The third and final video in our paper plant series with Melissa is the watermelon peperomia. You will need paper, colours, tape, scissors, brown paper packaging and a tin can of flower pot. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptzalYN-nW8&t=9s
Artists and the Dead Zoo – Projects with the NMI: Natural History, online talk with Nigel Monaghan
This talk was organised by the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland and took place on Crowdcast on 7 April, 2021. Artists engage with museums in a wide variety of ways. Many hone their skills in college classes for the ultimate in still life, but the National Museum of...
Having a Whale of a Time at Dublin’s Dead Zoo, online talk with Karen Van Dorp and Paolo Viscardi
This talk was organised by the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland and took place on Crowdcast on 31 March, 2021. Join Karen van Dorp and Paolo Viscardi as they talk about a whale of an undertaking and discover an unexpected link to the Botanic Gardens... It's not...
Signs of Spring: Narcissus (daffodil)
Here we celebrate the beauty of one of our most beloved spring flowers. Charlotte, one of our guides, relates the origin myth, uses, and symbolism of Narcissus (daffodils). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjAlFuxpc0&t=1s
Gardening Shorts from the Children’s Garden: How to Colour Eggs with Natural Plant Dyes
This Easter, Harry and Ciara show us how to colour eggs with natural plant dyes. Things you will need: For plant-based dyes we used turmeric, red cabbage, nettles, onion skins, blueberries and beetroot but you can try others. Think about coffee and tea, spinach, other...
Dare to be Wild – online talk with Paul Fitters
This live talk took place on 24 March 2021 on Crowdcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsU4pb8LKRs&t=2057s Paul will talk about rewilding programmes and how they benefit flora and fauna. You will also find out what you can do in your own garden to increase...
Gardening Shorts from the Children’s Garden: How to make a Friendship Garden
Ciara shows us how to make a Friendship Garden to give to your family and friends. Things you will need: Container larger enough to fit at least one hand shape, card, grass seed, compost, scissors, and pencil. Optional: decorations such as paint, lollipop sticks,...
Eye on Nature wildlife photography exhibition 2021
RTÉ and the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland with the OPW present Eye on Nature - Ireland's newest national wildlife photographic competition. RTÉ's Mooney Goes Wild and The Today Show launched the competition in January 2021, to celebrate the flora and fauna of...
New Curator at the National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens are delighted to welcome Dr. Darach Lupton as the new Curator of the Gardens. Darach was a student at the Gardens from 1995 – 1998; he spent 12 months at the RHS Gardens at Wisley during his placement year in 1996. Finishing at Glasnevin...
Gardening Shorts from the Children’s Garden: Sow Calendula Seeds for National Plant a Flower Day
March 12th is National Plant a Flower Day! Join Ciara as she shows us how to sow calendula seeds in milk cartons. Click on the photo below to view the video.
Paper Plants: How to make a paper maranta
The second in our paper plants series. How to make a paper maranta! To make this lovely colourful paper maranta you will need: Paper Colours Scissors Tape Brown paper packaging A pot, tin or yoghurt carton. Click on the photo below to view the video.
An Introduction to the Spring Flowering Plants Project – online talk with Oisín Duffy
This live talk took place on 10 March 2021 Discover how you can become a Citizen Scientist by recording spring flowers, with Oisín Duffy. The Spring Flowering Plants Project is seeking records for 20 easily identifiable wildflowers. Find out how you can take part...
Ireland’s Oceanic Flora: Tales of mosses, liverworts and ferns from the Tropics and the Himalaya – online talk with Rory Hodd
This live talk took place on 03 March 2021 Thanks to its position on the edge of the Atlantic, Ireland has perfect conditions for the growth of a very rich, lush mix of mosses, liverworts and ferns which, within Europe, only grow along the humid oceanic fringe. Many...
Gardening Shorts from the Children’s Garden: how to plant broad beans in newspaper pots
Ciara demonstrates how to plant broad bean seeds in eco friendly newspaper pots. Things you will need: broad bean seeds, compost, newspaper or similar paper glass jar. Click on the photo below to view the video.
Paper Plants: How to make a paper spider plant
The first in a series of perfect paper plants! This video will show you how to make a paper spider plant. You will need white paper, colours, scissors, tape, brown paper packaging and a tin can or a pot. Click on the photo below to view the video.
The JFK Arboretum – online talk with Gary Mentanko
This live talk took place on 24 February 2021, on Crowdcast. The John F. Kennedy Arboretum in Wexford, Ireland, has a plant collection of presidential proportions. Covering over 600 acres, it contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from temperate regions...
How to forage for and make Wild Garlic Pesto
Spring is the perfect time to collect Wild Garlic. Join Harry and Ciara as they go foraging and make wild garlic pesto. Click on the photo below to view the video.
Plants and the Pandemic – online talk with Dr Noeleen Smyth
This live talk took place on 10 February 2021, on Crowdcast. With thanks to Dr Noeleen Smyth. The alarming loss of forests and other wild habitats globally has caused worldwide concern but for many of us this may not have registered as an impact that has anything to...
Kids’ Trail: Hello Spring!
Visiting the Botanic Gardens and looking for an activity for the kids? Check out this brand new trail and discover the joys of spring. When printing, please print on both sides of the page and then you can fold it into a neat little booklet. Click on this link to see...
Gardening Shorts from the Children’s Garden
See more videos on our YouTube channel » How to Plant Broad Beans in Newspaper PotsCiara demonstrates how to plant broad bean seeds in eco friendly newspaper pots. Things you will need: broad bean seeds, compost, newspaper or similar paper, glass...
How to Make a St Brigid’s Cross
See how to make a traditional St Brigid's Cross using reeds. If you don't have access to reeds you can use alternatives such as willow, straw or paper! Ciara also discusses the pagan origins of Brigid's Day/Imbolg (1st February). See more videos on our YouTube channel...
Garden Birds in Winter
Even the dark clouds of Covid have a silver lining as many of us are spending more time outdoors. It’s good for body and soul and when we get back to running guided tours in the Gardens, you should come along to one of our Biophilia tours and learn a bit about the...
Introducing Narcissus ‘Kilmacurragh’ – a new daffodil cultivar
We are delighted to announce a new hybrid daffodil cultivar - Narcissus 'Kilmacurragh' (pictured). This wonderful flower was bred by the famous Northern Ireland daffodil breeder Brian Duncan in 2005 and is a Narcissus poeticus (old pheasant’s eye) hybrid. Brian Duncan...
Online Exhibition: Decorated Pumpkins 2020
The 2020 Exhibition is Open! This year for the very first time we changed the format of our very popular Pumpkin decorating competition to an online event. We have been amazed and thoroughly entertained by the very high standard of all the entries and it...
Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Competition winners!
Announcing the prize-winners of the Decorated Pumpkin Competition 2020! There were an impressive 321 entrants this year! Congratulations to the following entrants. A One4all voucher will be sent to you once we have received your postal address. Please...
Fruits of Autumn, Samhain Special ‘What are yew looking at?’
As autumn turns towards winter with the ancient festival of Samhain, the original Halloween when the veil between the worlds of living and dead is lifted, the baleful eye of the yew berry surveys the change of season from its sinister branches. Why...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Pumpkins!
Join the coven again for a look at some of the pumpkins and gourds in the Witches' Garden! Happy Halloween! We hope you have a spooktacular evening We give you a look at pumpkins. Find out where they originate and how to grow your own for next year! ...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: The Glasshouse
Join the coven for a look at magical plants in the glasshouse! Here's one of our Botanic Witches bringing you into the glasshouse, over in the Witches' Garden! The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The site will remain open...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Wand Woods II
Join the coven for another look at some more wand woods! Happy Halloween! Are you ready for more Magical Plants? Here's one of our Botanic Witches discussing wands and trees, over in the Witches' Garden. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Potion Plants III
Join the coven again, for one more look at potions plants in our Witches' Garden! Find out which plants keep vampires and werewolves at bay! The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The site will remain open over the...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Potion Plants II
Join the coven again, for the second part of our potions plants in our Witches' Garden! It's another treat: a short video on magical plants with one of our botanic witches. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The site will...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Wand Woods I
Join the coven for a look at some wand woods! Here's one of our Botanic Witches discussing wands and trees, over in the Witches' Garden. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The site will remain open over the coming weeks for those...
Tales from the Viking House: The Tree of Mugna
Join the coven by the fire for tales of Ireland's trees and landscapes, at the Viking House, We continue our Magical Plants series with Tales from the Viking House. Today: The Tree of Mugna. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The...
Tales from the Viking House: Salmon of Knowledge
Join the coven by the fire for tales of Ireland's trees and landscapes, at the Viking House, We continue our Magical Plants series with Tales from the Viking House. Today: The Salmon of Knowledge. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Insect Eating Plants!
Join the coven again, for a look at some of the carnivorous plants in our Witches' Garden! Here's a treat: a short video on insect eating plants with one of our botanic witches. Yikes! The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Magical Fungus
Join the coven online, for a look at a magical fungus in the Witches' Garden! The Birch Polypore. Filmed in the Children's Education Garden at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin (2min 26secs) See lots more of our videos on our YouTube Channel »...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Desert Plants
Join the coven once again, for a look at some Desert Plants in our Witches' Garden! It's another treat: a short video on magical plants with one of our botanic witches. Have you ever seen an invisible plant? The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and...
Magical Plants in the Witches’ Garden: Potion Plants I
Join the coven for a look at some potions plants in our Witches' Garden! Here's a treat: a short video on magical plants with one of our botanic witches. The Gardens are a place to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature. The site will remain open over the...
‘The Bots’ Newstalk Radio Documentary
(The following is adapted from the Newstalk Radio website) Newstalk aired the ‘The Bots’, in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher looks at the lives of those who live, work, study, and relax in the vicinity of Ireland's National Botanic Gardens. Using a...
Pumpkin Decorating Competition: 2020
For many years we have run the very popular Pumpkin Decorating Competition for Halloween here at the National Botanic Gardens. Sadly, this year we cannot hold the exhibition in the gardens but we can hold an online competition and even more people can enter, so...
Recruiting Seasonal Guides 2021
How about a change of scene, fresh air, and a chance to work at one of Ireland's most iconic and dynamic heritage sites? Recruitment for Seasonal Guides at both of our National Botanic Gardens sites at Glasnevin and Kilmacuragh is now open! See:...
Self-Guided Biodiversity Trail
Designed for National Heritage Week and suitable for all of the family! Take part in this self-guided tour of the gardens, exploring biodiversity at its best while finding out about the importance and variety of pollinators all around us....
Press Release: Aquatic House Complex
OPW commences work to save important buildings at Botanic Gardens with a plan to restore them in the future. Visitors to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin will have noticed what looks like some building work commencing on site in recent days....
In Praise of Weeds
The past few weeks have seen the vast majority of us confined to a much smaller area than usual, and even with a new routine of responsibilities to juggle between home, work and family, it's likely that life has contained more stillness and quiet than we would have...
A National Seed Bank in the National Botanic Gardens
Plants are fascinating. Even though they surround us and feed us, they often go unseen and unnoticed each day. They even hold the record for the largest and oldest organisms on earth - the largest being a clone of aspen trees and the oldest being a bristle cone pine...
Biodiversity Week Challenge!
Express your inner artist! Join us this week for our creative Biodiversity Challenge on Facebook » What's it About? Despite how much we have been using our technology over the last few weeks we can’t forget how dependent we are on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for...
May, the month of International Biodiversity Day
Spring into Summer The days are getting longer and there’s a bit of heat in the sun. Hasn’t time flown despite the lockdown! May is named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility and growth whose festival was held in May. The month signifies the changeover from...
Earth Day 2020 Drawing Challenge
For Earth Day 2020 (22 April 2020), we invited everyone, young and old, to take part in a drawing challenge on Facebook. The theme for the competition was ‘Take care of the Earth and the Earth will take care of you’. We asked you to show us your world, the different...
Appreciating Nature, all around You!
At this time, when we're all stuck at home for most of the day, what we'll really benefit from is getting out into nature to enjoy the fresh air and the wildlife that's all around us; whether that's in our our gardens or during our daily exercise with members of our...
Gardens in April – Biodiversity in Action
It’s the start of April in Ireland and spring is really springing. Lots of colour is appearing in the garden. Rosemary should be in full bloom now and attracting bumblebees. Also out are the beautiful blue forget-me-nots, loved by bees and other insects. You’ll also...
National Botanic Gardens Kids’ Crossword
Have a go at our National Botanic Gardens Easter crossword—for kids! It's lots of fun. You'll find a lot of clues related to plants and nature. Download and print: Botanic Gardens Children's Easter Crossword (pdf file)
Rhododendron ‘Thomas Acton’ registered with the RHS, March 2020
Very early in the 1860s, some rhododendron seedlings arrived at Kilmacurragh, sent to Thomas Acton by Dr David Moore, Curator of the National (then Royal) Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The seedlings were a result of a cross between two of Joseph Hooker's Sikkim...
National Botanic Gardens Crossword
Have a go at our National Botanic Gardens crossword. You'll find a lot of clues related to plants and nature. There is one puzzle and a choice of simple or cryptic clues. Download and print: Botanic Gardens Crossword v1 (pdf file) Find the solution here: Botanic...
Spring Nature Hunt: Activity Sheet for Kids
(Now also: as Gaeilge) We've created a Spring-Themed Nature Hunt to help you and your kids to engage with the outdoors. There is no need for you to go anywhere crowded for this, as you should be able to find most of these things in your own garden or local green...
Bird Bingo! Activity Sheet
(Now also as Gaeilge!) Our garden birds are busy building nests and preparing for their young at the moment. What birds can you spot in your own garden or out your window? If you don’t have a home printer don’t worry, you can still play. Just follow the directions in...
Totally Terrific Tomato Festival 2020 – Collect a Seedling!
This year we are delighted to once again host the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival, and share the remarkable story and sheer variety of this amazing fruit - last year's festival featured a World Record breaking 261 cultivars! This display runs in the Teak House...
Celebrating a Sustainable Christmas at Glasnevin
This year we have more festive events than ever, including a two day Eco Craft Market, concerts, themed tours, and of course visits to Santa Claus. From the beginning of December our festive displays will be up - the giant wreaths and Christmas tree in the Visitor...
Plant News from the 18th World Wildlife Conference
by Dr Noeleen Smyth, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Elephants, Giraffes, Sharks, Frankincense, Rosewoods and Malawi Cedars… What do all these have in common? These were some of the plant and animal species discussed at the world wildlife conference also known...
Herbarium in Focus – Exhibition brings to life the power of plants
Herbarium in Focus, a free exhibition in Ireland’s National Herbarium at the National Botanic Gardens was officially opened on Thursday 3rd October 2019 by Office of Public Works (OPW) Commissioner, John McMahon. The purpose of the exhibition is to showcase the key...
Seasonal Guide Jobs Advertised for 2020
CLOSING DATE THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2019 Ever thought of working at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin or Kilmacurragh? Now is your opportunity to apply for seasonal guide jobs! For details and to apply go to the Office of Public Works website.
Sculpture in Context 2019
Now in its 19th year, Sculpture in Context presents a thought-provoking collection of work that bridges the gap between art and nature, organic forms and man-made objects. The beautiful setting of the National Botanic Gardens plays host to an impressive collection of...
Totally Terrific Tomatoes – Submission Guidelines for 2019
Fellow tomato heads... this is a call to arms, or "a call to toms" for our Totally Terrific Tomato Festival display. If you can supply a variety that we don't have, please, let us know! Check the extensive list below. You can message organisers at...
Eucalyptus Gall Wasp – an additional threat to Eucalyptus in Ireland
In late June a plant sample came to the Foremen at the National Botanic Gardens for identification of a plant problem. On close examination small galls were identified on the leaves of Eucalyptus gunnii from a suburban garden in Dublin 6. The specimen was placed in a...
Levinge lost treasures – plant specimens which have survived fire and lay undocumented at Irelands National Herbarium
This blog focuses on the discovery of the wealth of Irish and Indian plant specimens collected by Henry (Harry) Corbyn Levinge (1828-1896) rediscovered in the Herbarium here at the National Botanic Gardens. Levinge grew up in Knock Drin Castle in County Westmeath. He...
Irelands National Strategy for Plant Conservation – progress to 2020
The National Botanic Gardens (OPW), in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) have carried out a progress report on Ireland’s ability to achieve the 16 Targets outlined in our National Strategy...
Positions Advertised at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
Three positions have been advertised in the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. See https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/ for details and application forms. The closing date for applications is 3pm, 25th April 2019. Botanist (Grade III), National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin...
Grand Old ‘Men’ – Denis McNally, Paul Maher, and Edel McDonald
A black and white image of five staff members, titled Grand Old Men in the National Botanic Gardens, appeared in Features magazine in 1947. The photograph was reproduced in a history of the Gardens, The Brighest Jewel, noting the men had served in total more than 220...
Sustainable Living Festival
Living sustainably can be a challenge, with a complex range of choices we can make to lighten our impact on the Earth. What actions can we take ourselves at home, at work, and in our community? Take part in our Festival and discover practical, affordable tips on how...
Writing for a Change: Flash Fiction Competition
The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to announce a Flash Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction competition themed around Climate Change in partnership with the National Botanic Gardens and the Five Lamps Arts Festival. Climate change and the environment are constant...
RHSI Gold Medal of Honour awarded to Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener at the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI), founded in 1816, is a charity, dedicated to promoting and improving the knowledge, skill, and practice of horticulture, arboriculture, and floral art while encouraging respect for the environment and creating a sense...
Christmas Opening Hours
The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Tuesday 25th December. Every other day during the holidays you can enjoy a brisk stroll or enjoy the tropical surroundings in the glasshouses - an ideal break between Christmas...
Gardens Closed from 3pm on Saturday 15th December
VISITOR SAFETY NOTICE DUE TO THE ONGOING SEVERE WEATHER WARNING, THE GARDENS WILL CLOSE TODAY AT 3PM. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE (pictured: A painting of Deirdre in "A book of myths" (1915) by Helen Stratton.)
Christmas in the Gardens
As ever, we are running a series of seasonal events in the run up to Christmas. Highlights include the Christmas Market on Sunday 9th December (featuring Santa Claus), festive themed tours, and eco-crafts for all ages. Saturday 24th November & 15th December CHILDREN’S...
Halloween at Glasnevin 2018
This year was our busiest yet! Our annual Halloween extravaganza featured Magical Plants, Decorated Pumpkins, a Harvest Display, and games with Maths Week Ireland. Thank you to all who took part and dressed up on the day! If you missed our main event don't fret -...
Halloween Harvest Display 2018
Each year our display features produce grown in the Botanic Gardens Organic Vegetable Garden, Grass Garden, Nursery and beyond. Guides Ciara Travers and Melissa O'Brien put the finishing touches to the scene last week and it is expected to last until early November....
2018 – A Record Breaking Heritage Week at the National Botanic Gardens
We had a great turn out for our nine Heritage Week events this year with a varied range of events focusing around the ‘Sharing Stories’ theme, including The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival, a record breaking Bug Hotel making workshop, a Mandala Art Installation and...
Totally Terrific Tomato Tally Makes New World Record!
https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTerrificTomatoFestival/videos/313017122617422/ As of Friday 24th August 2018 we have a record breaking number of tomato cultivars on display in the Teak House at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Glasnevin. The Totally Terrific...
Heritage Week 2018 – Sharing Stories
Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th August 2018 This year we will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate Heritage Week at both Glasnevin and Kilmacurragh. We are delighted to host the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival at Glasnevin and share the remarkable story of the...
Totally Terrific Tomato Festival competition
As part of the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival we are running a tomato growers competition! We are accepting entries on Friday 17th from 9.30am - 4.30pm & Saturday 18th August from 10am-12pm. The tomatoes will be judged at 1pm on Saturday 18th by our expert...
Garden Plants of Ireland – An introduction
Over the centuries, Irish gardeners, nurseries, and estates have contributed a wealth of additions to our gardens. Whether an odd seedling of a different colour, an upright form of a usually tumbling shrub, or a crafted or spontaneous hybrid between two plants, these...
Water Shortages and the Hosepipe Ban
Water shortages are affecting us all following the recent drought. Following the hose-pipe ban, we are committed to leading by example. We will continue to care for our plants using watering cans, with a focus on important conservation collections. We do use our own...
Events Programme Now Available!
We are delighted to announce that the programme of events until next February is now available to download. Click here to access your digital copy. From exhibitions to themed tours, guided walks to children's workshops, there is something for everyone going on at the...
Science Week 2017
The National Botanic Gardens have a programme of events for National Science Week. One of Ireland's moored weather buoys will be with us all week. Standing 4m tall and weighing 3.5 tonnes (right) these buoys are vital sentinels to offshore weather conditions...
Totally Terrific Tomato Festival 2017
For this week the National Botanic Gardens is hosting the largest collection of Tomato cultivars ever assembled in Ireland. The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival takes place at Killruddery House and Gardens each year in September. This year 203 cultivars went on...
A Rare Find: Green-Flowered Helleborine
The National Botanic Gardens are pleased to announce a significant find in Ireland's botanical world. The green flowered helleborine (Epipactis phyllanthes) is a rare Irish orchid confined to little more than a dozen sites on the island. Its rarity and variability...
Sheep-Eating plant blooming at the gardens NOW!
We are delighted to announce the blooming of one of the most handsome plants in our collection. Puya berteroniana (aka. the Sheep-eating plant) has begun flowering in the Curvilinear House and will last through to the first week of June. But it is unfurling fast as...
