No fun allowed!

The best part about my host mom when I was studying abroad in Ireland was the proximity of her house to two things: The Autobahn (sweet pub in Glasnevin) and the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Did you see what I did there?

The first night my roommate and I arrived, while walking to a pub to meet the rest of the students and professors for dinner, we passed the Botanic Gardens. Wanting to check it out, but not having any money, we kept walking – only to find out a week later admission is free!

Established in 1795 by the Irish Parliament, the primary role of the gardens is for research, although it’s open to the public and the layout is set up in a way that is engaging and interesting to visitors. According to the website, the National Botanic Gardens is home to over 300 endangered plants and 6 species that are already extinct in the wild. Who knew?

Here are my favorite photos – as you an tell, I like to get up close an personal with plants. You won’t be able to resist either – look at these beauties!

Since the Gardens are free, I highly suggest checking them out. You can spend an hour here or an entire day, or come and go as you please – there’s definitely enough to look at. If you want to spend an entire day experiencing the lushness of Ireland, consider checking out Powerscourt Gardens as well.

Here’s some practical stuff you’ll need to know:

Hours of Operation:

Winter Hours – October 31 to February 1
Monday – Friday 9 – 4:30 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10 – 4:30 pm

Summer Hours – March to October
Monday – Friday 9 – 5 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10 – 6 pm

Getting To The Gardens: 

There are plenty of ways to get to the gardens, whether it’s by foot, bus, taxi, or car. We  happened to live about a 10 minute walk from the gardens but the other students took buses. The public transportation in Dublin is pretty reliable, so if you don’t feel like renting a car, you’re in luck! You can reach the gardens by bus numbers 4, 9, and 83.

For more options and a map, check out the website.

Have you been to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland? What did you think? Sound off below!