The Trinity Retirement Association organised a visit and guided tour of The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh on Tuesday 24th May 2022. The tour started at 12 noon.
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.
Unfortunately, there is no easy to access to Kilmacurragh by public transport. However, Kilmacurragh is easily accessible by car, and is located just 5km off the N11 at Junction 18 (near the Beehive pub). There is plenty of free car parking available.
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.
We have arranged a guided tour of the gardens starting at 12 noon on Tuesday 24th May. The meeting point for tours is at the main entrance to the gardens (near the café). Entry to the gardens and tours are free.
The Acton Café, run by Brambles is available for coffee and lunch.
Mike McKillen’s photos of the event
Tom McCabe’s Meadow Photo
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