Overview

A short bus ride from the city centre, the splendid Botanic Gardens are always worth an afternoon's exploration. Entrance is free and guided tours are available most of the year. The gardens are divided into different areas of interest, featuring long herbaceous beds, a rose garden, alpine houses, a vegetable garden, an arboretum, a yew-walk along the river Tolka and a wonderful area exhibiting the various natural habitats of Ireland. The great glasshouses full of exotica were constructed in the mid 19th century and designed by Richard Turner, who was also responsible for the glasshouses at Kew Gardens. After all the fresh air, you'll probably need to visit the coffee shop to rest and recuperate.