Walk the Broad Walk
The garden's showpiece: a boulevard planted in the 1870s with alternating rows of crimson and white rhododendrons and Irish yew. Visit in April when fallen blossoms form a stunning magenta carpet underfoot.
National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
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About
A free-to-enter 52-acre Victorian plant collector's garden in the Wicklow countryside, famous for its spectacular rhododendron collection — 180 species and over 420 varieties — and its role as a satellite of the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin.
Things to Do
Explore the Wildflower Meadows
Restored Irish wildflower meadows change with the seasons: snowdrops, crocuses, narcissi, and native orchids emerge among grasses. Over 90 wildflower species have reappeared since restoration began.
Admire the Victorian Herbaceous Borders
The restored double herbaceous borders burst with exotic plants in summer — look for banana plants, rare species from Chile and Nepal, and brilliant colour throughout the season.
Stroll Monk's Walk
A magnificent avenue of ancient yew trees planted along the old pilgrims' route between the 7th-century abbey and Glendalough. Also look for the 1736 beech avenue and avenues of ancient oaks.
See the Queen Anne House Ruins
Built in 1697 using stones from the dissolved medieval abbey, the house was gutted by fire in 1976. Its ivy-clad shell stands at the heart of the estate. A €14m restoration project is now underway.
Relax at Acton Café
Run by Brambles in the restored courtyard, the café serves coffee, cakes, quiches, sandwiches, salads, and hot lunches daily. Outdoor seating overlooks the Wicklow countryside.
Discover the Fossil Lawn
A living timeline of plant evolution: monkey puzzle trees, maidenhair trees, wollemi and kauri pines, plus coastal, giant and dawn redwoods — ancient lineages side by side.
Join a Free Guided Tour
Knowledgeable guides lead free tours daily at 12:00 and 15:00 from mid-March to mid-October (about 1 hour). They cover the Acton family legacy, rare plants, and the garden's fascinating history.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Mid Feb–Oct: daily 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Nov–mid Feb: daily 09:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00). Closed Christmas Day only.
- Admission: Free entry. Free guided tours. Free parking.
- Parking: Free on-site car park. No parking allowed outside the gates. Can fill up at weekends — arrive early.
- Food: The Acton Café (Brambles) is open daily for coffee, cakes, sandwiches, quiches, salads, and hot lunches. Picnics welcome on the lawns.
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