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Arklow Town Team

The National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh




The Gardens lies 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 at Glasnevin, Dublin 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 and there is a stunning wildflower meadow in Summer.


The 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens surround the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house, the history of which is fascinating. Oliver Cromwell once seized the land under Kilmacurragh House, which included the ruins of a medieval abbey. Subsequent owners used the stones left behind to build the impressive Kilmacurragh House in 1697. The House suffered a devastating fire in 1976 when entire interior was destroyed, and it has remained derelict ever since.


Keep an eye out on Kilmacurragh’s social media channels for notice of free seasonal tours of the gardens, carried out by the OPW staff onsite. Brambles Café is open daily for coffees, treats and hot and cold lunches.


Open: Winter (1st Nov—mid-Feb) Mon—Sun: 9:00—16:30 Last entry at 16:00 Summer (mid-Feb—Oct) Mon—Sun: 09:00—16:30 Last entry at 16:00


Address: Kilmacurragh, Web: http://botanicgardens.ie/kilmacurragh

Kilbride, Email: botanicgardens@opw.ie

Co Wicklow Phone: 0404 48844


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