National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh, Botanical garden in County Wicklow, Ireland.
National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh is a botanical garden in County Wicklow spread across about 52 acres with an extensive collection of rare trees and shrubs from around the world. The grounds are divided into different zones that reflect various climate conditions and plant habitats.
The gardens were established in 1712 on the Acton family estate and developed through collaboration with directors of Dublin's Botanic Gardens during the 19th century. This partnership enabled the exchange of knowledge and plant collections between the two institutions.
The site preserves a Queen Anne style house built in 1697 using stones from a dissolved monastery founded by Saint Mochorog in the 7th century. These stones carry forward a long religious history that continues beneath the present gardens.
The site is located about 3 kilometers from the Dublin to Wexford road and is easy to reach by car. Admission is free and the grounds are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, though arriving early allows more time to explore.
The gardens hold the national rhododendron collection and provide optimal growing conditions for species that cannot thrive in Dublin's Glasnevin gardens. This specialization makes it an essential place for preserving rare plant species.
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