exhibitions events - botanicgardens.iebotanicgardens.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BOTAN... · Wed 23 Jan LIGHTNING TALKS: Secrets and Passions of the NBG p45 Sun 27 Jan DEMONSTRATION:

exhibitions& events

June 2018 – February 2019

2 | Booking: 01 857 0909 / [email protected]

Booking: 01 857 0909 / [email protected] | 3

Events June 2018 – February 2019

EXHIBITIONS, SHOWS & EVENTS

Sat 9 Jun Cactus and Succulent Show p7Fri 15 Jun CONCERT: Great Music in Irish Houses: Van Kuijk Quartet p7Fri 22 Jun - Sun 15 Jul ART EXHIBITION: Inside Outside ‘n’ Beyond: Gerard Byrne p7Sun 24 Jun & 1 Jul, Sat 7, 14 Jul THEATRE: Meet me in the Gardens p7Thu 28 Jun CONCERT: National Concert Hall Gamelan Orchestra p8Tue 10 Jul THEATRE: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland p8Thurs 19 Jul FILM SCREENING: Five Seasons - The Gardens of Piet Oudolf p8Sat 21 - Sun 22 Jul Sweet Pea Show p8Thu 2 - Fri 24 Aug EXHIBITION: Devonian Plant Fossils – A Window into the Past p9Sat 18 Aug HERITAGE WEEK ART INSTALLATION: Mandala Making in Nature p9Sat 18 Aug – Sun 2 Sep HERITAGE WEEK: The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival p9Thu 6 Sep - Fri 19 Oct Sculpture in Context p9Thurs 20 Sep Gastronomy Tour II: Harvest Time p10Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sep The Dahlia Show p10Sun 21 Oct Halloween at Glasnevin p37Fri 26 - Sun 28 Oct Bram Stoker Festival p10Sun 11 Nov – Sun 2 Dec Exhibition: Images of Starlight 2018 p11Sun 9 Dec CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT GLASNEVIN: Christmas Market & Visit Santa Claus p43

THEMED TOURS

Saturdays in June SENSATIONS: A story of perfume and pollinators p12Saturdays 7, 14 July CHASING RAINBOWS: Colour and the Natural World p12Saturdays 21, 28 Jul CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL OF CURIOSITY: Biomimicry p12Sundays 4, 11, 18 Aug SENSE-SATION: a Sensorial Tour of the Gardens p13Saturday 25 Aug MAKING SENSE: Philosophy in the Gardens p13Saturdays in Sept Common & Curious Veg p13Saturdays in Oct Magic, Murder and Monkshood p13Saturdays in Nov What’s in a name? – How and why we use scientific names p14Saturdays 1, 8, 15 Dec Festive Winter Plants p14Saturdays in Jan 2019 FIRST FORTNIGHT: Biophilia p14Saturdays in Feb 2019 The Victorian Gardens p15Sat 9 & Thurs 14 Feb VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDED WALK: Blooming Romance p15

EVENTS AT NBG KILMACURRAGH, Co. WICKLOW

Saturdays in Jun & Jul GUIDED WALK: Meadows and Hedgerows p56Saturdays in Aug GUIDED WALK: Plant Hunters Walk p57Mon 18 - Sun 26 Aug HERITAGE WEEK: Sharing Stories p57Thurs 4 Oct THEMED TOUR: Intriguing Trees p57Fri 12 Oct WORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography with Eamon O’Daly p57


Events June 2018 – February 2019

EVENTS BY THE MONTH Fri 15, 22, 29 Jun WORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography p18Sat 14 Jul DROP-BY DEMO: Edible Flowers Demonstration p23Sat 21 Jul DROP-BY DEMO: The Aroma Demo p23

Sun 5 & 12 Aug Papermaking Workshop p25Sat 18 Aug LECTURE: Tomato Tales: Origins, botany, folklore & diversity p27Sat 18 Aug LECTURE: How to grow, cook and eat Totally Terrific Tomatoes p28Sat 18 Aug BOOK LAUNCH AND TALK: The Potato was not the Problem p28Sat 25 Aug LECTURE: Robin Lane Fox p29

Sat 8, 15, 22 & 29 Sep GUIDED WALK: Sculpture in Context - Meet the Artists p32Wed 12 Sep LECTURE: Russborough Walled Garden p32Fri 14, 21 & 28 Sep WORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography p32 Sat 29 Sep RHSI SEMINAR: Gardening for Wildlife p29

Sat 6, 13 Oct GUIDED WALK: Sculpture in Context - Meet the Artists p34Wed 10 Oct IRISH TREE SOCIETY ANNUAL LECTURE: Arboreal Treasures in Irish and British Gardens with John Anderson p36Mon 8 – Sat 13 Oct Harvest Display Construction p36Thu 25 Oct LECTURE: The Gardens & Plants of the National Trust for Scotland p39Wed 31 Oct LECTURE: Rare and Wild plants of Ireland p39

Wed 14 Nov LECTURE: Is the Scots Pine an Irish Pine? p41Thu 22 Nov LECTURE: Creating the perfect garden p41Sun 25 Nov ADULT’S WORKSHOP: Eco Christmas Crafts p41Wed 28 Nov LECTURE: The Lilliputian Flora of Ireland - Jonathan Swift Festival p41

Wed 5 Dec FLOWER ARRANGING: Celebrate the Season with Karen Massey p43Sun 9 Dec CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT GLASNEVIN: Santa, Christmas Craft Market, & much more p43Wed 12 Dec LECTURE: Are you over-exploiting wild plants? p43

Sat 12 Jan LECTURE: Shell Houses and their Artists p45Wed 16 Jan LECTURE: Health and Well-Being in Gardens and Horticulture p45Wed 23 Jan LIGHTNING TALKS: Secrets and Passions of the NBG p45Sun 27 Jan DEMONSTRATION: St Brigid’s Cross Making p45

Wed 6 Feb LIGHTNING TALKS: Secrets and Passions p47 Sat 23 Feb LECTURE: Plants and Bees p45


EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

Sun 3, 10, 17 & 24 Jun Kids Drop-by Activity in the Erasmus Education Garden p48Sat 9 Jun Pond Dipping p48Sat 16 Jun CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49Tue 3 Jul - Tue 28 Aug Kids Drop-by Activity in the Erasmus Education Garden p50

Sat 7 Jul Pond Dipping p48Thu 12, 26 Jul Budding Botanist - Collecting and Pressing Flowers p22Mon 16 Jul - Fri 20 July Children’s Art Camp p50

Tue 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug Kids Drop-by Activity in the Erasmus Education Garden p48Thu 9, 23 Aug Budding Botanist - Collecting and Pressing Flowers p50Sat 11 Aug Pond Dipping p48Mon 13 - Fri 17 Aug Children’s Art Camp p50Sun 19 Aug CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Cooking and eating Tomatoes workshops for 3 to 8 year olds p50Tues 21 Aug KIDS DROP BY ACTIVITIES: Build your own bug hotel p51Sat 25 Aug CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Growing tomatoes workshops for 8 to 11 year olds p51

Sun 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sep Kids Drop-by Activity in the Erasmus Education Garden p48Sat 15 Sep CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49Sun 2, 9, 16 Sep YOUNG ADULT WORKSHOP: Digital Film Making p51

Thu 4 Oct Tree day tours for schools p52Mon 8 - Sat 13 Oct Harvest Display Construction p53Sat 13 Oct onwards Harvest Display p53Sat 20 Oct Submissions for Decorated Pumpkin Exhibition p53Sun 21 Oct Halloween at Glasnevin p37Sun 21 Oct Celebration of Mind with Maths Week Ireland p54Sun 21, 28-31 Oct CHILDREN’S EVENT: Magical Plants p54Sat 27 Oct CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49

Fri 2 Nov Drop by Activity in the Erasmus Education Garden p48Sat 17 Nov CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49

Sat 24 Nov & 15 Dec CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Eco Crafts Sat 8 Dec CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49Sun 9 Dec CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT GLASNEVIN: Santa, Christmas Craft Market, & much more p55

Sat 12 Jan CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49Sun 20 Jan & 10 Feb CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Creative Writing p55Sat 26 Jan & 2 Feb CHILDREN’S EVENT: Build a Bird Feeder p55

Sat 16 Feb CHILDREN’S ART: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals p49


Exhibitions, Shows & Events


Saturday 9th JuneCactus and Succulent ShowThe Cactus and Succulent Society Show is held every second year and is a showcase for amateur growers. Prizes are awarded in over forty classes and it is an opportunity to see the variety of plants grown by enthusiasts in the challenging Irish climate.

Time: 12.00pm to 6pm. Teak House.

Friday 15th JuneCONCERT: Great Music in Irish Houses: Van Kuijk QuartetCurrently BBC New Generation Artists, the Van Kuijk Quartet’s international accolades include First Prize at both the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition and the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition. In their Festival début, these elegant musicians will perform works by compatriots Claude Debussy, on the 100th Anniversary of his death, and one of France’s most acclaimed living composers, Édith Canat de Chizy. In addition, they will also perform one of Schubert’s finest musical masterpieces, his dramatic Death and the Maiden String Quartet.

Time: 8.00pm Cost: €30/€25. Booking essential. Book: www.greatmusicinirishhouses.com

Friday 22nd June – Sunday 15th JulyART EXHIBITION: Inside Outside ‘n’ Beyond: Gerard Byrne celebrates 30 years of painting the National Botanic GardensHaving travelled the world as one the of leading exponents of modern impressionist painting Gerard has returned repeatedly over the last thirty years to the National Botanical Gardens in Dublin, a location close to his heart. Many of his spectacular and celebrated paintings not only convey the vibrancy and lushness of the flora, they feature dramatic renderings of the iconic wrought iron architecture of the great Victorian glasshouses.

Daily in the Gallery Space, Education & Visitor Centre.

Sundays 24th June & 1st July, Saturdays 7th & 14th JulyTHEATRE: Meet me in the GardensFrom the company that brought you Angels in the Park, Shiva Productions presents a unique and powerful site-specific theatrical experience, which will take you on a journey through the bewitching gardens and will change how you will see them forever.

Times: 2.00pm & 4.00pm. Booking essential.Book: www.botanicgardenstheatreinthegardens.eventbrite.ieMeet in the Education & Visitor Centre.


Thursday 28th JuneCONCERT: National Concert Hall Gamelan OrchestraThe Gamelan is a fascinating musical experience consisting of a wide variety of gongs, bells and xylophone-type instruments which produce a magical sound when played. The NCH Orchestra is delighted to have been invited by the Indonesian Embassy to travel to Java in 2018 to participate in a concert tour of the island. It is this concert programme which they will be performing in the National Botanic Gardens in advance of their concerts in Java.

Time: 6.00pm. Cost: €10 per person.Meet in the Education & Visitor Centre. Booking essential: www.botanicgardensgamelan.eventbrite.ie

Tuesday 10th JulyTHEATRE: Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandTake a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meet a whole host of colourful characters.

Booking & info: www.chapterhouse.org

Thursday 19th JulyFILM SCREENING: Five Seasons - The Gardens of Piet OudolfAfter completing a feature documentary on New York’s High Line, award-winning filmmaker Thomas Piper met the inspirational designer and plantsman, Piet Oudolf, and the idea for a new project was born. The documentary, FIVE SEASONS: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf, immerses viewers in Oudolf’s work and takes us inside his creative process, from his beautifully abstract sketches, to theories on beauty, to the ecological implications of his ideas. The screening will be followed by a wine reception.

Time: 6.00pm. Cost: €5. Booking essential.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd JulySweet Pea ShowThe Gardens are delighted to host the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland’s Annual Sweet Pea Show. This is your opportunity to see a display of sweet peas grown on cordons by the leading growers in the country. On Saturday morning over a dozen growers will arrive in the Teak House to transform it into a sweet pea wonderland before the plants are judged.

Times: Saturday 12.30pm to 5.30pm, Sunday: 10.00am to 5.00pm.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.


Thursday 2nd - Friday 24th AugustEXHIBITION: Devonian Plant Fossils: A window into the pastA joint exhibition between the National Botanic Gardens, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Natural History Museum will show-case the amazing 360 million year old fossils from Kiltorcan quarry, Co. Kilkenny. Kiltorcan is internationally known for its rich assemblage of excavated fossils but this is their first significant public display. The fossils provide a fascinating glimpse into the plant world at the end of the Devonian Period.


Saturday 18th AugustHERITAGE WEEK: Art installation - Mandala Making in NatureExplore the story of an oak tree and the rich biodiversity that surrounds it, while creating a giant mandala around its base. As you will be using found material gathered in the Botanic Gardens the art installation will be eco-friendly and also time based. This is a communal activity and families are welcome.

Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Meet in the Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturday 18th August - Sunday 2nd SeptemberHERITAGE WEEK: The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival The theme for Heritage Week 2018 is Sharing Stories. This year we are delighted to be hosting the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival, and can share the remarkable story of the Tomato with our visitors. We will have an exhibition of tomato cultivars to demonstrate the sheer diversity of this amazing fruit. Last year’s festival featured over 200 cultivars, this year we distributed 600 plants to eager growers and hope to have even more. The diversity display will run until Sunday 2nd September in the Teak House. We also have a series of talks and special cookery demonstrations for children.

Daily in the Teak House.

Thursday 6th September - Friday 19th October Sculpture in Context Sculpture in Context will present a thought-provoking collection of work that bridges the gap between art and nature, organic forms and man-made objects. The magical natural setting of the National Botanic Gardens will play host to an impressive collection of contemporary works by over 120 Irish and international artists. Over 140 sculptures, from the surreal and simple to the fantastical, will be found nestling in the shrubberies and standing in the shade of the trees throughout the extensive gardens, as well as throughout the ponds, Great Palm House, and Curvilinear Range, with smaller works exhibited in the Gallery in the Visitor Centre.

Daily throughout the Gardens and Gallery, Education & Visitor Centre.


Thursday 20th SeptemberGASTRONOMY TOUR II: Harvest TimeCelebrate the harvest season with this special evening event. Featuring a cornucopia of late summer crops as well exotic delicacies, this tasting tour will explore the history and culture of many regions. Note that most of our tasting stops are al fresco, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Over 18s only as we will be serving small amounts of alcohol.

Time: 6.00pm. Booking essential. Cost: €25 per person. Organised with the Market Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/themarketkitchenTBFM/

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd SeptemberThe Dahlia ShowWe are delighted to host the return of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland’s Dahlia Show. When it comes to dahlias, can you tell a pompom from a semi-cactus, or a decorative from a peony dahlia? Join us to find out all about these fabulous late summer beauties, which will be at their best on display in the Teak House for the annual Dahlia Show.

Time: Saturday 2.00pm–5.00pm & Sunday 10.00am–5.00pm.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Friday 26th - Sunday 28th OctoberBram Stoker Festival The annual Bram Stoker Festival, brought to life by Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland, playfully celebrates the gothic, the mysterious, the after-dark and the thrill of late October as Ireland approaches Halloween and Samhain. Inspired by the legacy of Dublin-born Gothic writer Bram Stoker and his illustrious novel Dracula, the festival will summon the supernatural and revel in darkness and divilment in the Botanic Gardens over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

Check www.bramstokerfestival.com from mid-September for full details on this event.


Sunday 11th November - Sunday 2nd DecemberEXHIBITION: Images of Starlight 2018Images of Starlight 2018 is a new collection of more than sixty astronomy photographs by Irish amateur astronomers and photographers including the Irish winners of the International Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition organised by the Greenwich Observatory in London. Many of the objects photographed are millions of light years away but visitors will be able to see up them up close and be surprised that these galaxies and other space objects cross over their own back gardens every night.

The exhibition will also show the equipment used for viewing and imaging the night sky, including binoculars, modern telescopes and cameras.

To coincide with the exhibition will be a presentation and public talk on the steps we can take as a society to improve and protect our rural and urban night skies from light pollution. There will also be a public talk on astrophotography for those interested in getting started imaging the night sky, along with opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Moon and Planets.

Exhibition runs daily in the Gallery Space, Education & Visitor CentreOrganised with the Irish Astronomical Society & the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies.


Each month we provide a tour with a seasonal flavour or twist. If you are a regular visitor you will get to learn many different aspects of the Gardens through the year.

June, Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

SENSATIONS: A story of perfume and pollinatorsAs part of the Summer Sensations Festival join this heady tour of the most fragrant summer flowers including a brief history of perfume. Of course, plants do not produce their scent just for our pleasure but to entice pollinators and give chemical warning signals. We will also explore how plants use scent to exploit animals to their advantage.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €5 per person.

July, Saturdays 7th & 14th CHASING RAINBOWS: Colour and the Natural WorldDid you know bees can see an extra colour, that green really is the basis for all life on Earth, or that urine was an essential element of an 18th-century dyeing process? Delve into the vibrant world of pollinators, dyes and pigments, symbolism and how colours got their names in this fascinating walk. This tour is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.


July, Saturdays 21st & 28th CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL OF CURIOSITY ADULTS’ GUIDED WALK:

BiomimicryDid you know that the idea for Velcro was sparked by a seed head? Can you guess which plants were responsible for the creation of waterproof paint? Join us on this fascinating tour and find out how scientists are inspired by nature to create ingenious new inventions.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €5 per person. Limited Places available.

Themed Tours


August, Saturdays 4th, 11th & 18th

SENSE-ATION: a Sensorial Tour of the GardensWe are constantly interpreting the world around us using at least one of our senses and unconsciously using others throughout every single day. Explore the very special world of the botanical gardens in a myriad of ways with this multi-sensory tour. Listen to the rustle and swish in the grass garden, inhale the calming lavender in the organic vegetable garden and run your hands over the warm bark of a Giant Redwood tree. This tour is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.


August, Saturday 25th MAKING SENSE: Philosophy in the GardensAt the Academy in Ancient Greece, philosophy students strolled outdoors while pondering the big questions. As Friedrich Nietzsche said centuries later, “It is only ideas gained from walking that have any worth.” The ambience of the National Botanic Gardens itself arguably provided inspiration to the great Ludwig Wittgenstein, who sat in the Palm House to keep warm in the 1940s. Following in the footsteps of these great thinkers, we will explore philosophical themes in the outdoor classroom that is the Botanic Gardens. This tour is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.


September, Saturdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Common & Curious VegetablesDiscover a world of gourmet gardening delights, from the humble potato to the horned melon. Find out how to cook day lilies, which Japanese delicacy may be growing in your back garden and how to make wild garlic pesto.

Time: 2.30pm. Cost: €5 per person. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

October, Saturdays 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Magic, Murder and MonkshoodExplore the darker side of the Botanics on this adults-only tour.Throughout human history, plants have been used not just for sustenance and shelter, but also for more unsavoury practices... From poisons and hallucinogens to dark ritual and magic, discover some of the spine-chilling stories encapsulated by our collections.

Time: 2.30pm. Cost: €5 per person. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre.


November, Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th What’s in a name? – How and why we use scientific namesEver wonder what the story is behind the names on plant labels? Why do we use Latin and Ancient Greek when describing new species? On this guided tour, find out how the scientific naming system came about and hear some humorous and insightful stories behind the naming of plants, from the purely descriptive to the amusingly obscure.


December, Saturdays 1st, 8th, 15th & 29th Festive Winter PlantsExplore the traditions surrounding some of our favourite festive plants - from kissing under the mistletoe and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, to the symbolism of the yew at the winter solstice and the burning of the yule log.


January, Saturdays 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

FIRST FORTNIGHT THEMED GUIDED WALK: BiophiliaAs part of the First Fortnight Festival we are delighted to bring you a very special Biophilia Guided Walk. It is believed that humans have evolved to have an instinctive bond with nature, one which our increasingly urbanised life threatens to disrupt. Ring in the New Year with a brisk stroll around the Gardens and learn about the effect that plants have on our physical and mental states as well as the social benefits this exposure brings to us. Please see www.firstfortnight.ie for more events at the NBG.Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.


February, Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd The Victorian GardensThe Victorian period saw a series of significant developments in the Gardens. During the years of the Great Famine, the initial phase of the iconic wrought iron Curvilinear Range of glasshouses was completed. At this time, curator David Moore was examining the cause of the blight while also becoming the first to successfully grow orchids from seed to flowering stage. He lived comfortably in the Gardens, yet his wife died of famine fever. Striking stories such as these illustrate the remarkable place the Gardens has in our history and heritage.


February, Saturday 9th & Thursday 14th

VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDED WALK: Blooming RomanceAn alternative Valentine’s Day activity to delight the senses! Discover the pagan roots of the day, Ancient Greek tales of metamorphoses, and the love lives of birds. Mid-February is no time for roses, but many other blooms delights the senses – from fragrant daphne and winter-sweet to delicate snowdrops and woodland anemones. Why not join us for a brisk stroll and celebrate the return of spring?



DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Bloomin’ SummerWalking through the Gardens in summertime when many flowers are in full bloom is a magnificent experience. Join our special guided tour and hear all about the plants, design and history of the stunning Herbaceous Border, Annual and Bedding Displays, the Rose Garden and much more.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm. €5 per person.Times: Sundays 12.00pm and 2.30pm. Free of charge.

Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th JuneTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Sensations: A story of perfume and pollinatorsAs part of the Summer Sensations Festival join us for a heady tour of the most fragrant summer flowers including a brief history of perfume. Of course, plants do not produce their scent just for our pleasure but to entice pollinators and give chemical warning signals. On this tour we will also explore how plants use scent to exploit animals to their advantage.


June 2018


Continuing until Sunday 24th JuneSunday Kids Drop-by ActivitiesFor information see the Children’s event section.

Saturday 9th JuneCactus and Succulent ShowFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Saturday 9th JuneCHILDREN’S EVENT: Pond DippingFor information see the Children’s event section.

Friday 15th JuneCONCERT: Great Music in Irish Houses: Van Kuijk QuartetCurrently BBC New Generation Artists, the Van Kuijk Quartet’s international accolades include First Prize at both the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition and the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition. In their Festival début, these elegant musicians will perform works by compatriots Claude Debussy, on the 100th Anniversary of his death, and one of France’s most acclaimed living composers, Édith Canat de Chizy. In addition, they will also perform one of Schubert’s finest musical masterpieces, his dramatic Death and the Maiden String Quartet.

Time: 8.00pm Cost: €30/€25 Booking essential. Book: www.greatmusicinirishhouses.com


Fridays 15th, 22nd & 29th JuneWORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography with The Outdoor Studio This three-day workshop will cover all the basics of digital photography including how to understand your camera and take better and more creative photographs. Suitable for all digital camera types this workshop will improve your skills of landscape, flora and wildlife photography.

Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm.Cost: €110. Booking essential.Book: www.skerriesphotography.com or call 01 849 2572.

Saturday 16th June CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Children’s event section.

Friday 22nd June to Sunday 15th July Inside Outside ‘n’ Beyond: Gerard Byrne celebrates 30 years of painting the National Botanic Gardens For information see the Exhibitions section.

Sundays 24th June and 1st July, Saturdays 7th and 14th JulyTheatre in the Gardens For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Thursday 28th JuneCONCERT: National Concert Hall Gamelan OrchestraFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.




DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Bloomin’ SummerWalking through the Gardens in summertime when the flowers are in full bloom is a magnificent experience. Join our special guided tour and hear all about the plants, design and history of the stunning Herbaceous Border, Annual and Bedding Displays, the Rose Garden and much more.Time: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm. €5 per personTime: Sundays 12.00pm and 2.30pm. Free of charge.

Continuing until Sunday 15th July Inside Outside ‘n’ Beyond: Gerard Byrne celebrates 30 years of painting the National Botanic GardensFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Sunday 1st July, Saturdays 7th & 14th JulyTHEATRE IN THE GARDENS: Meet me in the gardensFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.Booking essential.Times: 2.00pm & 4.00pm. Meet in the Education & Visitor Centre.Book: www.botanicgardenstheatreinthegardens.eventbrite.ie

Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st JulyTuesday Kids Drop-by ActivitiesKids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.For ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown-up.Times: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm. No bookings required, first come first served.

Saturday 7th JulyCHILDREN’S EVENT: Pond DippingFor information see the Events for Children section.

July 2018


Saturdays 7th & 14th JulyTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Chasing Rainbows: Colour and the Natural WorldDid you know bees can see an extra colour, that green really is the basis for all life on Earth, or that urine was an essential element of an 18th-century dyeing process? Delve into the vibrant world of pollinators, dyes and pigments, symbolism and how colours got their names in this fascinating walk. This tour is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.


Tuesday 10th JulyTHEATRE IN THE GARDENS: Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Thursdays 12th and 26th July CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Budding Botanist: Collecting and Pressing Flowers

For information see the Events for Children section.

Saturday 14th July DROP-BY DEMO: Edible FlowersJoin us to find out how you can feast on flowers. Learn how to fill your garden with easy to grow edible flowers that you can use to adorn your salads and drinks, adding colour and flavour alike. This drop-by-demo is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Monday 16th to Friday 20th JulyChildren’s Art CampsJoin our creative art workshops for five wonderful days! Suitable for a variety of ages.



Saturday 14th JulyDROP-BY DEMO: Edible FlowersJoin us to find out how you can feast on flowers. Learn how to fill your garden with easy to grow edible flowers that you can use to adorn your salads and drinks, adding colour and flavour alike. This drop-by-demo is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.


Monday 16th - Friday 20th JulyChildren’s Art CampsJoin our creative art workshops for five wonderful days! Suitable for a variety of ages.


Thursday 19th JulyFILM SCREENING: Five Seasons - The Gardens of Piet OudolfFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd JulySweet Pea ShowFor information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Saturdays 21st & 28th JulyCelebrating the Festival of Curiosity: Adults’ Guided Walk: BiomimicryDid you know that the idea for Velcro was sparked by a seed head? Can you guess which plants were responsible for the creation of waterproof paint? Join us on this fascinating tour and find out how scientists are inspired by nature to create ingenious new inventions.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €5 per person. Limited places available.

Saturdays 21st & 28th JulyThe Aroma DemoJoin us for an intriguing demonstration of some of the scented plants from the gardens, as part of our Summer Sensations Festival. Learn how plants can be made into essential oils and perfumes. See how rose water, herbal infusions and homemade perfumes are made. Discover how to bring these beautiful aromas into your home with potpourri and fragranced wardrobe sachets.

Time: 3.00pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €5 per person. Booking essential.


August 2018


DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Bloomin’ SummerWalking through the Gardens in summertime when the flowers are in full bloom is a magnificent experience. Join our special guided tour and hear all about the plants, design and history of the stunning Herbaceous Border, Annual and Bedding Displays, the Rose Garden and much more.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm.Cost: €5 per person. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Continuing until Tuesday 28th AugustTuesday Kids Drop-by ActivitiesKids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art. For ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown-up.

Times: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm. No bookings required, first come first served.

Thursday 2nd August – Friday 24th AugustEXHIBITION: Devonian Plant Fossils: A window into the past For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.


Saturdays 4th, 11th, 18th AugustTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Sense-sation: a Sensorial Tour of the GardensWe are constantly interpreting the world around us using at least one of our senses and unconsciously using others throughout every single day. Explore the very special world of the botanical gardens in a myriad of ways with this multi-sensory tour. Listen to the rustle and swish in the grass garden, inhale the calming lavender in the organic vegetable garden and run your hands over the warm bark of a Giant Redwood tree. This guided tour is part of the Summer Sensations Festival.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €5 per person. Limited places available.

Sunday 5th and 12th AugustPapermaking Workshop for AdultsExplore the process of handmade paper making with this afternoon session especially for Adults. Make pulp using recycled material and natural plant-based dyes. Infuse the paper with seeds to make plantable paper or add pressed petals and leaves to give a decorative finish.

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm.Cost: €25. Booking essential.


Thursdays 9th and 23rd AugustCHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Budding Botanist: Collecting and Pressing FlowersFor information see the Events for Children section.

Saturday 11th AugustCHILDREN’S EVENT: Pond DippingFor information see the Events for Children section.

Monday 13th to Friday 17th August Children’s Art CampsJoin our creative art workshops for five wonderful days! Suitable for a variety of ages.For information see the Events for Children section.

Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th AugustHERITAGE WEEK: Sharing StoriesWe will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate Heritage Week at the National Botanic Gardens. See below a selection of some of these events.

For information on all our Heritage Week events at the National Botanic Gardens is available at www.heritageweek.ie or www.nationalbotanicgardens.ie

Saturday 18th August HERITAGE WEEK: Art Installation - Mandala Making in NatureExplore the story of an oak tree and the rich biodiversity that surrounds it, while creating a giant mandala around its base. As you will be using found material gathered in the Botanic Gardens the art installation will be eco-friendly and also time based. This is a communal activity and families are welcome.

Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.


Saturday 18th to Sunday 2nd September The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival is coming to the National Botanic GardensThe theme for Heritage Week 2018 is Sharing Stories. This year we are delighted to be hosting the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival, and can share the remarkable story of the Tomato with our visitors. We will have an exhibition of tomato cultivars to demonstrate the sheer diversity of this amazing fruit. Last year’s festival featured over 200 cultivars, this year we distributed 600 plants to eager growers and hope to have even more. The diversity display will run until Sunday 2nd September in the Teak House. We also have a series of talks and special cookery demonstrations for children.

Daily in the Teak House.


Saturday 18th AugustLECTURE: Tomato Tales: Origins, botany, folklore and diversityWhen tomatoes first arrived in Europe, people were deeply distrustful of these ‘love apples’ because of their links to some of Europe’s most toxic plants. Globally we now grow half the weight of the human population each year! Matthew Jebb will explore their origins, diversity and the remarkable legal decision of 1893 that classified them as a vegetable and not a fruit.

Time: 11.00am at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturday 18th August LECTURE: How to grow, cook and eat Totally Terrific TomatoesNicky Kyle has been growing organic vegetables for over 40 years. She knows that growing your own food is an incredibly positive and therapeutic thing to do. She has a wealth of experience growing organically in Irish conditions, and has a particular fondness for Tomatoes. She founded the Festival in 2012 and it is still going strong.

Time: 12.00pm at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturday 18th August BOOK LAUNCH & TALK: The Potato was not the ProblemAs part of Heritage Week’s theme of Sharing Stories we are delighted to host the launch of this new book by art historian Dymphna Headen. Dymphna lives near Bawnboy in Co. Cavan and is involved in the restoration of a workhouse dating from the era of an Gorta Mór. She has spent many years researching the impact of government policies in the 19th century and the consequence of these when combined with the arrival of potato blight.


Sunday 19th August CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Cooking and eating workshops for 3-8-year oldsFor information see the Events for Children section.Limited numbers. Booking essential.


Tuesday 21st August KIDS DROP BY ACTIVITY: Build your own bug hotel For information see the Events for Children section.

Saturday 25th AugustLECTURE: Robin Lane Fox Robin Lane Fox, Emeritus Fellow of New College, Oxford and Reader in Ancient History, University of Oxford, is an English classicist, ancient historian and gardening writer.

Time: 4.00 pm, Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Saturday 25th August CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Growing tomatoes workshop for 8-11 year oldsFor information see the Events for Children section.Limited numbers. Booking essential.

Saturday 25th AugustTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Making Sense: Philosophy in the GardensAt the Academy in ancient Greece, philosophy students strolled outdoors while pondering the big questions. As Friedrich Nietzsche said centuries later, “It is only ideas gained from walking that have any worth. ” The ambience of the National Botanic Gardens itself provided inspiration to the great Ludwig Wittgenstein, who sat in the Palm House to keep warm in the 1940s. Following in the footsteps of these great thinkers, we will explore philosophical themes in the outdoor classroom that is the Botanic Gardens.



September 2018


DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Autumn ColourAutumn in the gardens is an incredible experience. Join us for a special guided tour through the autumn leaves and herbaceous borders savouring the seasonal colour and viewing some of the sculptures dotted throughout the gardens along the way.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm. €5 per person.Sundays 12 noon and 2.30pm. Free of charge.

Saturdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th September THEMED GUIDED TOUR: Common & Curious VegetablesDiscover a world of gourmet gardening delights, from the humble potato to the horned melon. Find out how to cook day lilies, which Japanese delicacy may be growing in your back garden and how to make wild garlic pesto.


Sundays 2nd, 9th & 16th SeptemberYOUNG ADULT WORKSHOP: Digital Film MakingFor information see the Children’s section.

Thursday 6th September - Friday 19th October Sculpture in Context For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Daily throughout the Gardens and Gallery, Education & Visitor Centre.


Saturdays 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th SeptemberGUIDED WALK: Sculpture in Context - Meet the Artists On Saturdays throughout the exhibition, you will have a rare opportunity to join one of the participating artists for a guided tour through the exhibition to gain an insight into Ireland’s largest outdoor and indoor sculpture exhibition.


Saturday 8th September - Friday 19th October Sculpture Trail for SchoolsA chance for both primary and secondary schools to explore the exciting outdoor sculpture exhibition. Come and collect your self-guided trail at the Education and Visitor Centre.

Sundays 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th SeptemberSunday Kids Drop-by ActivitiesKids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.

For ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown-up.Times: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm.No bookings required, first come first served.

Wednesday 12th SeptemberLECTURE: The Walled Garden Russborough A member of the Russborough Garden Team will give a talk on bringing the walled garden back to life.

Time: 3.00pm, Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Fridays 14th, 21st & 28th September WORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography with The Outdoor StudioThis three-day workshop will cover all the basics of digital photography including how to understand your camera and take better and more creative photographs. Suitable for all digital camera types this workshop will improve your skills of landscape, flora and wildlife photography.

Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm.Cost: €110. Booking essential.Book: www.skerriesphotography.com or call 01 849 2572.

Saturday 15th SeptemberCHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS: Budding Artists and Hardy Annuals



Thursday 20th SeptemberGASTRONOMY TOUR II: Harvest Time

For information see Exhibitions Shows and Events Section.

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd SeptemberThe Dahlia ShowWe are delighted to host the return of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland’s Dahlia Show. When it comes to dahlias, can you tell a pompom from a semi-cactus, or a decorative from a peony dahlia? Join us to find out all about these fabulous late summer beauties, which will be at their best on display in the Teak House for the annual Dahlia Show.

Times: Saturday 2.00pm–5.00pm & Sunday 10.00am–5.00pm.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Saturday 29th SeptemberRHSI SEMINAR: Gardening for WildlifeSpeakers for this event are John Anderson (Keeper of Gardens, Windsor Great Park) talking about ‘Woodland Treasures in the Wildlife Garden – A Joy Forever’; Oliver Schurmann (Mount Venus Nursery) & Peter White (Landscape Designer & Garden Writer) with ‘Designing Gardens for Wildlife’.

Booking essential. Tel 01-4937154 or [email protected]: 10.30am-4.00pm. Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.


October



Continuing until Friday 19th October Sculpture in Context For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.Daily throughout the Gardens and Gallery, Education and Visitor Centre.

Until Friday 19th October Sculpture Trail for SchoolsA chance for both primary and secondary schools to explore the exciting outdoor sculpture exhibition.

Come and collect your self-guided trail at the Education and Visitor Centre.


Saturdays 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th OctoberTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Magic, Murder and MonkshoodExplore the darker side of the Botanics on this adults-only tour. Throughout human history, plants have been used not just for sustenance and shelter, but also for more unsavoury practices. From poisons and hallucinogens to dark ritual and magic, discover some of the spine-chilling stories encapsulated by our collections.

Time: 2.30pm. Cost: €5 per person.Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Thursday 4th OctoberNATIONAL TREE DAY GUIDED WALK: Treemendous Tree TalesIn celebration of National Tree Day, we will be exploring stories of many majestic and intriguing old trees in the National Botanic Gardens just as the spectacular autumn foliage appears. There will be a similar tour held in the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh. Please see section on Kilmacurragh.

Time: 3.30pm. Free event. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.


Thursday 4th OctoberNational Tree Day Tours for SchoolsTake part in our Tree walks especially for schools. Hear some fascinating facts and tales about native and exotic trees alike and also learn how to identify some of our most popular trees. Suitable for 1st class and up.

Booking essential at the Education & Visitor Centre on 01-857 0909 or 01 804 0319.

Saturdays 6th & 13th October GUIDED WALK: Through Sculpture in ContextMeet the Artists: On Saturdays throughout the exhibition, you will have a rare opportunity to join one of the participating artists for a guided tour through the exhibition to gain an insight into Ireland’s largest outdoor and indoor sculpture exhibition.


Monday 8th – Saturday 13th OctoberHarvest Display ConstructionCheck out our very special Botanic Gardens harvest display being built, stage by stage. Ask questions and find out more about the organic fruit and vegetables used as well as the design and construction. Each day you’ll see the difference as the display grows and takes shape towards its final harvest splendour - all the while keeping an eye out for any spooky goings on.

Daily outside the Education & Visitor Centre.

Wednesday 10th OctoberIRISH TREE SOCIETY ANNUAL LECTURE: Arboreal Treasures in Irish and British GardensJoin us for Annual Irish Tree Society lecture which this year will be by John Anderson, Keeper of the Gardens, Windsor Great Park.

Time: 2.30pm. Education & Visitor Centre. Organised with the Irish Tree Society.


Saturday 13th onwardsHalloween Harvest DisplayEnjoy this popular annual celebration at Glasnevin. The gardeners have been busy growing a huge variety of colourful pumpkins, gourds, squashes and lots of other plants for our Halloween Harvest Display. Come along and try your luck at guessing the weight of the giant pumpkin – the prizewinner will be announced on Monday 5th of November.


Halloween 2018


Saturday 20th OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Decorated Pumpkin CompetitionTake part in our decorated pumpkin competition and your pumpkin can be part of a fantastic exhibition to be displayed in the Teak House. This unique event is a big hit with our visitors every year. Please check our website or at the Visitor Centre desk for entry forms and details on how to take part in this spooktacular event.

Please remember we cannot accept any carved, cut or pierced pumpkins. Entries will only be accepted on Saturday 20th of October from 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Prize giving for the Decorated Pumpkin Competition will be on Sunday 21st at 3.00pm in the Teak House.

Sunday 21st OctoberHalloween at GlasnevinIt’s Dress-up Day when all you witches and ghouls can dress to distress. View the Halloween Harvest Display and Decorated Pumpkin Exhibition and discover all about Magical Plants when you visit the witches in their garden. Try your hand at some of the maths puzzles and games also that will be dotted about

Time: 12.00pm onwards.

Sunday 21st OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Magical PlantsIt’s all about Magical Plants this Halloween in our witch’s garden. Join the coven to find out more about using garlic to ward off vampires, plants for potions and spells, poisonous plants to murder your evil enemies and even some rarely seen invisible plants. Come and see just how spooky plants can really get.

Time: 12.00pm onwards. Erasmus Education Garden.


Sunday 21st OctoberCelebration of Mind with Maths Week IrelandAs part of our Halloween festival, Maths Week Ireland visits the Gardens. There will be a wide variety of maths demonstrations, puzzles, maze and maths tricks. Mathematicians, magicians, and puzzlers join us as part of Maths Week Ireland’s annual celebration highlighting the fun and accessibility of mathematics while celebrating Halloween too.

Time: 12.00pm - 5.00pm.

Friday 26th October - Sunday 28th OctoberBram Stoker Festival For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Sunday 28th to Wednesday 31st OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Magical PlantsIt’s all about Magical Plants this Halloween in our witch’s garden. Join the coven to find out more about using garlic to ward off vampires, plants for potions and spells, poisonous plants to murder your evil enemies and even some rarely seen invisible plants. Come and see just how spooky plants can really get.

Time: 11.00am and 11.30am.

Thursday 25th October LECTURE: The Gardens & Plants of the National Trust for ScotlandColin Wren, Gardens & Designed Landscape Manager of NTS, will present an overview of some of the great gardens and smaller gardens of the NTS, looking at their development and maintenance and touching on some of the challenges faced by the gardens’ teams to keep them relevant and historically correct. He will highlight some of the special plants as well as some of the more unusual ones.

Time: 8.00pm, Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Irish Garden Plant Society.

Saturday 27th OctoberCHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Events for Children section.

Wednesday 31st OctoberLECTURE: Rare and Wild plants of IrelandIreland’s flora is a unique combination of species; some of these might seem more at home in the Arctic, others in the European Alps and still others on the Mediterranean coasts. How these different species arrived and flourished here has been studied by botanists for many centuries. Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens, will describe some of these stories and why some species have become rare and endangered.





Friday 2nd NovemberMid Term Kids Drop-by ActivitiesKids, join us for fun seasonal activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden.

For ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown-up.Times: Sundays at 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm.No bookings required, first come first served.

Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th NovemberTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: What’s in a name? – How and why we use scientific namesEver wonder what the story is behind the names on plant labels? Why do we use Latin and Ancient Greek when describing new species? On this guided tour, find out how the scientific naming system came about and hear some humorous and insightful stories behind the naming of plants, from the purely descriptive to the amusingly obscure.

Time: 2.30pm. €5 per person. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Sunday 11th November - Sunday 2nd DecemberEXHIBITION: Images of Starlight 2018For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.

Daily throughout the Gardens and Gallery, Education and Visitor Centre.

November 2018


Wednesday 14th NovemberLECTURE: Is the Scots Pine an Irish Pine? To mark Science Week, Dr Colin Kelleher will describe how DNA can be used to determine not only how plants are related to each other, but sometimes how long a species has been growing in Ireland. Come and hear the brilliant detective story of how the Scots pine was once considered to have become extinct in Ireland and how Colin and Trinity College colleagues were able to uncover the truth of this.


Saturday 17th NovemberCHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Events for Children section.

Thursday 22nd NovemberLECTURE: Creating the Perfect GardenCor van Gelderen, owner of Esveld Nurseries in Holland, plant collector extraordinaire, author and judge at Bloom, with his tremendous knowledge on plants, garden design and garden development, will speak about some of his garden projects from small to large spaces and how plants can be incorporated in Irish gardens today.

Time: 8.00pm, Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Irish Garden Plant Society and the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

Saturday 24th November CHILDREN’S EVENT: Eco CraftsFor information see the Events for Children section.

Sunday 25th NovemberADULT’S WORKSHOP: Eco Christmas CraftsAre you dreaming of a green Christmas? Make your own unique eco-conscious cards with biodegradable, seed infused paper and reduce your waste this holiday season. Using recycled materials each card can then be planted in your garden, on your balcony or windowsill, to give a wonderful growing gift.

Time: 11.00am -1.00pm Cost: €5. Booking essential.

Wednesday 28th NovemberLECTURE: The Lilliputian flora of Ireland – Jonathan Swift FestivalAs part of the Jonathan Swift Festival 2018, Matthew Jebb will describe the Lilliputian flora of Ireland, so small that many of us pass them by. The mosses, liverworts and lichens of Ireland are some of our greatest biodiversity treasures. This talk will cover the diversity, beauty and remarkable lives of this microcosm.



DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Seasonal Plants in the GardensBrighten up your December day with a guided tour of our seasonal plants looking their best at the moment including Holly and the wide range of conifer trees in the Gardens. Venture indoors to view the tropical rhododendrons and of course the poinsettia which look splendid in the glasshouses.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm, €5 per personSundays 12.00pm and 2.30pm, free of charge.

Continuing until Sunday 2nd DecemberEXHIBITION: Images of Starlight 2018For information see the Exhibition, Shows and Events section.Daily in the Gallery Space, Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturdays 1st, 8th, 15th & 29th DecemberTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: Festive Winter PlantsExplore the traditions surrounding some of our favourite festive plants - from kissing under the mistletoe and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, to the symbolism of the yew at the winter solstice and the burning of the yule log.


December 2018


Wednesday 5th DecemberFLOWER ARRANGING: Celebrate the SeasonCome along to our perennially popular Flower Arranging Demonstration with two-time Chelsea Award Winner Karen Massey and pick up some great tips for decorating your home this Christmas. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our beautiful arrangements and enjoy a glass of wine and mince pie at the pre-demonstration reception.

Advance booking is essential. Cost: €20 (includes wine reception).Time: 7.00pm Wine Reception.

Saturday 8th DecemberCHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Events for Children section.

Sunday 9th DecemberCELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT GLASNEVIN: Santa, Christmas Craft Market, & much moreSanta is coming to the Botanic Gardens. Come and experience the magic of Christmas with a free visit to Santa and his helpers. Savour the festive atmosphere as you listen to our live Choir and view our giant Christmas tree and handmade wreaths. Fill your bags with locally handcrafted goodies from our Christmas Craft Market. This year the market will boast nearly 50 gorgeous stalls brimming with food and gift ideas.

Ticketed event – Free tickets to visit Santa are available only on Sunday 9th December at the Education & Visitor Centre.The Christmas Market is open all day. Visits to Santa run from 1.30pm.

Calling all prospective stall holders. If you are interested in displaying your handmade wares at the Christmas Craft Market, email us at [email protected]

Wednesday 12th DecemberLECTURE: Are you over-exploiting wild plants?Thousands of plant species are traded internationally and used by people in their daily lives for food, health care, housing, cosmetics or fashion. For the past three years Noeleen Smyth has been at the forefront of trying to determine which plants are being sustainably and legally harvested. Come and learn about how your purchasing decisions can help these plants survive.


Saturday 15th December CHILDREN’S EVENT: Eco CraftsFor information see the Events for Children section.


January 2019

DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Hidden January BlossomsDiscover some unanticipated winter colour as you stroll through the gardens with us. Experience the fragrant blossoms of the Daphne and the tropical Rhododendrons in the glasshouses.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm, €5 per personSundays 12.00pm and 2.30pm, free of charge.

Saturdays 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th JanuaryFIRST FORTNIGHT THEMED GUIDED WALK: BiophiliaAs part of the First Fortnight Festival we are delighted to bring you a very special Biophilia Guided Walk. It is believed that humans have evolved to have an instinctive bond with nature, one which our increasingly urbanised life threatens to disrupt. Ring in the New Year with a brisk stroll around the Gardens and learn about the effect that plants have on our physical and mental states as well as the social benefits this exposure brings to us. Please see www.firstfortnight.ie for more events at the Gardens.


Saturday 12th JanuaryCHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Events for Children section.


Saturday 12th JanuaryLECTURE: Shell Houses and their Artists Gerald and Margaret Hull, who have written extensively on the subject of shell house and grottoes will speak about some of the artists of the past 300 years, with a particular focus on the botanical artist Mary Delany who lived on nearby Glasnevin Hill. They will also tell us about the shell house still extant today in Ireland.


Wednesday 16th JanuaryLECTURE: Health and Well-Being in Gardens and HorticultureThis is a subject that is becoming increasingly relevant as a number of reports are identifying links between our wellbeing and access to nature. Following their attendance at a Plant Network training event at the Eden Project, Brendan Gilsenan, craft gardener, and Charlotte Salter-Townshend, guide, will present their learnings with an illustrated presentation.

Time: 3.00pm. Education & Visitor Centre.

Sunday 20th JanuaryCHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Creative Writing WorkshopFor information see the Children’s section.

Wednesday 23rd JanuaryLIGHTENING TALKS: Secrets and Passions of the NBG Discover the grand passions, obsessions, secrets and myths of the Gardens with our stimulating series of Lightning Talks. It’s access all areas as the Staff of the NBG speak! With 5 speakers and just 5 minutes per talk these presentations will be short, concise, super insightful and always fun.

Time: 3:00pm, Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturday 26th JanuaryCHILDREN’S EVENT: Build a Bird FeederFor information see the Events for Children section.

Sunday 27th JanuaryDEMONSTRATION: St Brigid’s Cross MakingCome and discover the technique behind making the traditional St. Brigid’s Cross. Step-by-step demonstrations using fresh rushes in celebration of the feast of St. Brigid.

Time: 11.30am & 3.00pm. Education & Visitor Centre.


DAILY GUIDED WALKS: Hidden February BlossomsDiscover some unanticipated winter colour as you stroll through the gardens with us. Experience the fragrant blossoms of the Daphne and the tropical rhododendrons in the glasshouses.

Times: Monday – Saturday 11.30am and 3.00pm, €5 per person.Sundays 12.00 noon and 2.30pm, free of charge.

Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd FebruaryTHEMED GUIDED TOUR: The Victorian GardensThe Victorian period saw a series of significant developments in the Gardens. During the years of the Great Famine, the initial phase of the iconic wrought iron Curvilinear Range of glasshouses was completed. At this time, curator David Moore was examining the cause of the blight while also becoming the first to successfully grow orchids from seed to flowering stage. He lived comfortably in the Gardens, yet his wife died of famine fever. Striking stories such as these illustrate the remarkable place the Gardens has in our history and heritage.

Time: 2.30pm. €5 per person. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

February 2019


Saturday 2nd FebruaryCHILDREN’S EVENT: Build a Bird FeederA fun kids workshop where we will be making bird feeders to help our feathered friends during the cold winter months. Be sure to wear old clothes since we may be making a mess.

Suitable for age 6-12 years. Booking essential.Time: 11.00am -1.00pm.

Wednesday 6th FebruaryLIGHTENING TALKS: Secrets and Passions Following on from our January Lightning Talks, find out about the grand passions, obsessions, secrets and myths of some very special invited guests. With 5 speakers and just 5 minutes per talk these presentations will be short, concise, super insightful and always fun.

Time: 3:00pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.

Saturday 9th & Thursday 14th FebruaryVALENTINE’S DAY GUIDED WALK: Blooming RomanceAn alternative Valentine’s Day activity to delight the senses! Discover the pagan roots of the day, Ancient Greek tales of metamorphoses, and the love lives of birds. Mid-February is no time for roses, but many other blooms delights the senses – from fragrant daphne and winter-sweet to delicate snowdrops and woodland anemones. Why not join us for a brisk stroll and celebrate the return of spring?


Sunday 10th FebruaryCHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Creative Writing WorkshopFor information see the Children’s section

Saturday 16th FebruaryCHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS: Budding Artists and Hardy AnnualsFor information see the Events for Children section.

Saturday 23rd FebruaryLECTURE: Plants and Bees Mary Montaut will talk to us about the relationship between plants and pollinators. Mary, an IGPS member, is also editor of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations and has been keeping bees in her Wicklow home for many years.



Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th JuneTuesday Kids Drop by Activities Kids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.

Suitable from ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown up. Time: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm.No bookings required, first come first served.

Saturdays 9th June, 7th July & 11th AugustPond DippingExplore the weird and wonderful diversity of insects and mini-beasts living in and around the pond at the National Botanic Gardens. Perfect your technique with guidance from the experts and learn how to identify the amazing creatures you have captured. Once you have discovered the hidden pond life you will never look at ponds the same way again!

This workshop is suitable for children age 8 and upwards. Admission Free. Booking essential.Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Organised with the Irish Wildlife Trust.

Events for Children


Saturday 16th June, 15th September, 27th October, 17th November & 8th December 2018Saturday 12th January & 16th February 2019Budding ArtistsJoin our ‘budding’ artists, a creative workshop especially for younger children taking place once a month, under the attentive eye of artist Niamh Synnott. Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities. Suitable for 4 to 7-year-olds.

Time: 11.00am - 12.30pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: €10. Booking essential.

Saturday 16th June, 15th September, 27th October, 17th November & 8th December 2018Saturday 12th January & 16th February 2019Hardy Annuals Why not join us for a guided discovery of the natural world where you can observe, engage, and be inspired by your surroundings. Participants in this art programme will be encouraged to use materials in fun and interesting ways while taking inspiration from the world of plants on show at Glasnevin. Suitable for 8 to 12 year-olds.

Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Meet at the Education & Visitor CentreCost: €10. Booking essential.


Tuesdays throughout July & AugustTuesday Kids Drop by Activities Kids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.

Suitable from ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown up.Time: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm. No bookings required. First come first served.

Thursdays 12th, 26th July & 9th, 23th AugustBUDDING BOTANIST: Collecting and Pressing FlowersEver wanted to start your very own dried plant collection? Get great tips and discover how you can become a plant collector! Join our guides on an expedition through the Botanic Gardens, identifying and collecting suitable plants for pressing before constructing your very own flower press. If you like, you can also create some beautiful botanical designs with our pre-dried plants.

Suitable for age 6 and up.Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education & Visitor Centre.Cost: Admission Free. Booking essential.

Monday 16th - Friday 20th July & Monday 13th - Friday 17th AugustChildren’s Art CampJoin artist Niamh Synnott for Children’s Art Week! Children will be encouraged through fun art activities to observe, engage in and be inspired by their surroundings. Kids can try their hand using a variety of mediums and materials such as mono and block prints, batik, plein air painting, and construction using art straws.

Time: 4 to 7 year-olds: 11.00am - 12.30pm.8 to 12 year-olds: 2.00pm - 4.00pm.Cost: €60. Booking essential.

Sunday 19th August CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Cooking and eating workshops for 3-8-year oldsDeirdre Doyle of The Cool Food School (www.thecoolfoodschool.ie) will host a fun, interactive workshop including tomato storytelling, picking and eating.

These 40 minute classes are specifically tailored to 3-8-year olds. Time: 11.00am & 1.00pm in the Erasmus Children’s Garden. Limited numbers. Booking essential.


Tuesday 21st August KIDS DROP BY ACTIVITIES: Build your own bug hotel Come join us during Heritage Week in the Children’s Erasmus Education Garden and explore the world of mini beasts. Design, build and decorate your own bug hotel which you can bring home to your own garden.

Suitable from ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown up. Time: 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm. No bookings required. First come first served.

Saturday 25th August CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Growing tomatoes workshop for 8-11 year oldsDeirdre Doyle of The Cool Food School (www.thecoolfoodschool.ie) will host a fun, interactive workshop for children aged 8-11 years old exploring tomatoes and how they are grown. These classes are specifically tailored for 8-11 year olds.

Time: 11.00am & 1.00pm in the Erasmus Children’s Garden.Limited numbers. Booking essential.

Sundays 2nd, 9th & 16th SeptemberYOUNG ADULT WORKSHOP: Digital Film MakingJoin Helena Gouveia Monteiro, visual artist and experimental filmmaker, and discover how to create your own short film. All you need is your mobile phone! Helena will show you how to use basic editing software to create your own short film featuring the colours and textures of the National Botanic Gardens. In this three-day workshop, students will be encouraged to challenge their visual and creative skills through observation, minute recording and editing. The resulting works will be screened at the National Botanic Gardens and added to the website and social media.

Suitable for ages 14-17. Time: 1.00pm – 5.00pm.For details contact the Visitor Centre. €25 per person.Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/workshop-digital-film-making-tickets-46226723374

Sundays 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th September Friday 2nd NovemberKids Drop by Activities in the Education GardenKids, join us for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden. Sow seeds, make seed bombs, design bug hotels and re-use everyday items to create your own piece of eco art.

Suitable from ages 4 and up. All children must bring their own grown up. 11.00am, 11.30am, 3.00pm & 3.30pm. No bookings required. First come first served.


Thursday 4th OctoberNational Tree Day Tours for SchoolsTake part in our tree walks especially for schools. Hear some fascinating facts and tales about native and exotic trees alike and also learn how to identify some of our most popular trees.

Suitable for 1st class and up. Booking essential at the Education & Visitor Centre on 01-857 0909 or 01 804 0319.


Monday 8th – Saturday 13th OctoberHarvest Display ConstructionCheck out our very special Botanic Gardens harvest display being built, stage by stage. Ask questions and find out more about the organic fruit and vegetables used as well as the design and construction. Each day you’ll see the difference as the display grows and takes shape towards its final harvest splendour - all the while keeping an eye out for any spooky goings on.


Saturday 13th onwardsHalloween Harvest DisplayEnjoy this popular annual celebration at Glasnevin. The gardeners have been busy growing a huge variety of colourful pumpkins, gourds, squashes and lots of other plants for our Halloween Harvest Display. Come along and try your luck at guessing the weight of the giant pumpkin – the prize-winner will be announced on Monday 5th of November.


Saturday 20th OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Decorated Pumpkin CompetitionTake part in our decorated pumpkin competition and your pumpkin can be part of a fantastic exhibition to be displayed in the Teak House. This unique event is a big hit with our visitors every year. Please check our website or at the Visitor Centre desk for entry forms and details on how to take part in this spooktacular event.

Please remember we cannot accept any carved, cut orpierced pumpkins.

Entries will only be accepted on Saturday 20th of October from 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Prize giving for the Decorated Pumpkin Competition will be on Sunday 21st at 3.00pm in the Teak House.

Sunday 21st OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Magical PlantsIt’s all about Magical Plants this Halloween in our witch’s garden. Join the coven to find out more about using garlic to ward off vampires, plants for potions and spells, poisonous plants to murder your evil enemies and even some rarely seen invisible plants. Come and see just how spooky plants can really get.

Time: 12.00pm onwards in the Erasmus Education Garden.


Sunday 21st OctoberCelebration of Mind with Maths Week IrelandAs part of our Halloween festival, Maths Week Ireland visits the Gardens. There will be a wide variety of maths demonstrations, puzzles, maze and maths tricks. Mathematicians, magicians, and puzzlers join us as part of Maths Week Ireland’s annual celebration highlighting the fun and accessibility of mathematics while celebrating Halloween too.

Time: 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Sunday 28th to Wednesday 31st OctoberCHILDREN’S EVENT: Magical PlantsIt’s all about Magical Plants this Halloween in our witch’s garden. Join the coven to find out more about using garlic to ward off vampires, plants for potions and spells, poisonous plants to murder your evil enemies and even some rarely seen invisible plants. Come and see just how spooky plants can really get.

Time: 11.00am & 11.30am, in the Erasmus Education Garden.

Saturday 24th November & 15th December CHILDREN’S EVENT: Eco CraftsEspecially for kids this Christmas. Help spread beauty and prevent waste this Christmas by making your own plantable eco-friendly cards with recycled and natural materials. Using biodegradable seed infused paper, these cards will keep giving long after Christmas, as they can then be planted in your garden, in pots on your balcony or windowsill.

Time: 6-8 years 11.00am - 12.00pm, 8 years & over 2.00pm – 3.00pm.Cost: €5. Booking essential.


Sunday 9th DecemberCELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT GLASNEVIN: Santa, Christmas Craft Market, and much moreSanta is coming to the Botanic Gardens. Come and experience the magic of Christmas with a free visit to Santa and his helpers. Savour the festive atmosphere as you listen to our live Choir and view our giant Christmas tree and handmade wreaths. Fill your bags with locally handcrafted goodies from our Christmas Craft Market. This year the market will boast nearly 50 gorgeous stalls brimming with food and gift ideas.

Ticketed event – Free tickets to visit Santa are available only on Sunday 9th December at the Education and Visitor Centre.The Christmas Market is open all day. Visits to Santa run from 1.30pm.Calling all prospective stallholders. If you are interested in displaying your handmade wares at the Christmas Craft Market, email us at [email protected]

Sunday 20th January & 10th February 2019CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP: Creative Writing WorkshopCaoimhe Creed, guide at Dublin Castle and former Fighting Words instructor, will lead you through the process of crafting a story inspired by the Botanic Gardens. Nature and plants have enlivened much literature and there are many amazing stories represented in the Garden’s collections. In this session, Caoimhe will show you how to derive inspiration from your surroundings and release your creative writing potential.

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Suitable for ages 8-10.Booking essential. Tel: (01) 804 0319/ 857 0909. Free Workshop.

Saturday 26th January & 2nd February 2019CHILDREN’S EVENT: Build a Bird FeederA fun kids workshop where we will be making bird feeders to help our feathered friends during the cold winter months. Be sure to wear old clothes since we may be making a mess.

Suitable for age 6-12 years. Booking essential.Time: 11.00am -1.00pm.


Welcome to our events section for the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh. Located in Kilbride, east Co. Wicklow (Junction 18 on the N11), it is the centrepiece of an eighteenth-century estate and is famous for its conifers, rhododendrons, meadows and double-borders.

Free Guided ToursTwice daily until the middle of October, at 12.00pm and 3.00pm. Please check the website or locally for seasonally themed guided tours and trails.

Group tours should be pre-booked. Meet at the car park entrance to the Gardens for all events.April – October: Tel: 0404 48844.November – March: Tel: 01 857 0909/ 804 0319.

Saturdays in June & July GUIDED WALK: Meadows and HedgerowsJoin our expert guides on a stroll through the summer meadows. From wild Irish orchids to yellow rattle, discover the many wonderful plants that are growing in our regenerated meadows.

Time: 2.30pm. Meet at the Car Park.

Events at Kilmacurragh


Saturdays 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th AugustGUIDED WALK: Plant Hunters WalkThe travels of the plant hunters make wonderful stories! Often away for several years at a time in the most inaccessible parts of the world, these intrepid people showed wisdom, bravery and foolhardiness that will illuminate a walk round Kilmacurragh.


Saturday 18th – Sunday 26th AugustHERITAGE WEEK: Sharing Stories@NBG KilmacurraghThe world of plants is full of stories but where do they come from? How did they get here? Where did they get their names? Come and join us for stories that will answer some of these questions, while some plants will always retain their mysteries...


Thursday 4th OctoberTHEMED TOUR: Intriguing Trees In celebration of National Tree Day, we will be exploring the stories of many majestic and interesting old trees in Kilmacurragh as the spectacular autumn foliage appears.


Thursday 4th OctoberNational Tree Day Guided Walk for Schools: Learn all about TreesFind out some fascinating facts and learn a little on how to identify trees while discovering how amazing trees really are in the process.

For further information and booking call 0404 48844.

Friday 12th OctoberWORKSHOP: Beginner’s Photography with the Outdoor StudioJoin us for this one day Photography Workshop in the beautiful location of Kilmacurragh Gardens in County Wicklow. Combining the stunning autumn with the beautiful gardens and woodland walks, this outdoor event will provide excellent photo opportunities combined with relaxed learning. The course is suitable for beginners to enthusiast, and all camera types.

Time: 10.30am- 3.30pm. Cost €35. Booking essential.Book: www.skerriesphotography.com or call 01 849 2572.


A variety of specially themed guided tours and workshops are available free of charge to school groups. All school visits should be pre-booked at the Education & Visitor Centre - 01 8570909/ 01 8040319

GREEN-SCHOOLS BIODIVERSITY FLAGWe offer support to both Primary and Secondary schools in achieving Green Flag status. Each Green Flag Session lasts approx. 2 hours. Join our expert guides exploring the Gardens on our Biodiversity Tour and discover the importance of our native plants and animals. This is followed by a hands-on workshop in our Children’s Garden, where you will get some practical advice on what to do in your own school garden to help biodiversity.

While you are there you can check out our butterfly/pollinator bed, bog bed and sow some seeds in your own newspaper pot to bring back to your own school garden. Then explore the Botanic Gardens with our self-guided Trail.

Education Tours & Workshops for Schools


PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Guided ToursThe Rainforest - Explore Ireland’s only tropical rainforest in the Great Palm House, and find out about plants from all over the world. Available year round.

Irish Plants - Hear all about Irish plants and trees, their uses, folklore, and how to identify them. Visit the Viking House and find out what plants they grew for food, clothing, and shelter. Available year round.

Tree-mendous trees - Discover the lives of our great trees – how they produce their food, survive the seasons, and help us in our daily lives. Available year round

National Tree DayTree walks for schools - Booking essential. Hear some fascinating facts and tales about native and exotic trees alike, and also learn how to identify some of our most popular trees.

Suitable for 1st class and up. Thursday 4th October.


Sculpture in Context Tours for Primary SchoolsThroughout the Sculpture in Context exhibition, primary school groups can book a special guided tour of the gardens that includes some of the exciting sculptures both outdoors and in the gallery and glasshouse areas.

Sculpture Trail - This trail will be available for the duration of the exhibition and will look at a few choice pieces in greater detail.

WorkshopsDelve Deeper - Take a tour of the Gardens and collect samples with our intrepid guides before going back to the Education Centre to experiment with our special, user-friendly, handheld, digital microscopes. See what leaves, seeds, and even microscopic bugs look like close up! Available year round.

Hands-on Veg Garden Workshop – Come along for a hands-on workshop and get practical advice about planting up your School Garden to taste a seasonal harvest year round. Sow food and flower seeds to bring back for your school garden. Available year round.

Magical Plants - Join us in our Erasmus Education garden for a seasonal look at some weird, wonderful and magical plants from around the world. From the famous wolfs bane of Harry Potter to the opium poppies of the ancient Egyptians.


SECOND LEVEL

Guided ToursPlant Adaptations – This guided walk will look at some of the amazing adaptive features our plants have adopted to cope with everything from predators, habitat loss and climate change.

WorkshopsDelve Deeper - Take a tour of the gardens and collect samples with our expert guides before going back to the Education Centre to experiment with our special, user-friendly, handheld, digital microscopes. See what leaves, seeds, and even microscopic bugs look like close up!

Ecology Workshop - Explore the world of ecology while taking an expedition through the Gardens exploring ecological concepts such as nutrient cycling, climate and soil adaptation, and habitat structure. This workshop combines an interactive classroom session with a tour of the Garden’s native and exotic plants. It also features activities such as:- stepping from tropical to desert biomes to explore plant adaptations to the world’s climate and environmental factors - searching the garden’s amazing plant collection for fascinating living examples of ecological relationships such as competition, predation, parasitism, and symbiosis

Students will also get a rare chance to study plants at the centre of real conservation projects, and even see rare plants that are extinct in the wild. This workshop is based on the curriculum needs of the Leaving Cert Biology Sub-Unit General Principles of Ecology, but will also cover other aspects of the Leaving Cert Biology and Geography Curricula.

Hands-on Veg Garden Workshop – Come along for a hands-on workshop and get practical advice about planting up your School Garden to taste a seasonal harvest year round. Sow food and flower seeds to bring back for your school garden. Available year round.

Workshop for TY Horticulture Participants - Food Glorious Food - Come along to this half-day session and find out all about the food we eat from tropical bananas to tomatoes and potatoes. Visit the organic garden to see what is growing outdoors, take a self-guided trail and discover the tropical economic plant crops which we use in our everyday lives, plant your very own food crop and take it back to your school garden.

Limited availability.


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WORKSHOPS BOOKING FORM

Please ü event and or age group requiredPond Dipping (age 8+) Free Sat 9 June Sat 7 July Sat 11 Aug Children’s Art Workshops:

Budding Artists (4-7 yrs) €10 Sat 16 June Hardy Annuals (8-12yrs) €10 Sat 15 Sep Sat 13 Oct Sat 17 Nov Sat 8 Dec Sat 12 Jan 2019 Sat 16 Feb 2019 Budding Botanist Free Thu 12 July Thu 26 July Thu 9 Aug Thu 23 Aug Children’s Art Camp:

Budding Artists (4-7 yrs) €60 Mon 16-Fri 20 July Hardy Annuals (8-12 yrs) €60 Mon 13-Fri 17 Aug Aroma Demo €5 Sat 21 July Sat 28 July Papermaking Workshop €25 Sun 5 Aug Sun 12 Aug Tomatoes: Cooking & Eating (3-8 yrs) Free Sun 19 Aug Growing Tomatoes (8-11 yrs) Free Sat 25 Aug Children’s ECO Crafts (6-8 yrs) €5 Sat 24 Nov €5 Sat 15 Dec Flower Arranging €20 Wed 5 Dec Adult ECO Crafts €5 Sun 25 Nov Kids’ Creative Writing (8-10 yrs) Free Sun 20 Jan 2019 Free Sun 10 Feb 2019 Build a Bird Feeder Free Sat 26 Jan 2019 Free Sat 2 Feb 2019 Further detailsTel: 01 8570909 / 8040319 or Email: [email protected]

Opening hours

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To receive email updates please contact [email protected]

vermilliondesign.comGUIDED TOURS

Sundays at 12.00pm & 2.30pm all year round. Admission free.Monday – Saturday 11.30am & 3.00pm. €5 per person.Pre-booked groups by arrangement. €5 per person.

OPENING HOURS

SUMMER (MARCH – OCTOBER)

Monday – Friday 9.00–5.00pmSaturday/Sunday 10.00–6.00pm

WINTER (OCTOBER – MARCH)

Monday – Friday 9.00–4.30pmSaturday/Sunday 10.00–4.30pm

Telephone: 01 857 0909 / 01 804 0319Email: [email protected]: www.botanicgardens.ie

Documents

exhibitions events - botanicgardens.iebotanicgardens.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BOTAN... · Wed 23 Jan LIGHTNING TALKS: Secrets and Passions of the NBG p45 Sun 27 Jan DEMONSTRATION: