The National Botanic Gardens is one of Europe's foremost garden research centres and the activities and role of the Gardens is a great deal more varied than meets the eye.The Gardens purpose is to explore, understand, conserve, and share the importance of plants.
This is a place where leisure, recreation and education are all compatible for the enjoyment of the visitors.
Opened in 2000 the visitor centre combines a lecture hall, restaurant and display area with exhibits relating to the history and purpose of the gardens.
A head of the famous Giant Irish Deer hangs on the wall in the centre.

The Botanic Gardens are located 5 kilometres from Dublin's City Centre, off Botanic Road, in Glasnevin.

The Gardens are to close to Ireland's largest Cemetery in Glasnevin, and it is the final resting place of some of Ireland's most famous citizens.

River Tolka is situated just beside the gardens.

Howth is just 20 kilometers away from the gardens and it is a charming part of Dublin's suburbs, Howth head is a dominant feature of Dublin Bay. Howth is a popular area for bird watching and sailing, there are also plenty of restaurants and local pubs available.
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Dublin city centre is just a short 7 minute drive from the gardens, we strongly recommend that you visit Guinness storehouse, Trinity College, and for Irish history enthusiasts Kilmainham Gaol, is one of the most historically significant places you can visit in Dublin.

In the visitor centre, a series of 12 portraits by Anna O'Leary, show notable scientists and innovators associated with the development of Botany, as well as the establishment and growth of the National Botanic Gardens.

The library of The National Botanic Gardens is an important and valuable collection of botanical and horticultural books and periodicals. It is primarily for horticultural students but botanists and gardening enthusiasts come to avail of its unique collection.