National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh — Attraction in The Municipal District of Arklow

The colours, shapes, and varieties of the flowering shrubs were like watching a painting on the artist easel.

The sky reaching tree's brings to mind a line in song, where the Oaks and the Ash and the Bunny Rowan tree are all a growing greener in the (North Country.) Kilmacurragh Gardens.

The various sizes of trees small, tall, wide, slender, the various shades of green also brings another song to mind. 40 Shades of Green. I cannot finish without mentioning the huge variety of Rhododendron's tiny, small, bushy, and all shapes and colour's, OUR FAVOURITE WAS THE WHITE ONE WITH THE BLACK CENTER. Also the sizes of tree's growing both towards the sky, and like a snail moving along the ground, so between earth and sky a canopy of beauty.

We had a lovely 3 hour stroll through the gardens and then enjoyed our lovely rest sitting at a picnic table in the sun listening to the birdsong, mixed with the sounds of children playing in and out of the tree's so so nice. In the tearoom we were served tea and cake by the two most friendly pleasant efficient girls I have met in hospitality anywhere in Ireland and abroad.They explained what was on offer, as I am a coeliac, there was a choice for me, a most unusual happening. They told us about the birds who hang around outside awaiting for the crumbs. Such pleasures first in the Garden then just for me in the cafe. I loved our day out in the Garden's at Kilmacurragh. This was our 3rd time to visit, once with a large group, then with our family, and this visit just the two of us. We would definitely recommend a visit for any age or size group in the Kilmacurragh...

This review is about sustainability only! ☺️

By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Over 95% of the plastic that we produce and consume does not get recycled, but rather ends up back in our ecosystems, in the ocean, incinerators, or in landfills.

I so appreciate that the cafe on the premises offers real, reusable mugs, silverware, and plates for those who are explicitly eating on the patio or inside.

But I wonder if you would consider ceasing the sale of plastic bottled water to your visitors. It feels like such a needless waste, especially in a setting that would typically encourage more positive environmental connection and behavior. By now, there are plenty of better options, like aluminum, canned water.

I also was not sure where I could refill my reusable water bottle, so perhaps making that more explicit for visitors would be helpful as well.

And I wonder if you could instead provide genuinely compostable to-go cups to people, as well as compost receptacles on the premises. To see this much plastic waste created during peoples’ visits is upsetting.

Thank you for considering how to make this green space even greener. Again, I appreciate that you do indeed offer reusable mugs and utensils, just would like to see less throwaway plastic on the premises.

That, to me, connects the visitor to the greater ecological picture of this gorgeous...

The National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow is a most beautiful place to visit at any time of year. Entrance to the garden is free of charge.

There is a very fine Cafe there where you can enjoy lunch indoors or Al Fresco.

On this occasion I visited on the 02 April 2025, which was a beautiful sunny day. I was expecting the Hydrangeas to be in full bloom and they didn't disappoint. They were spectacular and well worth the visit to see and enjoy.

I like this botanical garden because there is very good management of the tree population evidident everywhere. On a recent visit I was talking to one of the gardeners there and after some time he realised I was interested in gardens so he actually showed me around areas where they probigate the new stock of trees and shrubs for the garden which was very interesting. He also explained that the head gardener was in China sourcing rare tree plants for the garden, so no effort spared to ensure the garden remains a beautiful destination well into the future.

I have no hesitation in recommending this garden as a place to spend a pleasant afternoon. It is especially suitable for young families.

I hope you enjoy...