Timeline
10:00
Enter the National Botanic Gardens as they open. The extensive grounds favour alkaline-loving species, and the great Palm House is a standout. It is a good time to visit before the crowds arrive.
11:00
Walk five minutes to John Kavanagh's for a drink. This mournfully authentic pub from 1833 is little altered. You can toast the departed in the next-door Glasnevin Cemetery, which is adjacent to the gardens.
12:00
Return to the gardens for a final stroll. The gateway into Glasnevin Cemetery is right there, letting you see the connection between the greenery and the history of the area.
Local tip
The gardens are free. Check the hours if you are visiting in winter, as they close earlier than in summer.
Check before you go
- National Botanic Gardens: Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-6PM; Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4:30PM.
- John Kavanagh's: Mo-Sa 10:30-22:30; Su 12:30-22:30.
Worth knowing
- John Kavanagh's is open at 11:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Dublin (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).