Celebrate the Beauty of Rhododendrons during Rhododendron Week at the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on: 8 April 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
8 – 14 April 2024
In early April, the gardens at Kilmacurragh are marked by the splendour of their two centuries old Rhododendron collection bursting into flower. The significance of these venerable trees is down to the site’s long association with the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin.
The Acton family, who built Kilmacurragh, established a long and fruitful friendship with David Moore and later his son Sir Frederick Moore, successive curators at Glasnevin. From the early 1850s, the Moore’s advised the Acton family on gardening matters and supplied the latest introductions of the great plant hunters, particularly from the Himalayan range. For over 70 years a regular exchange of plants resulted in Kilmacurragh becoming one of the best stocked private gardens in Ireland. Today the collection boasts 180 species of rhododendrons and over 420 varieties. Since taking over the management of the site in 1996, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland have both restored, and greatly expanded the collection.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan commented:
“A trip to the Gardens at Kilmacurragh during Rhododendron Week is magnificent. The colourful array of Rhododendrons coming into bloom is a sight to behold. There are a number of free tours available to the public throughout the week, so why not take the opportunity to learn more about the spectacular displays in this magnificent location."
Rhododendron week, which falls between 8-14 April this year, is an annual event held at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow. It is during this week that the OPW showcase the highlights of the collection and explore the stories behind them.
National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh are managed by the Heritage Services of the Office of Public Works. The gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm, access to the gardens is free. Free ‘Rhododendron Week’ guided tours will be held at 12 noon and 3pm. A series of video stories on ‘Historic and Plant Highlights’ will be uploaded to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland social media accounts and YouTube channel during the week.
For further information contact +353 404 48844 or kilmacurraghgardens@opw.ie
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Notes
Rhododendron Week 8 – 14 April 2024
Programme of events:
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 April at 12:00 and 15:00
Free ‘Rhododendron Week’ guided tours.
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Thursday 11 April at 19:30
In association with the RHS Rhododendron Camellia and Magnolia Group, Seamus O’ Brien will give an online lecture on ‘The Moore’s of Glasnevin’ at 19:30. This is a free event and the Zoom link is available on our social media pages:
https://www.facebook.com/nationalbotanicgardensofirelandkilmacurragh/
https://www.instagram.com/nationalbotanicgardens_ireopw/
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Friday 12 April at 14:00
Walking tour with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh. Title: ‘The Rejuvenation of the Historic Rhododendron Collection at Kilmacurragh’.
This event is now SOLD OUT