Events & Workshops in the National Botanic Gardens this August
Tours of the National Botanic Gardens
If you haven't paid a visit to one of Ireland's finest national treasures, why not treat yourself this summer to a guided tour of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. The tours will set off daily from the Education and Visitor Centre at 11.30am and 3.00pm Monday to Saturday. Charge €2 per person. There are free guided tours of the gardens on Sundays at 12.00pm and 2.30pm. For larger groups, tours can be pre-booked in advance. Further information on group bookings contact (01) 8570909
Leaf Watch Trail
The National Botanic Garden's popular Leaf-Watch phenology Trail continues throughout August. By completing this family-oriented trail, you can help botanists at the gardens gather research data on how climate change is impacting the timing of certain events in wildlife. This trail will take you to a selection of trees to observe and record your findings. You can pick up a trail and map at the Visitor Centre. The trail and map is also available as gaeilge.
Thursday 2nd August
Lecture from Dr. Darach Lupton: From Medicinal to Agricultural and everything in between – documenting and conserving traditional plant uses in Oman.
Oman is an arid mountainous land on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula teaming with wondrous plants. Traditionally plants have many uses including crafts, medicine, agriculture and are an essential part of rural life in Oman. Darach Lupton, formerly of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, is leading a team of young Omani Botanists on a quest to document and conserve this knowledge and safeguard its existence for future generations. He will talk about his work during his lecture at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Time: 3.00 pm, Education and Visitor Centre, NBG, Glasnevin. All are welcome. Admission Free.
Wednesday 8th August
Drawing Workshop: Fusing Drawing and Science – Taking a closer look
This series of art workshops for adults fuses art and science together and fosters creative ways of seeing and exploring the intricate and rich biodiversity that exists at the National Botanic Gardens. Time 11.00 am – 2.00 pm.
Booking: debbie@thedrawingworkshop.org or phone 086 – 0565907
Heritage Week events at the National Botanic Gardens
Tuesday 21st August
Concert – Traditional Irish music in the Gardens with Mick O'Brien and family and special guests Frioscaí
Renowned uilleann piper Mick O'Brien will be joined by family and friends in an informal concert in the gardens to celebrate Heritage Week. The O'Briens are highly regarded performers and teachers of the uniquely Irish uilleann pipes and traditional Irish instruments. A very musical family, his wife will join Mick on banjo and fiddle, daughters Aoife and Ciara on fiddle and harp, and son Cormac on pipes and whistle. Froiscaí, the all-Ireland Siansa Gael Linn 2012 finalists will be joining the O'Brien family as special guests. Time: from 3.00 pm. Admission Free. Further details from the National Botanic Gardens Education and Visitor Centre (01) 8570909
Sunday 26th August - Woodturning Demonstration & Workshop with Kieran Reynolds
Local wood turner Kieran Reynolds works exclusively with Irish grown timber in his home workshop. He will be demonstrating his craft using Irish grown wood throughout the day in the Botanic Gardens. He will also have a range of his pieces on display. Demonstration time from 10.00 am. Admission Free.
Free Guided Walks for Heritage Week in the National Botanic Gardens: Trees – A living Heritage - Saturdays 18th & 25th August, Sundays 19th & 26th August
Join a guided walk through the National Botanical Garden's plant collection and discover the many rare and old trees that grow in one of Dublin's hidden treasures. Time 2.30 pm. Meet in the Education and Visitor Centre.
Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow (0404) 48844
Saturday is family day at Kilmacurragh this August. Join in the family friendly events, you can take a self-guided trail around the stunning gardens, join a Junior Botany workshop, or take a guided tour suitable for all the family, explaining all about trees. You can make a family day of it as it's an ideal location for a picnic. Dogs are also allowed on leads.
Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow - Junior Botany Workshops Saturdays and Sundays 18th 19th 25th 26th August for Heritage week
Junior botanists are invited to explore Kilmacurragh’s wild flower meadows and get hands-on experience of identifying different species of familiar plants. Time 12.00 pm. Ages 6-14 years. Meet at the car park. Advance booking essential. Contact (0404) 48844
Special Themed Walk at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: ‘Trees all around you’ - Saturdays throughout August
Join a special family-oriented guided tour and learn how to identify some trees commonly seen in Ireland, as well as some unusual ones from other countries too. Time 3.00pm
Special themed Walk at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: The Plant Hunters of China - Saturday 18th and 25th August
This themed walk focuses on Augustine Henry, one of the greatest plant hunters of all time, who is credited with opening up to the west the rich native flora of China. He was one of a small number of highly skilled amateur botanists, who prepared the way for George Forrest, Frank Kingdon Ward and E.H. 'Chinese' Wilson. Hear about their adventures in the hazardous world of political intrigue, bubonic plague and the rapids of the Yangtze river. Time 3.00 pm. For further information contact (0404) 48844
Special themed Walk at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: The Plant Hunters of the Americas - Sunday 19th and 26th August
Our gardens and our landscape are full of plants native to the Americas. They originally arrived in Ireland because intrepid explorers travelled thousands of miles, sometimes enduring tremendous hardship, to find and collect the seeds. Learn some of their fascinating story on this guided walk. Time 3.00 pm. Meet at the car park.
For further information contact (0404) 48844/ www.botanicgardens.ie/