This experience invites you to explore the natural beauty and botanical richness of the National Botanic Gardens, one of Dublin’s most peaceful and colourful attractions. Located close to the city centre, the gardens offer a calm escape filled with plants from all over the world. As you stroll through the landscaped grounds and historic glasshouses, you’ll discover tropical plants, orchids, palms, and vibrant seasonal flowers.
Inside the Victorian glasshouses, sunlight shines through the curved glass, highlighting exotic greenery and creating a truly magical atmosphere. You’ll learn how expert horticulturists care for more than 15,000 plant species, protect endangered plants, and study how they adapt to different environments. From the Palm House to the Curvilinear Range, each area combines science, sustainability, and beauty.
During your visit, you can take photos, sketch plants, or relax on the lawns and picnic areas surrounded by sculptures and nature. Whether you’re interested in botany or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the National Botanic Gardens offer an inspiring and refreshing experience.
13:30 - Meet at the location as informed by CES staff
13:30 - Take the bus to Dame Street using your travel card
14:00 - Take another bus from Dame Street towards the Botanic Gardens using your travel card
15:00 - Begin your self - guided tour of the Botanic Gardens
16:00 - Finish tour and return to host family residence.
Dame Street is one of the most famous streets in Dublin. It is very old and has been important since medieval times. Long ago, traders and merchants sold goods here. Today, it is still a busy area with shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Nearby, you can find Dublin Castle and many government offices. This street shows how Dublin mixes old history with modern life. Teenagers might notice street performers playing music or doing magic tricks – it’s never boring here!
Today we use Dublin’s public buses, just like local people. Public transport is very important in Irish cities. Many students and workers use travel cards every day. Irish buses are usually double-decker buses, so if you sit upstairs, you can enjoy a great view of the city! Taking the bus helps reduce traffic and pollution, which is good for the environment. It is also a good way to see real Dublin life outside the tourist areas.
The National Botanic Gardens opened in 1795. They were created to study plants and improve farming in Ireland. Today, they are free to visit and are very important for science and conservation. The gardens have beautiful glasshouses that look like something from a fairy tale. Inside, you can see tropical plants from hot countries and even giant water lilies! Many Irish families come here to relax, walk, and enjoy nature.
During your self-guided tour, take time to explore different areas of the gardens. There are over 15,000 types of plants from all around the world! Look for colourful flowers, unusual trees, and peaceful green spaces. This is a great place to practise English together – describe what you see and learn new words about nature. The gardens are also a symbol of Ireland’s love for the natural world. Don’t forget to take photos, but also enjoy the calm atmosphere.