In early March the gardens at Kilmacurragh are marked by the splendour of their magnificent Magnolia campbellii bursting into flower.
The significance of the historic Magnolias at Kilmacurragh 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 suppled 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 these islands.
Since taking over the management of the site in 1996, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland have both restored, and greatly expanded the collection.
Magnolia Week will showcase the highlights of the collection and explore the stories behind them. This year we have two fantastic in-person events: a walking tour of Kilmacurragh Gardens with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener and Magnolia Expert Jim Gardiner.
While in the auditorium in Glasnevin, Jim Gardiner will give an illustrated lecture on Magnolia Introductions from the UK and Europe and Collections of Excellence.
Magnolia Week 6 – 11 March 2023
Programme of events:
Friday 10th March, 14:00 – National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh – Walking Tour with Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener and Magnolia Expert, Jim Gardiner. Tickets available here
Saturday 11th March 14:00 – National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin – An Illustrated lecture with Jim Gardiner titled: Magnolia Introductions from the UK and Europe and Collections of Excellence”. Tickets available here
Booking essential. Free of charge. Booking for these events is through Eventbrite only, links above