The RHSI began with a meeting held on 30 September 1816 at the Rose Tavern, Donnybrook, Dublin where a group of estate gardeners met to drink beer and to worry about “the art of gardening falling away and rapidly declining”. Resolving to exchange expertise and new ideas, these men (they were all men) set up the Horticultural Society of Ireland for gardeners who had served their time and were ‘of g
ood moral conduct’. Over 200 years later, the organisation still facilitates the exchange of expertise and new ideas. Many of our activities are open to all with members of the RHSI enjoying:
- An annual lecture series covering areas of interest to aspiring and experienced gardeners and plant lovers.
- Free or reduced entry to 45 prestigious Partner Gardens throughout the island of Ireland.
- Garden visits and organised tours.
- The RHSI Journal, packed with knowledge relevant to the Irish climate.
- Practical workshops, plant sales, flower shows, demonstrations and exhibitions.
- Reduced price / priority booking to events, including the annual RHSI Garden Show at Russborough.
- Hands on gardening experience through the RHSI projects in the walled garden at Russborough House, Co Wicklow and the pleasure garden around Laurelmere Cottage, Marlay Park, Rathfarnham.
- Regular updates on national gardening events and news. Access to the RHSI library containing thousands of books and an historical archive.
