North-west of Dublin city centre lies the national botanic gardens, a beautifully landscaped 19.5 hectares expanse of formal gardens, naturalistic sections, a Victorian palm house and arboretum containing more than 20,000 living plants. Ideal for an escape from the urban concrete in a relaxing environment that is not just the preserve the botany enthusiast. It is a marvelous piece of old Dublin and is still enjoyed today by tourists and local residents alike, indeed it is the second most visited free attraction in Ireland.