Written by Wuu Kuang Soh, botanist at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (OPW).

The National Herbarium (DBN) at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland is home to an ever-expanding collection of approximately 600,000 plant and fungal specimens from across Ireland and around the globe. This rich collection spans mainly from the early 1800s to the present day, including specimens gathered from voyages of exploration, ranging from the Americas to Asia. Some of the oldest specimens, dating back to 1661, are over 350 years old. Apart from our herbarium, the other important plant collections on the island of Ireland are held by the Ulster Museum and Trinity College Dublin. This makes the DBN collection invaluable not only as a source of natural heritage but also as a part of Ireland’s cultural legacy. 

Herbarium collections are crucial to enhancing our understanding of the natural world. Beyond documenting plant species, these specimens reveal the intricate relationships between plants and their environments and tell the story of botanical discovery over time. The wealth of data gathered from this collection allows us to track historical and geographical changes in flora and helps predict future environmental impacts. Digitising this vast collection is a key step toward preserving these resources for future generations. Digital records not only provide greater access for researchers and the public but also safeguards the physical specimens by minimising handling and potential damage.