The death has taken place of one of Ireland\u2019s best-known horticulturalist, Seamus O\u2019Brien. <\/p>\n
Mr O\u2019Brien (55) was head gardener at the National Botanic Gardens\u2019 Kilmacurragh Estate in Co Wicklow<\/a> and was credited with transforming the gardens and their famed rhododendron walks for public enjoyment after the grounds had fallen into neglect in private hands. <\/p>\n Earlier this month, he welcomed news that the abandoned 17th-century Kilmacurragh House, around which the historic gardens were built, was to be restored. <\/p>\n He said the rebuilding of the house, along with the planned opening of an additional 50 acres of restored parkland and formal gardens next year, would return Kilmacurragh to the ranks of Ireland\u2019s great estates. <\/p>\n Mr O\u2019Brien was also a lecturer and award-winning author whose expertise and writings were in demand internationally. <\/p>\n Combining his love of travel and fieldwork in his writings and presentations, he was awarded membership of The Explorers Club, whose alumni includes New Zealand<\/a> mountaineer and explorer Edmund Hillary and former astronaut Buzz Aldrin. <\/p>\n Tributes were paid on social media by his colleagues in the National Botanic Gardens who said they were deeply saddened by his loss. <\/p>\n