Three seaside gardens to visit
CLUAIN NA dTOR Ballyconnell, Falcarragh, Co Donegal, tel: (074) 913-5640, or see seasideplants.eu
Location is everything and this Donegal wilderness garden credits its maritime situation, its Gulfstream-influenced climate and its sheltered surroundings. The garden is sometimes playful, almost whimsical, sometimes restful, pleasing, and best seen in the late summer, early autumn, when borders reach their exotic peak. Open 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday.
KELLS BAY Kells, Cappamore, Co Kerry, tel: (066) 947-7975, or see kellsbay.ie
On the north side of the Ring of Kerry —13km beyond Glenbeigh, look for their sign. Kells Bay is full of incomparable surprises. The longest rope bridge in Ireland, 35m long and 12m over the river. A Thai restaurant in a Kerry country house; owner Billy Alexander has travelled extensively in southeast Asia, so, why not? Outside there are dinosaur tree sculptures in a Tasmanian-style forest
— Pieter Koning was here, and designed these massive creatures to fit their jungle-type setting. The tree ferns are astonishing — 12ft tall, and all descended from one 120-yr-old tree fern — the largest fern forest in the northern hemisphere. You can stay in the house, as well as enjoy their terrace and conservatory cafes. Open, 9am-7pm, 7 days. Closes 9pm during summer; 4.30pm, November & December.
GARINISH ISLAND Glengarriff, Co Cork, or see heritageireland.ie
The famous island garden of Ilnacullin is situated on Garinish Island in Glengarriff harbour in Bantry Bay. The island garden now belongs to the Irish State and is a bucket list adventure for many a garden enthusiast, locally and internationally. Be prepared to pay twice — once to the ferry operator, and then again to enter the garden. There is a cafe and toilet facilities on the site. Boats take the trip via Seal Island to see the languishing seals. The Blue Pool, where the boats leave to take you to the island, is next to a popular swimming spot, known locally as ‘The Point’. The garden is open all days, 7 days, April-October.