ISLAND OF IRELAND
Nine glorious gardens on the
From formal to exotic, and walled to wild, there are gardens galore to enjoy across the Island of Ireland. Here are ten botanical beauties.
1. MOUNT USHER GARDENS, COUNTY WICKLOW
One of Ireland’s top natural attractions, the gardens at Mount Usher, date back to 1860. Water plays a central part in the layout creating a wonderfully serene atmosphere. After viewing the gardens, stop by the Avoca shop on site to browse candles, homewares, and scarves and throws woven in its famous mill.
2. CAHER BRIDGE GARDEN, COUNTY CLARE
Set in the unique landscape of the Burren, this award-winning garden is based around a restored riverside cottage and blends sensitively with its surroundings. Make sure to also visit the Burren Geopark where the craggy limestone terrain is a haven for 70% of Ireland’s native plant species such as the white and golden Irish eyebright, Arctic-Alpine mountain avens, and the metallic blue flowers of Burren grass.
3. POWERSCOURT GARDENS, COUNTY WICKLOW
Voted number three in the world’s top ten gardens by National Geographic, Powerscourt is simply unmissable. Stretching over 19 hectares, the gardens feature a range of styles from the formal Italian and exotic Japanese gardens, to sweeping terraces and woodland trails. The gardens are dotted with elegant statuary and exquisite water features. Be sure not to miss the Powerscourt waterfall, the highest in Ireland.
4. ALTAMONT GARDENS, COUNTY CARLOW
Enchanting Altamont Gardens in Ireland’s Ancient East have been praised for their honest simplicity. The 16-hectare estate features a lake ringed by rare trees and rhododendrons, an Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen. Take time to explore the county town of Carlow nearby, founded by the Normans in the thirteenth century.
5. SALTHILL GARDEN, COUNTY DONEGAL
For a little bit of horticultural heaven, pay a visit to one of the glorious gardens that flourish across the Island of Ireland.
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this contemporary walled garden was transformed from a kitchen garden into an idyllic space within the Mountcharles demesne. A short drive away is St. John’s Point Lighthouse, a great place to stay the night and relish the spectacular Atlantic views and peaceful surroundings.
6. LISMORE CASTLE GARDENS, COUNTY WATERFORD
Said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland, Lismore Gardens are set within the defensive walls of the historic castle and offer spectacular views of the Blackwater valley. While there, visit the contemporary art gallery housed in the west wing of the castle, which presents the work of local and international artists.
7. BANTRY HOUSE AND GARDEN, COUNTY CORK
Overlooking Bantry Bay, the gardens at Bantry House are stunning. They are laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the magnificent house sitting on the third terrace. Keen horticulturalists should also visit the island garden of Garinish in Bantry Bay, known for its richness of plant form and colour and featuring exotic flowers from Chile and New Zealand.
8. NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
There are wonderful garden displays across the island of Ireland in spring. At the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow, the blossoming rhododendron trees are celebrated in Rhododendron Week in early April
9. MOUNT CONGREVE, COUNTY WATERFORD
Magnolias are the star of the show. Home to one of the largest collections of plants in the world.
Mount Congreve House and Gardens situated in Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford, in Ireland’s Ancient East is home to one of “The Great Gardens of the World”. Mount Congreve House, home to six generations of Congreves, was built in 1760 by the celebrated local architect John Roberts.