Searching for ideas? Check out these six great gardens
OUR summer isn’t over yet, and whether you’re looking for inspiration for your plot or simply fancy a day out, here are six great spaces that are open over the next seven days.
National Botanic Gardens
Attractions at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin include the Great Palm House, the Orchid House, and the Victoria Waterlily House. Tours are free on Sundays.
Entry is free. Open 9am-5pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
The Arboretum at Kilquade, Co Wicklow
The Arboretum at Kilquade, Co. Wicklow, formerly the National Garden Exhibition Centre, has permanent exhibition gardens by designers to give you ideas. Admission is free and it’s open 10am to 6pm. (It also has a sister site at Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow.)
Open 9pm-6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Admission is free.
Annes Grove House and Gardens, Co Cork
After a major renovation, Annes Grove House and Gardens at Castletownroche, Co Cork, reopened to the public in April. The estate includes some of Ireland’s oldest rhododendrons, plus a walled garden, a subtropical riverside garden, and woodland. Open Thursday to Monday from 10am-4pm with hourly guided tours. Admission is €5.
Coole Park, Co Galway
As well as the lakeside nature reserve former home of Lady Gregory, there’s a 4.5-acre walled garden where you’ll find a copper beech carved with the initials of Lady’s Gregory’s guests, among them Shaw, O’Casey, Synge, and both Yeats Open from 8am to 7.30pm and admission is free.
Glenveagh Castle, Co Donegal
The pleasure gardens and walled garden at Glenveagh Castle in Co Donegal date from the 1880s and are still in their original layout. Later, in the 20th century, there were additions such as a Tuscan garden and a Gothic orangery. The castle is part of Glenveagh National
Park. Open all year round and admission is free.
Strokestown Park House, Co Roscommon
The six-acre grounds feature a walled garden, lily pond, Victorian rose garden, fernery and vinery. Open from 10.30am to 6pm and admission is €6.