Garden Open 2020

Gardens Open 2020
Whether you are an avid gardener looking for inspiration or planning for a family day out or simply
in search of a tranquil place to unwind, opportunities for garden visiting have never been more 2020 Opening Times
welcome than right now. From large historic gardens to family favourites to hidden gems, we list over Before visiting, please check
with each garden and OPW site
90 gardens across Ireland open to visitors. The Irish Garden magazine and Garden.ie encourage you directly as times and days may
to support our Irish gardens open this year and hope you enjoy the experience. change due to Covid-19.
County Carlow | County Cork

Carlow | Cork | Donegal | Down | Dublin | Galway | Kerry | Kildare | Kilkenny | Laois | Limerick | Louth | Mayo | Meath | Offaly | Waterford | Westmeath | Wexford | Wicklow | Historic gdns
COUNTY CARLOW Huntington Castle

Gardens
Altamont Gardens Clonegal, Co. Carlow
Tullow, Co. Carlow CGT: 17th century layout with
R93 N882 original lime avenue planted in
OPW, CGT: Large, beautiful, old 1680, yew walk and parterre. New
world garden, Robinsonian in additional plantings completed in
style with a strong emphasis 2014, tree trail featuring numerous
on the informal tradition of rare and national champions.
combining a good plant collection plus children’s adventure area.
Huntington Castle
within the natural landscape Restored lake and 17th century
Blarney Castle
of its environment. Lawns and fishpond. Refurbished tearoom
clipped yews slope down to a lake Arboretum Inspirational and gift shop. House tours also
surrounded by rare trees, shrubs Gardens available.
Ballymaloe Cookery
and a profusion of roses, both old Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge, Wheelchair access: Partial. School Gardens
and modern, with herbaceous Co. Carlow (Garden Only). Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. Cork
plants scent the air. There is a CGT: Arboretum Home and Garden 053 9377160 ROC: Organic gardens, vegetables,
steep descent through the “Ice Heaven has created exclusive info@huntington.com herbs, fruit, old orchard, maze,
Age Glen” to a beautiful river walk. display gardens to inspire visitors www.huntingtoncastle.com shell house and a recently opened
Admission Free. to imagine and create their own up a farm walk past pigs, cows,
059 915 9444 garden dream. These gardens vegetable patch and extensive
altamontgardens@opw.ie COUNTY CORK
are designed to display different glasshouse.
www.heritageireland.ie planting schemes and solutions, Wheelchair access: Some
offering endless ideas that can be
Agharinagh Gardens small steps.
Altamont Walled Garden easily recreated in visitors own at Griffins 021 4646785
gardens. Agharinagh, Dripsey, gardens@cookingisfun.ie e
Bunclody Road, Ballon
Wheelchair access: Yes. Co. Cork www.cookingisfun.ie
(exit from the N80 motorway),
Co. Carlow 059 9721558. Truly a world of secret gardens,
info@arboretum.ie each designed by Margaret and Blarney Castle Gardens
GoIT: An unmissable highlight of a www.arboretum.ie the Griffins staff. Don’t forget to
visit to Altamont Gardens situated Blarney Castle, Blarney, Co. Cork
look up and see the amazing new
within the grounds of the estate GoIT, WCGT, RHSI: Blarney Castle
Delta Sensory Gardens tree house. Complete with rope
and run privately by the gardener is primarily famous for ‘the Blarney
bridge leading to another smaller
and nurseryman Robert Miller. Carlow, Co. Carlow R93 Y959 Stone’ but equally worth exploring
tree house, it was designed and
The area consists primarily of the CGT: Sixteen interconnecting are the beautiful grounds around
constructed by Ollie O’Flaherty.
Corona North Commemorative gardens of a multi-sensory nature the Castle and Blarney House.
Afternoon Tea in the adjacent
Border, rare Plant Sales, Café and covering 2.5 acres, combining a This includes acres of parkland,
scenic restaurant is also a must on
School of Horticulture. therapeutic focus with a tourist gardens, avenues, arboretums and
a visit, a wonderful day out just 20
Wheelchair access: Partial. facility. Water and woodland waterways. A great family day out!
minutes from Cork City.
087 982 2135 garden, sculpture garden. Wheelchair access: Partial (not
Wheelchair access: Yes.
sales@altamontplants.com Wheelchair access: Yes. to castle).
021 7334286
www.altamontplants.com Mr Frank O’Grady 059 9143527 021 4385252
info@griffinsgardencentre.ie
info@deltacentre.org www.griffinsgardencentre.ie info@blarneycastle.ie
www.deltasensorygardens.com www.blarneycastle.ie
The Irish Gardens Open 2020 Find it fast at: www.gardensopen.ie Published by Irish Garden Publishers Ltd 1
County Cork cont. | County Donegal
Fernhill House and Garden Oakfield Park

Clonakilty, Co. Cork P85 X322 Oakfield Demesne, Raphoe,
WCGT: Fernhill House is a historic Co. Donegal F93 XY1R
country house set on acres of DGT, RHSI: Oakfield House which
landscaped gardens for you to dates back to 1739 has beautiful
wander and explore. The house walled gardens with deep flower
has a rich history and overlooks Fernhill beds, a kitchen garden, flower
the countryside where Michael meadows, ponds, streams,
Collins was born. We would be wetlands, a parterre, a castle, a
delighted to welcome you to classical lakeside Nymphaeum,
Fernhill to discover our gardens garden sculptures, heritage listed
for yourself. trees and a newly established
Wheelchair access: Yes. international collection of oaks.
023 8833258 The gardens can be explored by
michael@fernhillhousehotel.com Oakfield Park train. Tea room opens when the
Coosheen www.fernhillhousehotel.com gardens are open. Children’s slide
and swings, picnic benches and
COUNTY DONEGAL
W.C. provided for visitors.
Coosheen Fota Arboretum
Wheelchair access: Partial.
15 Johnstown Park, and Gardens Glebe House and David Fisher 074 9173068
Glounthaune, Co. Cork Mimosa House, Fota Estate, Gallery gardens@oakfieldpark.com
T45 CC42 Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork Gartan, Church Hill, www.oakfieldpark.com
GoIT: Plantperson’s garden, design T45 K656 Letterkenny,
ideas for small garden, unique OPW, ROC: Located in Cork Co. Donegal F92 WP70
Salthill Garden
collection of plants. A growing harbour, Fota Arboretum Gardens WCGT, OPW: An artist’s haven in Salthill, Mountcharles,
collection of snowdrops and many of contain some of the finest the Donegal hills, Glebe House Co. Donegal
them for sale along with spring bulbs. examples of rare and tender trees and Gardens is the former home
Small nursery, rare and unusual and shrubs grown outdoors in of art collector and artist Derek DGT, GoIT: Salthill is described as
plants for sale. Toilets and coach/ Ireland. Extending over 11 hectares Hill. Set on a hillside sloping “The .5 hectare enclosure has the
car parking available. Teas and other it includes an Orangery, water down to Lough Gartan with delightful feeling of privacy and
refreshments upon request. features and extensive walled the Derryveagh Mountains and mystery that is particular to old
Mrs Hester Forde 021 4353855 gardens containing a variety of Glenveagh National Park as a walled gardens”. So, come and
/086 8654972 planting themes. backdrop. Notable features are witness the “great gatherings of
hesterforde@gmail.com Wheelchair access: Yes. the rhododendrons and relaxed herbaceous plants amid mature
www.hesterfordegarden.com 021 4812728 herbaceous beds. shrubs and noteworthy trees”.
fota.arboretum@opw.ie Wheelchair access: Partial. Wheelchair access: Partial.
www.heritageireland.ie/ 074 9137071 Mrs Elizabeth Temple
Doneraile Estate 087 7988078
glebegallery@opw.ie
Doneraile, Co. Cork etemple@eircom.net
Ilnacullin www.glebegallery.ie
P51 XR66
OPW: Doneraile Court was the Garinish Island,
home of the St Leger family Glengarriff,
from 1637 to 1969 and is now Co. Cork
managed by the OPW. The house OPW, WCGT: Perhaps the most
is set in the magnificent 18th magical setting a garden could
century Capability Brown style have is to be on an island
landscape. The estate has many bathed in the warm waters
specimen trees: oak, beech, of the Gulf Stream. This small
Spanish chestnut and lime. The island of 15 hectares is known to
River Awbeg flows through the horticulturists all over the world
estate creating a great aesthetic as an island garden of rare beauty,
to the setting. A walk through this a wild garden blending into the
historic place offers a chance to wider setting of the exceptional
view red, sika and fallow deer in sea and mountain scenery around
the parkland. Glengarriff.
022 24771 Wheelchair access: Partial.
donerailecourt@opw.ie 027 63040
www.doneraileestate.ie garinishisland@opw.ie
www.heritageireland.ie
Ardgillan Castle, Gardens & Demesne
Ballbriggan, Co. Dublin
Exit 5 or 6 off M1. Open all year.
OPEN, Admission Free
194 acre park, 6 acres of gardens including rose garden

national collection of Potentilla, herbaceous border,
a walled garden containing an extensive collection of
The Secret Jewel In The Heart Of Donegal herbs, fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Open on June 10th for the summer again and all being
well will be Open until the normal close at the end of Sep- Tea Rooms Castle Tours and Playground subject to Covid19
tember. 5 days a week initially – Wed to Sun 11am to 6pm. restrictions. Wild flower meadow Fairy tree trail -
www.ardgillancastle.ie
Tel: 00353 (0) 749173068 | email: gardens@oakfieldpark.com
Tel: 01 8492212 • Email: eventardgillan@fingal.ie
www.oakfieldpark.com
County Down | County Dublin
are not permitted. Garden tours in

Áras an Uachtaráin summer months only.
Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin D08 PF25 01 6770095
OPW: The grounds of Áras an phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
Uachtaráin, the residence of the www.president.ie
President of Ireland, have always
been one of its chief glories. The Arbour Hill Cemetery
main formal garden or parterre
Arbour Hill. Co. Dublin
Mount Stewart was laid out by Decimus Burton Ardgillan Castle
around 1838 and later additions OPW: Collection of trees and
bedding schemes.
COUNTY DOWN were made by Ninian Niven. made at his home studio and
Many original Victorian features 01 8213021 some of which are on sale.
can be seen, including a walled www.heritageireland.ie See: www.HowthCeramics.com
Mount Stewart House,
garden and ornamental lake. The Wheelchair access: Partial.
Gardens & Temple
of the Winds
Richard Turner designed linear Ardán Conall O’Caoimh and
glass house, known as the Peach Ardán, Windgate Road, Howth, Nuala Doherty 087 9724271
Portaferry Road, Newtownards, House has won several awards conall@europe.com
Co. Dublin D13 K718
Co. Down BT22 2AD since its 2009 restoration. The www.dublingardens.com
fruit and vegetable gardens are DGTrail, HSHS: Multi-themed
Ulster gardens scheme, NatT, RHSI:
certified organic and home to bees spaces: herbaceous borders,
Pleasure grounds with woodlands Ardgillan Castle & Demesne
producing award winning honey. rose garden, water garden, rock
around a 5 acre lake complemented
outcrop, woodland garden and Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
by formal gardens in rooms around Free admission tickets are issued
vegetable area. All situated on 195 acres of parkland, rose garden,
the mansion house. Stunning, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
0.5 acres on three south-facing wildflower meadow, walled
large and diverse plant collection ONLY on Saturdays, on a first-
terraces with winding paths. Victorian gardens, playground,
from all around the world. come, first-served basis. Group
The garden includes ceramic castle.
Wheelchair access: Yes. visits and/or advance bookings
sculptures by Conall O’Caoimh Wheelchair access: Partial.
048/028 42788387
mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk 01 8492212
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ eventardgillan@fingal.ie
mount-stewart/ www.ardgillancastle.ie
The Barn Gallery and Dublin Castle –

Rose Gardens Dubh Linn Gardens
49 Rossglass Road South, Dublin Castle, Dame St, Co. Dublin
Rossglass, Killough, Downpatrick, OPW: Laid out to the rear of the
Co. Down BT30 7RA Dublin Castle, the Dubh Linn
GoIT: A rose garden of 100 gardens are located directly on
varieties (over 200 roses). Eco/ the site of the Black Pool, which
wildflower trail to hill top views gave Dublin its name. Beyond
across Dundrum Bay to the a ‘four seasons’ garden are four
Mournes. Artists studio and gallery. smaller gardens at each corner of
Wheelchair access: Yes. the site. Planted with shady trees
048/028 44 842 082/ and shrubs and filled with heady
scents of flowers, the gardens
0044 78 74059030 THE DUBLIN GARDEN TRAIL
represent a restful place in the
IS SAFE, OPEN AND BEAUTIFUL heart of Dublin city.
COUNTY DUBLIN 01 645 8813
Explore the 10 most celebrated private gardens dublincastle@opw.ie
Airfield Gardens in the greater Dublin region. www.dublincastle.ie
Overend Way, Dundrum, The owners are garden-lovers and expert plants people
Co. Dublin who have created and care for these beautiful spaces. Grangegorman
GoIT, RHSI: Contemporary Garden visiting is an enjoyable day out. Each garden has Military Cemetery
planting in Victorian setting. 35 Blackhorse Avenue, Co. Dublin
taken measures to ensure safety and social distancing.
acre farm and garden estate. Shop
OPW: Collection of trees and
and plant sales, restaurant. Details of the gardens and opening times at herbaceous borders.
01 969 6666 www.dublingardens.com 01 8213021
www.opwdublincommemorative.
info@airfield.ie A warm welcome awaits you. ie/grangegorman/
www.airfield.ie
County Dublin cont.
Farmleigh House Iveagh Gardens National Botanic

Phoenix Park, Castleknock, Clonmel Street, Gardens
Co. Dublin Co. Dublin Glasnevin, Co. Dublin D09 VY63
OPW: Situated adjacent to OPW: Designed by Ninian Niven OPW: Located just three
the Phoenix Park on 78 acres, in 1865, but with a history dating kilometres from Dublin City Centre,
Farmleigh Estate’s gardens back over three hundred years, the National Botanic Gardens are
boast Victorian and Edwardian the Iveagh Gardens are located an oasis of calm and beauty, and
features. There are many walks close to St Stephen’s Green Park entry is free. A premier scientific
and extensive woodlands, with in Dublin’s city centre. From institution, the gardens also
magnolia, cherry blossom and modest beginnings as an earl’s contain the National Herbarium
mature specimen trees. The lawn, the gardens went on to and several historic wrought iron
Walled Garden has a Victorian host the splendour of the Dublin glasshouses. The National Botanic
glasshouse and a stone temple, Exhibition Palace in 1865. Many of Gardens are noted for a fine plant
which lies within a path of the original landscape features are collection holding over 15,000 Garden, as well as the growing of
climbing roses and wisteria. still in place, or have been restored plant species and cultivars from a fruit, vegetables and flowers, with
A paved rose garden to the and conserved since 1995. variety of habitats from all around colourful summer displays such
northeast looks across to the small These include the yew maze, the the world. The Gardens are also as sweet pea, chrysanthemums,
orchard and potager. rosarium, and the fountains. The famous for the exquisitely restored lupins and campanula (bellflower)
Sometimes Farmleigh may be cascade in particular is a stunning and planted glasshouses, notably along with a wide range of fruit
closed to the public if required for spectacle in summer. Iveagh the Turner Curvilinear Range and and vegetables.
government business. Gardens are popularly known as the Great Palm Houss. Wheelchair access: Yes.
Wheelchair access: Yes. Dublin’s ‘Secret Garden. Wheelchair access: Yes. 01 8213021
01 8155900 01 4757816 01 8570909 phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
farmleighinfo@opw.ie michael.herbert@opw.ie botanicgardens@opw.ie www.phoenixpark.ie
www.farmleigh.ie www.iveaghgardens.ie www.botanicgardens.ie
Phoenix Park
Garden of Knockrose Phoenix Park Victorian People’s
Remembrance Enniskerry Road, Victorian Kitchen Flower Garden
Parnell Square East, Co. Dublin The Scalp, Kilternan, Walled Garden Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 KDC4
Co. Dublin D18 Y280
OPW: This beautiful garden in the Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin D08 KDC4 OPW: These gardens comprising
heart of the city was designed by DGTrail, GoIT: Olde-world, OPW: A two and a half-acre garden an area of 22 acres were laid
Daithi Hanly and dedicated to the peaceful, woodland-backed set in the grounds of Ashtown out and enclosed in 1864. They
memory of all those who gave countryside garden overflowing Castle (next to the Phoenix Park provide an opportunity to
their lives in the cause of Irish with beautiful cottage garden plants, Visitor Centre). The Walled Garden demonstrate Victorian horticulture
Freedom. The large sculpture by trees and shrubs. Secluded seating. is currently being restored to its at its best. They also contain
Oisin Kelly is based on the theme Walled organic vegetable plot. original mid-Victorian layout. The a large lake and children’s
of the Children of Lir. The garden Wheelchair access: No. garden will inspire and educate playground.
is intended as a place of quiet Mrs Patricia Farrell 01 2958371/ the public on the horticultural 01 821 3021
remembrance and reflection. 087 6193455 skills involved in the design and superintendent.park@opw.ie
Wheelchair access: Yes. ttknockrose@gmail.com layout of a Victorian Kitchen www.phoenixpark.ie
01 821 3021 www.knockrose.com
superintendent.park@opw.ie
www.heritageireland.ie Mornington Garden
Mornington, Saval Park Road,
Dalkey, Co. Dublin
DGTrail, GoIT: This is a must see
large, family friendly garden with
mature planting and a mix of
flowers and vegetables. A garden
for all seasons. Annmarie will be
on hand to offer advice and tips.
Ms Annemarie Bowring
087 2256365
www.dalkeygardenschool.com
Call: 091 524336 or 086 8862594
Co. Dublin cont. | Co. Galway
Rathfarnham Castle St Stephen’s Green

Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
Co. Dublin OPW: Ireland’s best-known
OPW: Parkland surrounding the Victorian park.
castle includes a playground, 01 4757816
pathways, woodland and an old www.ststephensgreenpark.ie
lake in the centre of the wood.
01 4939462
St Audeon’s Church
Cornmarket, High Street,
Co. Dublin
Royal Hospital
OPW: Garden designed using
Kilmainham ground-cover planting.
(Gardens only) 01 6770088
Kilmainham, www.heritageireland.ie
Co. Dublin
OPW: The Royal Hospital The Phoenix Park Tyrrelstown House COUNTY GALWAY
Kilmainham was established
Co. Dublin D08 KDC4 Powerstown Road, Mulhuddart,
and built between 1680 and Ardcarraig
OPW: The Phoenix Park is the Co. Dublin D15 T6DD
1684 on a 60-acre site granted by
largest enclosed public park in DGTrail, GoIT, RHSI: Situated Oranswell,
King Charles II at the instigation
any capital city in Europe. It was on ten hectares of parkland Bushypark,
of James Butler, First Duke of
originally formed as a royal hunting which includes woodland walks, Co. Galway
Ormond. Today, the Office of
Park in the 1660s and opened to the arboretum,wild flower meadows, ConGT, GoIT: Woodland garden,
Public Works retells the story of
public in 1747. A large herd of fallow spring bulbs, walled, vegetable water garden, heather areas, fernery
this magnificent building through
deer still remain to this day. The and rose gardens. and herb garden. Don’t miss it!
its ‘Old Man’s House,’ Exhibition.
Park is also home to the Zoological Wheelchair access: Partial. 086 8862594/ 091 524336
Discover the history behind the
Gardens, Áras an Uachtaráin, and 01 8213206 oranswell@eircom.net
North Range, the Formal Gardens,
Victorian flower gardens. The olivewilkinson1@gmail.com www.gardensofireland.org
the Meadow and Dublin’s Oldest
Glen Pond is set in the very scenic www.tyrrelstownhouse.ie
graveyard, Bully’s Acre, and
surrounds of the Furry Glen. Both
relive the past. Located on the passive and active recreational Coole Park
ground floor of the West Wing, the pursuits may be pursued such as War Memorial Gort, Co. Galway
exhibition enables you to enter walking, cycling, running, polo, Gardens
this window into the past and lets OPW: nature reserve, former home
cricket, hurling and more. South Circular Road,
you discover the lives of those who of Lady Gregory, woods, lake, walled
01 821 3021 Islandbridge, Co. Dublin garden, visitor centre and tea room.
once worked and resided within superintendent.park@opw.ie
its walls. Please contact rhktours@ OPW: One of the most famous 091 631804
www.phoenixpark.ie www.coolepark.ie
opw.ie for guided visit. memorial gardens in Europe. They
01 6129900 are dedicated to the memory of
rhktours@opw.ie 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in Portumna Castle
www.heritagireland.ie the 1914 – 1918 war. The names
& Garden
of all the soldiers are contained
in the beautifully illustrated Harry Castle Demesne,
St Enda’s National Clarke manuscripts in the granite Portumna,
Historic Park bookrooms in the gardens. The Co. Galway
Grange Road, gardens are not only a place of 17th century gardens featuring a
Rathfarnham, remembrance but are also of restored walled kitchen garden
Co. Dublin great architectural interest and and a formal garden with three
OPW: A late 18th century park beauty. They are one of four formal enclosures.
containing rare 18th and 19th gardens in this country designed 090 9741658
century garden buildings, follies, a by the famous architect Sir Edwin www.heritageireland.ie
walled garden and floral displays. Lutyens (1869-1944). Sunken rose
01 4934208 gardens, herbaceous borders and
www.heritageireland.ie extensive tree planting make for
an enjoyable visit to the gardens in
any season.
01 6472406
info@heritageireland.ie
County Kerry | County Kildare | County Kilkenny
COUNTY KERRY
Derrynane National
Historic Park
Caherdaniel,
Co. Kerry V23 FX65
OPW: Derrynane House is the
Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir
beloved childhood home of Daniel
William Chambers. The house is set
O’Connell ‘The Liberator’. It is set in
in 120 acres of superb landscaped
a beautiful sheltered landscape of
grounds. Features include a
the National Historic Park. Features
classical temple, a Gothic revival
of the garden include South
lodge, still ponds and clusters of
American plant collection, tree ferns
trees dotting wide-open space.
and other tender species from a
01 628 8252
variety of habitats including Canary
castletown@opw.ie
Islands, Madeira, South Africa and
Australia/New Zealand, a fernery,
www.castletown.ie COUNTY KILKENNY Kilkenny Castle
Gothic summerhouse and fairy trail. The Parade,
Wheelchair access: Partial. Japanese and Kilfane Glen and Co. Kilkenny R95 YRK1
066 9475113 St Fiachra’s Gardens Waterfall OPW: Founded soon after the
derrynanehouse@opw.ie Tully, Kildare, Kilfane, Norman conquest of Ireland, the
www.derrynanehouse.ie Co. Kildare Co. Kilkenny Castle has been rebuilt, extended
GoIT, RHSI: Kilfane Glen is a and adapted to suit changing
RHSI: The Japanese Garden on
wonderful example of an early circumstances over a period of 800
COUNTY KILDARE the grounds of The Irish National years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is
Stud is one of the oldest and finest Irish romantic garden, designed
open to visitors all year round and
Japanese Gardens in Europe. in 1790, with waterfall, stream,
Castletown House is largely a Victorian remodelling
Designed by Tassa (Saburo) woodland walks and grotto.
and Parklands The garden is listed as an
of the thirteenth century defensive
Eida, it was constructed between Castle. Each year, hundreds of
Celbridge, 1906-1910. It structurally portrays Irish heritage garden and was
thousands of visitors come to see
Co. Kildare W23 V9H3 the journey through human awarded assistance in 1993 by
the castle and walk through its
OPW: Castletown is the largest existence. St Fiachra’s Garden was the European Union Cultural fifty acres of rolling parkland with
and most significant Palladian designed by Prof. Martin Hallinan Commission. As an amenity it mature trees with abundant§ of
style country house in Ireland. The in 1999,and it depicts the natural covers about 15 acres of easily wildlife. Other features include
house is set amongst beautiful Irish landscape. A new addition is accessible natural landscape. a formal terraced rose garden,
18th century parklands. It was our ‘Garden of Meditation’, a dry Wheelchair access: Partial. woodlands and a man-made
built c.1722 for the speaker of the landscape garden. Susan Mosse 056 7727150 lake, which were added in the
Irish House of Commons, William Wheelchair access: Yes. susan@irishgardens.com nineteenth century.
Connolly (1662- 1729) to the designs 045 521617 www.kilfane.com 056 7704100
of a number of important architects, reservations@irishnationalstud.ie kilkennycastle@opw.ie
notably Alessandro Galilei, Sir www.irishnationalstud.ie www.kilkennycastle.ie
EXPERIENCE
TRUE
NATURE
Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully, Kildare, Co. Kildare

Book your tickets online at www.irishnationalstud.ie
T: +353 (0) 45 521617 E: reservations@irishnationalstud.ie
Open 7 Days: 9.00am-6.00pm (last admission 5.00pm).

Located 30 miles south of Dublin in Kildare, off the M7, Exit 13 onto the R415.
boynevalleygardentrail.com
BoyneValleyGardenTrail
County Laois | County Limerick | County Louth
Heywood Gardens
Ballinakill, Co. Laois
LSGT, OPW: This 18th century
designed historic landscape laid
out in a romantic manner was
commissioned by MF Trench
and comprises woodland, walks,
lakes and various Gothic follies.
Fruitlawn It is one of only four Edwin Barmeath Castle Beaulieu House
Lutyens designed gardens in aromatic herbs fill the garden.
COUNTY LAOIS Ireland. Circular terraces with a 041 9838409 Forest Edge
sunken pool garden feature are drogheda.augustinian@hotmail.com
surrounded by a walk with ox-eye 5 Forest Edge,
Emo Court www.boynevalleygardentrail.com Stameen, Drogheda,
windows that look out over a
Emo, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Co. Louth A92 D5CC
panorama of seven counties.
R32 C44 Barmeath Castle A small town garden with an
Wheelchair access: Partial
LSGT, OPW: 18th century neo- 057 8733563 Dunleer, Co. Louth eclectic collection of shrubs and
classical mansion designed by heywoodgardens@opw.ie perennials and a large selection
BVGT: Barmeath is a flamboyant
James Gandon and surrounded by www.heritageireland.ie of roses. Tree ferns and acers
castle set in over 10 acres of
formal lawns, a lake and mature historic gardens over looking thrive in this sheltered garden,
trees on 250 acres. Dundalk Bay. Home to the Bellew where winding pathways lead to
057 862 6573 COUNTY LIMERICK family since the 1670s, the main an established woodland grove,
emocourt@opw.ie design of the garden is by Thomas which is dedicated to a developing
www.emocourt.ie Coolwater Garden Wright who came to Ireland in biodiversity area. Donation in lieu
Fedamore, Co. Limerick V35 YN29 1745. The grounds feature a lake, of entrance fee to Mellon Educate
Fruitlawn Garden RHSI: Covering 0.5 acre and quite islands and a rustic rock bridge charity.
unlike any other gardens that you and the walled garden with its Debbie & Christopher O’Brien-
Fruitlawn, Abbeyleix,
may see with rare pavement feature extensive ornamental displays. Lynch 085 8003674
Co. Laois
and very large back garden pond. 041 685 1205 chobrienlynch@gmail.com
LSGT, GoIT: A walled-in garden annbellew@rocketmail.com
Kevin Begley 087 2584716 www.boynevalleygardentrail.com
on 1 acre with lushly planted www.boynevalleygardentrail.com
info@coolwatergarden.com Facebook: totalgardensireland
perennial borders with many
unusual plant species, hornbeam www.coolwatergarden.com
tunnel, orchard, fruit and Beaulieu House & Gardens Killineer House and
vegetable garden and other lovely COUNTY LOUTH Drogheda, Co. Louth A92 PD3R Garden
trees and shrubs to see. A wide BVGT: Early example of Irish walled Killineer, Drogheda,
selection of plants from the garden garden in stunning location - fully Co. Louth
Augustinian Garden of
available for sale. maintained.
Wheelchair access: Yes. Remembrance Wheelchair access: Partial.
BVGT: Regency garden, woodland
Shop Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth walks, laurel lawn, walled
Mr Arthur Shackleton Cara Konig 041 9838557
057 8730146 beaulieu.house.garden@gmail.com herbaceous and vegetable gardens.
BVGT: Adjoining the Augustinian
arthurshackleton9@gmail.com www.beaulieuhouse.ie Wheelchair access: Yes.
Church and drawing on its
www.arthurshackleton.com/ Mr Charles Carroll 041 9838563
monastic heritage, the garden
charles.p.carroll@gmail.com
holds the names of loved ones Collon House www.killineerhouse.ie
Gash Gardens to be remembered in a peaceful
Ardee Street, Collon, Co. Louth
setting formed by pleached
Castletown, Portlaoise, Co. Laois A92 YT29
lime trees and standing stones
R32 K068 BVGT: Visitors wishing to see
surrounding a water memorial.
LSGT, RHSI: A treasure trove of Holly, juniper, soft fruit trees, the garden will find a secret
interesting and unusual plants flowering herbaceous varieties and gem designed in the style of the
in an enchanting and tranquil mid-18th century, with sunken
setting, extending over 4 acres box parterres, lovely herbaceous
with colourful borders, ponds and borders and a courtyard filled
a riverside walk. Plants for sale. with hostas. A Greek style summer
Wheelchair access: No. house completes the picture in
Mary Keenan & Ross Doyle this truly charming retreat.
087 2737883 / 087 2728337 Mr Michael McMahon 0872355645
gashgardens@gmail.com collonhousereception@gmail.com
www.gashgardens.ie www.collonhouse.com or
Coolwater Garden www.boynevalleygardentrail.com Collon House
County Louth cont. | County Mayo | County Meath
Bee Wise Nature Trail

Crerogue, Kilmessan,
Co. Meath C15 X62D
BVGT: 5 acre nature trail with
a young woodland, flowering/
fruiting hedgerows and wildflower
areas. It was planted to
Listoke Gardens Turner conservatory at Rokeby Hall encourage a diversity of wildlife. Oldbridge Gardens
There is a 1.5km path with
Listoke Gardens COUNTY MEATH information points and spots to College Hill House
Ballymakenny Road, sit and listen to the birds or watch Braystown, Slane, Co. Meath
Drogheda, Co. Louth Balrath House and the butterflies and bees. There is
a large, working observation hive BVGT: Three acres of mature,
BVGT: Walled Edwardian garden, Courtyard landscaped garden surround the
to view the fascinating life of the
surrounding woodlands, grass Navan, Co. Meath house.
honey bee.
tennis court, herbaceous borders. BVGT: The mature walled garden 087 1400220
086 3446791
Juliet & Raymond Gogan eileen@collegehillhouse.ie
is set in 1.5 acres, surrounded by paddy@beewise.ie
086 2118741 / 087 7447057 www.collegehillhouse.ie/
20.5 acres of grassland overlooking www.beewise.ie
info@listoke.com
the River Nanny.
www.listoke.com
041 9825749
Boyne Garden Centre Francis Ledwidge
frances.balrathhouse@gmail.com
Garden Museum
Rokeby Hall www.balrathcourtyard.com Janeville, Slane, Co. Meath
Grangebellew, Dunleer, Co. Louth Ardcalf, Slane, Co. Meath
C15 P92W BVGT: The garden to the rear of the
BVGT: The focal point of the Battle of the Boyne museum is a haven of tranquillity.
gardens is the splendid Turner ISNA, BVGT, GoIT: Boyne
Oldbridge House In springtime it radiates with
conservatory which dates to the Garden Centre is nestled in the
and Gardens countryside just outside the
colour from daffodils, bluebells
1850s and has recently undergone
Drogheda, Co. Meath A92 CY68 and primroses. The roses are a
a full restoration. picturesque village of Slane, in
delight in summer along with all
086 8644228 BVGT, OPW: Oldbridge House Co. Meath. The Garden Centre
the other cottage garden flowers.
info@rokeby.ie dates to the mid-18th century with is situated within our mature
041 9824544
www.rokeby.ie gardens laid out just before this landscaped garden, where visitors info@francisledwidge.com
date and developed afterwards. may get inspiration for their own www.francisledwidge.com
Unique to Ireland is the sunken gardens.
COUNTY MAYO Octagonal Garden with specimen Wheelchair access: No.
Irish and continental yew trees. 041 9824350 Herberts’ Garden
Enniscoe Gardens A restored Peach House, Dog aileen@boynegardencentre.ie Churchtown, Navan, Co. Meath
Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo Kennels and Bothy with an www.boynegardencentre.ie/ BVGT: Designer James McConnell’s
F26 EA34 exhibition about Walled Gardens garden features a formal beech
Enniscoe Ornamental and are worth seeing. Highlights
include the herbaceous border, Bramley Cottage garden, boxwood parterre and a
Enniscoe Organic gardens adjoin rose garden with a folly. Enjoy the
the North Mayo Heritage Centre, lavender beds and orchard of old The Rath,
lime walk, hornbeam arbour and
set in the grounds of historic Irish variety apples. Killsallaghan
vistas of parkland beautifully laid
Enniscoe House. Visit the small 041 9809950 Co. Meath
out around an early 19th-century
museum and exhibition area, and battleoftheboyne@opw.ie BVGT: Six times Bloom Gold farmhouse.
enjoy a woodland walk to the www.battleoftheboyne.ie Medal winner, Jane McCorkell’s Paula McConnell 085 7829966
shores of Lough Conn. garden is set is an idyllic acre jfjmcconnell@gmail.com
Wheelchair access: Full. of landscape surrounding her www.herberts.ie
096 31809 early C18th farm house. Over ten
nmhmanager@gmail.com years of passion and hard work
www.northmayogenealogy.com have gone into creating a series
of garden ‘rooms’ and with large
perennial borders, which will
utterly delight garden enthusiasts.
Ms Jane McCorkell
087 6839520
jane@janemccorkell.com
www.janemccorkell.com
Enniscoe Gardens BeeWise Picnic Area College Hill House
County Meath cont. | Co. Offaly | Co. Waterford
Loughcrew giant ants feature,

Julianstown Village birthplace of St Oliver Plunkett Birr Castle Gardens &
Garden (church and tower house), Science Centre
Julianstown, Co. Meath parterre, 17th century ruins of Birr Demense, Birr,
BVGT: Part of the Boyne Valley an Irish long house, 17th century Co. Offaly, R42 V027
Garden Trail - Julianstown Award canals. Childrens playground and
GoIT: An exotic worldwide
Winning Village Garden was a coffee shop open when the garden
collection of plants and rare trees,
derelict three acre site, now is open.
a collection of over 40 champion
transformed into a beautiful Wheelchair access: Yes.
trees, award winning gardens,
garden. Extensive landscaping 0049 8541356
lake, rivers and waterfall and
has created many interesting info@loughcrew.com
for the younger generation The
features, including an orchard, www.loughcrew.com
Treehouse Adventure Playground,
woodland, flowerbeds, soft fruit exploring Tankardstown’s Ireland’s Historic Science Centre,
bushes, herbs, pond and scattered Ratoath Garden Centre parkland, walled pleasure garden The Castle Courtyard Cafe and
seating. Plants for pollinators and Raystown, Ashbourne, and kitchen garden, which grows the Great Telescope. During the
biodiversity. Co. Meath many of the vegetables, salads and summer months (May to August
086 3477283 herbs used by the chef in the hotel only) castle tours take place 6 days
nuil1@eircom.net BVGT, GoIT: 2 acres of planting
restaurants, open day and evening a week.
www.julianstowncommunity.com including a traditional herbaceous
in the garden courtyard. The Cellar Wheelchair access: Yes.
border and extensive mixed
Restaurant offers afternoon tea. 057 9120336
borders. Also a water lily pond.
Kilgar Gardens Brian and Patricia Conroy bookings@birrcastle.com
01 8256678
041 9824621 www.birrcastle.com
Gallow, Kilcock, Co. Meath ratoathgardencentre@hotmail.
com info@tankardstown.ie
BVGT, RHSI: Kilgar Gardens, www.tankardstown.ie
covering an area of 3 acres, the www.ratoathgardencentre.ie COUNTY WATERFORD
garden comprising of formal and
informal garden rooms around Rosemount The Cottages Ireland Mount Congreve Garden
the house, graduating to a more Julianstown, Co. Meath Bettystown, Co. Meath Kilmeaden,
naturalistic style towards the outer A92 TXE9 Co. Waterford
reaches, creating a peaceful haven BVGT: Once upon the time,
“Rosemount” was a commercial BVGT: The Cottages are a dreamy WatGT: Mount Congreve has been
of beauty. The outline plan for hamlet of 300 year old thatched
the garden was done in 2007 and orchard, sloping down to the designated a ‘great garden of
treacherous river Nanny. Today, it cottages, set in large organic the world.’ The gardens consist
owner Paula Byrne has created flower gardens by the seaside.
different atmosphere in each is an enchanted riverscape garden of 70 acres of intensely planted
set on ten acres, studded with a 041 9828104 woodland and a four acre walled
garden. info@cottages-ireland.com
Wheelchair access: Partial. collection of unusual trees and garden. The collection consists
outhouses. Teas, apéritifs, music www.cottages-ireland.com of over 3,000 different trees
087 1344950
kilgargardens@gmail.com lectures, political and economic and shrubs, more than 2,000
talks by arrangement. rhododendrons, 600 camellias, 300
www.kilgargardens.com COUNTY OFFALY
087 6125291 Acer cultivars, 600 conifers, 250
dorothy@alioth.eu climbers and 1500 plants.
Loughcrew Gardens www.kendumusic.com Bellefield House, 051 384115
Loughcrew, Oldcastle, Garden and Cottages info@mountcongreve.com
Co. Meath Shinrone, Co. Offaly www.mountcongreve.com
St. Mary’s Abbey
Landscape gardens with 17th Trim, Co. Meath GoIT, RHSI: Restored Georgian
century yew walk, lime avenue, farmhouse, two-acre walled
herbaceous border, water features, BVGT: 12th century Augustinian St. garden with folly, glasshouse, rill,
lake walk, 600-year old yew walk, Mary’s Abbey. Walled garden with collections of Japanese Irises,
fine shrubs and trees. peony, old roses, clematis, fruit
087 2057176 and vegetables. Woodland with
phiggin@reganmcentee.ie over 200 snowdrops, old daffodils,
www.boynevalleygardentrail.com species tulip, primula and unusual
woodland plants. Plants for
Tankardstown House sale from garden and teas by
Rathkenny, Slane, Co. Meath appointment.
C15 D535 Wheelchair access: Yes.
Ms Angela Jupe 086 6002180
BVGT: Set on an 80 acre estate, angelajupe@gmail.com
Tankardstown is a classic Georgian www.angelajupe.ie
manor house. Visitors will enjoy
Mount Congreve
A great garden of the world
powerscourt
House and Gardens
No. 3 in the world - National Geographic
Escape from the world as you explore the

dramatic 70 acres Mount Congreve Gardens.
Meander 16km of walking trails and enjoy
the four-acre meticulously maintained walled
garden, glorious herbaceous beds, lawns
and water features. Japanese Gardens | Pepperpot Tower | Pets’ Cemetery
Terrace Café | Gift Shop | Garden Pavilion
Just 10 minutes from Waterford City Waterfall | Free Parking | Free WIFI
Open 7 days per week until September &
Thursday to Sunday September to December Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
www.MountCongreve.com www.powerscourt.com
Ireland’s Blue Book is a romantic collection of Irish

country house hotels, manor houses, castles and restaurants.
Ireland’s Blue Book Gift Vouchers Available

www.irelandsbluebook.com / T +353 1 676 9914
Co. Waterford cont. | Co. Westmeath | Co. Wexford | Co. Wicklow
wheelchairs are available to use.

Tourin Gardens 044 9349060 Coolaught Gardens
Tourin, Cappoquinn, info@belvedere-house.ie Clonroche, Enniscorthy,
Co. Waterford www.belvedere-house.ie Co. Wexford
WatGT, GoIT: Visitors welcome WGT: This country farmhouse
to Tourin House and Gardens 2.5 acre garden has borders
situated five miles from both which blend old favourites and
Lismore and Cappoquin in the new introductions in an informal
heart of the beautiful Blackwater atmosphere. Paths lead you to
Valley. The original Tower House the front garden, rose pergola,
dates back to circa 1560, the Main laburnum arch, richly under-
House was finished in 1840 and planted orchard, Egyptian garden
the 20 acre garden includes a fine and finally a woodland garden. In
collection of mature trees, shrubs spring the lawn becomes a crocus
and a Walled Garden. Home to carpet, originally planted over 80
Hunting Brook
three Jameson sisters, including years ago and cultivated by four
artist Andrea Jameson. generations of the Deacon family. different rhododendrons, and
Kristin Jameson 058 54405 Wheelchair access: Partial. many varieties of azaleas and
tourin@eircom.net Mr & Mrs Caroline & Harry heathers), dwarf conifers, hedges,
www.tourin.ie/ Deacon 053 9244137/087 6446882 ground covers and climbing
coolaughtgardens@eircom.net plants. The lake is the most
Tourin House & Gardens www.facebook.com/ popular part of the Arboretum,
COUNTY WESTMEATH coolaughtgardens and is a haven for waterfowl.
051 388171/046 9426090
Belvedere House, COUNTY WEXFORD
jfkaboretum@opw.ie
John F. Kennedy
Gardens & Park www.heritageireland.ie
Colclough Walled Garden Aboretum
Tullamore Road, Mullingar,
Tintern Abbey, Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford Y34 KA48
Co. Westmeath N91 EF80
Co. Wexford WGT, OPW: Dedicated to the
COUNTY WICKLOW
The magnificent 160 acre Lakeside
Estate of Belvedere House, WGT, RHSI: The walled garden was memory of John Fitzgerald
built by the Colclough Family in Kennedy, President of the United Corke Lodge
Gardens and Park has restored
Georgian Villa and a fascinating the early 19th century. Restoration States from 1960 to 1963, the Woodbrook, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Victorian Walled Garden with one work began in July 2010 and the Arboretum is a plant collection of DGTrail: A secret garden in a
of Ireland’s finest collections of original layout of the garden has international standing. It covers woodland setting outside Shankill
rare plants. The naturalistic 18th been reinstated as it was in 1838. 252 hectares on the southern originally planted in the 1810s
century parkland is punctuated The main features of this 2.5 acre slopes and summit of Slievecoiltia. featuring specimen trees and
with Romantic Follies including stone/brick-lined walled garden It contains 4,500 types of trees extended in the 1980s with formal
The Jealous Wall. There are also 3 include curved corners. It is a work and shrubs from all temperate vistas through romantic gothic
outdoor children’s playgrounds, a in progress. regions of the world, planted follies and tropical planting.
fairy garden and many picnic areas Wheelchair access: Yes. in botanical sequence. There Wheelchair access: Yes.
on the estate. Mr Alan Ryan 083 3064159 are 200 forest plots grouped by Mr Alfred Cochrane 087 2447006
Wheelchair access: Gardens, colcloughwalledgarden@gmail.com continent. Special features include alfred@corkelodge.com
Parkland, Trails are accessible & www.colcloughwalledgarden.com an Ericaceous Garden, (with 500 www.corkelodge.com
BELVEDERE HOUSE GARDENS & PARK

MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH
A Fascinating
Georgian Estate
Restored Georgian Villa

160 Acres of Parkland
Victorian Walled Garden
4 Children’s Play Areas
Historic Follies
Fairy Garden Open Daily
10km of Serene Walking Trails Year Round
Café & Gift Shop with Seasonal Events
t: 044 9338960 | e: info@belvedere-house.ie | www.belvedere-house.ie
County Wicklow cont.
enquire through website.

Wheelchair access: Partial. National Garden The Dower House
June Blake 087 2770399 Exhibition Centre Rossanagh, Ashford
info@juneblake.ie Arboretum Kilquade, Co. Wicklow
www.juneblake.ie Kilquade, A67 XR62
Co. Wicklow DGTrail, GoIT, RHSI: 19th century
Mount Usher Gardens VWG: Spend a day exploring the gardens with plantings of many
Ashford, Co. Wicklow beautiful Arboretum National fine specimens surround an 18th
Garden Exhibition Centre, century house and include a
DGTrail, VWG: Mount Usher
Kilquade, Wicklow. Discover 18 white garden, described as one of
Gardens are one of the best in the
captivating exhibition gardens with ‘Wicklow’s finest gardens’. In high
world and are a supreme example
winding paths and trails leading to summer, the wild flower meadow
of the Robinsonian style. It covers
eye catching inspirational gardens is a glorious, thriving oasis.
22 acres through the middle
with unique flower displays and Wheelchair access: Yes.
of which flows the Vartry River,
ideas to recreate in your gardening Mrs Patricia Butler 085 1911275
highlighted by little weirs. There
space. Also features a garden /0404 40168
are over 4,500 varieties of trees,
centre and restaurant on site. patriciaannebutler@yahoo.ie
shrubs and plants which includes
Wheelchair access: Yes. www.dublingardens.com
June Blake Garden Champion Trees of both Britain
and Ireland. It has been maintained info@arboretum.ie
without weed killers or artificial www.arboretum.ie Trudder Grange Garden
Hunting Brook Gardens
fertilizers for over 30 years. Newtownmountkennedy,
Lamb Hill, Tinode,
Blessington, Co. Wicklow
Wheelchair access: Partially Powerscourt Gardens Co. Wicklow
accessible. Powerscourt Estate, A63 FD28
DGTrail, GoIT, VWG: Hunting Brook 0404 49672/Café 0404 40116 Enniskerry, DGTrail: Trudder Grange garden
Gardens, home to Jimi Blake and info@mountushergardens.ie Co. Wicklow has developed over the last
one of Ireland’s largest private www.mountushergardens.ie
collections of plants spread over VWG: Discover all the Powerscourt 30 years from a stony field
20 acres, is famous for its borders. Gardens have to offer: ornate into a garden full of shrubs
They are a modern fusion of
National Botanic Gardens, statues in the Italian Gardens, the and herbaceous borders, an
prairie and tropical planting and Kilmacurragh, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow Japanese Garden, the magnificent organic vegetable garden with a
the constant changing palette of Rose Garden and the splendid greenhouse, an acre of wild flower
OPW, BGCI, Plant Network, VWG:
plants, reflects this very modern lavender in the Kitchen Garden. meadow in the walled garden
Renowned 103-acre historic
garden-maker’s unbounded With over 200 varieties of trees, which is planted with unusual
gardens and arboretum with
enthusiasm for creative gardening. shrubs and flowers it is every specimen trees. Close to the sea,
conifers, rhododendrons,
‘Hunting Brook is a garden that is gardener’s dream. The younger many tender plants grow in this
Southern Hemisphere trees
endlessly beguiling.’ members of the family will enjoy very sheltered garden.
and shrubs, Robinsonian bulb
Wheelchair access: No the Pets’ Cemetery with the Ms Vanessa Hayes 01 2819422/
lawns, wild flower meadows and
Jimi Blake 087 2856601 unusual pet names. 087 418 7616
extensive herbaceous borders
jimi@huntingbrook.com Wheelchair access: Partial www.dublingardens.com
containing rare and unusual
www.huntingbrook.com plants, many wild collected from 01 2046000
recent expeditions. Undergoing info@powerscourt.net
restoration by the OPW and www.powerscourt.com
June Blake’s Garden &
extensive replanting with an
Nursery
exciting range of new and exotic
Tinode, Manor Kilbride, species.
Blessington, Wheelchair access: Mostly.
Co. Wicklow 01 8570909/0404 48844
DGTrail, GoIT, VWG, RHSI: June botanicgardens@opw.ie
Blake’s Garden, in West Wicklow, www.botanicgardens.ie
is an ever-evolving plant lovers
paradise. Expertly designed with
an artistic eye, greatly influenced
by its surroundings, the Victorian
Steward’s house and farmyard,
the beautiful Wicklow Mountains,
woods and fields that make up this
extraordinary space. Plant sales
and self-catering accommodation.
For speaking engagements,
Ireland’s Historic Gardens

The Office of Public Works presents some of Ireland’s most iconic gardens and celebrated
plant collections from the internationally renowned National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin
to Ilnacullin/ Garinish Island with collections of exotic gardens and rare southern
hemisphere plants. Semi tropical plants can be seen at Fota Arboretum with its celebrated
champion conifers to Dublin’s best kept secret, the Iveagh Gardens.
Every year millions of people visit these historic gardens and enjoy the
Lutyens designed landscapes of Heywood Gardens in Laois to the Irish
National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge. Plant collectors will
love the collections of Corona North at Altamont Gardens in Carlow and
Richard Grove at Anne’s Grove in Cork.
While the OPW aims to conserve these gardens for the enjoyment
of generations to come, we have all seen with the current Covid 19
pandemic how gardens and green space have been so important for us
all. The OPW promotes these living spaces through a dedicated team
of specialists and experienced landscape heritage professionals who
manage and cultivate the gardens for the nation. Skilled botanists,
horticultural specialists, craft gardeners, foremen, guides and grounds
staff are dedicated to the individual gardens they serve.
Scientific and botanical research is an important part of the work of the
Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, at Kilmacurragh and at JFK Arboretum
in New Ross where the teams engage in international programmes of
research and collaboration. Promoting and enhancing biodiversity at
the heritage sites and gardens is also key and the OPW is committed to
protecting the habitats of pollinators, birds and wildlife.
Highlights during the summer months are the amazing display of
lavender beds in the Walled Garden at Battle of the Boyne – Oldbridge,
National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh is buzzing with pollinators in
their herbaceous borders and wildflower meadows and the woodland
walks at Doneraile Estate are teaming with wildlife and wildflowers.
Please remember that access to gardens has been reserved between
10am and 1pm for people who are cocooning. This includes the over-70s
and the medically vulnerable.
Doneraile Estate
Doneraile Estate
A haven of tranquillity in North Cork, Doneraile Estate is a house and
parkland of over 400acres. Doneraile Court was the home of the St
Leger family from 1637 to 1969 and is now managed by the OPW. With a
natural flowing landscape, the estate was set in the 18th century in the
magnificent style of Capability Brown. The estate has many specimen
trees: oak, beech, spanish chestnut and lime. The River Awbeg flows
through the estate creating a great aesthetic to the setting. A walk
through this historic place offers a chance to view red, sika and fallow
deer in the parkland.
With the backdrop of the beautiful Georgian architecture, there
are extensive walkways, water features and herds of roaming deer to
enjoy.
We invite you to take a relaxing stroll under the avenue of mature trees,
explore the 18th and 19th century gardens, immersing yourself in the
wondrous estate.
National Botanic Gardens - Kilmacurragh
The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh welcomes you to a tradition
of botanic curation in a 52-acre estate. The grounds were home to seven
generations of the Acton family who had close ties to the Moore family of
the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin. Developed extensively in the
nineteenth century golden age of plant collecting, it became one of the
best private plant collections in Ireland of the time.
Today managed by OPW, the plant collecting tradition continues with
new acquisitions to match the historic collection. Famed for its conifers
and rhododendrons, Kilmacurragh is a beautiful east coast visit.
Annes Grove
Battle of Boyne - Oldbridge Estate

Oldbridge is a 500-acre estate taking in much of the original site of the
Battle of The Boyne.
Situated on the banks of the River Boyne, the estate and gardens have
been extensively restored by the OPW in recent years. With a trapezoidal
shaped walled garden, it broadens out to the south to accommodate the
inner octagonal wall and orchard. Find old espalier pear trees and one
hundred ‘Blood of the Boyne’ apple trees within.
The original layout has been maintained and the garden today is
presented as an ornamental garden rather than a working kitchen
garden. Gardeners will delight in features such as the Double Peach
House, Dog Kennels and Gardener’s Bothy, all returned to their former
glory by OPW. Emo Court
The rare to Europe sunken Octagonal Garden is the most celebrated

feature of this garden and is believed to be unique in Ireland.
Altamont House & Gardens

An enchanting blend of the formal and informal, Altamont House &
Gardens is on the banks of the River Slaney and overlooked by the
Blackstairs Mountains in Carlow. A treat in Tullow at any time of year, the
gardens offer a varied landscape of lawns, walks, an arboretum, and a
lake surrounded by rare trees and rhododendron. Highlights of this very
special place are The Bluebell Wood, Ice Age Glen and Bog Garden.
The plant collection is the work of the late Corona North, who
bequeathed the property to the Irish State and is now lovingly cared
for by OPW. Explore the walled garden and woodland, floral beds and
lovely lawns, offering all the elements of a great garden. Every spring the
annual Snow Drop Walk is a must for the calendar with over 200 named
varieties popping their heads up above the soil for people to enjoy. Royal Hospital Kilmainham Gardens
Garden Trails and
Promotional Groups
Many gardens open to the public are part of local garden visit promotion groups.
These codes are shown in the entries. Visit the website below for more information.
BVGT Boyne Valley Garden Trail

www.boynevalleygardentrail.com
BCGI Botanical Gardens Conservation International

www.bgci.org
CGT Carlow Garden Trail

www.carlowgardentrail.com
ConGt Connemara Garden Trail

www.connemara.net/connemara-garden-trail
DGTrail Dublin Garden Trail

www.dublingardens.com
DGT Donegal Garden Trail

www.donegalgardentrail.com
GoIT Gardens of Ireland Trust

www.gardensofireland.org
ISNA Irish Specialist Nursery Association

www. www.irishspecialistnurseriesassociation.com
LSGT Laois Garden Trail

www.laoistourism.ie
NatT National Trust for Northern Ireland

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/northern-ireland
OPW Heritage Sites of Ireland

Plant Network
www.plantnetwork.org
RHSI Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland Partner Gardens

www.rhsi.ie/partner-gardens
ROC Ring of Cork

www.ringofcork.ie/gardens
WatGt Waterford Garden Trail
WCGT West Cork Garden Trail

www.westcorkgardentrail.com
WGT Wexford Garden Trail

www.wexfordgardentrail.com
VWG Visit Wicklow Gardens

www.visitwicklow.ie
IRELAND’S
HISTORIC
GARDENS
John F Kennedy Arboretum Doneraile Estate
Royal Hospital Kilmainham Gardens Castletown House
Battle of the Boyne - Oldbridge
National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh

Garden Open 2020

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Gardens Open 2020

County Carlow | County Cork

COUNTY CARLOW Huntington Castle

Fernhill House and Garden Oakfield Park

194 acre park, 6 acres of gardens including rose garden

are not permitted. Garden tours in

The Barn Gallery and Dublin Castle –

Farmleigh House Iveagh Gardens National Botanic

Call: 091 524336 or 086 8862594

Rathfarnham Castle St Stephen’s Green

Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully, Kildare, Co. Kildare

Open 7 Days: 9.00am-6.00pm (last admission 5.00pm).

Bee Wise Nature Trail

Enniscoe Gardens BeeWise Picnic Area College Hill House

Loughcrew giant ants feature,

Escape from the world as you explore the

Ireland’s Blue Book is a romantic collection of Irish

Ireland’s Blue Book Gift Vouchers Available

wheelchairs are available to use.

BELVEDERE HOUSE GARDENS & PARK

Restored Georgian Villa

t: 044 9338960 | e: info@belvedere-house.ie | www.belvedere-house.ie

enquire through website.

Ireland’s Historic Gardens

Battle of Boyne - Oldbridge Estate

The rare to Europe sunken Octagonal Garden is the most celebrated

Altamont House & Gardens

BVGT Boyne Valley Garden Trail

BCGI Botanical Gardens Conservation International

CGT Carlow Garden Trail

ConGt Connemara Garden Trail

DGTrail Dublin Garden Trail

DGT Donegal Garden Trail

GoIT Gardens of Ireland Trust

ISNA Irish Specialist Nursery Association

LSGT Laois Garden Trail

NatT National Trust for Northern Ireland

OPW Heritage Sites of Ireland

RHSI Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland Partner Gardens

ROC Ring of Cork

WatGt Waterford Garden Trail

WCGT West Cork Garden Trail

WGT Wexford Garden Trail

VWG Visit Wicklow Gardens

Royal Hospital Kilmainham Gardens Castletown House

Battle of the Boyne - Oldbridge

National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh

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