Great Irish Gardens

Great Irish Gardens | About Ireland's Gardens

Some of these are, or will be, included in our Garden Tour Itineraries, but are listed here so that you can opt to add them to your itinerary if you are in their area. It's certainly not an exhaustive list - just some perennial (ouch!) favourites.

Ireland also has a number of special events and Garden Festivals which are worth checking out if you are visiting at the right time to attend.

Altamont Gardens

Gardens Co Carlow, nr Tullow

Rarely crowded and always rewarding no matter what the season, this is a real hidden gem. All around there are wonderful views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster. An Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen, with ancient oak tress,...
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Ballymaloe

Gardens Co Cork, Shanagarry

One for the cooks as well as the gardeners, this garden provides much of the fresh produce served daily in the famed Ballymaloe House Restaurant. This is not just one garden, but a series of very different ones, each with its own unique character....
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Fota Arboretum

Gardens Co Cork, Fota Island

A must for tree lovers, this garden situated on Fota Island on the coast close to Cork city, is home to one of the most important collections of trees and shrubs in the British Isles. Many would not grow elsewhere in Ireland, but thrive here thanks to...
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Garnish Island

Gardens Co Cork, Glengarriff

A remarkable place on a 37 acre island reachable only by boat from the nearby village of Glengarrif. The gardens were created in the 1920's and are the joint work of Anna Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden...
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Killruddery House and Gardens

Gardens Co Wicklow, near Bray

The formal gardens at Killruddery were laid out in the 17th century and, uniquely among Irish gardens, still exist in their original style. The gardens are very large and in parts laid out formally, with neatly trimmed beech hedges forming patterns and...
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Lakemount Gardens

Gardens Co Cork, Glanmire

A domestic garden, though on a large scale, close to Cork city and mainly the creation of Brian Cross, who has hit on the magical formula which provides something of interest all year round and has a knack for colour which is a real feature of his garden....
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Mount Usher Gardens

Gardens Co Wicklow, Ashford

The 20 acre gardens at Mount Usher were designed by the famous Irish garden designer, William Robinson, in the late 1800's. More than 2000 varieties of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants from all parts of the globe are planted in harmony with the River...
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The Dillon Garden

Gardens Dublin, Ranelagh

Over 25 years this garden's owners, gardening writer and broadcaster Helen Dillon and her husband Val have transformed their suburban garden of just over half an acre into a wonderland for plant lovers. A striking feature is the limestone canal with...
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The Watergarden

Gardens Co Kilkenny, Thomastown

A personal favourite, this small garden is managed and staffed by the residents of Camphill, a movement composed of individuals, many with special needs, who live together in a mutually supportive environment. Smaller and more low key than many of the...
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