Botanical Beauty

The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are an absolute must see - around every corner is another unexpected delight!

Images - Brabourne Farm 

Garden Heaven

Castle Durrow is located in the midlands of Ireland and adjoins the quaint village of Durrow, Co. Laois.  Built by Capt. William Flower (later to become Viscount Ashbrook) in 1716 as his family home, its pre Palladian design and formal gardens were the height of fashion in their day - and they're just as lovely today!

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are just outside the village of Insitioge on the banks of the River Nore in Co. Kilkenny - this garden was once considered one of the great gardens of Ireland and is thankfully undergoing restoration.  The ruins of Woodstock House built in 1745 are still in the garden - it too was destroyed by fire.  High on the hill, this is a beautiful place - the recently restored conservatory is the perfect place for afternoon tea.

The village of Insitioge on the banks of the River Nore in Co. Kilkenny.

Birr Castle, Co. Offaly - parts of this huge, sprawling garden are breathtaking, especially the incredible collection of peonies and the recently restored walled garden.

Images - Brabourne Farm

Ireland's Most Romantic Gardens

Altamont Gardens (Tullow, Co. Carlow) are described as "Ireland's most romantic garden" - and it is!

Heywood Gardens (Ballinakill, Co. Laois) - all that remains of this beautiful estate is the sunken garden, the woodland gardens and lakes designed by Sir Edward Lutyens.  Sadly the wonderful house was burnt down in 1950.  This garden truly is heaven on earth.

Images - Brabourne Farm

A Breath of Fresh Eire

Powerscourt House and Garden, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

Kilruddery House and Gardens

Glendalough - early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.

Images - Brabourne Farm

Incredible Ireland

Ardgillan Castle - this beautiful castle and garden is located on the sea near Ballbriggan (north of Dublin) with the wonderful Morne Mountains in the distance.

Carlingford - a small seaside village on the banks of Carlingford Lough which looks across to the amazing  Morne Mountains.

Mt Usher Gardens - located near Wicklow, these gardens are truly spectacular and incredibly beautiful.

Images - Brabourne Farm