If you’re a fan of gardens, a trip to Ireland should definitely be on your bucket list. From the wild and untamed to the formal and manicured, the island is home to a plethora of botanical wonders that are sure to take your breath away. Here are ten botanical beauties to add to your must-visit list.
Mount Usher Gardens, County Wicklow Dating back to 1860, Mount Usher Gardens are one of Ireland’s top natural attractions. Water is a central feature of the layout, creating a wonderfully serene atmosphere. After viewing the gardens, make sure to stop by the Avoca shop on site to browse candles, homewares, and scarves and throws woven in its famous mill.
Glenarm Castle & Garden, County Antrim This beautiful walled garden is situated in the grounds of historic Glenarm Castle on the stunning Causeway Coast. Notable features include the Mount, the Yew Circle, and the Hot Border, which is awash with bright reds, pinks, and oranges throughout the season. Why not stay overnight in one of the castle’s Ocean View pods and enjoy the wonderful surroundings?
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.
Powerscourt Gardens, County Wicklow Voted number three in the world’s top 10 gardens by National Geographic, Powerscourt is simply unmissable. Stretching over 19 hectares, the gardens feature a range of styles, from 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.
Belfast Botanic Gardens Part of Belfast’s Victorian history, the Botanic Garden is home to the striking cast-iron Palm House. The Palm House and Tropical Ravine house an extraordinary collection of exotic and tropical plants. Outside, an extensive rose garden and colorful herbaceous borders make it a popular meeting place. Right beside the gardens is the award-winning Ulster Museum, which has fascinating exhibitions of art, history, and natural sciences.
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.
Salthill Garden, County Donegal 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.
Rowallane Garden, County Down Rowallane is one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems. A mix of formal and informal spaces, filled with plants from around the globe, the gardens offer breathtaking vistas across the County Down countryside. A range of events take place throughout the year, from mindfulness sessions to talks, guided walks, and poetry readings.
Lismore Castle Gardens, County Waterford Nestled within the walls of the historic Lismore Castle, the Lismore Castle Gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland. The gardens offer stunning views of the Blackwater valley and are home to a wide variety of plant species. But that’s not all – the castle itself also houses a contemporary art gallery in its west wing, showcasing the work of local and international artists.
Bantry House and Garden, County Cork Overlooking Bantry Bay, the Bantry House and Garden is a true gem. The garden is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the magnificent house sitting on the third terrace. It’s a stunning sight to behold, with an abundance of plants and flowers adding to its beauty. And if you’re a keen horticulturalist, be sure to visit the island garden of Garinish in Bantry Bay, which is known for its exotic flowers from Chile and New Zealand, as well as its richness of plant form and color.
Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just looking for a serene escape into nature, the gardens of Ireland offer something for everyone. From the formal to the wild, the ancient to the contemporary, there are botanical beauties to be found all across the island. So why not take a stroll through one of these glorious gardens and experience a little bit of horticultural heaven for yourself?
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