5 Glorious Gardens
5 Glorious Gardens
This summer is all about outside life and Ireland has a rich array of stunning gardens to amble around on those warmer days. Here our top five picks of the most glorious gardens to visit.
Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cork
Don’t assume that Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cork, are just for overseas tourists. They’re not around at the moment and now is the perfect time to visit. The quirky nature of this garden is its blend of unique features and historical legends. The lush green grass is punctuated by exotic and vibrant structures. These include The Poison Garden with toxic plants in cages, alongside the Victorian Ice House and Fern Garden. Kiss the Blarney Castle stone to become more eloquent. After soaking up all the weird and wonderful sites of the garden, catch your breath by the lake, where you can pause, listen to the bird songs and take in the fresh air.
Visit blarneycastle.ie
Mount Stewart, Down
Mount Stewart house and gardens are located in Newtownards, Down. Not only is this one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland but it is also ranked among the top ten gardens in the world. With over seventy acres of garden to explore, you will be sure to find new plants, scents and colours around every corner. Nestled among the peering archways in the garden is the stunning manor house, a holiday home for Lady Londonderry. If you take a stroll down the red squirrel trail you might just be lucky enough to spot one. There are several unique water features with these sprawling gardens.
Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk
Burren Nature Sanctuary, Galway
The Burren Nature Sanctuary is located on fifty acres of organic farmland, meaning that you will be sure to spot an array of farm animals on your walk. It has an abundance of flowers and plants available. During your visit be sure to explore the Botany Bubble as here you will find a selection of wildflowers and orchids when they are in season. The wild nature of the landscape adds an adventurous feel to your walk as you will find yourself surrounded by ash trees, hazelwood and meadows.
Visit burrennaturesanctuary.ie
Powerscourt Gardens and Estate, Wicklow
Wicklow is renowned for its sprawling green hills, stunning views and tranquillity. Located in this magical landscape is the Powerscourt Gardens and Estate which ranks number three in the world’s top ten gardens. Within the stunning grounds there is the Dolphin pond with its unique water features. The impressive Sugarloaf mountain peers over the estate. Enjoy the pastel pink of the cherry blossom and the ornate features dotted around the garden which take their inspiration from Italian architecture.
Visit powerscourt.com
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Gardens, Galway
Connemara is renowned for its rugged and wild landscape. Carved within this landscape is the elegant and impressive Kylemore Abbey, built in the 1860s by Mitchell Henry as a very generous gift to his wife Margarette. From the year 1920, Kylemore Abbey became home to the Benedictine Nuns gaining the reputation of a sacred and spiritual location. Enclosed behind large Victorian Walls is a six-acre Victorian Garden containing one of Ireland’s longest herbaceous borders. With plant guides available to visitors, you can get exclusive tips on how to improve your own gardens. The grounds also contain a large number of herb and vegetable plots with a huge selection growing alongside floral displays which have been mapped out from traditional Victorian planting schemes.
Visit kylemoreabbey.com
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