Ireland in Bloom: Five Gardens to Discover in Spring

Ireland in Bloom: Five Gardens to Discover This Spring

Though the mighty beech trees are still bare of leaves, spring is quietly awakening across Ireland’s great gardens. Thanks to the mild climate warmed by the Gulf Stream, Ireland enjoys exceptional growing conditions that rival some of the best gardening regions in the world. The National Inventory of Heritage Gardens has identified more than 500 gardens of importance across the island. For centuries Irish gardeners were passionate plant collectors, even sponsoring botanical expeditions to places as distant as Patagonia, Peru, Malacca and Mandalay in search of rare species. Today these historic landscapes remain some of Ireland’s most beautiful places to wander in spring. Here are five of our favourite gardens to visit across the country.

Altamont Gardens, County Carlow

A large, beautiful old world garden designed in the Robinsonian style with a strong emphasis on combining an excellent plant collection within the natural landscape. There is a steep descent through the Ice Age Glen leading to a beautiful riverside walk. Widely respected as one of the jewels in Ireland’s gardening crown, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens covering over 40 acres. The estate gains much of its character from mature trees, native avenues and woodland areas, along with exotic specimens throughout the gardens. Make sure to keep an eye out for the peacocks!

Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford

Another and more recent “Garden for the Ages” is Mount Congreve. The gardens were the passion of two men, the owner Ambrose Congreve and his head gardener Herman Dool. Situated along a sheltered bend of the River Suir near Waterford, this magnificent estate covers over 700 acres, with about 100 acres devoted to extraordinary gardens. Designed and tended for more than 60 years, Mount Congreve holds a remarkable collection of rare and unusual plants.

Garnish Island, County Cork

Perhaps the most magical setting a garden could have is to be on an island bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. This small island of 15 hectares is known to horticulturists all over the world as an island garden of rare beauty. Its centrepiece is an outstanding Italian-style garden designed by Harold Peto, linked by other formal features such as a double sided herbaceous border and surrounded by a wild garden blending into the wider setting of the exceptional sea and mountain scenery around Glengarriff.

Bantry House and Gardens, County Cork

Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork. Although the title lapsed in 1891, the house remains in the hands of descendants of the first Earl and has been open to the public since 1946. The house contains an important collection of art treasures gathered by the second Earl during his Grand Tour. The gardens were inspired by those travels and are laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces. A formal parterre surrounds a wisteria circle and fountain, while the famous Hundred Steps rise above through azaleas and rhododendrons.

Kells Bay, County Kerry

Kells Bay is one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings, providing a stunning backdrop for Kells Bay Gardens. Known locally as the “Jewel on the Ring”, the gardens cover just over 17 hectares and hold an impressive collection of rare sub-tropical plants. Overlooking the dramatic waters of Dingle Bay, the gardens thrive in the mild climate and coastal shelter of this beautiful corner of Kerry. A perfect stop for lunch before continuing along the famous Ring of Kerry.