Things to do in Province of Munster, Province of Munster: The Best Gardens

Contemporary garden of designer Matt O’ Connell with hidden sections or mini gardens, some of which are traditional. The garden surrounds an award winning house which was built in 1995 when the garden started. The variety of over 250 plants for sale in the nursery are propagated from plants in the garden so mature versions can be seen. All plants have been propagated outdoors and are totally hardy. Changes are being made to the garden all the time and due to the demand for shade loving plants a new shade section is in development to devote to these plants. Free admission. Donations to Doolin Rescue Service welcome.

NEW... unique and tranquil one bedroom lodge available for holiday rental. The studio and garden is situated between Doolin and Lisdoonvarna on the edge of the Burren and within site of the Cliffs of Moher. This apartment is situated in the home of a local artist amidst beautiful gardens. Guests are free to enjoy the gardens and visit the onsite Art Gallery .Original paintings and Fine Art prints available to purchase.Directions ,from Lisdoonvarna town centre take the N67 towards Doolin, at first T junction turn right on to R477, at Y junction immediately after turn right staying on R477, continue to first crossroads turn left onto R5064 where there is an Art Studio sign, its the 3rd. property on the right , full journey from centre Lisdoonvarna 2 kilometre approx.Postal code V95TR20

A 1.5 acre, award winning plantsman's garden situated in the beautiful Caher Valley in the heart of the Burren. The garden was begun in 1999 and has been specifically designed to 'blend' into, and incorporate it's surrounding landscape. Many 'native' plants are used, along with an extensive collection of garden plants. There are several noteable collections including Brunnera, Galanthus, Narcissus, Ferns, Hostas, Primula, Arisaema, Hydrangea and crocosmia. The garden includes a section of the Caher river, ponds and water features. There are interesting design elements, and a wealth of creative stonework including a 'Moon Window' built from local stone. It has been featured in many magazines, newspapers and is included in the book "The top 100 Gardens of Ireland" The garden is open from Mid-March to Mid-October, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please ring for details. All visits are by guided tour. Photography is allowed. Unfortunately the garden is NOT suitable for children under 16 years.

Open end of May 2021 . A beautiful 3 acre garden with amazing designs and fun for all the family in West Cork, including a Fairy Fort and Fairies Trail. This 3 acre garden is full of surprises with each garden style flowing into the next. The front garden contains a sunken white garden, an Italianate canal and a Japanese garden. The boundary wisteria walk opens out into the bog garden and woodland area, from where you can continue to the tea house to enjoy a view of the Mediterranean and tropical gardens. Wander over the birch mound, which is surrounded by the wildflower meadow, into the walled kitchen garden to view the seasonal vegetables. The kids will have great fun visiting the Fairy Fort built right through the birch mound or searching for the fairy houses in the Fairies woods. View the Budgies, Parakeets, Finches, Ducks and Chickens in the Aviary.

This garden is located in the townland of Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork in the south of Ireland and is dedicated to the memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their live in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. This garden of Remembrance was established by Kathleen Murphy in November 2001. Kathleen grew up in Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork which is located in the south of Ireland. Following her training as a nurse in England she moved to New York where she worked as a staff nurse for 40 years in Lennox Hill Hospital. Kathleen always admired the brave and courageous work of firefighters. Following the 9/11 attacks she decided to establish the garden of remembrance in memory to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th 2001. Kathleen passed away in March 2011 in New York following a battle with cancer and is buried less than 2 miles from the garden.

The Garden is Now Closed for the 2020 Season. Terra Nova Garden is a dynamic space full of the unexpected. Home to an exotic Thai House with tropical plantings, a magical woodland where pixies, fairies and other elementals live in shady places, sensational seasonal plantings throughout the garden, a Hobbit Tea House based on Bilbo’s Bag End and Ireland’s Largest Fairy Gift Shop. Become part of the adventure that has been enthralling visitors for over 20 years. Terra Nova - Past Winner of Best Garden in Ireland. Open daily 11am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm) until August 30th. Booking essential. 10am - 4pm to book your visit

As the fee includes a personally guided tour and refreshments in the pagoda beside the Water Garden, entrance is, naturally, by advance booking only. Coolwater, on half an acre, steps to the beat of a different drum with its breathtaking Water Garden, troughs chockerblock with choice Alpine plants and distinctively styled West Garden: don't expect lawns and borders in this garden! Overlooked on one side by Skule Hill and on the other by Rockstown Castle, it has been designed for year round structure and shape. The ponds in the West garden together with the large one in the Water Garden have also encouraged a superabundance of aquatic wildlife. Note! Advance booking only.