What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Gardens

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.

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.

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

Beautifully Restored Georgian Walled Garden built by the Colclough Family over 200 years ago, situated beside Tintern Abbey

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse. Set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this castle demesne boasts a rare collection of over 4000 trees and plants, wonderful wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls and lake. Suited to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, scientists, historians, family groups and photographers.

Bantry House and Garden is a stately home in southwest Ireland situated right on Bantry Bay with panoramic views of the bay and the caha mountains. The estate is owned by Egerton and Brigitte Shelswell-White and is managed by their daughter Sophie and her partner Josh. It has been in the family since the 1700s. The house contains original furniture and objects d'art. The garden is laid out over 7 terraces with a fountain, large wisteria circle and 100 steps leading up to the woodland. The house, garden and tearoom is open to the public daily from easter to october. The estate hosts weddings, music festivals and fairs. We have a separate review page for our B&B accommodation.

An exotic garden with mainly bamboos but also palm trees, tree ferns, beautiful flowers. Lovely picnic area. Wedding pictures welcome. Coffee shop with lovely homemade cakes. Dogs welcome and children free!

This state-owned commercial stud farm also incorporates the world famous Japanese Gardens and wild Irish St Fiachra's Garden as well as the Irish Racehorse Experience, Living Legend's, Gift Shop and restaurant. It is also home to some of Ireland's most famous racehorses.