Gardens of Ireland
Wicklow truly is home to some of Ireland’s most splendid gardens….here are our recommendations.
Powerscourt Gardens, County Wicklow
Welcome to Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland! Powerscourt Gardens were recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Managed by Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger and a team of four gardeners, Powerscourt Gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider surrounding landscape. Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions.
Visit Powerscourt Website
National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Wicklow
The gardens at Kilmacurragh are said to have been founded by Saint Mochorog in the early seventh century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century when Thomas Acton ventured to Ireland as part of Oliver Cromwell’s invading army, that the land was granted to him, in lieu of wages and he finally inherited it in 1854. This was around the same time that David Moore, curator of the Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin began advising Acton and his sister, Janet. Between then, they introduced a splendid array of mostly wild in origin plants and shrubs to the gardens including the renowned rhododendron walk, layered by Janet Acton herself in 1870.
Free guided tours take place at 12noon and 3pm every day from mid March to mid October. Tours can also be booked outside these times by contacting (0404) 48844.
Check visitor information for National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
Mount Usher Gardens, County Wicklow
Twice named Best Garden to visit in Ireland by BBC Gardener’s World Magazine, Mount Usher was founded in the 1860s by William Robinson. Inspired by Shakespeare’s line “the Art itself is nature”. Robinson created an informal garden experience that uses a mix of native and tropical plants.
Visit Mount Usher Gardens Website
Killruddery House Gardens & Farms
Killruddery is a living, working House, Gardens and Farm. It has been home to sixteen generations of the Brabazon family and over the centuries many other families have joined this special place as a home and in employment.
Every day at Killruddery they have many different classes and activities going on. Many of them go on all year round even when the Gardens and House are closed. These activities include painting, hiking, and crafts.
Visit Kilruddery House and Gardens Website
HuntingBrook Gardens, Blessington
Filled with rare plants from around the world and enjoying unparalleled views across the Wicklow Mountains, Hunting Brook Gardens really are a special place. Stunning colours, lush vegetation and the sound of the trickling brook add to the splendour of Jimi Blake’s Garden in Blessington. Set on 20 acres, split between woodland and botanical herbaceous borders, Jimi’s inspiring designs and ever evolving garden scape offer wonder and intrigue to visitors to his gardens who are never short of a focal point.
Altamont Gardens, County Carlow
Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with riverside walks covering over 40 acres (16 hectares). Recognised as one of the most beautiful gardens of Ireland, the estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees, natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens throughout the gardens. Lawns bisected by sculpted yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and rhododendrons and lead in turn to a very different garden featuring exotic shrubs and trees. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks and huge stone outcrops lead the visitor to the River Slaney. When Corona North, who lovingly cared for the gardens for over 50 years died in 1999, the gardens were left to the State at her request. Ongoing restoration and maintenance continue under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW).