Nature lovers, do you like to browse beautiful gardens? Ireland has something to satisfy the most demanding of connoisseurs! The Emerald Isle is full of incredible gardens not to be missed on your next getaway! So, in this post, discover the 7 most beautiful gardens in Ireland!
1. Garnish Island Gardens, Co Cork
Access to the gardens is by boat from the village of Glengarriff. Just before reaching Garinish Island, you will also pass a small islet where many seals bask !
Garinish Island is renowned for its lavish gardens. The island, with an area of 15 hectares, enjoys a mild and humid microclimate which favors lush vegetation.
In this garden you can also find a Martello tower dating from 1805, a Greek temple and an Italian casita.
The gardens are open from March to October. More information here: garinishisland.ie
You can also visit Garnish Island while hiking the Beara Way.
2. Powerscourt Gardens, Co Wicklow
Powerscourt Gardens can be found in the rugged countryside of County Wicklow. They have named the 3rd most beautiful gardens in the world by National Geographic.
Admire the beautiful 18th century Palladian mansion. Stroll through its 19 hectares of Italian-style gardens, along the rose garden and the vegetable garden. And, of course, don’t forget the incredible Japanese Gardens!
On the Powerscourt Estate, you will also find Ireland’s tallest waterfall: nestled at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, this waterfall stands 121 meters high and was one of the filming locations for the movie Excalibur.
The gardens are open all year round. Find more information here: powerscourt.com
3. Derreen Gardens, Co Kerry
With over 20 hectares of gardens and over 12 km of footpaths, Derreen Gardens is one of Ireland’s finest gardens.
Derreen Gardens are teeming with rare and exotic plants, many of which have been brought back from the Himalayas and beyond.
The gardens are also a haven for wildlife and a habitat for Sika deer, hares and red squirrels . You may also be able to spot seals and otters on the banks!
The gardens are open all year round. More information here: derreengarden.com
The Derreen Gardens are located in Lauragh which is also on the Beara Way.
Also read our post: Wildlife in Ireland
4. The Victorian Walled Garden, Co Galway
One of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and certainly one of our favorites! A little gem in the heart of Connemara, the Victorian Walled Garden is part of the Kylemore Abbey estate.
This Victorian garden of more than 2 hectares was laid out between 1867 and 1871. It is so beautiful that it has been compared to the famous Kew Gardens in London.
Enjoy the walk among the rows of flowers, the vegetable garden, the fruit trees and the herb garden!
The garden is open all year round. More information can be found here: kylemoreabbey.com/victorian-walled-garden
5. The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, Co Kildare
These Japanese gardens, created between 1906 and 1910, are renowned around the world. They attract more than 150,000 visitors each year.
Very representative of Japanese gardens from the beginning of the 20th century, they were laid out by the Japanese master horticulturalist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.
Eida’s work traces the soul’s journey from birth to death and beyond, while providing a meeting place for Eastern and Western cultures.
The gardens are open all year round. More information here: irishnationalstud.ie/attraction/gardens
6. The Ewe Experience, Co Cork
Are you a lover of art and sculpture? These gardens are made for you! The Ewe Experience is an exceptional and unique place located in Glengarriff.
Combining natural history, art, story and humor, the Ewe Gardens takes you on a journey through 4 themed gardens: water, time, environment and the old world.
These interactive gardens will give you a beautiful moment of relaxation and allow you to explore nature in a creative way.
The gardens are open in the months of June, July and August. More information here: www.theewe.com
7. Killruddery House and Gardens, Co Wicklow
Killruddery Gardens are among the oldest and most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Their original style dates from the 17th century, although some additions were made in the 18th and 19th centuries.
At the bends of the alleys, admire the magnificent plantations and wooded areas, the water games and other remarkable pieces.
Also discover the vegetable garden and the magnificent orangery, inspired by the style of the Crystal Palace in London.
The gardens are open from April to October. More info here: killruddery.com/explore/house-gardens
