Garden Tours

IRELAND'S BLUE BOOKCOUNTRY HOUSES, HISTORIC HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

‘Beyond the Pale’ is an old Irish expression for the lovely rural landscape beyond the confines of Dublin city. Rich in Ireland’s culture and heritage the bountiful countryside also boasts some of country’s finest Manor Houses with magnificent gardens.

Gardens in the East

Day 1: Howth and Dublin

Drive the short distance from Dublin to the buzzing fishing village of Howth Here you will find the King Sitric Restaurant & Townhouse (famous for their fish dishes) tucked away at the end of the village. From here visit the nearby Malahide Castle and Talbot Botanic Gardens. Malahide Castle dates from 1185 and was the home of the Talbot family. The Castle boasts the only surviving medieval great hall. The demense created by Lord Milo Talbot contains over 5,000 different species of trees & shrubs. Lovers of flowers should visit the sometimes overlooked National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin where the restored Turner Conservatory hosts the palm houses.

Day 2: Meath & Westmeath

Detour a little to the north west to see the site of the Battle of the Boyne and visting the historic mounds of Knowth and Dowth and the megalithic tomb of Newgrange, older that the Pyramids, and depicting a life in Ireland dating back 5,000 years. Meandering on through the narrow roads of Westmeath stopping for lunch at gothic Tullynally Castle and home of the Packenhams. Walk through the exotic Chinese garden and take a peep at the Tibetan garden of waterfalls before setting off again to nearby Mullingar and visiting the 19th century Belevedere House & Gardens with its outstanding rococo plasterwork ceilings. Arriving later on to overnight in the Wineport Lodge near Glasson where the rooms all overlook the peaceful lakes of the Shannon River and your jaded soul will be revived by an eclectic menu created in the only wine hotel in Ireland.

Day 3: Westmeath; Offaly and Laois

Having taken a little boat trip around the lakes and visited Athlone Castle in the centre of the town drive south to through Tullamore visit the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre to learn about whiskey distilling. Continue to the midland town of Birr and visit Birr Castle Demense where you will find The Great Telescope which was constructed 150 years ago and was the largest in the world for over 70 years. and partake of a light lunch in their coffee shop. Calling to Roscrea Heritage town en route to Cashel, dominated by the towering Rock of Cashel and make a stop at the Bru Boru village centre which is a celebration of Irish dance and music. Your final stop today is the majestic Castle Durrow located in the village of Durrow. This lovingly restored 300 year old mansion has river and forest walks and a food supplied by the Castle’s organic garden.

Day 4: Laois; Kildare and Wicklow

Leaving Castle Durrow travel towards Dublin and your first stop today is the 1,000 estate which houses the Irish National Stud with the Japanese & St. Fiachra Gardens in Kildare Town. These award winning gardens are a must on garden lovers’ lists. Before you arrive at your final destination visit Russborough House near Blessington and the gardens of Lodge Park at Straffan. At the end of the day overnight at either Barberstown Castle near Straffan a property which is 1rich in history and full of bonhomie.

Day 5 Dublin City

Having circled outside the Pale visit Dublin city itself and all its famous places including Guinness Storehouse, The Smithfield Whiskey Distillery and last but not least Trinity College, home to the unique Book of Kells, before departing full to the brim with memories of Ireland’s past. Tonight you will enjoy the 5 star delights of the Merrion Hotel, situated in the heart of Georgian Dublin.

Gardens of the West

This tour will take you around some of the finest restored and natural gardens in the west of Ireland. No need to hurry on this tour so take your time and stay a couple of nights to enjoy your garden delights.

Day 1 and 2: Co. Clare

Let's start this tour in The Burren, from the Gaelic word Boireann. This is Ireland's most famous natural garden - an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. If you are visiting stay overnight at Gregans Castle, a beautiful old manor house, situated half way up (or down) Corkscrew Hill, a road that lives up to its name. Slightly further along the coast you will pass through the village of Lahinch and there on the outskirts is the quaintly named Moy House, a little gem to stay in where all the bedrooms overlook the majestic Atlantic Ocean, literally a stone's throw from your bedroom window.

Day 3 and 4: Co. Galway

So much to see in this county and a selection of Blue Book properties to stay in as well. Start with a visit to St. Brigit's Garden which takes you on a magical journey through the sacred spiral of the seasons into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, making it one of the truly outstanding attractions in Galway. Themed on the Celtic seasonal festivals, Brigit's Garden is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular gardens in Ireland set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows. Its features include: a nature trail, ogham trees, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), Roundhouse and calendar sundial, the largest in Ireland. Stay nearby at lovely Glenlo Abbey Hotel and enjoy some of the Burke family hospitaliltiy, and enjoy dinner in the exotic Pullman Restaurant.

Moving on to Connemara, which features Ireland's unspoilt countryside at its best is Cashel House where the gardens are so beautiful that you will find it hard to leave. If you are clever you can combine your visit here with one of Kay McEvilly's garden courses, so not only will you get to see some rare and exotic plants and trees but you will also learn a little about soils and pruning etc. so you will know as much as that annoying neighbour who boasts about her garden.

Ireland's Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants
7/8 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2. Ireland
Tel: (+353) 01-6769914 | Fax: (+353) 01-6314990 | Email:enquiry@irelandsbluebook.com