Garden enthusiasts are spoilt for choice by Ireland's Blue Book and its beautiful gardens, but we've made choosing your next garden getaway that bit simpler by listing our favourites here:

1. BALLYMALOE HOUSE, CO. CORK

Nestled in a 400 acre estate in rural East Cork, there is always something in flower in Ballymaloe House, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Short walks can be taken around the ponds and woodlands and helpful maps are available for longer walks around the grounds.

2. CARRIG COUNTRY HOUSE, CO. KERRY

Cradled in a hidden lakeside dell, Carrig House gardens contain a magnificent selection of rare and unusual plants from all corners of the world, including various species of acer, magnolia, cornus, acacia and eucryphia. Nurtured by the unique surroundings, the gardens blend with nature to produce an ever-changing interest through the seasons.

3. CASHEL HOUSE HOTEL, CO. GALWAY

Situated in the heart of Connemara on the west coast of Ireland, Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award winning gardens containing flowering shrubs and woodland walks.

4. CASTLE DURROW, CO. LAOIS

Built by Capt. William Flower in 1716 as his family home in the Midlands of Ireland, the castle's pre-Palladian design and formal gardens were the height of fashion in their day. Time has added nothing but charm to the pleasure gardens that surround the castle.

5. CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, CO. MONAGHAN

With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie is a picturesque rural destination. The estate features unique flora and fauna, an interesting integrated wetlands project and many historical ruins and sights including the Gothic Lodge, the 19th century walled garden, and the Pinetum.

6. ENNISCOE HOUSE, CO. MAYO

Step back in time and discover the history and wonderful characteristics of the romantic walled garden at Enniscoe House. Walk along the pathways of the pleasure grounds that lead to the lakeshore, or take the nature trail through the old woodland.

7. HUNTER'S HOTEL, CO. WICKLOW

Hunter's Hotel is set in 2 acres of award-winning gardens on the banks of the River Vartry in Co. Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland.

8. LISS ARD ESTATE, CO. CORK

The 150 acres of gardens, ponds and forest offer an experience that has been described as one of space, perception and peacefulness, but one of Liss Ard's greatest features is their Sky Garden. Designed and constructed under the close observation of famed artist James Turrell, the Irish Sky Garden or Crater gives the viewer a totally unique opportunity to admire and enjoy the ‘celestial vault’. Turrell, considered the greatest American Land Art Artist, has turned the Crater into a massive naked–eye observatory.

9. THE MUSTARD SEED, CO. LIMERICK

The Mustard Seed has its own Irish country house garden, with its very substantial kitchen garden providing much of the vegetables and herbs on its menu, and hen house and run which supplies its own free range eggs. Within close proximity to The Mustard Seed are the exotic Terra Nova Gardens, Moanwing Gardens, Knockpatrick Gardens, and Phil Boyces garden where there is a studio for those who wish to paint and garden classes for those who just simply cannot get enough knowledge of the joys and beauty of Irish nature.

10. RATHSALLAGH HOUSE, CO. WICKLOW

Converted from Queen Anne stables in 1798, Rathsallagh is a large comfortable house situated in 530 acres of peaceful parkland with a wonderful walled garden which complements the romance of the house.

11. TANKARDSTOWN HOUSE, CO. MEATH

The Estate at Tankardstown covers 80 acres of parkland and woodland, complimented by two walled gardens, one of which is perfect for leisurely walks, a glass of wine in the summer house, or a dip in the hot tub, which is tucked away behind a Portuguese laurel hedge. The second walled garden is their kitchen garden, where guests can see Donal, our gardener, lovingly sowing and reaping herbs, salads and vegetables at various times of the year. He is always happy to walk with guests through the garden and chat about his labour of love. Guests can then take off on the Boyne Valley Garden Trail which takes in 11 historic gardens in both Co. Meath and Co. Louth.

12. VIEWMOUNT HOUSE, CO. LONGFORD

Viewmount House is complemented by four acres of spectacular, well-designed gardens, just waiting to be explored. Whether you want to go for a stroll, or just sit back and relax, you will find the gardens to be peaceful and tranquil. From lawn to pond, and orchard to herb garden, the grounds boast a wide variety of spaces, each with its own distinctive feel. A particular highlight are the Japanese garden: an area ideal for quiet reflection, it's not to be missed.

13. THE MERRION HOTEL, DUBLIN

As a city centre hotel, The Merrion is uniquely privileged to have two period gardens, designed by Jim Reynolds, the noted Irish landscape artist. The smaller of the two gardens, known as "Lady Mornington's Garden", links the Main House to the Garden Wing. This contemporary wing completes the enclosure of the garden, and many of the guestrooms overlook the larger, central garden. 
Both gardens re-create the feel of the 18th century, with box hedges, water features, pathways, statuary and obelisks.  
In summer, the large garden becomes an extension of the drawing rooms in the Main House, with waiter service so that guests can dine al fresco. 

14. FERNHILL HOUSE & GARDENS

This Georgain mansion is set on 13 acres of outstanding gardens which were designed by Chelsea gold medal winner, Mary Reynolds. The gardens inspire everything at Fernhill including their own gin and food which features produce from their Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, Orchard and herb garden. Sustainability has long been part of Fernhill and they have been recognised nationally for it.

 

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