|
Irish Garden ToursSelf GuidedIreland has some of the most beautiful public and private gardens in the world. Even in the Burren, a landscape more resembling topography you might find on the moon than what you would expect in Ireland, a wild array of vegetation exists in the small cracks and corridors. So it is no wonder private gardens in Ireland yield pleasures to delight the horticulturist in all of us. This page has information on public and private gardens in the southern part of Ireland. There is no fee, of course, for these self-guided tour. We are only offering suggestions and resources to maximize the experience of visiting some of Ireland's most beautiful gardens. Suggested self-guided tour of famous gardens and historic homes located in the East, Southeast and Southwest of Ireland. Dublin for 3 nights Day 1 Dublin
Visit Trinity College, home of the world famous 'Book of Kells' and St. Patrick's Cathedral, a 12th century Cathedral, once the home of Dean Jonathan Swift. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the National Botanic Gardens which were established in 1795 and today contain over 20,000 floral species. Dinner and overnight in Dublin. Self Guided Information Suggested hotels for an overnight in Dublin. (Self Guided) Dublin Links Dublin Uncovered - Complete guide on Dublin Day 2 Wicklow A full day tour of County Wicklow, known as "The Garden of Ireland." First visit Fernhill Gardens to see the Victorian laurel lawn and Mount Usher Gardens which dates back to 1868 and displays plants from all corners of the earth. Based in Athlone in the centre of Ireland and offering free online advice and a comprehensive range of products for the garden enthusiast, Fernhill Garden Centre is a family-run business established in 1977 by the Reid Family. It has developed and grown rapidly in the past 10 years to become recognised as one of Ireland's leading Garden Centres.
In the Afternoon visit 18th century Russborough House. Self Guided Information Suggested hotels for an overnight in Dublin. Suggested hotels for an overnight in Wicklow. Depart Dublin and travel to Waterford. In route visit Altamount Gardens, beautiful formal gardens with clipped yews, herbaceous borders and a lily pool. A winding paths lead around the lake with inviting small islands. Beyond this is a glen, carpeted with bluebells and ferns, leading through ancient mossy oakwoods to the beautiful River Slaney.
Arrive in Waterford for dinner and overnight. Self Guided Information Suggested Hotels for an overnight in Kilkenny. Suggested Hotels for an overnight in Waterford. Day 4 Waterford Morning visit to the world famous Waterford Crystal Showrooms. Continue to Kilmokea Country House and Gardens, a privately owned Georgian rectory with two gardens. The first is the Italian Garden and beyond this the lower garden sets a totally different mood with a lake, a stream and woodland paths among rare and tender plants. Visit Lismore Gardens. It is said that the poet Spenser wrote part of his "Faerie Queene" in these gardens which boast a fine collection of magnolias and camellias. Dinner and overnight in Waterford. Self Guided Information Suggested Hotels for your overnight in Waterford.
Journey to Kerry stopping off in Co. Cork to visit Annes Grove Gardens, an attractive Robinsonian Garden, on a sloping site, surrounding an 18th century house overlooking the Awbeg River. The woodland garden contains a notable collection of rhododendrons. There is also a walled garden with 19th century hedged compartments, fine herbaceous borders, rose beds and a water garden. Some free time in Kerry upon arrival for personal sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in Kerry. Self Guided Information Suggested Hotels for your overnight in Cork. Suggested Hotels for your overnight in Kerry. Day 6 West Cork Tour Travel to West Cork today where you may enjoy a boat trip to Garinish Island and its Gardens, designed by Harold Peto. The island, located in Glengarriff Harbour, is renowned for its richness of plant form and colour, changing continuously with the seasons.
The gardens are one of the best examples of an Italian style garden in Ireland with panoramic views overlooking Bantry Bay. Dinner and overnight in Kerry. The House and Gardens are open to the public daily from March to October. The House offers self guided tours of the 3 floors, including Drawing Rooms with tapestries from Versailles, the Dining Room and Library. A tearoom serves light lunches, teas, coffees, wine and beer.
It consists of a large, sloping Plantsman's Garden, featuring Beach, Pines, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, wood land plants and exotic grass. Two ponds large rockery with waterfall, Scree beds and many gravel areas and a newly planted gravel bed in the old orchard. Many Australian and South African plants flourish in the garden. Self Guided Information Bantry House also offers accommodations. Suggested Hotels for your overnight in Kerry Suggested hotels for your overnight in Cork. Depart Kerry and travel to Dublin. Enroute visit the awe inspiring Rock of Cashel, a limestone mound over 60 metres high and the noblest cluster of medieval monuments to be found in Ireland. Arrive in Dublin for dinner and overnight. Self Guided Information Suggested hotels for your overnight in Dublin. Other Garden Links Excellent site covering everything about garden design and landscape architecture, including public gardens around the world. Information on garden tours and short breaks, hotels with gardens, gardens to visit, garden history, garden design and garden products. Dublin Gardens - Distinguished public gardens in the greater Dublin area. Garden Club of America - dedicated to stimulating the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. Outings and Attractions in this Part of Ireland: Whale Watch West Cork - All our trips are oriented towards education and putting forward the wider marine conservation message. We especially emphasise the impact of climate change, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution on all marine life but especially the impact on marine mammals that are at the top of the fod chain. A portion of all proceeds taken in on the tours goes towards research and we actively contribute towards the research fund of the IWDG. We strive towards carbon neutrality through the combined use of computer controlled low emission engines, purchasing carbon credits and contributing towards tree planting. Footfalls Walking Tours - Offers you everything from mountain peaks to lush green valleys, broad-leaved woodlands and a rugged Atlantic coastline. Ireland has less then four million people and hill walking being a relative new pursuit means that we virtually have the hills to ourselves!
True Ireland |
|
Afterwards
continue on to
Continue on to Kilkenny
city to visit 
Day
5 
Then
on to visit 