Things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: The Best Gardens

Contemporary garden of designer Matt O’ Connell with hidden sections or mini gardens, some of which are traditional. The garden surrounds an award winning house which was built in 1995 when the garden started. The variety of over 250 plants for sale in the nursery are propagated from plants in the garden so mature versions can be seen. All plants have been propagated outdoors and are totally hardy. Changes are being made to the garden all the time and due to the demand for shade loving plants a new shade section is in development to devote to these plants. Free admission. Donations to Doolin Rescue Service welcome.

Woodville is home to a restored walled garden along with a museum outlining the fascinating connection to Lady Augusta Gregory at Woodville. Come for a visit to this romantic secret garden in the West of Ireland and enjoy the sights, scents and colours contained within the original stone walls.During your time with us you will be able to see what an important role this historical walled garden once played, supplying the house with vegetables, fruit and flowers all year round.

NEW... unique and tranquil one bedroom lodge available for holiday rental. The studio and garden is situated between Doolin and Lisdoonvarna on the edge of the Burren and within site of the Cliffs of Moher. This apartment is situated in the home of a local artist amidst beautiful gardens. Guests are free to enjoy the gardens and visit the onsite Art Gallery .Original paintings and Fine Art prints available to purchase.Directions ,from Lisdoonvarna town centre take the N67 towards Doolin, at first T junction turn right on to R477, at Y junction immediately after turn right staying on R477, continue to first crossroads turn left onto R5064 where there is an Art Studio sign, its the 3rd. property on the right , full journey from centre Lisdoonvarna 2 kilometre approx.Postal code V95TR20

A 1.5 acre, award winning plantsman's garden situated in the beautiful Caher Valley in the heart of the Burren. The garden was begun in 1999 and has been specifically designed to 'blend' into, and incorporate it's surrounding landscape. Many 'native' plants are used, along with an extensive collection of garden plants. There are several noteable collections including Brunnera, Galanthus, Narcissus, Ferns, Hostas, Primula, Arisaema, Hydrangea and crocosmia. The garden includes a section of the Caher river, ponds and water features. There are interesting design elements, and a wealth of creative stonework including a 'Moon Window' built from local stone. It has been featured in many magazines, newspapers and is included in the book "The top 100 Gardens of Ireland" The garden is open from Mid-March to Mid-October, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please ring for details. All visits are by guided tour. Photography is allowed. Unfortunately the garden is NOT suitable for children under 16 years.

We are a family run business in the heart of the Irish midlands, you will find a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in which to unwind and connect with nature. we grow and supply flowers, trees and shrubs based on natural gardening principles where care of the environment is our number one priority. We offer advice on gardening, a gardening clinic and we even provide a genealogical service for those trying to look up their family history.

Discover our magical fairy garden nestled in the beautiful Slieve Aughty mountains. Wander around and see how many fairies you can spot! You will discover Hobbiton, toadstool town and gnome quarry as well as our magical wishing well. You can also browse the hundreds of beautiful products in our fairy shop.

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse. Set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this castle demesne boasts a rare collection of over 4000 trees and plants, wonderful wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls and lake. Suited to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, scientists, historians, family groups and photographers.

Update April 2021: Open daily. The award-winning Celtic Gardens are widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in Ireland, set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows. In addition to the Celtic Gardens visitors can enjoy the nature trail, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), thatched roundhouse and crannog, and the calendar sundial, the largest in Ireland. The Garden Cafe specialises in high quality fresh food, using the best local produce with salads and herbs from the Gardens. Try our chef's seasonal dishes and delicious home-baking. Relax in our light-filled dining area overlooking the Gardens or dine al fresco on the patio. There is no fee into the Cafe or Gift Shop.

Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality, and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and neo-Gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. History talks and Garden tours throughout the summer. Dine-in Mitchells Cafe or the Garden Tea House or treat yourself to crepes and ice cream at our Express Cafe. Explore our magical Fairy Village and say hello to our Connemara Ponies and pet rare breed pigs. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts including chocolate, pottery, and beauty products handmade on site. So much to see, do, and discover!

Coole-Garryland Nature Reserve is at the centre of a rare and complex wetland system that is considered to be of global importance. The system includes underground rivers, seasonal lakes (turloughs), springs and swallow holes. Situated in the low-lying karstic limestone region west of Gort, Co Galway, the nature reserve covers an area of approximately 400 hectares where wetland and woodland meet. It has many quiet walks to enjoy. Coole Park, in the early 20th century, was the centre of the Irish Literary Revival. William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge and Sean O’ Casey all came to experience its magic. They and many others carved their initials on the Autograph Tree, an old Copper beech still standing in the walled garden today. At that time it was home to Lady Gregory, dramatistand folklorist. She is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with Edward Martyn of nearby Tullira Castle and Nobel prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats.