The Gardens of Ireland - The Gardens Trust

Ireland’s gardens are noted for their uninhabited vitality and exuberance, echoing the dramatic character of her landscapes, her equable climate, and the outgoing nature of her peoples. All these qualities can be well appreciated in the southern province of Munster, where a wonderful range of gardens will be on the itinerary of a seven-day visit organised by the Garden Trust from 12th to 19^th May 2025. Staying in the historic towns of Waterford, Cork and Bantry, the tour will visit the glorious island gardens of Fota and Ilnacullin, the subtropical Elysium of Derreen amidst the majestic Caha Mountain and the magnificent gardens of Muckross and Dunloe aside the lakes of Killarney. Taking full advantage of the country’s mild, equable climate, all of the gardens to be visited boast a marvellous range of spring flowering plants; among those include the atmospheric grounds of Blarney Castle which have some especially fine collections, as have, the recently restored woodland and river garden at Annesgrove, as well as the lovely colourful gardens of Tourin and Cappoquin, while the enormous gardens at Mount Congreve contains one of the largest woody plant collections in the world. Nearby, the tour will visit the grand formal gardens of Curraghmore, whose shell house is a delight and the ancient walled gardens of Lismore, the Duke of Devonshire’s Irish home, while to the north the magnificent restored Victorian pleasure grounds of Woodstock will be visited and nearby, the enchanting, wooded glen of Kilfane with its romantic cottage orne and the delightful lakeside pleasaunce of Altamont in County Carlow. Local guides will be on hand, while the tour will have the added bonus of being led by Terence Reeves-Smyth and Robert Peel, both of whom are familiar with these gardens. Terence, a garden and architectural historian, is well-known authority on Irish gardens and the author of numerous books and papers.

Tour Inclusions

• Private hire coach travel in Ireland starting at Cork airport and ending at Cork airport
• 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Waterford
• Dinner on first night
• 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Cork
• 2 nights half board accommodation in Bantry
• 2 x 3 course dinners, followed by tea/coffee at hotel in Bantry
• Porterage at each hotel
• 8 lunches
• Admission to all sites
• Expert services of your tour leaders
• Whisper sets

Extras

• Travel to and from Ireland (NOTE- Do not book your flights until you have received notification that the minimum number of people has been reached.)
• Meals other than mentioned
• Single Supplement
• Gratuities
• City Tax (should this become applicable in the Republic of Ireland)

The exact order of itinerary is subject to change and availability.

This tour is based on a minimum number of members travelling.

Should less than 30 people book the tour price will increase by approx. £130 per person.