On my trip to Ireland I was able to visit
Strokestown: an old plantation estate that includes the National Famine Museum, a tour of a “Big House” a beautiful walled garden, a path through the woods and an extensive fruit and vegetable garden outside of the walled garden complete with several small greenhouses.
Kylemore Abbey: Includes a miniature Gothic Cathedral, a retired girls school that used to occupy the Abbey, elaborate walled gardens, and a nature walk.
Glenveagh Castle: a former hunting lodge located on the shore of Lough Veagh central to Glenveagh National Park. The castle is surrounded by several gardens including a large walled Victorian garden, more natural elements, a Tuscan style garden, and a Belgian Walk. We had a tour and Q&A session with the head gardener here, which was incredibly informative. He had apprentices working under him to learn his gardening technique.
Battle of the Boyne Museum: this museum is the site of the Battle of the Boyne. It has a mansion that was added after the battle, a tea house, walled gardens and beautiful walks through the fields.
Other popular Irish formal gardens include:
- Rathmullan House
- Salthill Garden
- Loughcrew Historic Gardens
- The Dower House
- Terra Nova Gardens
- Tullynally Castle Gardens
- Gash Gardens
More information on these destinations can be found [here].
[Ireland’s Formal Gardens] [Personal Interest and Background] [Techniques and Styles]
[Comparisons to Parks and Cemeteries]