Gardens of Ireland

Ireland is gifted with a naturally beautiful landscape, being famously ''green" due to the mildness of our climate and sunshine, interspersed with showers. The island's environment suits the many and diverse plants which through the years have been gathered here from all over the world, from the Mediterranean, to China, and from New Zealand to South America. Traditionally many of our best known gardens were attached to large estates, thanks in part to EU funding many of these gardens have recently undergone major restoration, overseen by professional landscapers and horticulturalists.

Added to the Great Gardens of Ireland are a large selection of beautiful private gardens, created through the love and commitment of individuals from all parts of Ireland. Our Gardens programme combines visits to some of the country's finest and best known great gardens, as well as a number of visits to smaller private gardens to meet the owners and enjoy viewing the fruits of their labour. Visits include Kilruddery in Wicklow, laid out in the 17th century and still resplendent today, Fernhill, a private garden with a collection of Camellias, Magnolias, and Rhododendrons, in the south of the country Fota Estate, and Muckross Gardens in Killarney, both located in the most beautiful of natural surroundings.

The tour will begin with an introductory talk on Irish Gardens and a copy of Shirley Lanigan's, book ''Guide to Irish Gardens'', will be made available to all tour participants. Shirley is a self described '' obsessive gardner'' who has travelled extensively throughout Ireland to comment on and compile a list of our very best gardens.