Failte Ireland - Ireland Buyers Guide 2018

ALTAMONT GARDENS Pauline Dowling, Tullow, Co. Carlow +353 (0) 59 915 9444 www.heritageireland.ie www.carlowgardentrail.com Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with riverside walks covering over 40 acres (16 hectares). The estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees, natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens throughout the gardens. Lawns bisected by sculpted yews, slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and rhododendrons and lead in turn to a very different garden featuring exotic shrubs and trees. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks and huge stone outcrops leads the visitor to the River Slaney. In February, enjoy a visit to the annual Snowdrop festival. Guided Tours led by Paul Cutler, head gardener, available upon request. BELVEDERE HOUSE, GARDENS & PARK Maurice Stenson, Mullingar, Co.Westmeath +353 (0) 44 934 9060 www.belvedere-house.ie The magnificent 160 acre Lakeside Estate of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park boasts a fascinating Victorian Walled Garden, with one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare and special plants. The naturalistic designed 18th century parkland, punctuated with Romantic Follies includes, “The Jealous Wall”.Within the welcoming Visitor Services Centre is a Licensed Restaurant and Gift Shop and many picnic areas on the estate. Guided tours upon request. BIRR CASTLE & GARDENS Grainne O’Malley, Oxmantown Mall, Birr, Co. Offaly +353 (0) 57 912 0336 www.birrcastle.com Birr Castle Demesne is an environmental and scientific time capsule, a living breathing, evolving place of beauty and inspiration. Home to the remarkable Parson family since 1620, visitors can enjoy a self-guided experience of 120 acres of Birr Castle Demesne, which includes a wonderful selection of gardens, parklands, plants. Guided tours should be pre-booked. COLCLOUGHWALLED GARDEN Tintern Abbey, Saltmills, New Ross, Co.Wexford +353 (0) 83 306 4159 www.colcloughwalledgarden.com Visit the restored GeorgianWalled Garden, originally built over 200 years ago by the Colclough Family, who lived in Tintern Abbey for 440 years. The 2.5 acre garden contains a restored Victorian vinery/orangery and a reinstated geometric design in the ornamental section. The garden is abundant with flowers, fruit trees and vegetables and is enveloped by brick walls and forest. The river, which flows through the garden, is crossed by five bridges. FOTA HOUSE,ARBORETUM & GARDENS Victoria Tammadge, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork +353 (0) 21 481 5543 www.fotahouse.com Visit Fota and enjoy a stroll up to the award winning VictorianWorking Gardens, for a guided tour of the restored Victorian glass houses with the Head Gardener. Guests will enjoy sampling some Farmyard produce (tomatoes, peas, beans, salads – season dependant) and finish with an opportunity to enjoy some planting and propagating in the glasshouses. 60 Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens, Co.Wicklow Birr Castle & Gardens, Co. Offaly