Failte Ireland - Ireland Buyers Guide 2018

LISMORE CASTLE & GARDENS Mary McGrath, Lismore, Co.Waterford +353 (0) 58 54061 www.lismorecastlearts.ie Lismore Castle Gardens & Gallery comprises 7 acres of gardens with spectacular views of the Castle and surrounding countryside as well as Lismore Castle Arts contemporary art gallery. The lower garden was mostly created in the 19th century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire. The upper garden was constructed by Richard Boyle (1st Earl of Cork) in 1605. Most of the walls and terraces remain the same although the plantings have changed to suit the tastes of those living within the Castle. Several sculptures have been installed in the gardens, including works by Antony Gormley and Eilis O’Connell. MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS Ray Sinnott, Kilmeaden, Co.Waterford +353 (0) 51 384 115 www.mountcongreve.com Inspired by Lionel de Rothschild’s exquisite Exbury Gardens in Hampshire, England, Irish businessman Ambrose Congreve set out to create a space of exceptional beauty within the grounds of his Georgian family home. Today, walk the paths that weave through the 100-acre demesne in spring and you’ll be wowed by the bursts of colour from one of the largest collections of rhododendrons, by pretty Japanese pagodas and by breathtaking views over the river. MOUNT USHER GARDENS Philomena O Dowd, Ashford (EXIT 15/16 off M11), Co.Wicklow +353 (0) 404 40205 www.mountushergardens.ie / Mount Usher Gardens, is a 22 acre garden containing 5000 different species of plants. It’s laid out along the banks of the river Vartry in the naturalistic ‘Robinsonian’ style. The garden is chemical free for over 30 years, a thriving natural environment. Guided tours are available at an extra fee, however the Tree trail route is available to all and takes the visitor through the garden noting trees of particular interest. 62 Lismore Castle & Gardens, Co.Waterford Mount Usher Gardens, Co.Wicklow