WEST CORK GARDEN TRAIL

The West Cork Garden Trail has welcomed thousands of visitors to some of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland since 1994.

Bantry House and Garden

On the N71 on west side of Bantry town center. Bantry House and Garden is on the fringe of Bantry Town, commanding magnificent views over the bay. It is lived in by the descendants of the Earls of Bantry and has been enjoyed by visitors for 65 years. Its highlights are : Classical Statues, Urns, Ballustrades, Wisteria circle/fountain, Parterre, Terraces linked by 100 steps, Circular beds, Topiary, Sunken Garden, Walled Garden (allotments/poultry), Woodland Walks.


Carraig Abhainn Gardens

Located in Durrus Village, a part of the new `Wild Atlantic Way`. A two acre garden in a subtropical oasis of peace and serenity. Enhanced by the woodland setting and surrounding mill stream, river and natural waterfalls - which can be quite spectacular! Many tender and rare plants thrive in this mild sheltered climate which allows for a wide variety of planting. This provides continuous interest from March through to late October with its brilliant autumn colors. Statuary, seats, 5 unique, locally built bridges and a pond add to the interest and enjoyment of this beautiful garden.

Drishane House

Magical paths thread through 18 acres of informal woodlands and gardens with spectacular West Cork coastal views. Huge swathes of bluebells and daffodils are seen in the Spring, and there are many specimen trees including Liriodendron (the tulip tree), Ginko and a massive Cupressus macrocarpa. Unusual plants including the rare and delicate Woodwardia fern can be seen near the house. Much of the garden was lovingly tended by Edith Somerville, of Somerville and Ross, who lived in the beautiful slate fronted, 18th century family house almost her entire life. Romantic and enchanting.

The entrance is at the top of the village next to the turn for Tragumna, a large gravel entrance with old iron gates and gate lodge.

The Ewe Experience

Often described as `Ireland`s Eden` The Ewe is a unique combination of nature, art and narrative - an artist`s home and Ireland`s only interactive sculpture garden. Set along a spectacular mountain waterfall, four separate gardens lead you on a half mile journey back in time and back to nature. It is a playful, creative and relaxing experience for all. Visitors enter Falling Water Garden, before going on to the Timeless Glen a shady forest clearing. Higher up is the Environmental Forest, where all sculptures are made from re-cycled materials, and finally the Valley of Eden, with spectacular views to the mountains and the sea.

From Glengarriff 3 miles up the N71 road to Kenmare – well signposted. Coming from either direction look out for the `Earth Men` sculptures trying to slow you down, a bug cycling high up on a bike and a map reading sheep on top of a vintage car.

Garra Fado Garden

Garra Fado Garden is evolving on an acre of the beautiful yet exposed coastal environment of Beara. Consisting of ornamental borders, a working kitchen garden and an extensive nursery, garden plants and passion abound. Connie (BSc Horticulture) is on hand with her expertise, guidance and enthusiasm to inspire your own garden endeavors. Scroll down for a gallery of lovely photographs.
The garden is on the R571, 7km from Castletownbere and 41km from Kenmare. Signposted.

Glebe Gardens

These romantic gardens by the sea are constantly evolving. Over the last couple of years a new walk has been created among woodland planting of ferns bulbs and shady perennials. The vegetable garden is always changing and while the emphasis is on productivity, this season we will be planting more flowers and herbs to provide food for our pollinators. Some things are always constant; spring bulbs, tulips, roses perennials and the meadow and amphitheatre, last but not least peace and tranquility. The garden has been included in `The Hundred Best Gardens in Ireland` by Shirley Lanigan.

Take the Skibbereen to Baltimore road. As you enter the village the `Baltimore` sign is on the left, our entrance is directly opposite.

Glenview Gardens

Explore this beautiful 3 acre garden with amazing designs and fun for all the family. There is a Hobbit House built under a wildflower meadow, and Mediterranean, Chinese and Japanese gardens. A boundary wisteria walk opens into a bog and woodland area, and the birch mound leads you into the vegetable garden or to the exotic birds in the Aviary.

1.5 miles from Enniskeane.

Heron Gallery Gardens

Heron Gallery, Ahakista is on the beautiful Sheep`s Head Peninsula. This artist`s garden is full of color and quirky ideas, echoing the creativity and unique work in the gallery. Organic vegetable beds and poly tunnels supply the whole food café. A large wildlife pond is surrounded by a newly planted orchard of Irish Heritage apples, wildflower meadow and young woodland. There is a shop, cafe and gallery. Picnics: Visitors can order slowfood picnics in advance, and bring them out to the garden or to the top of the hill, where there is a beautiful view of Dunmanus Bay.

Take the right fork in Durrus towards Sheepshead. After Arundel`s Bar turn right. It is 300 yards up the hill on the left.

Ilnacullen Garden - Garinish Island

Located in the sheltered harbor of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 37 acres known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. Perhaps the most magical setting a garden could have is to be on an island bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Its centerpiece is an outstanding Italian style garden designed by Harold Peto, linked by other formal features such as a double sided herbaceous border and surrounded by a wild garden blending into the wider setting of the exceptional sea and mountain scenery around Glengarriff. Access to the Island is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses. Please note that the boat operators impose a separate charge in respect of the boat journey to and from the island.

One mile by ferry from Glengarriff. Harbor Queen ferry

Inish Beg Gardens

Inish Beg Estate comprises 97 acres of gardens, woodland, organic pasture and farmland, formal gardens including a large walled garden with glasshouse and fruit cages, an orchard, tree-ferns, ponds, a Cherry alleé, a Bamboo grove called the Bamboozle, a sunken garden with fountain and 2.5 miles of carriage drives and walks along shoreline and through woodlands. As well as ten rental properties with indoor swimming pool and steam room there are also three bird hides and the younger visitors will enjoy finding the pirates along the pirate trail. Selected in 100 Best Gardens in Ireland (Liberties Press 2011)

Midway between Skibbereen and Baltimore. Sign on R595 to Inish Beg

Lisselan Gardens

Designed in the 1800s Lisselan is a beautiful, sculpted garden set on the banks of the Argideen River. Features include rockeries, rustic bridges, flagstone pathways and many unusual plants adding character and charm to this Robinsonian garden. The rockery has been described by Shirley Lanigan, author of "100 Best Gardens in Ireland", as "The Glory Of This Garden". In 2007 Lisselan officially opened its Fuchsia garden - there are over 30 spectacular varieties to be viewed.

Located on the main Bandon - Clonakilty road, 2 miles before Clonakilty. Signposted.

Pip`s View Garden

Pip`s View is a one acre garden reflecting an artist`s eye for design. The difficult terrain continues to dictate the hard landscaping, which has led to a series of `rooms`, each with its own imaginative planting. The garden has been evolving constantly over the years with walls, steps and planting added; it changes with the introduction of new ideas on an ongoing basis.The garden also offers a short but attractive woodland walk.

Travel west through Ahakista towards Kilcrohane. Ahakista Bar (Tin Pub) is on the left. Please park here and walk up to the garden, signposted. Follow the short track to the top where another sign directs you to the garden.

Rosewood House Gardens

Set on just under 4 acres within a ten minute walk of Lough Hyne Nature Reserve, the gardens feature woodland areas, pond with waterfall, traditional cottage borders, greenhouse, kitchen garden with summerhouse and paddock walk. Emphasis is on the use of organic methods, thus creating a haven for all things wild. The stunning Lough Hyne Nature Reserve is accessible just a mile below the house.

Coming up from Lough Hyne (heading for Baltimore) pass up through hairpin bends and at the top of the hill you will see a signpost for Baltimore. Follow this sign and Rosewood House is second on the right. `Rosewood` is written on the entrance wall. Parking is at the next junction and walk in.

Stepaside Garden, Clonakilty

A mature secluded garden with ornamental trees and shrubs, a large tree fern, water-features, Fuchsia beds and Rose beds. This is a mature garden with a newly planted area after storm damage. The garden includes pond, tree fern, Embothrium (Chilean Fire Bush), herbs, roses and many rare plants. This garden must be visited to experience its tranquility.

From Bandon to Clonakilty: Turn left at Pedlars Cross (approx. 8 miles from Bandon). After 3⁄4 of a mile Stepaside garden is on the right at the crossroads.

Liss Ard Estate

Liss Ard Estate is a place of enchantment and relaxation, just one mile from Skibbereen town, nestled on 200 acres of undulating Irish countryside dotted with beautiful woodlands and a private 50 acre glittering lake. Relax down by the lake or discover the estate`s many secret gardens, quiet sun traps, or explore the intriguing Sky Garden. Liss Ard Estate is a place with a magical history, where time appears to have no bearing. Expect to hear the call of the hounds or to see a fairy peeping from behind a tree.

From Cork follow the N71 to West Cork and Skibbereen. At Skibbereen follow the one way system to the Regal Roundabout with LIDL Retail Shop roundabout. Follow signs to Castletownsend, R596. The entrance for Liss Ard Country Estate is less than a half mile on the right-hand-side.

Garinish Island - Garinish Island Walkway

Located in the shelter of Glengarriff Harbour in Bantry Bay and warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, this island and its unique gardens enjoys a climate that is almost sub-tropical, making it possible for beautiful ornamental plants from many parts of the world to flourish. This gardening gem, set in the clear, clean waters of the bay is known to horticulturists all over the world and was featured recently in BBC Television`s `The Flying Gardener` series.

The 15 hectare island was bought by Annan Bryce in 1910. He intended to build a mansion as well as lay out extensive gardens on the island which, at that time, was as bare and exposed as the mountains of the nearby mainland are now. Rocks had to be blasted and shelter-belts of conifers planted all round the island in preparation for work on the grand design to begin. In fact, the planned mansion was never built and the Bryce family used an extended cottage as their home until the island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953. Many distinguished visitors were entertained at Garinish including George Bernard Shaw, who stayed on the island in 1923 while working on his play, `Saint Joan`. The extensive gardens were built, however, and remain as a lasting tribute to the vision of Annan Bryce and to the skills of his architect, Harold Peto, who specialized in the design of Italian style gardens. Widely known for his work throughout Britain and southern France, the gardens of Garinish are acknowledged to be Peto`s masterpiece. The centerpiece of the design is the Italian garden with the perfectly proportioned buildings of the Casita and the Temple showing the warm tones of mellow Bath stone, columns of gloriously red Rosso Antico and the veined beauty of slabs of marble from Carrara and Connemara.