It’s peak season for garden lovers with plenty of open gardens to visit around Ireland. Check out these botanical gems …
Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, Co Dublin
Something of a best-kept secret, this country house in north county Dublin is beautifully restored, surrounded by woodland and gardens. Amenities include a spa and leisure centre, two golf courses and two restaurants. Weddings are a signature offering, whether inside the Georgian House or in the lush grounds which include a picturesque bridge and lake, in addition to a magnificent 18th-century staircase at reception. A recent addition is The Bridal Parlour, allowing bridal parties a stylish space to prepare with some celebratory bubbles on hand! @roganstown
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The Reserve at Killashee, Co Kildare
Searching for a tranquil base for a multigenerational holiday? Try the newly opened Reserve at Killashee which can accommodate up to 18 people in nine ensuite bedrooms. The former stables have been transformed into Wellness Pods with a hot tub, relaxation room, sauna, gym and two relaxation and treatment rooms with Elemis skincare. With almost five acres of mature gardens, it’s also close to Killashee Hotel where its notable garden inspired the names for suites in The Manor House, in addition to the Robertson suite which pays homage to the original gardener who created the first garden there. Both are close to the Japanese Gardens and Irish National Stud – a great day trip too. @killasheehotel
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A quiet transformation has been underway at Mount Congreve Gardens, where the estate’s last three remaining historic gate lodges – Rowan, Oak and Acorn – have been sensitively restored after a decade of dereliction. They’re now ready to host guests who will find antiques-filled retreats with special features including Louis XV beds, Waterford Crystal lighting and a dedicated Dog Room kitted out by Irish maker Country Pet. One of the benefits for guests is private access to the gardens after-hours. Why not stay in the posh Courtyard Suite, Forest Cabins or Meadow Glamping tents with Foxford wool throws, wood burning stoves and solar lanterns among other thoughtful details. Mount Congreve’s approach to slow travel has been recognised by global platform Room + Wild as the estate establishes itself as a sanctuary for sustainability without sacrifice and connection without intrusion. @mountcongreve
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Butler House & Garden, Co Kilkenny
Every Saturday morning, guests can meet head gardener Tommy Falsey who leads a relaxed walk exploring this charming Georgian walled garden, part of the historic dower house of Kilkenny Castle, once home to Lady Eleanor Butler. The garden has been on a continuous programme of rejuvenation under the direction of Robert Miller from Altamont Gardens. Learn about the history of the garden and seasonal planting that brings year-round interest. Combine a visit with the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August and pop in to see the exhibition, Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern, at the Set Theatre. @butlerhousekk
Tullynally Castle & Gardens, Co Offaly
With over twelve acres divided between walled gardens, woodland and two ornamental lakes, begin at the Castle Terraces and walk the path through the Pleasure Ground down to the magical Grotto and Flower Garden. In the Kitchen Garden, visit the llama family and see Nandi bulls. There’s also a Chinese Garden, Tibetan Glade, Magnolia Grove and Tree Trail, where some of the trees are over 200 years old. Refuel at the Castle Tearooms and combine a visit with a stay at The Stables in Birr, which comprises five guest rooms in an original Georgian townhouse adjacent to the main gates of Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre. For a gentle stroll, guests will find two walking trails on the doorstep – the Riverbank Walk and Birr Town Trail. For some retail therapy, pop into The Emporium, home to French and Scandinavian-style influences. @tullynallycastlegardens
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Renowned architect and garden designer Angela Jupe, who died in 2021, left her house and gardens at Bellefield to the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI). As well as a house and cottages, which can be rented on Airbnb, the grounds include a two-acre walled garden with a noted collection of perennial plants and rare bulbs, in addition to a bog area managed for biodiversity, with a plantation of native trees. You can also take part in workshops to spend some quality time in nature. Enjoy an open weekend at the estate in mid July, with tickets at RHSI Bellefield. @rhsibellefield
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This country house hotel, set on 32 acres overlooking Caragh Lake, was originally envisioned as the dream home of Lady Edith Gordon, who began building the house in 1913. Lady Edith was a keen gardener, designing the gardens and planting many trees herself. While most of her original plantings have long since disappeared, her rock garden still stands. Against this backdrop, guests are guaranteed an intimate retreat where horticulturalists will find plenty of inspiration. Book the current two-night Share the Dream offer, which includes dinner and the choice of a picnic or afternoon tea, plus the use of the hotel’s rowing boat. Fans of The Notebook are sure to love this! @ardnasidhecountryhouse
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Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, West Cork
If you want to treat your loved ones to a special midweek stay, a two-night Golden Years offer includes the chance to take part in a garden and history tour – an insightful and enjoyable way to explore Fernhill’s stunning 13-acre grounds and legacy. The gardens were designed by RHS Chelsea medal winner Mary Reynolds and are well worth visiting; they form part of the West Cork Garden trail of over 22 gardens. A stay at this family-owned hotel is a truly relaxing escape where the culinary offering is as inspiring as the idyllic setting. @fernhill.house
Top tip: Shirley Lanigan’s The Open Gardens of Ireland is an ideal companion guide to any of these stays.
