Wrap up and wander around one of these gorgeous gardens …

Plants and trees have always inspired artists and poets and are now inspiring a new generation of photographers and Instagrammers – the hashtag #cherryblossom has garnered almost ten million posts on Instagram. In Japan, cherry blossom season is a full festival with daily announcements in media. However, there’s no need to travel that far to see some spectacular blooms. Here’s where to go for a stroll and also find a good cuppa afterwards …

Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin

This 38-acre working farm is home to six acres of diverse spaces ranging from a restored Victorian glasshouse to an ornamental garden and extensive organic certified food garden. It provides plenty of scope for all the family, plus they offer garden tours for groups of 10 or more led by resident horticulturalists who share their best advice, tips and tricks. Enjoy coffee and treats in Overends Kitchen afterwards.

Burtown House and Gardens, Co Kildare

Book brunch or Sunday lunch at the Green Barn Restaurant at Burtown House, then wander the grounds made up of several areas including a sundial garden, walled kitchen garden, orchard, a more formal stable yard garden and a large woodland garden surrounded on all sides by water. This woodland, known as the Nutgrove, has a fine collection of candelabra primulas, hostas, ferns and iris, among other plants. It’s also worth returning in summer to see Burtown’s old roses, peonies and clematis, and its walled vegetable garden that has been in continuous production for over 150 years.

Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, Co Kildare

Not only the home of equine royalty, the world-famous Japanese Gardens are far more than a visual treat. They provide comfort to the soul – as designed by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the “Life of Man”. Birth, childhood, marriage, parenthood, old age, death and the afterlife are all brought to mind as guests wander through the gardens, which are a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Of course, the cherry blossoms are a highlight. 

Killruddery, Co Wicklow

This 800-acre estate includes a flowering woodland, world-renowned 17th-century gardens and long ponds. Special family-orientated features include a faerie village and giant sandpit in the orchard. There’s also a seasonal supper club prepared by head chef Niall O’Sullivan in the atmospheric 19th-century Grain Store. Set by candlelight, guests can enjoy a four-course set menu beside a roaring log fire with a glass of bubbles.

Russborough House, Co Wicklow

The woodland and rhododendron garden at Russborough was originally commissioned by Sir Alfred Beit in the 1950s from eminent landscape designer James Russell. A horticultural expert, Russell’s plant enthusiasms were for woodland-garden favourites such as magnolias, viburnums, hydrangeas, tree peonies and, of course, rhododendrons. Russell’s considerable legacy can be seen throughout the UK especially at the Castle Howard estate in Yorkshire where he was involved for many years. Other Irish projects included a long association with Glenveagh National Park in Donegal. Pop into the excellent Russborough gift shop or have tea and a scone in the lovely café.

Birr Castle, Co Offaly

For bloom chasers, the Demesne is well worth a visit any time of year, with one of Ireland’s finest private collections of magnolias and cherry blossoms. In spring, the camellia walk bursts into flower, alongside acres of daffodils, bluebells and hellebores. Also showing early signs of flower are the rhododendrons and the lilac in the formal gardens. For those looking for the more native ground-based plants, the demesne has an abundance of wild garlic, wild snowflake, heathers and one of Ireland’s finest wildflower meadows which will be in its full glory in summer. There’s also the option of visiting Ireland’s tallest treehouse and seeing the famous telescope. Don’t leave without refuelling at the Courtyard Café. 

Lismore Castle, Co Waterford

The gardens at Lismore collectively cover ten acres divided into three distinct parts – the upper and lower gardens, and Reilig garden – the oldest cultivated gardens in the country. The lower garden was mostly created in the 19th century, while the stately yew avenue in the heart of the garden is much older than the garden itself. Art also plays an important role here and there’s an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures (by artists such as Anthony Gormley and Eilis O’Connell, among others) throughout the gardens. The west wing is home to Lismore Castle Arts, a contemporary art gallery. Not to be missed is the café beside the gallery which serves delicious homemade cakes. During the summer, picnics can be ordered in advance too.

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden, Co Waterford

These authentic Japanese gardens reflect the life and travels of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) who grew up in Ireland and achieved fame in Japan for his incomparable descriptions of the Japanese people, its customs and culture. The garden includes Victorian, American and Greek gardens in addition to the Japanese gardens which are defined by their beauty and tranquility.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Co Down

Popping up north? Hillsborough Castle is en route and worth a visit. Guests can opt for house or garden tours with 100 acres to explore and over half a million bulbs planted. I recommend the gift shop and café, where the scones and signature pineapple cake are specialities. If popping into the village, visit Elää boutiquee for a great edit of fashion from Tara Jarmon to Varley loungewear and Soru jewellery.