With the arrival of Spring and the ‘long stretch’ in the evenings, the days are appearing longer, and color has arrived on the island of Ireland. The gardens of Ireland are some of the most unique in the world and a must see on your trip to Ireland. Here are some of our favorites, speak with the Ireland Chauffeur Travel team to include them in your trip to Ireland.
The Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow are truly spectacular. Surrounded by the magnificent Powerscourt House, the classically designed gardens are meticulously maintained and beautifully contrast the wild vistas of the Wicklow Mountains in the distance. Explore the Japanese garden, the walled garden and the Italian garden, and if you’re craving more natural beauty, visit the nearby and awe inspiring Powerscourt Waterfall. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks.
Dating from as far back as 1860, Mount Usher Gardens are an ever-changing panoply of colors and textures enhanced by wafting scents as one season changes to another. The gardens have many plant species and trees including rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, eucryphia and shrubs. Tucked away in County Wicklow, Mount Usher was designed by William Robinson. Inspired by Shakespeare’s line “the art itself is nature”, Robinson created an informal garden experience that uses a mix of native and tropical plants. In addition to the beautifully landscaped gardens, Mount Usher offers a full menu of locally sourced ingredients in the Avoca Garden Café, as well as a shopping outlet in the nearby courtyard.
In the heart of the thoroughbred county, County Kildare, is the Irish National Stud & Gardens, home to magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens. The Japanese Gardens, described as one of the finest in Europe, were devised by the stud’s eccentric founder Colonel William Walker and laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son, Minoru. Through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, the garden symbolizes the ‘Life of Man’. The stud is also home to the wild St Fiachra’s Garden, a feast for the eyes and the senses. The stud features as part of the Horse Country Tour, a must for all animal lovers.
The National Botanic Gardens, County DublinThe National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are an oasis of calm and beauty and high on the list of every garden lover. Just a short distance from the city center, these peaceful and enchanting gardens are a slice of paradise in the capital. The gardens are famous for their exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses. Conservation plays an important role in the life of the botanic garden and Glasnevin is home to more than 300 endangered plant species from around the world including six species that are already extinct in the wild. Stroll around the grounds, savoring the beautiful scents and scenery, before enjoying refreshments in The Garden Tearoom.
Spring in Ireland is beautiful. Hedgerows and woodlands brim with wildflowers. Lambs frolic in the fields. The days are getting longer and warmer. What’s not to love?
Traveling in your private, spacious, luxury vehicle, your Driver Guide will introduce you to Ireland’s tales and stories as you travel through the Ancient East. Your driver guide will introduce you to local craftspeople and artisan food producers, with whom we can arrange private workshops and tastings. Contact us now to start planning your next vacation to Ireland!
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