Rhododendrons in Ireland - gardens

Altamont Garden, Altamont, Tullow

A 40 acre Robinsonian style woodland garden with a man-made lake, streams, sculpted yew trees, old roses, rhododendrons, blue bell wood, Arboretum, River Slaney walk, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with a canopy of ancient oaks. Said to be Ireland’s most romantic garden. Entrance Free, Guided Tours.

Directions: 5 miles from Tullow, off the Tullow-Bunclody road. Altamont Plant Sales

Robert Mille’s nursery is situated in the walled garden.
Summer: 10am-5.50pm daily including Bank Holidays until the end of October. 10am-5pm Monday to Friday (winter). By appointment at other times. (Tel: 00 353) 87 982 2135

www.heritageireland.ie

www.glendoick.com

Annes Grove Castletownroche, Co. Cork.

A William Robinson-style 28 acre glen with rhododendrons grown from Frank Kingdon Ward seed and masses of azaleas.

Opening times 17 March - 30 September. Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm (Adults €6)

Directions: 40 minutes from Cork close to the village of Castletownroche, between Fermoy and Mallow.

Website: www.annesgrovegardens.com

www.glendoick.com

The Annesley Gardens & National Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, Co Down.

Many rhododendrons large and dwarf planted in the 12-acre walled garden. The arboretum includes 18 oldest existing specimens in the British Isles, 34 ‘champion’ trees of the British Isles, 42 ‘champion’ trees of Ireland. 200m long Eucryphia Walk producing famous 'snow carpet'. Also know for the infamous golden Leylandii. ‘Castlewellan’.

Website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

Directions: signposted from Castlewellan town.

www.glendoick.com

Ardnamona, Lough Eske, Donegal (Mr & Mrs Kieran Clarke)

Giant R. arboreum and hybrids of it up to 60ft high. Some date back to 1850s and Sir Joseph Hooker. Considerable restoration and replanting in recent years.

Tel: 353 (0)74 972 2650 - Fax: +353 (0)74 972 2819.

www.glendoick.com

Ballyvolane House, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork. (Justin & Jenny Green)

A woodland garden famous for its bluebells, mature deciduous trees, formal, semi-formal, walled and woodland gardens and rhododendrons. Run as a country house hotel. The gardens were originally laid out when the house was built in the early 18th century by the Pyne Family. The planting of the trees on the Estate was undertaken by Thomas Pennefeather, a cousin of the Pynes, who came to stay for a fortnight and remained there for forty years in the position of agent. The gardens are open to the public during the summer. Late May-Early June is the best time for the bluebell-carpeted woodlands.

Tel: 00 353 25 36349 Fax: 00 353 25 36781

www.ballyvolanehouse.ie

www.glendoick.com

Ballywater Park, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2PP

Lord Dunleath’s rhododendron collection: he both subscribed to collecting expeditions and made his own hybrids, including the one named ‘Lord Dunleath’. Large mature species and hybrids.

Tel: +44 (0)28 4275 8264

Email enquiries@dunleath-estates.co.uk

www.ballywaterpark.com

www.glendoick.com

Bantry House

Bantry, Co Cork

The structure of the gardens dates back to the second Earl of Bantry’s European tour. Both he and Mary, his wife, traveled with notebooks and sketchbooks which helped to transform the small house at home into a "palazzo" comparable to those he had seen on the continent. The ‘Cardinal Rule’ which they applied was that house, garden and site must be conceived as a single piece of design.

He terraced the land around the house, seven terraces in all, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A parterre facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain was also created. From there rise the famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron.

The garden, indeed the whole demesne, had fallen into great neglect over many years. In 1997, due to the offer of EEC grant, the decision was taken to start restoration work on the garden. Restoration work in the gardens is ongoing. Woodland is being cleared and maintenance of the restored areas kept to a high standard.

Open 10 am - 6 pm from 17 March to 31 October.

Tel: 353 (0)27 50047 F: + 353 (0)27 50795

E: info@bantryhouse.com

www.bantryhouse.com

www.glendoick.com

Birr Castle Demesne Birr, Co. Offaly.

A spectacular garden with fine trees (40+ Irish champions), lakes and mature rhododendrons. Extensive gardens include: formal Gardens, tallest box hedges in the world, hornbeam cloisters, Over 1,000 different species of trees and shrubs scientifically numbered and catalogued, lake, rivers and waterfalls, Victorian fernery, fine Spring Magnolias, terraces filled with summer flowers. Important plant collections have come from great 20th century plant hunters such as Kingdon Ward, Roy Lancaster and T.T. Yu, as well as from other famous gardens such as Nymans (the home of Anne, Countess of Rosse). The Sixth Earl and present Earl have also included seeds and introduced plants from all over the world including Nepal Tibet and Western China.

www.birrcastle.com

www.glendoick.com

Creagh Gardens, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

20 acres of woodland glades and a winding mill-pond. Famous for tree ferns and mature rhododendrons including ‘Loderi’., The garden was planted by Gwendoline and Peter Harold-Barry, who purchased Creagh in 1945. The regency walled garden is used as an organic kitchen garden. The gardens have been restored with the assistance of an ERDF grant through the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme FÁS scheme.

Directions: 3 miles south of Skibbereen on the Baltimore Road.
Open daily, all year.
Suitable for wheelchairs. no dogs.
Tel: (028) 22121.

Dereen Gardens (V) Lauragh, Kallarney, Co. Kerry.

A seaside garden planted 120 years ago. A jungle-like effect of giant tree ferns, bamboos, huge conifers and rhododendrons of every colour, with fine large leaved species and Maddenia. Well known rhododendrons in this garden include: 'Loderi King George', R. niveum, R. keysii and R. griffithianum, Good views of Kilmakilloge Bay and the Caha Mountains.

Directions: 15 miles southwest of Kenmare, on the southern shores of the Kenmare River,

Tel/Fax: (064) 83103

Open: April 1st - October 31^st Admission: €6.00 Adults, €3 Children.

Contact: Charlie Bigham

Hotel Dunloe Castle Gardens, Beaufort, Killarney, Co. Kerry

This is a fine collection of trees, shrubs and rhododendrons, from all parts of the world, The gardens surround the ruin of MacThomas' medieval keep with views toward the Kerry mountains. The plants are catalogued in a booklet by plantsman and broadcaster Roy Lancaster, who supervises new planting. The catalogue is available from the hotel.

Admission by appointment

Tel: +353 64 44111 Fax: +353 64 44583
Email: hotelsales@liebherr.com
Web Site: www.killarneyhotels.ie

Fernhill Gardens, Sandyford, Co. Dublin. (Mrs Sally Walker)

Some of Ireland’s oldest rhododendrons, grown from Joseph Hooker Seed from the 1850s. It is particularly well known for a giant pink R. arboreum. Giant redwoods, walled garden.

Opening times: March to November, Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holidays. 11- 5 (or 2pm to 6pm on Sundays). Admission: Adult €5.00

Directions: Fernhill garden is 11 km south of Dublin on the Enniskerry road.

Tel 00353 1 295 4257

www.gardensofireland.com

Fota Arboretum, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork.

A fine collection of mature trees with impressive large rhododendrons. Lord Barrymore sponsored George Forrest’s 1917-1920 expedition to China and received a share of the seed. Other unusual plants include Restia, Collettia.

Entry free, charge for car parking. Open all year, daily 9-6pm.

15 miles east of Cork on Cobh rd, turn off the Middleton rd.

www.heritageireland.ie

Gash Gardens, Gash, Castletown, Portlaoise (Mary Keenan & Ross Doyle)

This 4 acre garden on the river Nore have been created by the Keenan family. The large rock garden contains a fine range of dwarf rhododendrons and other alpines. There is a fernery, a river walk and many specimen trees. A water feature includes the 'Moon House' where visitors sit beneath a waterfall.

Glenveagh Castle Gardens Churchill, Letterkenny, Donegal

Impressive views down Lough Veagh. 27 acres of gardens including lots of scented rhododendrons, impressive Magnolias. Rhododendron falconeri and R. sinogrande were transplanted from the gardens at Mulroy House in about 1950. Jim Russell and Lanning Roper were involved in the design. Tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica and Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm) give a tropical feel. Statues, urns and other sculptural works are another feature of the gardens.

Opening times: Castle; mid-Mar - early Nov; 7 days a week; 10am - 6.30pm, last admission 5pm. Oct; Thurs – Sun. Gardens & park are open all year Phone: 00353 74 37088

www.heritageireland.ie

Glin Castle Glin, Limerick (Desmond Fitzgerald)

Woodland garden with rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias. Formal and kitchen gardens. Views over the Shannon. Castle available to stay in.

Gardens open to residents and groups by appointment.

Tel: (068) 34173 Fax: (068) 34364 E-mail: knight@iol.ie Web: www.glincastle.com

Hillside, Annmount, Glounthaune, Co Cork. (Mary Burne)

Award-winning mature 4 acre garden featuring rhododendrons, azaleas, Magnolias, wood land plants and exotic grass. Two ponds large rockery with waterfall. A real plantsman's garden.

Opening times: May to September., By appointment. Admission: Adult €5
Directions: From Cork, take the Cork / Waterford Road (N25), follow signs for Glounthaune. Turn left at Glounthaune church up hill under bridge and look out for 'Annmount' on pillar. Hillside 1st on the left.

Website: www.hillsidegardens.org

Howth Castle, County Dublin

Over 2000 varieties of rhododendron on Howth Hill, some planted in the 1850s. They have one of the largest collections of rhododendron species in Ireland. The 15th-century Howth Castle is partly ruined.

Open all year daily 08.00-dusk. Closed 25 Dec

Tel: 00 353 1 832 2624 Fax: 00 353 1 839 2405

Ilnacullin Glengariff, Co. Cork. (Garinish)

This island garden has an extremely mild climate. An Italian garden, inspired by Isola Madre and others on the Italian lakes, designed by Harold Peto for Annan Bryce. Martello tower, clock tower, a Grecian temple. Scented Maddenia rhododendrons. Boats run from Glengarriff. You might see seals on the way.

Phone: 353 (0)27 63040 Fax: 353 (0)27 63149

John F. Kennedy Arboretum, New Ross, Wexford

500 different rhododendron and azaleas, well labeled. Established in 1968 by Irish-Americans in 1968 who wished to create a living memorial to President Kennedy. The Irish Government undertook to meet the additional costs of establishment and maintenance. The lake a haven for water fowl.

Directions: 12km south of New Ross off the R733.

Opening times: All year, except Christmas Day & Good Friday; May - Aug, 10am - 8pm; Apr & Sept, 10am - 6.30pm; Oct - Mar 10am - 5pm.

Kilmokea, Great Island, Campile, Co. Wexford.

Woodland garden filled with rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and eucryphias. Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens: hotel, self-catering accommodation, á la carte restaurant and a café. Near John F. Kennedy Arboretum.

Tel: +353 (0) 51 388109 Email: kilmokea@indigo.ie

Directions: New Ross take the R733 (not the R735) signposted to 'JFK Arboretum & Campile'. After 3 miles turn right and travel a further 2 miles following the signs for 'Kilmokea Gardens' .

Lakemount Garden, Barnavara Hill, Glanmire, Co. Cork.

Brian Cross’s famous 2 acre garden has created, according to the Royal Horticultural Society, one of Ireland's "flagship gardens" filled with rhododendrons, roses, perennials and other plants for year round interest. Colour-themed areas and many garden features including pots, statues, and a sundial. The garden also contains many fine old trees.

Opening times: Daily by appointment.
Admission: Adult €5.50, Tours €6.50
Directions: Lakemount garden is 8 km east of Cork
Website: http://www.lakemountgarden.com

Lismore Castle, Lismore, County Waterford

Tel: (+353) 058 54424 Fax: 058 54896 Email: lismoreestates@eircom.net

This is the Irish home of the Dukes of Devonshire. The gardens are set in seven acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls and have spectacular views of the castle and surrounding countryside. A herbaceous border is planted with a central vista to the cathedral spire. The garden has a number of examples of contemporary design and scupture. The woodland gardens have a fine selection of specimen magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons and a yew walk where Edmund Spencer is said to have written the Faerie Queen.

Opening times: 1.45pm to 4.45pm daily, 10th April until 30th. September, with 11am opening during June, July and August. Admission is €7 for adults and €3.50 for children

www.lismorecastle.com

Maryborough House Hotel, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork.

A once fine collection of rhododendrons planted by the Sherrard family. Now a hotel.

www.maryborough.com

Tel +353 21 436 5555 Fax +353 21 436 5662

Email info@maryborough.ie

Mount Stewart, Grey Abbey, Newtonards, BT22 2AD

15 acres of rhododendrons. The walk around the lake leads though them. Particularly fine large-leaved species. Views of the mausoleum backed by rhododendrons underplanted with Meconopsis and Primulas. NT website writes: ‘The famous gardens at Mount Stewart were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and have been nominated a World Heritage Site. The magnificent series of outdoor 'rooms' and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. There are dramatic views over Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds. The house tour includes world-famous paintings and stories about the prominent political figures to whom the Londonderry family played host.’

Tel.: 028 4278 8387 Directions: 15ml SE of Belfast on Newtownards–Portaferry road, A20, 5ml SE of Newtownards.

Mt Congreve, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford (Ambrose Congreve)

Staggering 100 acres of 20^th century gardens on the grand scale, designed to be the Exbury of Ireland by Ambrose Congreve. Magnolias, Camellias, Rhododendrons and Hydrangea, usually 25 plants of a variety, unfortunately planted too close together. Said to be more than 3500 rhododendron and azalea varieties. Now in Trust and will be given to the Irish State. 16 miles of paths. No childen/push chairs. The whole garden is quite staggering.

tel 00353 51 384115

Open April-October Thursday 9-5pm. For groups only, Price 300-400 Euro per coach. Conducted tours only. If you want to visit as an individual you will need to write and ask, stating your interest.

Mount Usher Gardens Ashford, Co. Wicklow.

Woodland garden covering 20 acres with huge range of spring bulbs, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, Eucryphia and shrubs. National Collections of Eucryphia and Nothofagus. Gardens created by 5 generations of the Walpole family.

Tel: 00353 404 40205 fax: 00353 404 40205. Opening times: 9th March - 31st Oct; Daily; 10.30am - 5.30pm

Muckross House, Killarney.

Gigantic mature Rhododendrons, rock garden, stream garden. Muckross House (1839-1843) built for Henry Arthur Herbert, designed by William Burns in the Neo-Tudor style Gardens boast a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, a rock garden, arboretum and beautiful tree fringed lawns. In 1932, bequeathed to the State. There is a garden centre in the walled garden.

Opening times: Muckross House and Gardens are open daily all year round (except the Christmas period). Muckross House is open 9am - 5.30pm (9am - 6pm from July 1st - August 31st). Location: on the N71 3 miles south of Killarny.

Website: www.muckross-house.ie

National Botanic Garden, Glasnevin, Dublin

There is a collection of tropical Vireya rhododendrons in recently restored Victorian Curvilinear glass houses.

Opening times: All year (except 25th December), 9am (10am on Sundays) to 6pm March to October. Open 10am to 4:30pm October to March.
Admission: Entrance free
Directions: 3.5km north of Dublin centre, off Botanic Rd.
Website: http://www.botanicgardens.ie

Rowallane, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co. Down BT24 7LH (National Trust)

52-acre landscaped gardens famous for their spectacular azaleas and rhododendrons. Rock garden wood with primulas, meconopsis and shade-loving plants. Mostly planted by Hugh Armitage Moore. Ongoing restoration and regeneration by National Trust. Walled garden includes National Collection of penstemons. Several areas managed as wildflower meadows

11ml SE of Belfast, 1ml S of Saintfield, on road to Downpatrick (A7)

Tel: 028 9751 0131

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Seaforde Gardens, Seaforde, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 8PG

18th century walled garden and adjoining 5 acres of grounds, fine rhododendrons and the National Collection of Eucryphias. The oldest maze in Ireland. Patrick Forde has been collecting rhododendrons in Bhutan, China and Vietnam.

The Nursery sells shrubs, including a wide range of magnolia, camelia, rhododendron and azaleas. 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm-6pm Sundays, from Easter-end of September. Mail Order 02844 811225
Website: www.seafordegardens.com

Windyridge, Rochestown Rd, Cork.

2 acre garden with a formal pond surrounded by roses, herbaceous border, rhododendrons, and azalea walks. Colour themed areas.

Tel: (021) 489 1724 Open: By appointment Admission: €5.50

Owners/Contact: Derry & Ann Moloney

Directions: On the Rochestown Road from Douglas, entrance on right before the Rochestown Park Hotel .

Website www.irelandsgardens.com

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.

50 acre gardens, around ruined house. Victorian arboretum now much restored. Walled garden with fountain surrounded by rhododendrons. Other rhododendrons and azaleas around the grounds.

Tel (00353) 8580502

www.woodstock.ie

Between Kilkenny & New Ross off R700

Open daily, dawn till dusk.