Let's explore the best gardens in Waterford city and county to visit in 2021 – Your Adventure Starts Here!
1. MOUNT CONGREVE NURSERY AND GARDENS…..While the great houses and gardens of Ireland’s Ancient East invariably boast a rich history, sometimes it’s the heart-stopping views, walks and surprises that most captivate you. That’s certainly true of the gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford, which flourish over some seventy acres of richly planted woodland and a four acre walled garden. The passion and creation in modern times of the late Mr Ambrose Congreve, who was inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England, the collection ranges from more than three thousand different trees and shrubs, to fifteen hundred herbaceous plants. Wandering paths and ponds, surrendering to breathtaking sweeps of Azaleas, Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons, being surprised by a Chinese Pagoda or revelling in vistas over the River Suir: such are the magical moments that enthral.
2. THE LAFCADIO HEARN JAPANESE GARDENS… Come on a journey, through these unique gardens and the life of Victorian writer, translator and journalist Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. In their style and planting, the gardens, in Tramore in County Waterford, pay homage to Lafcadio Hearn with elements of the gardening traditions of the countries and cultures he visited during his varied travels. Begin in the Victorian Garden dedicated to the memory of Hearn’s happy childhood summers in Tramore, explore the American Garden, the Greek Garden and the traditional Japanese Tea Garden – Lafcadio Hearn was famed in Japan for his literary descriptions of the country’s people and culture, and children in particular will be entranced by his fairy tales and folklore. East meets West and they grow together on your unforgettable garden journey.
3. LISMORE CASTLE GARDENS…. The historic gardens of Lismore Castle are essentially two distinct gardens. Both are set within the castle walls and comprise of 7 acres with spectacular views of the Castle and surrounding countryside. The lower garden was mostly created in the 19th century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire, Sir Joseph Paxton’s patron. Entry to the upper garden is through the Riding House. This walled garden was first constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork in about 1605, where most of the walls and terraces remain the same although the plantings have changed to suit the tastes of those living within the Castle.
4. CURRAGHMORE HOUSE… The grounds of Curraghmore House, were laid out by the first de la Poer – Beresford Earl of Tyrone around 1750 and provide a splendid example of an eighteenth-century romantic landscape, with the house as its centrepiece. In front of the house is the garden in the French manner designed by Louisa, third Lady Waterford. Its formal terraces, with balustrades and statuary, overlook a man-made lake. To the west a vista through the woods stretches off to infinity. Hidden in a shrubbery is the enchanting Shell House, created by Catherine Countess of Tyrone, with ‘her proper’ hands in 1754.
5. TOURIN GARDENS…..Tourin Gardens and woodland, created by countless generations since the tower house was first built in 1560 extends over 15 acres to the banks of the Blackwater river. Fine collections of trees, shrubs and plants give colourful displays throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to walk and enjoy this lovely garden and woodland, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the changing seasons.
Before visiting, be sure to check out the attraction websites for full details and opening hours.