Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens, located on Great Island in Campile, Co. Wexford, is a historic estate centered around a late Georgian house (built 1794) and its seven-acre heritage gardens. Renowned for its tranquil setting overlooking the River Barrow, this family-run attraction offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and warm hospitality.
- Walled Garden: Formal and meticulously designed, the walled garden features topiary, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and an Italian loggia with a pool. It includes compartments like the “quarter garden” with irises and roses, and a “hot” herbaceous border with vibrant plants like red Maltese cross lychnis.
- Woodland Garden: A five-acre area with winding paths, rare and tender trees, and shrubs (over 130 species), thriving in the estate’s microclimate. Highlights include rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and echiums (giant borage). Spring offers blooming flowers, summer showcases herbaceous plants, autumn brings subtle color changes, and winter highlights structural silhouettes.
- Organic Potager: A fruit and vegetable garden designed as a box maze, supplying fresh produce for the Garden Café and house guests. It’s a draw for food enthusiasts and keen cooks.
- Historical Features: The gardens incorporate a Viking settlement, a Norman Motte & Bailey, and a wooden boat depicting the mythological landing of Cessair, reflecting Kilmokea’s ancient history as a monastic site and its significance in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Family-Friendly Attractions:
- Fairy Village and Myrtle Wood Story: Ireland’s first Fairy Village, set in ancient trees, captivates children with fairy homes and characters like Mr. & Mrs. Hedgehog and Freddie Fox from the “Myrtle Wood” storybook. The Tree Fairy Village and woodland creatures in lanterns create a magical experience.
- Play Areas: An indoor play area in the café provides a refuge from Ireland’s unpredictable weather, while outdoor spaces include love seats and reading nooks for relaxation.
Garden Café and Dining:
- Housed in a Georgian conservatory, the café serves organic, homemade fare from 10 AM to 5 PM (Wednesday to Sunday, plus Bank Holiday Mondays). The menu includes soups, open sandwiches (e.g., avocado or pesto sourdough), baked potatoes, tarts, cakes, scones, and drinks like Viking Waterford Coffee and elderflower cordial. Produce comes from the on-site potager.
- While some reviews note simple but tasty food, others mention high prices (e.g., €8 for a basic sandwich, €4 for coffee), suggesting visitors plan for value or bring a picnic.
Accommodation and Leisure Facilities:
- Bed & Breakfast: The main house offers six luxurious rooms (some with four-poster beds), decorated with antiques and warm colors, overlooking the gardens. Breakfast is fresh and varied, with organic options.
- Self-Catering: The Coach House and Garden Suite accommodate groups, with modern amenities and garden views. Weekly rentals range from €750-€1,250, excluding electricity and heating.
- Leisure Amenities: Guests can book an exclusive hour in the indoor heated pool (April to September), jacuzzi, sauna, or use the gym, tennis court, or croquet lawn. Emma’s Vital Energy treatments (aromatherapy and chakra balancing) enhance relaxation.
- Retreats: Spring and autumn retreats offer meditation, Qi Gong, and forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), a Japanese practice of mindful immersion in nature to boost well-being.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Kilmokea’s gardens, started in 1947 by David and Joan Price, hold an Irish Heritage Garden certificate for their 65 years of dedication. The estate’s history spans a 7th-century monastery, Viking settlements, and Norman influences, with artifacts like a 7th-century millstone uncovered during pond excavation.
- Guided tours (pre-booked) provide in-depth history of the house, gardens, and ancient sites, while self-guided tours include a complimentary introductory talk and storyboards detailing the area’s past.
Additional Amenities:
- Craft Shop: Located in a cave-like area near the café, it offers children’s toys, rocks, crystals, souvenirs, and local artworks.
- The gardens and facilities are wheelchair-accessible, with ample parking and accessible lavatories.
- Events: Open-air theatre performances, such as Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s productions (e.g., Little Women in 2024), are hosted in the gardens, creating a unique cultural experience.
Atmosphere and Hospitality:
- Visitors praise the warm, authentic hospitality of hosts Mark and Emma Hewlett, who have run Kilmokea since 1997. The estate feels like a “slice of heaven,” with a relaxed, non-commercial vibe, cozy fires, and a focus on organic, locally sourced food.
- The gardens are described as a “magical” and “tranquil” oasis, ideal for both horticultural enthusiasts and families seeking a peaceful escape.
- Kilmokea Gardens is open from April 1 to November 2, 2025, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with specific updates and offerings for the year:
Extended Opening Season:
- The gardens and café open from Easter (April) to Halloween (November), operating Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. This extended season ensures broader access for visitors.
- Enhanced Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku): Introduced recently, the forest bathing experience in the woodland garden is emphasized. This mindful practice encourages visitors to engage their senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of the woodland, promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s a unique offering, as few Irish attractions provide structured forest bathing.
- Organic Dining Focus: The café continues to prioritise organic, homegrown produce, with a 2025 menu featuring soups, breads, vegetable tarts, and baked goods. New dishes will be introduced, building on the success of offerings like open sourdough sandwiches and homemade cakes, reflecting Emma Hewlett’s culinary expertise.
- Retreat Enhancements: Spring and autumn retreats will continue, with tailored experiences for groups, including meditation, Qi Gong on the lawn, and forest bathing sessions. These retreats will see new elements like additional wellness workshops or expanded dining options, given the Hewletts’ focus on innovative improvements.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Recent upgrades, such as a widened drive entrance to accommodate buses, reflects ongoing efforts to improve accessibility.
- Promotional Offers: A 2-for-1 entry deal is available through BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, valid with a full-paying adult, making visits more affordable (adult entry €9, OAP €6, child/student €5, family €25). This promotion encourages new visitors to explore the gardens.
Visitor Expectations
- Time and Cost: Plan to spend 1-3 hours exploring the gardens and café. Entry fees are reasonable (€9 adults, €25 family), with free entry for RHSI members (with membership card) and the 2-for-1 offer. Café prices may feel high for simple fare, so consider bringing snacks for value.
- Best Times to Visit: Summer (June-August) showcases the herbaceous border in full bloom, while spring and autumn offer vibrant flowers and changing colors. The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday, plus Bank Holiday Mondays, from April 1 to November 2.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a coat for Ireland’s unpredictable weather, and consider a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. For retreats or forest bathing, loose clothing and a water bottle are recommended.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for horticultural enthusiasts, families with young children (due to the Fairy Village and play areas), and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The historical elements and guided tours appeal to what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, while the café and leisure facilities suit relaxation seekers.
- Nearby Attractions: Kilmokea’s location in Ireland’s Ancient East offers proximity to Duncannon Fort, Tintern Abbey, the Kennedy Homestead, and the Hook Peninsula’s beaches and walks.
Recommendations
- Book in Advance: Reserve guided tours or retreat experiences via kilmokea.com, especially for groups or theatre events, as these can sell out.
- Check Social Media: Follow Kilmokea’s updates on Twitter (@kilmokea) or their website for new 2025 events or café menu changes.
- Combine with a Stay: For a fuller experience, book a B&B or self-catering stay to access the pool, jacuzzi, and exclusive dining, augmenting the tranquil escape.
- Kilmokea Gardens remains a hidden gem in Wexford, blending natural beauty, history, and family-friendly charm. Its 2025 offerings, particularly forest bathing and organic dining, elevate its appeal as a unique destination. For the latest details, visit www.kilmokea.com or contact +353 51 388109
