- Vandeleur Walled Garden: Located within 170 hectares of native woodland near Kilrush, this beautifully restored 19th-century walled garden is a hidden gem and one of County Clare’s premier botanical attractions. Behind mighty stone walls, it features a charming medley of unusual and tender plants thriving in the mild western microclimate, with vibrant borders, glasshouse displays, woodland trails, and a visitor centre exploring its historic legacy. A peaceful oasis perfect for relaxation, with a café and plant sales.
- Caher Bridge Garden: An award-winning, one-acre contemporary garden near Fanore in the heart of the Burren, this magical creation by Carl Wright transforms former hazel and blackthorn scrub into a lush, mature haven. It blends sensitively with the limestone landscape, showcasing extensive collections of unusual bulbs (including over 200 snowdrop varieties), 150 hosta types, daffodils, crocosmia, day lilies, and rare perennials — a true inspiration for gardeners seeking naturalistic beauty amid dramatic scenery.
- Bunratty Castle Gardens: Surrounding the iconic 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, these gardens include a meticulously restored Regency walled garden and shrubbery, alongside vernacular displays recreating 19th-century rural Irish life. Highlights feature seaside cottage-style planting, an Edwardian doctor’s garden, town house front borders, and productive fruit and vegetable areas — offering a fascinating blend of history, colourful seasonal displays, and traditional horticulture.
- Knappogue Castle Walled Garden; This peaceful Victorian-style walled garden encircles the restored 15th-century Knappogue Castle near Quin. Meticulously maintained with classic features such as ornate statues (including a notable Bacchus), formal beds, and structured planting, it provides an elegant, historic setting with tranquil lawns and floral borders — an exquisite example of restored estate horticulture in a romantic castle backdrop.
- Dromoland Castle Grounds and Walled Gardens: Set amid 500 acres of unspoiled parkland and woodlands surrounding the luxurious 16th-century Dromoland Castle, these extensive grounds include historic walled gardens by the lake, mature specimen trees, lakeside paths, and lush borders. The formal and informal planting, enhanced by features like the Lilypond and Hermit’s Grotto, creates a grand, serene landscape ideal for leisurely strolls and appreciation of timeless estate design.
- Doolin Garden: A delightful private garden in Doolin, this compact yet vibrant space echoes the contemporary style of its surroundings while incorporating traditional hidden elements — such as a circular box-hedged area with white lilies and rose arches. It offers intimate, colourful displays and inspiration for smaller-scale planting, set against the wild coastal beauty of north Clare.
- Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre: Located in the heart of the Burren, this enchanting perfumery and visitor centre draws inspiration from the region’s unique wildflowers, creating subtle scents and products amid beautiful gardens. The grounds feature naturalistic planting of native Burren flora, herbs, and aromatic plants, providing a sensory, educational experience for those interested in botanical crafts and the area’s distinctive limestone ecology.
- Irish Seed Savers Visitor Centre: Near Scariff, this 20-acre charity-run site serves as Ireland’s vital seed bank for heritage vegetables, potatoes, grains, and fruit trees. The gardens showcase diverse heirloom varieties in productive displays, orchards, and conservation plots, with walking paths and educational elements — a must-visit for gardeners passionate about preserving biodiversity and traditional Irish horticulture.
Gardens to Visit
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Clare:
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