- Brook Hall Estate: Located on the River Foyle, an exceptional private demesne near Derry city features one of the finest arboreta in the northwest of Ireland. The grounds showcase superb collections of conifers, rhododendrons, magnolias, and camellias amid mature parkland, with a walled garden, visitor centre, and accessible paths. Guided tours and selected open days reveal its historical significance and sustainable practices, creating a serene retreat for plant enthusiasts.
- Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple: Managed by the National Trust, this dramatic 18th-century coastal estate near Castlerock includes sheltered Bishop’s Gate Gardens with a unique bog garden, a restored walled garden (now partly grazed but evocative), and woodland paths through rare trees. The clifftop setting offers breathtaking views alongside the iconic Mussenden Temple, blending historic grandeur with naturalistic planting and seasonal colour.
- Maghera Walled Garden: A beautifully restored Victorian walled garden in the town of Maghera, set within the grounds of an ancient monastery and medieval site. Enclosed by impressive stone walls, it features varied herbaceous borders, fruit trees, a herb garden, vegetable beds, and a wildflower meadow. Community-focused yet visitor-friendly, it provides a charming example of traditional productive and ornamental horticulture.
- St Columb’s Park: This expansive 70-acre Victorian park on the outskirts of Derry city includes beautiful wooded walkways, the ruins of a medieval church, an 18th-century manor house, and a restored walled garden. The mature trees, lawns, and seasonal planting offer tranquil escapes with historical charm, making it an accessible green oasis for leisurely garden appreciation.
- Drenagh Estate & Gardens: Near Limavady, this historic 1,000-acre estate features over 30 acres of gardens open daily, including a restored walled garden with vegetables, fruit, and herbs; an Italian Garden designed by Sir Charles Lanyon; a bog garden, heather house, conifer arboretum, and river walks. The evolving restoration highlights classic estate planting in a fertile valley setting, ideal for those seeking structured beauty and views of Binevenagh Mountain.
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
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