- Florence Court Gardens: This magnificent National Trust estate features sweeping parkland, native woodland, and a historic walled garden restored to reflect its 18th-century origins. The grounds include vibrant seasonal borders, a productive kitchen garden (under ongoing restoration to its 1930s glory), a native Irish apple orchard, ponds, and the famous Florence Court Yew, the original 250-year-old Irish yew tree (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’) from which all Irish yews worldwide descend. Dramatic views of Benaughlin mountain and the Fermanagh countryside enhance the romantic, naturalistic beauty.
- Castle Coole Grounds: Surrounding one of Ireland’s finest neo-classical mansions, this 1,200-acre National Trust landscape park offers tranquil wooded paths, ancient oak woodland, and gentle lakeside walks around Lough Coole. The estate features remnants of 18th-century formal gardens, including earthworks from earlier layouts, mature specimen trees, and wildlife-rich parkland sloping to the water. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, spotting seasonal foliage, and appreciating classic Georgian landscape design.
- Crom Estate Grounds: This vast National Trust nature conservation area on the shores of Upper Lough Erne encompasses 2,000 acres of ancient woodland, meadows, and lakeside paths with subtle ornamental planting. The grounds highlight naturalistic horticulture with mature trees, wildflower areas, and historic features like old yew trees and castle ruins. It’s a serene haven for those interested in biodiversity, woodland ecology, and peaceful garden-inspired exploration amid rich native flora.
- Castle Archdale Country Park: This expansive 230-acre park on the shores of Lower Lough Erne blends mixed woodland, open parkland, and lakeside trails with historical garden elements. The grounds include mature trees, scenic paths through diverse planting, and remnants of estate horticulture, offering year-round interest from spring bulbs to autumn foliage. It’s a family-friendly spot for appreciating naturalistic landscaping and the interplay of gardens with Fermanagh’s iconic lakes.
- Lough Navar Forest Park: Managed by the Forestry Service, this vast woodland expanse (part of the largest continuous forest in Ireland) features scenic drives, marked trails, and multiple viewpoints overlooking Lower Lough Erne. The naturalistic planting includes conifers, broadleaves like oak and birch, heathland, and bog areas with seasonal wildflowers. Trails such as the Blackslee Waterfall walk and panoramic lookouts from Magho Cliffs provide an inspiring, rugged horticultural experience amid dramatic limestone scenery.
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
Fermanagh:
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