- Edgeworthstown House Grounds and Restored Walled Gardens: Part of the Edgeworth Literary Trail in Edgeworthstown, these grounds surround the ancestral home of novelist Maria Edgeworth and her father Richard Lovell. The restored walled gardens provide a peaceful, historic setting with structured beds, seasonal planting, and mature trees. Visitors can tour the grounds as part of a guided literary walk, appreciating the blend of 18th- and 19th-century charm with subtle ornamental horticulture linked to Ireland’s literary heritage.
- Viewmount House Gardens: This majestic Georgian house (now a hotel) on the edge of Longford town features four acres of award-winning gardens once owned by Lord Longford. The diverse spaces include a Japanese Garden, front lawn, upper pond, blue garden, orchard, herb garden, herbaceous border, white garden, knot garden, and courtyard. The well-maintained displays offer year-round interest through themed planting, tranquil water features, and classic design, a delightful hidden gem for appreciating elegant, multi-faceted estate horticulture.
- Longford Garden Centre: A highly praised visitor-friendly garden centre in Clonbalt, near Longford town, this spot is a joy for plant enthusiasts with a vast variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, fruit trees, garden ornaments, and pots at keen prices. The friendly staff provide expert advice on soil suitability and plant choices, complemented by a cute coffee shop offering good coffee and treats. It’s an ideal, accessible attraction for inspiration, shopping, and casual gardening enjoyment.
- Castleforbes Demesne Grounds: Surrounding the private Gothic Revival Castleforbes near Newtownforbes, this extensive historic demesne (the largest in the county) includes remnants of 17th-century pleasure gardens described as “fair and spacious… with lovely gardens of pleasure.” While the castle and core grounds are private, the surrounding parkland and woodland edges offer glimpses of mature trees, walks, and naturalistic planting influenced by centuries of estate landscaping, a scenic drive-by or nearby appreciation of grand Irish demesne heritage.
- Newcastle Wood: This mature Coillte-managed woodland near Ballymahon provides peaceful nature trails through diverse native trees, seasonal wildflowers, ferns, and understorey planting. The naturalistic setting, with easy paths and picnic spots, highlights Ireland’s rich woodland ecology and subtle horticultural beauty, a tranquil escape for those interested in sustainable, wild-inspired gardening and biodiversity amid the county’s gentle landscape.
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
Longford:
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