Tourin House & Gardens

Situated on the banks of the River Blackwater with views of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Tourin House is an Italianate-style villa with classical proportions, surrounded by arable land and a fifteen-acre garden. Tourin is home to the Jameson family of Irish Whiskey fame, with the present generation all working as artists and passionate gardeners.

The original dwelling, Tourin Castle, dates to 1560. The estate was later purchased by Richard Musgrave in 1780, with the present Main House built by his grandson in 1840.

Gardens & Grounds

The gardens at Tourin extend across over 15 acres, including the main garden, walled garden, and broad-leaved woodland walks leading to the banks of the River Blackwater and Tourin Quay.

A long formal Broad Walk connects the house to the pleasure grounds and the original walled garden, once part of the tower house. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a colourful array of plants, shrubs, and mature trees, with planting that has evolved through successive generations of the Musgrave and Jameson families.

Garden Highlights

The front lawn and pond area feature a traditional carriage sweep, spring bulbs, mature trees, and views of the house reflected in the water. The Broad Walk, a classic Victorian garden feature, leads through formal planting into the more informal pleasure grounds.

The woodland garden is rich in planting, with drifts of seasonal flowers, Japanese maples, and a variety of trees that thrive in the mild climate created by the nearby river and sea. Beyond this lies the walled garden, originally built to supply the house and still in use today, now combining ornamental and productive planting.

History & Planting

Much of the planting seen today is the work of the Jameson family, particularly Didi Jameson, whose introduction of rare trees and shrubs has matured into the impressive collection visible throughout the gardens.

Visitor Experience

Visitors are welcome to Tourin, where history meets the present day. Take time to explore this tranquil setting, from the formal gardens to the woodland walks, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature along the River Blackwater.