Gardens & Estates of Waterford

Gardens & Estates of Waterford

The Waterford Garden Trail features 12 different garden attractions throughout Waterford. There is a wide variety of gardens open for viewing, ranging from the gardens of the great old houses, to smaller gardens and garden centres. A number of the older gardens have been lovingly restored through the years, while the younger ones are maturing beautifully with time.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Recognised as one of the Great Gardens of the World, Mount Congreve Gardens is a spectacular 70-acre estate overlooking the River Suir, home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world. With 16 kilometres of pathways, a beautifully restored 4-acre walled garden, hidden features, and direct access to the Waterford Greenway, it offers a wonderful day out for garden lovers, walkers, and families alike. Visitors can also enjoy guided experiences, seasonal events, the FOXFORD shop, and the Stables Café.

 

  • Free parking
  • Stables Café – seasonal estate-to-plate dining, artisan ice cream
  • FOXFORD shop – homeware, gifts, and Irish design
  • Toilets, including accessible facilities and baby changing
  • Seasonal guided tours of the gardens
  • Buggy tours – a relaxed 40-minute guided loop through the woodlands and Herman Dool walk
  • Gardens & Grandeur tour – a character-led experience exploring life on the estate, including the drawing room and gardens
  • Herman Dool exhibition – a thoughtfully curated exhibition on the life and legacy of the renowned Dutch plantsman
  • On-site accommodation – from off-grid bell tents and forest cabins to restored gate lodges and a courtyard suite
  • Direct access to the Waterford Greenway
  • EV Charging points
  • Accessible parking
  • Website: http://www.mountcongreve.com

 

 

Curraghmore Estate House and Garden

Curraghmore, the seat of the Marquesses of Waterford, is Ireland’s greatest surviving estate. The grounds of Curraghmore were laid out by the first de la Poer -Beresford Earl of Tyrone around 1750 and provide a splendid example of a eighteenth century romantic landscape with the house as its centrepiece.

 

 

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

These stunning gardens tell the story of the life and extensive wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who grew up in Ireland, and whose life journey embraced several parts of the world. These biographical gardens take you through the Victorian Garden, the American and Greek Gardens, until you eventually arrive in the Japanese Strolling Gardens which feature many Japanese plants and Japanese architectural features.

 

Fairbrook House & Garden

A romantic walled garden , a few steps down the Waterford Greenway, laid out by Dutch artists Wout Muller and Clary Mastenbroek (since 1995) between ruins of the former Fairbrook Mill.  Stonework features strongly from cobbled paths and little follies boasting streams, ponds, rills, topiary, a fruit and wisteria walk, a maze and much more. In the out-building there is also a museum of contemporary art.

  • Free parking.
  • Museum
  • Plant sales.
  • Toilet, no disabled access.
  • Refreshments on terraces and conservatory.
  • No dogs.
  • Website: www.fairbrook-house.com

 

 

Tourin House & Garden

The gardens at Tourin extend over 25 acres. The original garden dates from 1840 with mature trees and a collection of shrubs. Garden paths lead from the pleasure garden, surrounding the main house, past the walled garden to the 17th century Tower House and Tourin Quay on the spectacular River Blackwater.

  • Dogs allowed on leads.
  • Toilets – Partial disabled access.
  • Refreshments on request.
  • Website: www.tourin.ie

 

 

Dromana House & Gardens

Dromana House with a rich history of over 800 years also boasts an idyllic natural setting for a large garden. It was historically laid out in terraces overlooking the breath-taking views of the river and mountains with looped walks. Dromana offers year round interest to plant lovers and casual observers alike.

 

 

Salterbridge House & Gardens

A largely woodland garden of some  7 acres around Salterbridge House.   The year starts with the snowdrops, leading on to the daffodils, primroses and bluebells.  All these against a background of fine trees and shrubs, most noticeably the camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and acers followed by the summer and later shrubs and then the autumn colours.

 

 

 

Abbey Road Gardens

Abbey Road is a cottage style plant collectors garden on one acre. This land was part of the Abbey Farm of the medieval  abbey of Kilculliheen so the rich soil and sheltered site means even tender plants thrive. There is a wide range of perennials, bulbs, old roses and trees. A small garden with a big heart and a warm welcome.

  • Plant sales.
  • Complimentary refreshments for all visitors.
  • Toilets.
  • Parking.

 

 

Lismore Castle Gardens & Gallery

Lismore Castle Gardens are 7 acres of gardens set within the grounds of Lismore Castle. These historic gardens comprise of a wonderful collection of tree and shrubs, flowering meadows, herbaceous borders and fruit and vegetable production. There is a contemporary art gallery within the gardens.

 

 

Cappoquin House & Gardens

18th century classical style house rebuilt in the 1920s on south facing slope with old and new gardens over 5 acres. Spring, summer and autumn find these gardens well planted, with extensive views over the valley.

With a rich history of being in the same family since 1735, there’s lots to see. Also boasting seated areas, the gardens can be enjoyed at your leisure.

 

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