The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens
The stunning Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens reflect the life and extensive wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, Japan’s most famous Irishman (Koizumi Yakumo).
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens have a wonderful and unique story to tell. In their style and planting, they contain elements of the gardening traditions of the countries and cultures traversed by Hearn during his varied life. The journey begins in a Victorian Garden to commemorate Hearn’s happy childhood summers in Tramore.
There is also an American Garden, a Greek Garden and a traditional Japanese Tea Garden, in total there are eleven unique garden areas that reference much of his folklore and fairytale. These include a pond, zen garden and authentic Japanese structures (Azumaya and Ceremonial Tea House). The main elements of design, in particular, the use of rocks and water and the plant selection are influenced by the tradition of a Japanese Strolling Garden. For children, there is an exciting Discovery Trail and Magical Woodland Fairy Trail.
HISTORY - LAFCADIO HEARN
These gardens are a living biography of the Greek/Irish writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who was born in 1850 and died in 1904. They take you through the life journey of a remarkable man who first came to fame in America as Lafcadio Hearn. Later, in Japan, he became a revered teacher and writer under his adopted Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo. Hearn was the son of an Irish father and a Greek mother. He was brought up in Ireland but until recently he has been barely remembered here. In 1869, aged nineteen, he left Ireland for America in unhappy family circumstances. Hearn was to spend almost 20 years in the US, before finally settling in Japan, where he married into a Samurai family, he fathered four children and died at the early age of 54.
These gardens offer his life story to you; not through the medium of print, but through the landscapes and rock formations that reflect the cultures and mythologies of the places he lived. Here, through a series of garden scenes, his life story is brought into vivid focus. The gardens pay tribute to his birthplace, and the many Japanese features are inspired by the stories and legends of Japan that so fascinated Hearn.
LOCATION:
The gardens are set on 2.5 acres in the heart of Tramore Town Centre, County Waterford (15 minutes drive from Waterford City). They overlook Tramore's magnificent bay and beach.
FACILITIES:
Audio Visual and Touch Screen Visitor Room.
Audio Guides in 5 languages.
Takeaway Tea / Coffee and Snacks
Accessible Toilet Facilities
Projected Tea Ceremony in Japanese Tea House
OPENING TIMES:
Open all year round, seven days a week (weather permitting).
See the website for further information.
Address
Pond Road, Tramore, Co. Waterford
Categories
Family Friendly | Gardens | Homes and Gardens | Things to Do | Tramore | Waterford Garden Trail
