Lismore Castle Gardens
The gardens of Lismore Castle, set within the outer defensive walls, are divided into three parts, the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden. The gardens collectively cover 10 acres and are the oldest cultivated gardens in the country. In them, you can find many horticultural gems including a large collection of rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias as well as a working kitchen garden.
The entrance is through The Reilig garden which is so called because there is a medieval graveyard in this area. Some of the walls around this garden date back to the 13th century. The Upper Garden, a 17th century walled garden was constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork. The outer walls and terraces remain, but the plantings have changed to match the tastes of those living within the Castle. The Lower Garden was designed and constructed in the 19th century by Sir Joseph Paxton for 6th Duke of Devonshire. This garden is informal with shrubs, trees, and lawns. The stately Yew Tree Avenue predates the garden and is where Edmund Spencer is said to have written his famous poem ‘The Faerie Queen’.
Camellias are the first heralds of spring and are followed closely by the Magnolias and spring flowering bulbs. A fine collection of Rhododendrons maintain the interest through late spring and early summer before giving way to the flowering herbaceous borders. The upper garden is home to a working kitchen garden providing vegetables, fruit, and herbs for the Castle kitchens.
Art also plays a very important role here: besides the collection of contemporary sculptures that can be found throughout the gardens, the west wing of the Castle is home to Lismore Castle Arts, a contemporary art gallery located in the Upper Garden and hosts exhibitions of international significance, projects, and events, as well as a comprehensive learning programme. The gallery also houses a café, serving tea, coffee and cakes prepared in the Castle kitchen. Garden Picnics consisting of seasonal salads from the gardens and cakes are also available to pre-book.
Due to the historic nature of the gardens and the naturally steep terrain of the ground, there are some unavoidable limitations on access for visitors who use a wheelchair or are less mobile, please call prior to your visit for further information.
Opening Hours
Opening hours for the Gardens and Gallery:
• March to October 7 days - 10.30am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm).
• Entrance to the gardens is adjacent to the town car park. Follow the signs from the car park on foot.
• The Gallery café and bathrooms are located in the upper garden.
• Lismore Castle is a private home and is not open to visitors.
• Dogs are welcome in the Gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Admission Prices:
• Adult: €9.00
• Concessions (Seniors, Students): €7.50
• Child: €6.50
• Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children): €25.00
• Friends Scheme Annual Passes are also available through our websites.
Categories
Arts & Culture | Attractions | Gardens | Homes and Gardens | Lismore | Things to Do | Walking / Hiking / Trails
The gardens of Lismore Castle, set within the outer defensive walls, are divided into three parts, the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden. The gardens collectively cover 10 acres and are the oldest cultivated gardens in the country. In them, you can find many horticultural gems including a large collection of rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias as well as a working kitchen garden.
The entrance is through The Reilig garden which is so called because there is a medieval graveyard in this area. Some of the walls around this garden date back to the 13th century. The Upper Garden, a 17th century walled garden was constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork. The outer walls and terraces remain, but the plantings have changed to match the tastes of those living within the Castle. The Lower Garden was designed and constructed in the 19th century by Sir Joseph Paxton for 6th Duke of Devonshire. This garden is informal with shrubs, trees, and lawns. The stately Yew Tree Avenue predates the garden and is where Edmund Spencer is said to have written his famous poem ‘The Faerie Queen’.
Camellias are the first heralds of spring and are followed closely by the Magnolias and spring flowering bulbs. A fine collection of Rhododendrons maintain the interest through late spring and early summer before giving way to the flowering herbaceous borders. The upper garden is home to a working kitchen garden providing vegetables, fruit, and herbs for the Castle kitchens.
Art also plays a very important role here: besides the collection of contemporary sculptures that can be found throughout the gardens, the west wing of the Castle is home to Lismore Castle Arts, a contemporary art gallery located in the Upper Garden and hosts exhibitions of international significance, projects, and events, as well as a comprehensive learning programme. The gallery also houses a café, serving tea, coffee and cakes prepared in the Castle kitchen. Garden Picnics consisting of seasonal salads from the gardens and cakes are also available to pre-book.
Due to the historic nature of the gardens and the naturally steep terrain of the ground, there are some unavoidable limitations on access for visitors who use a wheelchair or are less mobile, please call prior to your visit for further information.
Opening Hours
Opening hours for the Gardens and Gallery:
• March to October 7 days - 10.30am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm).
• Entrance to the gardens is adjacent to the town car park. Follow the signs from the car park on foot.
• The Gallery café and bathrooms are located in the upper garden.
• Lismore Castle is a private home and is not open to visitors.
• Dogs are welcome in the Gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Admission Prices:
• Adult: €9.00
• Concessions (Seniors, Students): €7.50
• Child: €6.50
• Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children): €25.00
• Friends Scheme Annual Passes are also available through our websites.
Categories
Arts & Culture | Attractions | Gardens | Homes and Gardens | Lismore | Things to Do | Walking / Hiking / Trails
