Curated for supporters of one of the UK’s renowned garden institutions, a recent tour to Ireland revealed a rich tapestry of gardens and an extraordinary array of plants set within the country’s verdant landscapes.
Beginning in and around Dublin, the group explored the city’s gardens, including the medieval castle and walled garden at Malahide, the baroque gardens at Killruddery House and the remarkable Powerscourt, set against the backdrop of the great Sugarloaf Mountain. Balancing heritage with innovation, visits included an inspiring contemporary garden nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and the nearby garden of June Blake, one of Ireland’s finest plantswomen.
Travelling further afield, the tour highlighted exceptional gardens across southern Ireland, concluding with Ilnacullin in County Cork’s Bantry Bay. This island garden of rare beauty, designed in the early 20th century by Harold Peto, is celebrated as one of his finest achievements and provided a fitting end to the trip.