From emerald-green landscapes to vibrant floral displays, Ireland's gardens are an absolute visual feast for nature enthusiasts or for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle who wants to enjoy a peaceful moment in an Irish garden setting.

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Of course, you don’t have to be a passionate horticulturist to enjoy these 12 gardens that can be found in different parts of the country.

In fact, if you’re seeking a serene escape, these gardens offer a respite from the hurried, modern world and a stunning showcase of Ireland's diverse flora and fauna.

What to Expect When Exploring Ireland’s Gardens

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Wicklow’s Powerscourt House & Gardens, a popular tourist attraction that is only an hour’s drive from Dublin, where meticulously manicured lawns sit alongside towering trees and cascading waterfalls.

Discover the hidden gems of Mount Usher Gardens, a horticultural wonderland, also in County Wicklow, that boasts rare and exotic plants.

Or lose yourself in the whimsical surroundings of Birr Castle Gardens, home to the world's tallest box hedges and a captivating  man-made Victorian fernery and located in Ireland’s Midlands region.

As you wander through these lush landscapes and others described in this blog post, you'll find yourself captivated by their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and intoxicating scents.

Indeed, each garden tells a unique story, weaving together history, artistry, and obviously, an abundance of nature.

Exploring Ireland’s gardens should be part of your Ireland travel plan.

1. Powerscourt Gardens, County Wicklow

The sprawling estate of over 47 acres of formal and informal gardens can be found within the magnificent Powerscourt Estate.

Originally a 13^th-century castle, Powerscourt House was altered extensively, beginning in 1731 and completed in 1741, based on designs by the noted architect of the time, Richard Cassels.

During the Victorian era, the formal gardens that you see today were created.

Often referred to as the most ambitious garden project in Ireland, they combine sculptures, pools, fountains, and several plantings set up against a setting of woods, mountains, and river valleys in this beautiful part of Ireland.

The garden plans, which borrowed from Italian and Japanese garden styles, are in three volumes and can be found at the National Library of Ireland in the museum’s Reading Room.

The highlight of Powerscourt Gardens is its breathtaking waterfall, which cascades down the side of the Sugarloaf Mountain, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight, deservedly making it one of the 12 most beautiful gardens in Ireland.

The waterfall is the second highest in Ireland after The Devil’s Chimney in County Sligo.

See Powerscourt and Glendalough All in One Day  

2. Mount Usher Gardens, County Wicklow

Mount Usher Gardens is nestled in the picturesque village of Ashford.

The garden is famous for its collection of rare and exotic plants, making it a haven for plant enthusiasts.

It is also a great example of an authentic “Robinsonian” style garden ­— invented by William Robinson — that combines the collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers in a relaxed, informal way.

The garden was established in 1868 by Edward Walpole, who purchased a small track of land, only to later develop it into a garden with the help of his three sons.

They eventually filled the garden with rare plants from around the world, a common practice among the wealthy in Europe at the time.

The attraction also includes a café and courtyard shops, and a detailed guide is available when you visit.

Discover what others are saying about a day trip to Mount Usher Gardens

Birr Castle Gardens, County Offaly

Birr Castle Gardens is a true gem and deserves to also be one of the 12 most beautiful gardens in Ireland.

The gardens themselves contain a variety of rare plants from China, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bhutan, all collected by the Parsons family (Earls of Rosse) on their travels around the world over the last 150 years.

Its claim to fame, however, lies in its world-record-holding box hedges, which stand at an astounding 68 feet/21 meters.

These towering emerald walls are located near the Hornbeam Cloister Walk, which was planted by Anne, Countess of Rosse in 1946 to celebrate her marriage to Michael, the 6^th Earl of Rosse.

During your exploration of Birr Castle Gardens, you’ll also discover a freestanding Victorian Fernery, which speaks to the British obsession during the 19^th century with ferns and glasshouses.

Birr Castle’s world-famous Great Telescope is also a popular attraction within the gardens.

Mount Stewart Gardens, County Down

This National Trust property in County Down is renowned for its exquisite gardens, featuring a wide variety of plant collections, including rare and exotic species.

Beautifully landscaped, they boast impressive vistas, woodland walks, as well as a picturesque lake.

Its most notable feature is the Shamrock Garden, which is the inspiration of Lady Londonderry who lived there during the 18^th century.

It features two well-known symbols, the harp and the red hand of Ulster, a nod to the political makeup of Northern Ireland.

The reason it is called the Shamrock Garden is because some say, when viewed from above, the garden is shaped like a shamrock.

The autumn/fall season is the perfect time to visit Mount Stewart Gardens as everything bursts into color, with rich reds, oranges, blues (there are over 20 varieties of Eucalyptus tree there) and golds enhancing the space.

The unique microclimate in and around Mount Stewart means that plants and flowers bloom for longer, even into the frosty days of late autumn.

There’s a lot more to see here, including its Spanish and Italian gardens, the Sunken Garden, and The Temple of Winds, with outstanding views across Strangford Lough.

Get Wifi in Ireland with Wifi Candy – take 10% off with code IOB2024

5. Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, County Galway

Nestled in the Connemara region, Kylemore Abbey is a romantic estate with a stunning Victorian walled garden, which was developed in the late 1800s.

In its heyday, this beautiful 6-acre garden, which was one of the last walled gardens built during the Victorian period in Ireland, had 21 heated glasshouses and a workforce of 40 gardeners and was compared to Kew Gardens in London.

It is divided in two by a mountain stream, with the eastern half containing the formal flower garden, glasshouse, the head gardener’s house, and the garden bothy.

The other half includes the vegetable garden, an herbaceous border, fruit trees, a rockery, and an herb garden.

Like Birr Castle, this property also includes a Victorian Fernery.

6. Blarney Castle Gardens, County Cork

While you may be visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork for the sole purpose of kissing the famous Blarney Stone, its extensive gardens are also worth a look.

This 60-acre garden estate features a number of paths that leads through various other smaller gardens, arboretums and avenues.

The Fern Garden is one of the estate’s most delightful spots, with tall Dicksonias (tree ferns) growing abundantly.

Other interesting parts of the garden estate include the Poison Garden, which was first planted in the 15^th century.

You’ll find a fascinating collection of poisonous plants like wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin, and opium, all of which were possibly used as medicinal cures in medieval Ireland. Needless to say, they shouldn’t be touched!

There’s a lot more to this beautiful garden estate, including its board walk and water garden, the carnivorous courtyard, and the Himalyan Valley, among other attractions.

7. Muckross House and Gardens, County Kerry

Located within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is a grand mansion surrounded by breathtaking gardens.

The gardens, developed in the 1850s just before the state visit of Queen Victoria, consist of lush lawns, vibrant flower beds, rock gardens, and a charming sunken garden.

They are also home to several exotic trees and shrubs, including azaleas and rhododendrons.

In the arboretum, you’ll find a large collection of trees from the Southern Hemisphere.

8. The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Dublin

Located in Glasnevin, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland houses an impressive collection of plants, both native and exotic.

This quiet oasis of beauty, about 3 miles/5 km from Dublin’s city center, was founded in 1795 by the Dublin Society, later known as the Royal Dublin Society.

Look out for the double line of yew trees called “Addison’s Walk,” which survives from this period when the gardens were used primarily for research.

The gardens were the first location in Ireland where the potato blight fungus was discovered and that consequently ruined the potato crop across the country and caused the death of millions during what became known as The Great Hunger.

By clicking on the Amazon link below, I may earn a small commission from the Amazon Associates Program. However, you will not incur any additional costs by doing so. 

Popular Books on the Irish Famine

Throughout the years of the famine, researchers at the gardens tried their best to stop the growth of the fungus but to no avail.

Now managed by Ireland’s Office of Public Works, The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland houses about 20,000 living plants and millions of dried plant specimens.

The gardens are also famous for their beautifully restored glasshouses, including The Great Palm House, which was constructed in 1862.

Admission to the National Botanic Gardens is free.

9. Illnacullin, Garinish Island, County Cork

Nestled in the County Cork’s Bantry Bay, this oasis of beauty on Garinish Island should be on your list of gardens to visit when you’re in Ireland.

The gardens of Illnacullin were first created by Annan and Violet Bryce in the early 20^th century.

The architect and garden designer recognized the island’s mild and humid microclimate as the ideal place for a variety of Mediterranean, tropical, and Irish flora, that together create a stunning oasis.

The sunken garden is one of Illnacullin’s most spectacular features, with its well-proportioned colonnades, steps, raised terraces and garden structures.

A walled garden and The Grecian Temple are also worth seeing in this beautiful attraction, considered one of the 12 most beautiful gardens in Ireland.

10. Glenveagh Castle and Gardens, County Donegal
    

Set in the rugged Donegal landscape, Glenveagh Castle and Gardens is another one of Ireland’s gardens that is worth visiting.

Located in Glenveagh National Park, Ireland’s second largest national park, the castle and gardens were mere wild mountain moorland before construction of the castle began in 1869 by John Adair, a Scots Irish businessman.

The Pleasure Gardens and the Walled Garden are the main feature of the estate, both built in the lates 1880s. They still maintain their original Victorian layout.

During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the gardens were developed even more, with the addition of The Tuscan Garden, The Italian Terrace and The 67 Steps.

A shuttle is available from the Glenveagh Visitor Centre for a nominal fee.

Admission to the Gardens is free.

11. Altamont Gardens, County Carlow
    

Known for its serene beauty, Altamont Gardens is a hidden gem nestled in the countryside of County Carlow.

These Robinson-style gardens cover close to 40 acres, with different plants flourishing during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The gardens are home to native species as well as a variety of exotic ones, including the Swamp Cypress, the Red Oak, and the Giant Redwood.

These romantic gardens offer a mix of formal and informal sections, including a walled garden, riverside walks, a lake, and an enchanting icehouse.

There is also a nearby river and lake walk, making this an ideal spot for some quiet time.

Admission to the Altamount Gardens is free.

12. Fota Arboretum & Gardens, County Cork

Situated on Fota Island near Cork City, Fota House is surrounded by splendid gardens and a renowned arboretum.

Located on the grounds of Fota House, one of Ireland’s great mansions, you’ll find rare and exotic shrubs and trees here, along with an extensive rose garden.

The Earls of Barrymore, who had owned Fota House since the 1600s, were responsible for creating the layout of the gardens, recognizing the significance of the island’s sheltered location for the growth of certain trees and plants.

The gardens feature stunning floral displays, as well as rare trees, shrubs, a Victorian fernery, and a picturesque walled garden.

Whether you're seeking tranquility, inspiration, or simply a place to enjoy nature's splendor, these 12 beautiful gardens in Ireland provide a wonderful escape. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to any of the gardens in this blog post.