Gardens of Northern Ireland

Sample Itinerary

On this tour you will visit the following gardens:

Belfast City, County Antrim

First established in 1828, these city gardens designed by Charles Lanyon, are enjoyed both as a gardener’s delight and as a public park. Its extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders signify the finer details of the Botanic Gardens.

Glenarm Castle Walled Garden, County Antrim

Heading north along the shoreline, next stop is Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden. One of the island’s oldest, its original mission was to supply the castle occupants with a fresh supply of fruit and vegetables.

Benvarden, County Antrim

Up on the north coast by pretty Ballycastle is Benvarden, and its 19th century gardens. The Walled Garden, though, has been on the estate’s map since 1788. Described by Terence Reeve Smith in his Guide to Irish Gardens as ‘undoubtedly the best in private hands and ranges from beautiful rose beds to well-stocked kitchen garden’.

Glenveagh, County Donegal

One of six National Parks, this is where you see the contrast between what tender loving hands give to cultivated gardens, and what nature can display when left to its own devices. And there are 16,000 hectares to take in, no less.

Florence Court, County Fermanagh

This exquisite 18th century property was the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen, at the heart of the lakelands. One of the most important houses in Northern Ireland, Florence Court is surrounded by views of the Benaughlin and Cuilcagh Mountains.

Lisburn Castle Gardens, County Antrim

You’ve almost done full circle, but there’s still lots to see. Just outside Belfast and the former site of Lisburn Castle, you’ll find the Castle Gardens. Historic is an understatement here, with archaeological excavations uncovering many garden artefacts and features from the 17th century, including a double flight staircase and gazebo.

Seaforde Gardens and Butterfly House, County Antrim

This is a beauty by any standards. The Walled Garden of Seaforde dates from the 18th century. It now also houses the wonderful Tropical Butterfly House, which contains hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, parrots and reptiles.

Mount Stewart House and Gardens, County Down

If you think you’ve seen all the horticultural gems you could squeeze into a gardener’s almanac, think again: introducing Mount Stewart. Its magnificent series of ‘outdoor rooms’ and vibrant parterres are home to various rare plants that seem to thrive in the mild conditions provided by the Ards Peninsula.

We will custom build this tour to suit your needs and budget.