This collection of beautiful gardens close to Waterford is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. They offer a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to unwind in breathtaking scenery. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a day trip to one of these gardens. The Gardens are a fantastic place to take a stroll and enjoy the enchanted atmosphere.
Mount Congreve Estate & Gardens, Kilmeaden
While the great houses and gardens of Ireland’s Ancient East invariably boast a rich history, sometimes it’s the heart-stopping views, walks and surprises that most captivate you. That’s certainly true of the gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford, which flourish over some seventy acres of richly planted woodland and a four acre walled garden. The passion and creation in modern times of the late Mr Ambrose Congreve, who was inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England, the collection ranges from more than three thousand different trees and shrubs, to fifteen hundred herbaceous plants. Wandering paths and ponds, surrendering to breathtaking sweeps of Azaleas, Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons, being surprised by a Chinese Pagoda or revelling in vistas over the River Suir: such are the magical moments that enthral.
15 minute drive from Waterford
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Tramore
Go on a journey, through these unique gardens and the life of Victorian writer, translator and journalist Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. In their style and planting, the gardens, in Tramore in County Waterford, pay homage to Lafcadio Hearn with elements of the gardening traditions of the countries and cultures he visited during his varied travels. Begin in the Victorian Garden dedicated to the memory of Hearn’s happy childhood summers in Tramore, explore the American Garden, the Greek Garden and the traditional Japanese Tea Garden – Lafcadio Hearn was famed in Japan for his literary descriptions of the country’s people and culture, and children in particular will be entranced by his fairy tales and folklore. East meets West and they grow together on your unforgettable garden journey.
20 minutes drive from Waterford
Lismore Castle Gardens, Lismore
The historic gardens of Lismore Castle are essentially two distinct gardens. Both are set within the castle walls and comprise of 7 acres with spectacular views of the Castle and surrounding countryside. The lower garden was mostly created in the 19th century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire, Sir Joseph Paxton’s patron. Entry to the upper garden is through the Riding House. This walled garden was first constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork in about 1605, where most of the walls and terraces remain the same although the plantings have changed to suit the tastes of those living within the Castle.
55 minutes drive from Waterford
Curraghmore House, Portlaw
The grounds of Curraghmore House, were laid out by the first de la Poer – Beresford Earl of Tyrone around 1750 and provide a splendid example of an eighteenth-century romantic landscape, with the house as its centrepiece. In front of the house is the garden in the French manner designed by Louisa, third Lady Waterford. Its formal terraces, with balustrades and statuary, overlook a man-made lake. To the west a vista through the woods stretches off to infinity. Hidden in a shrubbery is the enchanting Shell House, created by Catherine Countess of Tyrone, with ‘her proper’ hands in 1754.
30 minutes drive from Waterford
Tourin Gardens, Cappoquin
Tourin Gardens and woodland, created by countless generations since the tower house was first built in 1560 extends over 15 acres to the banks of the Blackwater river. Fine collections of trees, shrubs and plants give colourful displays at all times of the year. Visitors are welcome to walk and enjoy this lovely garden and woodland, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the changing seasons.
55 minutes drive from Waterford
John F. Kennedy Arboretum, New Ross
The 623-acre park is a memorial to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and features 4,500 different species of trees and shrubs from all over the world's temperate zones. Two-hundred separate woodland patches are organized into continent-based groups. There are unique elements such as the Ericaceous Garden, dwarf conifers, hedges, ground covers, and climbing plants. The lake is the centerpiece of the Arboretum and provides a safe sanctuary for a variety of waterbirds. A road leads up to the breathtaking vantage point atop Slieve Coillte, where you can see six distinct counties in one sweeping panorama. There are displays and a movie playing in the visitor center.
25 minutes drive from Waterford
