Interesting & Educational Places to Visit
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Gardens & Park Visits
Altamont Gardens, Co Carlow
Rarely crowded and always rewarding no matter
what the season, this is a real hidden gem. All around there are wonderful
views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster. An
Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen, with ancient oak tress, leads down a
steep path to the River Slaney and a glorious riverside walk.
The garden is bursting with rare azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and
much more, testimony to its late owner, Corona North, a passionate plants
woman who tended it with real devotion. The Irish government inherited the
gardens after her death and continue to manage them according to her
principles.
Visit
Altamont Gardens
Fota Arboretum, Co Cork
The
perfect place to learn about trees, this garden is on Fota Island near Cork city
and contains one of the best
collections of rare trees and shrubs grown outdoors in Ireland as well as
the more common ones. Trees which would not ordinarily grow in Ireland's
climate thrive here due to the microclimate in the area as a result the warm waters of the gulf stream.
There is lots of variety and learning opportunities in a variety of
subjects. The Victorian Fernery is an interesting peak at Victorian garden
history and at the passion of the Victorians for collecting. The walled garden
with its extensive rose collection brings in the areas of plant breeding and
genetics and the beautifully restored Orangery is both a pleasure and a look
at the sort of architecture rarely seen in modern gardens.
Visit
Fota Arboretum
Garnish Island, Glengarriff, Co Cork,
Garnish
is a 37 acre island accessible
only by boat - which kids really enjoy! - from nearby Glengarrif. The gardens were
mainly planted during the 1920's by Anna Bryce, who owned the island
and Harold Peto, who was her architect and garden designer.
There is no better place to experience and see the results of the presence of the Gulf Stream. The plant collection is famous all over the world and changes with the seasons. In May and June the Rhododendrons and Azaleas are at their best, while climbing plants, herbaceous perennials and shrubs are to the fore during the summer months. Autumn is a particularly good time to visit with the trees in splendid colour.
There is a Martello Tower on the Island with is accessible and children
will also see seals and other marine life during the short boat trips over
and back..
Visit
Garnish Island
Ballymaloe, Shanagarry, Co Cork,
The
garden at Ballymaloe provides much of the fresh produce which is used in the
renowned Ballymaloe House Restaurant. The herb and vegetable gardens will
not only show a huge variety of plants being grown for the table but also
demonstrate that vegetables can be decorative as well as useful!
In addition there is a chance to see apples, pears, plums,
peaches, almonds, figs and cherries and other soft fruit growing. Recently a maze has been added to
the mix. The Garden is entirely organic and it is worthwhile calling to
arrange a guided tour which will include lots of information about the
principles of organic growing.
Visit
Ballymaloe House
The Watergarden, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
This small
and lovely garden is
managed and staffed by the residents of Camphill, a movement composed of
individuals, many with special needs, who live together in a mutually
supportive environment.
It is a serene place, run on organic principles by the residents who also
produce all of the excellent food in the adjoining restaurant. In addition
to learning about plants and growing things, this garden is an ideal
opportunity to introduce students to the work and way of life of the
Camphill Movement and all it entails.
Visit
Thomastown Watergarden
Emo Court Co Laois
Emo Court was built
in 1790 by the Earl of Portarlington and was designed by James Gandon, the
architect who designed the Custom House in Dublin The house has been well
restored and is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its wealthy former
owners. The classical lines of its structure could be compared with other
Gandon buildings, such as the Four Courts in Dublin.
The gardens at Emo have been brought back to the magnificence of their past, with formal
areas, woodland walks and a lake. Just about every native tree is
represented at Emo, with many more exotic varieties also. There is no
shortage of wide open spaces here
and it's a terrific place to let kids run wild and let off some steam!
Visit
Emo Court