Ireland’s gardens are noted for their uninhabited vitality and exuberance, echoing the dramatic character of her landscapes, her equable climate, and the outgoing nature of her peoples. All these qualities can be well appreciated in the southern province of Munster, where a wonderful range of gardens will be on the itinerary of a seven-day visit organized by the Garden Trust from 12th to 19th May 2025. Staying in the historic towns of Waterford, Cork and Bantry, the tour will visit the glorious island gardens of Fota and Ilnacullin, the subtropical Elysium of Derreen amidst the majestic Caha Mountain and the magnificent gardens of Muckross and Dunloe aside the lakes of Killarney. Taking full advantage of the country’s mild, equable climate, all of the gardens to be visited boast a marvellous range of spring flowering plants; among those include the atmospheric grounds of Blarney Castle which have some especially fine collections, as have, the recently restored woodland and river garden at Annesgrove, as well as the lovely colourful gardens of Tourin and Cappoquin, while the enormous gardens at Mount Congreve contains one of the largest woody plant collections in the world. Nearby, the tour will visit the grand formal gardens of Curraghmore, whose shell house is a delight and the ancient walled gardens of Lismore, the Duke of Devonshire’s Irish home, while to the north the magnificent restored Victorian pleasure grounds of Woodstock will be visited and nearby, the enchanting, wooded glen of Kilfane with its romantic cottage orne and the delightful lakeside pleasaunce of Altamont in County Carlow. Local guides will be on hand, while the tour will have the added bonus of being led by Terence Reeves-Smyth and Robert Peel, both of whom are familiar with these gardens. Terence, a garden and architectural historian, is well-known authority on Irish gardens and the author of numerous books and papers. Three beautiful hotels are on the itinerary – The Tower Hotel in Waterford, The Metropole Hotel in Cork, and the Maritime Hotel in Bantry. For all details, visit https://www.successtours.com/private-tours/rob0525
