Parks & Gardens in Donegal

A private garden romantically set in the former grounds of nearby Drumbeg House and retaining some of the features from the Estate namely a lake and tree lined driveway now a scenic walk connecting the more ornamental section of the garden to a wild flower meadow. Bluebell woods with an insect hotel, a stream, a dam, a birch grove, sweeping perennial beds and a mixed hedge fairy ring all blend to…

A new garden combined with old natural woodland. The garden is of some historic significance in that the remains of an aqueduct dug during the famine as a relief project to convey water to a corn mill two miles away is still visible. Indeed stone mill wheels, a famine pot and lots of bog oak also feature. The entrance to the house is built with stone in the same manner as an ancient fort on the…

Carrablagh is an outstanding example of a well established country garden dating back to the mid 19th century. Set on the eastern cliffs of the Fanad peninsula where Lough Swilly meets the North Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding woodlands protect the specimen plantings within. This most intimate, classic Irish Robinsonian garden has a magical atmosphere, sheltering its botanical treasures in a series of…

A sea-side flower-filled garden, tucked into the hillside, sheltered from N winds, has been developed on a minimal budget respecting the natural flow of the 0.75 acre sloping site. The 30ft high rockery was developed using natural and sometimes steep pathways. It is planted with interesting specimen shrubs, trees, alpines, succulents and perennials. Twisting paths and steps lead down to a natur…

Castle Grove is a four star family run Country House set in 200 acres of mature parkland. It is the perfect base to explore Donegals Wild Atlantic Way and other gardens on the Donegal Garden Trail. The house was built in 1695 and boasts a fascinating history, with gardens designed by Lancelot Capability Brown. There is a four acre Walled Garden dating back to the 1800s. Visitors are welcome t…

This contemporary garden, within 200 yards of the sea, whispers stories of walled gardens of the past. Today it stands independent of trends and restorative themes. The walls have stood for over 100 years and were well maintained. Since 1985 the lawn and cultivated perimeter have been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple to the present individually styled garden. The evolution continues se…

A secluded and peaceful garden of many parts. Visitors enjoy a warm welcome from the owner and new additions surprise the regular visitor. This is a plant-lovers paradise where modern varieties of shrubs and herbaceous plants rub shoulders with old favourites and where the non-gardener may sit and be charmed by the views across Donegal Bay. Admission: €5 to Fields of Life well-drilling proje…

Just relax and chill out, wandering in the seven acres of the beautiful Rathmullan House wooded gardens, with their lovely lawns and rose gardens, which sweep down to a 2 mile sandy beach. Discover the hotels walled garden and the sunken Tranquillity Garden where, to quote Yeats, \peace comes dropping slow\. Member of Donegal Garden Trail.

Close to the coast in scenic west Donegal and surrounding a traditional farmhouse, this garden was established in 1979 in a valley on a rocky hillside surrounded by four acres of native hazel woodland with blackthorn, juniper, burnet rose, ash and oak. Native primroses, bluebells, orchids and varied ferns abound. Emphasis has been placed on the blending of nurture with nature and the provision o…