5 gorgeous Cork gardens for a colourful Sunday stroll
It’s finally summertime.
We’ve already been blessed with some absolute scorchers this year which made us want to head for the coast and enjoy the sunshine. However, not all of us are made for the sand and sea.
Besides all the fuss it takes to get to the beach, for many of us, it’s still a bit too brisk for a dip.
But there are plenty of more leisurely, fully clothed, sand-free and sun-soaked activities to enjoy at this time of year, such as a stroll around some of Cork’s most elegant gardens. So if you’re in the mood to fill your senses with colour and wonder, plan a trip to these flourishing gems and soak up the primavera perfume:
1. Garinish Island
Garinish Island is a real little haven located in the idyllic harbour of Glengarriff. The island is overflowing with exotic flowers, trees, and shrubs and features a clock tower, a Grecian temple and a casita that will make you question if you’re still on the Emerald Isle, or in some untouched paradise in the Med.
Admission to the island starts at €5 per adult, €4 for groups and seniors, €3 per child or €13 for a family pass and is open from 10am until 4:30pm. More information, including ferry times and prices, can be found here.
View this post on Instagram
2. Blarney Castle & Gardens
When we think of Blarney Castle, our minds jump first to the infamous stone. But the grounds are also brimming with life, with gardens that span over 60 acres. There’s the poison garden, the bog garden, the seven sisters, the jungle- all of which are teeming with curious species and botanical mysteries. It’s the perfect spot to add some green to your Insta feed.
Prices range from €8 per child to €18 per adult, with family passes available for €45. Pop in daily from 10am to 5pm. You can book online or pay on the door.
View this post on Instagram
3. Fota House and Gardens
Saturate your senses at Fota House and Gardens with a walk around their breathtaking gardens, which include three curated areas: the Victorian Working Gardens, the Arboretum and the Walled & Pleasure Gardens.
The Victorian Working Gardens are open weekdays from 10am and weekends from noon to 4:45pm. Fota Arboretum is open daily 9am to 5pm. The Walled & Pleasure Gardens are open during the week with weekend opening Saturday 11am-5pm & Sunday 2pm-5pm. No booking necessary.
View this post on Instagram
4. Bantry House
Bantry House is an icon of the West Cork landscape and an ongoing restoration project, which began in the 90s. Like many gardens in West Cork, Bantry House is meticulously planned and stunningly maintained throughout the year. The grounds are blooming with plants like wisteria, dotted with statues and old powder-powered guns dating back to 1796, and lovingly admired by the woodlands that sit atop hundreds of stone-carved steps.
You can enojoy a picnic on the grounds or relax in the fabulous tea room with a freshly baked scone, depending on your mood and budget. Admission starts from €14 per adult and €5 per child with discounts available for groups and families.
Opening hours start from 10am to 5pm daily and tickets can be purchased at the kiosk, front desk or tearoom. For more information on Bantry House, visit their website here.
View this post on Instagram
5. The Ewe Experience
High up on the Beara mountains, The Ewe Experience is an interactive and interpretative sculpture garden in a lush oasis dotted with fish sculptures, cascading waterfalls and views of a hilltop reservoir.
The terrain is unsuitable for buggies but older kids will love to ramble across the bridges and through the Timeless Glen in search of the salmon of knowledge.
You’ll have to wait a little longer to visit this one, as The Ewe Experience is only open in July and August but it’s worth the wait. Prices start from €7.50 per adult, €6 for kids or you can avail of the family pass for €25. Fore more information, check out their website here.
View this post on Instagram
