It’s where fairytale feels meet flora and fauna.

The bank holiday may be a distant memory, but fear not, sunshine lovers. Summer’s still here, and Met Éireann’s whispers of more warm rays mean it’s the perfect time to plan a magical escape – even if it’s just a cheap and cheerful little day trip down west.

Nestled in Enniskean, West Cork, Glenview Gardens beckons you on a whimsical adventure through four glorious acres lovingly created over almost two decades by owners David and Mary Tanner.

Think sprawling landscapes, quirky characters, and just enough surprises to keep even the most jaded grown-up grinning.

Picture this: a sunken white garden, an Italianate canal and a serene Japanese garden for some serious inner peace – it’s an ideal spot for some inspiration if you’re planning a little garden project of your own.

But Glenview Gardens is all about the little ones too. Their eyes will light up as they explore the fantastical Fairy Fort nestled in a birch mound, and embark on a fairy-house hunt through the whispering woods.

And that’s not all. Keep an eye out for a hobbit hole (because obvs!), plus a menagerie of delightful (and slightly unexpected) dinos, monkeys, and tigers scattered throughout the gardens.

Top it all off with a visit to the aviary, where a chorus of chirpy budgies, parakeets, and ducks will serenade you, and say hi to the pygmy goats.

The best bit? Adult tickets are just €7 and kids can ramble the grounds for the day for just €3. Pack a picnic and head down from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. You’ll find directions here.