Discover Ireland through its extraordinary gardens, historic estates, dramatic landscapes and rich artisan traditions on this 9-day botanical journey.
From County Kerry’s wild beauty, travel Ireland’s southwest coast through Cork to Wicklow’s lush valleys, visiting celebrated gardens like Garnish Island, Derreen, Mount Usher and Powerscourt, plus private gardens opened for the group. Enjoy falconry, weaving, whiskey tasting, storytelling and regional dining, with two luxury hotels setting a relaxed, refined pace.
These personal spaces reveal a more individual side of Irish horticulture, with distinctive planting, unexpected collections and the chance to experience gardens that most visitors never see.
Explore some of the country’s most memorable gardens, from the subtropical plantings and island setting of Garnish Island to the ancient trees and sheltered woodland paths of Derreen.
Meandering paths follow the River Vartry beneath mature trees, with naturalistic planting, rare specimens and beautifully composed views creating a garden that feels both effortless and deeply considered.
Because of its mild climate and excellent soil, the area is home to a large number of exceptional gardens. You’ll also be able to explore private gardens with their owners, a chance to learn first hand about the challenges and opportunities of gardening in Ireland, always a source of ideas and inspiration.
Go beyond the gardens with experiences that reveal Ireland’s creative traditions, including a private loom-weaving demonstration in Avoca, where generations of textile-making bring local heritage to life; whiskey tasting at Powerscourt Distillery; and visits to gardens shaped by artists and passionate plantspeople.
Welcome to Ireland! Arrive at Shannon Airport, where you’ll meet your guide and begin the journey south into the spectacular landscapes of County Kerry.
Your first visit is Muckross House and Gardens, set within Killarney National Park. Explore the elegant 19th-century Victorian mansion and its beautiful gardens surrounded by mountains, woodland and lakes.
Continue to Kenmare and check into the five-star Sheen Falls Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Later, step onto the estate grounds for an intimate private falconry demonstration beside the Sheen River.
Travel across the dramatic Beara Peninsula to Bantry House, an 18th-century estate overlooking Bantry Bay. Tour its Italianate gardens with a member of the family and learn how centuries of European influences helped shape Irish garden design.
After a guided tour of the gardens with a member of the family, we enjoy lunch in the tearoom with views of the bay. We continue to Glengarriff and board a private boat for a scenic cruise through the harbour, passing coastal landscapes and local seal colonies on the way to Garnish Island.
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this remarkable island garden supports an extraordinary collection of subtropical plants. Explore its formal Italianate garden, rare specimens and Bryce House before returning to Kenmare.
The evening is yours to enjoy the hotel spa or dine independently.
Begin the morning at Derreen Garden, a remarkable subtropical woodland garden established more than 180 years ago along the coast. Wander among enormous exotic specimen trees and giant tree ferns, with beautiful views across the water.
After lunch in the garden café, continue to a contrasting private garden created by passionate plantspeople, including an artist. Rich in colour, texture and creative planting, this intimate garden offers a completely different expression of the surrounding Kerry landscape.
Return to Kenmare for some free time before gathering for a traditional dinner accompanied by a local Irish storyteller.
Say farewell to Kerry this morning and journey east to the magnificent Lismore Castle Gardens. Enjoy a private walk through the castle’s historic upper and lower gardens led by the head gardener. The gardens of Lismore Castle, set within the outer defensive walls, are divided into three distinct parts: the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden. The gardens collectively cover 10 acres and are the oldest cultivated gardens in the country. This garden is a mix of ornamental borders and productive areas, with vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers grown for the kitchen and house.
Following a farm-to-table lunch, continue across Ireland toward the Wicklow Mountains and your second home for the journey: the five-star Powerscourt Hotel.
Settle in and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Begin today with a visit to Corke Lodge, a private garden where exotic specimen trees and shrubs combine with striking architectural elements to create the feeling of an elegant green stage set.
Return to Powerscourt for lunch before exploring the internationally renowned Powerscourt Gardens. Wander through grand formal terraces, Japanese gardens, ornamental lakes and hidden grottos against the dramatic backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains.
Conclude the day with a private guided whiskey tasting at Powerscourt Distillery followed by dinner at the hotel.
Enjoy exclusive early-morning access to Mount Usher Gardens for a private walk through one of Ireland’s finest examples of Robinsonian wild gardening. Stretching across 22 acres along the River Vartry, the gardens draw visitors into a landscape of winding paths, layered planting and ever-changing seasonal colour. Magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas bring vibrant seasonal colour, while rare and exotic species sit alongside mature trees of national significance. Wooden bridges, quiet seating areas and gently flowing water features add to the atmosphere, inviting moments of pause as the landscape reveals itself.
Continue to the village of Avoca and step inside Ireland’s oldest working textile mill for a private loom-weaving demonstration, discovering a craft that has become synonymous with the region.
Your afternoon is devoted to two very special private gardens. Explore the subtropical collector’s oasis of Douentza, a one-acre private ornamental garden, before visiting the award-winning Patthana Garden, another one-acre sanctuary that connects visitors deeply with nature’s art.
Return to Powerscourt, where the evening and dinner are yours to enjoy independently.
Today is devoted to two of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plantspeople.
Begin at Hunting Brook Gardens, created by Jimi Blake, before continuing to his sister June Blake’s garden at Tinode. Located just a 5-minute drive apart in Blessington, County Wicklow, their side-by-side gardens are built on land from their original family farm. Explore bold contemporary planting, imaginative borders and character-filled granite farmyards while experiencing the gardens alongside these renowned horticulturists.
Following a lakeside lunch near Blessington, return to Powerscourt for free time. Wander the estate at your own pace, relax at the hotel or enjoy some time at the spa.
Journey toward Dublin’s northern coast for your final full day of garden exploration.
Along the way, visit Kilgar House, a garden created over the last two decades by a passionate plantswoman. Continue to Howth and discover Medina, an exceptional collector’s garden filled with rare alpines, architectural shrubs and unusual exotic specimens.
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch overlooking Howth Harbour before visiting your final garden, Ardan, the creation of an artist and devoted plantsman.
Return to Powerscourt this evening for a farewell dinner together.
Enjoy a final relaxed breakfast at Powerscourt Hotel before saying farewell to Ireland.
A private coach will transfer you directly to Dublin Airport for your onward flight home, bringing your garden journey through Ireland to a close.
Each room is a room with a view that invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Kenmare Bay. Every aspect of their exquisite rooms, from the plush bedding to the thoughtfully curated décor, is designed for ultimate relaxation.
Your second five-star stay places you in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, surrounded by sweeping countryside and within easy reach of some of Ireland’s most celebrated gardens and estates.
The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.
No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.
Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.
You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.
Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.
The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.
Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?
For scheduled tours where you book as an individual, groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.
For custom “bring your group tours” bookings are for a maximum group size of 15 people.
Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.
Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.
All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.
