West Cork Garden Trail
West Cork is truly the garden paradise of Ireland, bathed as it is in the balm of the Gulf Stream which encourages sub-tropical growth of a kind more usually associated with much lower latitudes.
The West Cork Garden Trail was first established in 1994. Twenty-seven years on, it’s the longest continuously running trail of its kind in Ireland and has 27 garden members.
The trail is divided into 5 regions
- Beara Peninsula
- Sheep’s Head & Bantry
- Roaringwater Bay
- Clonakilty
- Cork and Kinsale
Our gardens are wonderfully diverse, with something to suit everyone
You’ll find well-known gardens such as Bantry House, as well as hidden gems, like founder member Kilravock Garden near Durrus.
There are formally designed gardens such as Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, which was inspired by the renowned Mary Reynolds, as well as natural havens like Breeny Mor near Kealkill.
We have ‘gardeners’ gardens’ like Comillane Gardens on Cape Clear, as well as family favourites including the ever-popular Glenview Gardens and Hobbit House.
There are manicured gardens such as Bamboo Park in Glengarriff, whilst Carraig Abhainn in Durrus is a natural wonderland.
There are gardens good enough to eat, including The Garden of Reimagination in Glengarriff, whilst the Medicinal Herb Garden in Ballydehob lives up to its name, with its plants utilized by owner Jacqueline in her clinical practice.
We’re lucky enough to have several artist owners in the Garden Trail and this is evident in the quirkiness and creativity on show in the Heron Gallery, Café and Gardens in Ahakista and The Ewe Experience in Glengarriff, to name but two.
And there’s plenty on offer for history lovers including Drishane House, which was home for many years to Edith Somerville of Somerville and Ross fame, whilst Ballycommane House & Gardens boasts 2 standing stones that date from 2,000 BC.
Gardens have never been as important as they are in 2021. Many of us have increased our connection with nature in the past 12 months, with take up of gardening rocketing. Our gardens offer wide open space to visitors, with west Cork notable for its lack of crowds. Expect to meet garden owners passionate to share their beautiful gardens along with their experience and knowledge where required. With 27 different gardens to visit, each of which changes season to season, there will always be something new to discover.
Many of our gardens are open all year round (subject to Covid 19 restrictions), whilst others open only for the summer months. Full details of the gardens and their opening dates and times can be found on our website, whilst we regularly post updates on our social media channels.
Facebook - @westcork.gardentrail.7
Instagram - @wecogatr2018
Twitter - @westcorktrail