Many of the gardens in Donegal have other activities such as art galleries, train rides, castle tours, restaurants and heritage walks to offer visitors. Here are just a few we recommend.
There are many more privately owned gardens throughout Donegal that are lovingly cultivated by their owners and opened to the public, often to raise monies for worthy charities.
World famous gardens on a grand scale amidst the dramatic landscape of Glenveagh. The colours, scents and layout of the themed gardens are simply magical. Another great place to take all the family.
Admission: Free entrance to gardens
E: sean_ogaoithin@environ.ie
T: +353 74 9137391
Open all year round
Informal parkland style gardens sweep down to Lough Gartan’s shore on the grounds of the Glebe Gallery, Churchill. Delightful walking trails through mature trees and unusual shrubs that were planted by the late Derek Hill. A great place to take all the family.
Admission: Free
E: adrian.kelly@opw.ie
T: +353 74 9137071
Open all year round
Described as the ‘secret jewel of Donegal’, the magnificent gardens at Oakfield Park surround a lovingly restored 18th century Georgian Deanery. A lush landscape of mature woodlands and sweeping parklands overlook a magical lakeside Nymphaeum. The classical Romans and Greeks built similar monuments as habitations to the local nymphs, (nature spirits). Stop and rest a while by the sparkling waters on a sunny day and let your imagination wander free. A narrow gauge railway and steam engine that runs on Saturdays, helps make Oakfield Park a special day out for all the family.
Admission: €5
E: info@oakfieldpark.com
T: +353 74 9137391
Summer opening Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. for May, June and July; 10am to 3pm.
A peaceful and fascinating Celtic Spirituality themed garden created on a 6 acre site in Inishowen. Features include wild upland vegetation, ponds, a remarkable straw-bale thatched oratory with stained glass, inscribed stones and sculptures by Maurice Harron.
Admission: €5
E: goldenagecentre@hotmail.com
T: +353 74 9384866
Open all year round
Rathmullan House Hotel has come up with a great idea. They invite you to visit their garden and view the broad range of soft fruits, salad crops and herbs they cultivate for their restaurant kitchen. Now that’s fresh thinking!
Admission: Voluntary donation to the lifeboat charity RNLI
E: info@rathmullanhouse.com
T: +353 74 9158188
Open: Monday to Wednesday 10am, through spring and summer.
It is said that gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow and it seems that Elizabeth Temple has taken these very words to heart. Since 1985 she has worked with great patience and vision to create a wonderful stylised walled garden.
Admission: €5
E: etemple@eircom.net
T: +353 74 9735387
Open: From May 1st to Sep 30th 2-6pm (Mon to Thur) also Saturdays in May and July.
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