“One of Ireland's best kept secrets”
- Visitor comment on Trip Advisor
Ancient yew tree avenues, romantic meadows, bountiful fruit & vegetable beds, formal long borders & exciting horticulture.
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.
The entrance is through The Reilig garden which is so called because there is a medieval graveyard in this area. Some of the walls around this garden date back to the 13th century. The Reilig leads to the Upper garden which was first constructed by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork in about 1605. Most of the walls and terraces remain the same although the plantings have changed to suit the tastes of those living within the Castle. This garden is a mix of ornamental borders and productive areas, with vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers grown for the kitchen and house.
The lower garden was mostly created in the 19th century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire, Sir Joseph Paxton’s patron. Meandering paths lead you through this informal setting of trees and shrubs and out onto open lawns. The stately yew avenue in the heart of the garden is much older than the garden itself. From the spring flowering magnolias and rhododendrons through to the later flowering shrubs and borders there is always something in bloom. Throughout the garden certain plants of interest are identified with numbers with corresponding information in our garden leaflet.
Art also plays a very important role here: besides the collection of contemporary sculptures that can be found throughout the gardens, the west wing of the Castle is home to Lismore Castle Arts, a contemporary art gallery located in the Upper Garden and hosts exhibitions of international significance, projects, and events, as well as a comprehensive learning programme.
Please note Lismore Castle itself is a private residence and there is no public access. Lismore Castle Arts is sometimes closed for the installation of temporary exhibitions. Please see the Lismore Castle Arts website for full details.
Due to the historic nature of the gardens and the naturally steep terrain of the ground, there are some unavoidable limitations on access for visitors who use a wheelchair or are less mobile, please call prior to your visit for further information.