The Boyne Valley Garden trail, in the historic counties of Meath and Louth, promotes historic gardens, garden centres, and open by appointment gardens/ accommodation providers for individuals or groups that would like to visit. The rich heritage of the Boyne Valley is reflected in gardens that date as far back as the 17th century. Each garden member hosts evenings in their gardens, including walks, charity events, plant sales, outdoor theatre and so much more. Why not stay the night in one of our accommodation providers, sample our gastronomic delights and take your time discovering the Boyne Valley Garden Trail?
Below is a list of gardens now open for your enjoyment in the Boyne Valley- Meath and Louth.
Augustinian Garden of Remembrance
Adjoining the Augustinian Church and drawing on it’s monastic heritage the garden holds the names of loved ones to be remembered in a peaceful setting formed by pleached lime trees and standing stones surrounding a water memorial. Holly, Juniper, soft fruit trees, flowering herbaceous varieties and aromatic herbs fill the garden.
The Garden is free to visit but call in advance to check opening hours.
Balrath House and Courtyard
This is a superb Georgian house dating to 1750 surrounded by 1.5 acres of lovely landscaped gardens in the centre of the Boyne Valley. The house and garden are open to visitors by appointment- just email Frances on Email: frances.balrathhouse@gmail.com
Barmeath Castle
Barmeath is a flamboyant castle set in over 10 acres of historic gardens overlooking Dundalk Bay. May and June are the best months to visit with the Azaleas and Rhododendrons in flower. Check their website for opening times. Groups can visit by appointment also.
Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge House and Gardens
This is a restored Victorian Walled garden with unique sunken octagonal garden, herbaceous borders, peach house, dog kennels and bothy with a great exhibition about the walled gardens in the area. Admission to the gardens is free of charge. Dogs and ball games are not permitted in the gardens. It is open all year round and access to the Gardens is free.
Francis Ledwidge Museum
World War I poet and soldier, Francis Ledwidge was born and raised in this restored C19th labourer’s cottage containing memorabilia. The pretty cottage garden reminds us of the poet’s love for nature deep in the countryside of Slane. The cottage garden is open March to October, Mon-Sun, 10am – 5pm and from October to March, Mon-Sun, 10.00am – 3.30pm. The Fee is €4.00 Adults, €3 Seniors and Students, €8.50 Family.
Kilgar Gardens
A stunning series of gardens set over 3 acres just outside Kilcock, Co. Meath. Kilgar Gardens and Tea Rooms are open May to September for visitors and group tours. The Tea Rooms and Gardens are open every Saturday and Sunday during those months with mid week availability for groups and tours. Entry is €6 per person.
Killineer House and Gardens
Based in Drogheda, Killineer House and Gardens date back to the early C19th. The spectacular woodland gardens boast beautiful spring flowering shrubs and trees. Formal paths and terraces lead to a picturesque lake and summerhouse. A visit to the 1.5 acre walled garden with fruit trees, herbaceous borders and vegetables is heavenly. Groups by appointment. The gardens will be open to the public for certain dates throughout June and August.
The result of years of restoration can be seen in this stunning garden comprising a magnificent yew walk, a walled garden, a canal and a parterre. At the entrance to the gardens sits the Limetree Coffee Shop, located in a lovely wooden chalet for a delicious coffee and scrumptious lunch. The gardens are open all year round and cost €7 to visit.
Rokeby Hall
Situated in Grangebellew, Co Louth, Rokeby Hall is a country house and garden in the Neoclassical style built for Richard Robinson, Archbishop of Armagh. The House is open by appointment for tours during the summer months and the cost is summer months and the cost is €10 per person.
Sonairte Visitor Eco-Centre & Gardens
Sonairte, with an historic Georgian farmstead, features a walled organic garden, nature trail and ancient rath with views of Ballygarth Castle, the River Nanny estuary and the Irish Sea. Visit the Bee Museum and the Energy Education Suite. Vegetarian/ vegan cafe and eco-shop with organic, zero waste, fair trade and low carbon footprint products on sale. The gardens are open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Beaulieu House and Garden
With its 18th century walled garden overlooking the river Boyne, planted with a vibrant double herbaceous border, fruit trees, knot garden, lawns and restored C18th pavilion, this is a must visit. The Gardens are open by appointment for groups of 10 to 25 people.
This is a five acre nature trail with a young woodland, flowering/ fruiting hedgerows and wildflower areas, planted to encourage a diversity of wildlife. There is a 1.5km path with information points and spots to sit and listen to the birds or watch the butterflies and bees. There is a large working observation hive to view the fascinating life of the honeybee. Beewise opens for events throughout the summer and also for groups. See their website for more information.
College Hill House
Based in Slane, The College Hill House Gardens are spread over 4 acres and were specially designed by their own professional garden designer. This has allowed us to offer garden tours where people who love beautiful grounds can see many different styles of gardens all located in the same area. Tours are available by appointment.
This historic home was built in 1740, with fine Georgian interiors and an enclosed, ornamental garden with period planting. Group tours are welcome (minimum 6 guests) by appointment only. A tour of the house is followed by tea/coffee and homemade cake.
The Cottages Ireland
The Cottages are a dreamy hamlet of 300-year-old thatched cottages, set in large organic flower gardens, by the seaside. The gardens can be visited by appointment during certain times of the year.
Herberts' Garden
Designer James McConnell’s Garden features a formal beech garden, boxwood parterre and a rose garden with a folly. Enjoy the lime walk, hornbeam arbour and vistas of parkland beautifully laid out around an early C19th farmhouse. A new walled garden is now open as part of the tour. Occasional art displays. Conveniently accessible from the M3. Open to individuals and groups by appointment only.
Julianstown Village Garden
This Award-Winning Village Garden transformed from a derelict 3 acre site has an orchard, woodland, pollinating flowerbeds, soft fruit bushes, herbs and pond with seating scattered throughout. Created by volunteer village residents, it achieved green flag status for 2019-2020. It hosts regular family events. Check website for details. The garden is open all year around and is free to visit.
Rosemount
Rosemount is a ten-acre parkland sloping down to the banks of the temperamental River Nanny. It is planted with a mixture of native trees and shrubs, interspersed with parkland specimen trees. A separate guest house can be used for refreshments and lectures. Snacks and drinks by arrangement. Rosemount is open by appointment only.
The Station House is the Boyne Valley’s top country house hotel with exquisitely tended gardens creating an oasis of relaxation. Country-style afternoon teas, with a special discount to trail visitors can be booked year round.
Tankardstown comprises of 80 acres of woodland, parkland, courtyards and walled gardens. A 500m lime tree avenue leads up to the late C18th Manor House with wonderfully tended gardens and surrounds. The walled kitchen garden supplies the award winning Brabazon Restaurant. The gardens can be visited by appointment only.
Boyne Garden Centre
This multi-award-winning Garden Centre, with several ‘Best in Show’ and eight successive Gold Medals at Bloom is renowned for their unique selection of top quality plants, grown in their own nursery, with special emphasis on plants that encourage pollinators and biodiversity. See website for catalogue. The Centre is open from 1st March – 30th September, Thursday-Saturday 9.30-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. It opens Easter, May, June, and August Bank Holiday Mondays. 1st October – end February: Weekends only, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm.
Elmgrove Farm
Elmgrove Farm is Ireland’s premier cut flower producer with close to 100 acres of cultivated flowers supplying its farm shop, farmers market stalls and wholesale customers at home and abroad. Located on the light, sandy soils of East Meath, the farm specialises in daffodils with over 20 varieties grown, including some unusual scented, double and bicolour varieties. Guided tours of the farm by appointment only, April-September, 7 days/week. The fee is €15pp, with 4 min. and max 30 people.
Ratoath Garden Centre
Owned by John and Bernie Lord who have created one of the largest show gardens in Ireland. Garden walks and talks on request. Visit the Wildflower Cafe for tasty treats and enjoy the eclectic gift shop. Open during the summer months- Mon-Sun 10am-6pm. Winter, Mon-Sun 10am-5pm.
Riverlane Nurseries
Owned by John and Eileen Eivers – winner of Gold, Gilt and Silver medals at Bloom, the nursery specialises in herbaceous perennials and cottage garden plants. They are open April-July - Monday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 12pm-5.30pm, August- Oct Monday to Saturday 10am-2pm, Nov-Jan: Saturday 10am-4pm and Feb- March Monday to Saturday 10am-2pm.
You will find the current Boyne Valley Garden Trail brochure here. Remember to stay a while and experience as many gardens as you can! We can’t wait to welcome you.
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