The rich heritage of the Boyne Valley is reflected in gardens that date back to the 17th century. Each garden member is open either by appointment, or for a set number of days/year. Many gardens host events, including walks, charity fetes, plant sales, outdoor theatre, music and much more. Check websites for more details or download the brochure below.
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.
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 on the dates below.
Please contact the owners for appointments and groups.
Unique, C18th landscape designed by Tomas Wright includes fine specimen azaleas and rhododendrons. A recently restored walled garden restoration project is a joy to visit with opulent herbaceous borders and kitchen garden plots.
Restored Victorian Walled garden with unique sunken octagonal garden, herbaceous borders, peach house, dog kennels and bothy with 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.
World War I poet and soldier, Francis Ledwidge was born and raised in this restored C19th labourers cottage containing memorabilia. The pretty cottage garden reminds us of the poet’s love for nature deep in the countryside of Slane
October to March, Mon-Sun, 10.00am – 3.30pm
Kilgar Gardens covers an area of 3 acres comprising of beautifully planted formal & informal garden rooms, graduating to a more naturalistic style of planting towards the outer reaches. Tearooms open serving beverages, scones and Laura's delicious homemade cakes.
Early C19th spectacular woodland gardens with 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.
Take a walk through centuries of garden and landscape fantasy. The central area of approximately six acres includes a lime avenue, extensive lawns and terraces, magnificent herbaceous border and physic border. 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 our Limetree Coffee Shop, located in a lovely wooden chalet for a delicious coffee and scrumptious lunch.
Built by architect Francis Johnston in the C18th, Rokeby won the An Taisce Ellison Award in 2013 for the restoration of its Turner designed conservatory. House and garden can be visited at times listed. Groups of 8 by appointment
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.
C18th walled garden overlooking the river Boyne, planted with a vibrant double herbaceous border, fruit trees, knot garden, lawns and restored C18th pavillion. See website for events.
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 honey bee.
College Hill House, built in 1795 as a parochial house, is set in 3 acres of exciting gardens with all- year-round interest. Features a fine quality example of ancient rock art and other architectural stone works. For group visits please see website.
Historic home built in 1740, with fine Georgian interiors and an enclosed, ornamental garden with period planting. Award winning period accommodation is offered. Tea/Coffee by arrangement. Please see website for more details.
The Cottages are a dreamy hamlet of 300 year old thatched cottages, set in large organic flower gardens, by the seaside.
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.
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.
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 with parkland specimen trees. A separate guest house can be used for refreshments and lectures. Snacks and drinks by arrangement.
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 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.
Multi-Award winning Garden Centre, with several ‘Best in Show’ & eight successive Gold Medals at Bloom. 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. Members of ISNA [Irish Specialist Nursery Association].
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.
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.
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.
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