Gardens in Lismore and West Waterford Ireland

Picture this: sun, warmth, blue sky, the Emerald Isle outshining Oz in the splendour of its forty shades of green. Lovely.

Now, add a garden bench, the myriad colours of a well tended garden, the lofty trees, the photo perfect vistas and bubbling fountains. And there you are, in the heart of Ireland, visiting one of the seven splendid public gardens located in and around Lismore and Ballyrafter Country House Hotel.

The most spectacular of the lot is located a short walk across the river from Ballyrafter. This is Lismore Castle Gardens within the outer walls of the castle. Part of the loveliness is that you walk beside and around the wonderfully lovely castle itself. Within the splendid setting, many small mini-gardens were created with an artist's eye for astonishing loveliness. As well, there are kitchen gardens providing vegetables, herbs and fruit for the castle kitchens. Marvelous!

Also in Lismore are Ballyin Gardens and within a five minute drive are Salterbridge Gardens, Cappoquin House and Gardens and Tourin House and Garden. The last two are fine, ancient estates with centuries old trees and extensive plantings stretching back to Victorian times. Then there's Dromana House and Gardens perched high above the Blackwater River above the original castle which once controlled this strategic high point. There are twenty two acres of gardens and woodland walks in this special spot.

Further down the river is Ballynatray Estate, only recently opened to the public. There are walled gardens here set amidst the lowlands towards the mouth of the Blackwater. But, the real surprise is ancient Molana Abbey, a medieval monastery whose picturesque ruins and river views are worth a visit in themselves.

And, then five minutes away are the mysterious woodlands through which you pass to visit Ireland's most wonderful folly. This is Ballysaggartmore Towers built to be a magnicent entry point and bridge to a great house. The folly was that the builders ran out of money shortly after finishing this unbelievable structure and could only afford a modest house in which to actually live.

Waterford County has placed online a website with details and links to all these lovely spots.

And, since they're all close, we at Ballyrafter Country House Hotel will set you on your tour with a good breakfast in your tum-tums and directions.