Munster Vales Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country's '40 shades of green' is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you'll find across the country.

While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast', you can easily add a visit to a magnificent garden to any itinerary.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

While gardens may not be what most people plan their Ireland vacation around, chances are you'll visit at least one.

And you should.

The combination of nature's artistry and human design make visiting Irish gardens a truly spellbinding experience worth fitting into your itinerary.

These gardens are well-known and tend to be found on many Ireland itineraries.

Powerscourt Gardens

Nearly every day trip from Dublin to Wicklow includes the 47 acres of immaculate gardens on the Powerscourt Estate. And for good reason.

Everything you look for in a magnificent garden you'll find here. Walled garden? Check. Japanese garden? Check. Immaculate lawns. Yep. Woodland pathways. You got it. Lake with a fountain? Yes – and it even has a grand stairway leading to the house. You'll even find a tower, worthy of any fairytale, that you can climb.

Plan to spend a few hours here if you can. And before you leave grab lunch from Avoca to take to the Powerscourt Waterfall- the tallest in Ireland (separate entry fee).

Kylemore Abbey Walled Garden

It's about a 15-minute speed-walk from stunning Kylemore Abbey in County Galway to the Victorian walled gardens that are nestled beneath the Black Stack Mountains. If you have the time, I highly recommend a more leisurely stroll. If you don't want to walk a free shuttle is available.

The garden covers approximately 6 acres and is divided by a mountain stream. The eastern half of the garden is the formal flower garden, lush with blooms in all colors and sizes. Crossing the stream to the western half you enter the ‘kitchen garden' with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.

To fully explore Kylemore Abbey & Gardens allow 3 hours minimum. This will give you time to enjoy the tour and history of the house, walk along the lake to the miniature Gothic church, visit the gardens (where you might also see the Connemara ponies), and enjoy a well-earned treat in the Tea Rooms or the visitors centre.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

The Gardens at Blarney Castle

The Blarney Stone may be the first thing people think of when visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, but I think the castle ruin dims in comparison to the estate's extensive gardens.

With over 11 gardens ‘areas' spread over 60 acres you'll find plenty to explore. My personal favorites are the Poison Garden, which sits just beneath the castle's famous stone. Harry Potter fans will recognize some of the plants here. The Rock Close is the oldest ‘garden' on the estate, said to be an ancient druidic settlement.

Not far from this is a circle of nine standing stones, two of which have fallen, known as the 7 sisters. The legend tells of a chieftan with 9 children – 2 sons and 7 daughters. Taking his sons on their first battle against a cattle raider, the sons were killed. Returning home with the bodies of his sons it is said he stopped at this spot and ordered his men to knock over two of the stones.

When visiting Blarney Castle & Gardens allow yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours – though I recommend a full morning or afternoon.

The Gardens at Muckross House

You'll find Muckross House in the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.

During the 1850s the gardens underwent extensive work for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. In the early 20th century the Bourne Vincent family expanded the gardens with the addition of the Sunken Garden, the Rock Garden and the Stream Garden. Today the gardens are most popular in the summer months when the rhododendrons are in riotous bloom.

You can drive to Muckross House or take a jaunting car tour of the national park that can take you to Muckross House.

Some of these gardens may be a bit off the tourist trail. But that's definitely to your benefit as you may feel like you have them to yourself!

Lismore Castle Gardens

Though you can't tour Lismore Castle in County Waterford (though you can rent it if you pockets are deep enough), the idyllic gardens are open to the public. We love the ‘hidden' natural playground and the more natural trails away from the manicured formal garden.
Tip: just down the road is one of my favorite ‘hidden' spots – Ballysaggartmore Towers. Be sure to wear your walking shoes!

Vandeleur Walled Garden

The tranquil oasis of Vandeleur Walled Garden near Kilrush in County Clare is known for its stunning rose collection and relaxing garden paths. A small hedge maze and a meditation path take your mind in different directions as you explore. This is a great spot to visit if you are using the Shannon Ferry as you cross from Clare to Kerry (or vice versa).

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Located in County Kildare on the route from Dublin to most points west, these gardens should be on your list, even if you're not a ‘horsey type'. The magnificent Japanese Garden, often called the finest of their kind in Europe, is a soothing guide through the ‘Life of Man', allowing you to choose your own path and teaching you a few life lessons along the way. St Fiachra's garden named for the patron saint of gardeners has a more soothing, natural feel, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Irish National Stud & Gardens feature in the free Horse Country itinerary!

The Gardens at Glenveagh Castle

Located in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal the castle gardens feature both a Victorian Garden and a walled garden. Surrounding this you have acres of ‘wild' gardens with marked trails to explore. No cars are allowed in Glenveagh National Park so you can opt to walk, rent a bicycle, or take the shuttle to the castle. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering the gardens, touring the castle, and wandering the trails.

The Gardens at Bantry House

Bantry House in West Cork is surrounded by gardens. In front of the house, leading to the bay is the terraced garden with 14 round beds. Behind the house is an ornamental garden overlooked by 100 steps. Climbing to the top of these steps offers a dramatic view of Bantry Bay and an entrance to the woodlands. Beyond this is the walled garden which is slowly being restored.
Tip: You can stay in Bantry House!

Birr Castle Demense

If you want one garden the entire family will love, choose Birr Castle Demense. Beyond the formal gardens and terraces – including the world's tallest box hedge – you'll find woodland strolls, waterfalls, river walks, and the ‘Whirlpool Spiral' of lime trees. In the middle of all of this is the world's largest telescope (until the early 1900s) and Ireland's largest treehouse. There is also a wonderful science museum. Birr Castle is still a private residence, but some summer dates do offer castle tours.

Glenarm Castle Gardens

Located along Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, the gardens at Glenarm Castle include a formal walled garden with vibrant flower borders and more informal spots like the kitchen garden and herb garden. The walled garden is also home to seven rescued hedgehogs. While visiting you'll also want to enjoy the woodland walk.
Tip: Glenarm Castle offers a few options to stay onsite, including ocean view pods and the Barbicon Gate.

The final two gardens aren't full gardens but definitely deserve to be shared.

Garden of Remembrance

On a hill in Ringfinnan seemingly endless rows of trees overlook Kinsale, County Cork. Created by Kathleen Cait Murphy, a New York City nurse originally from Kinsale, the Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to the firefighters and their Chaplain, Father Michael Judge, who died during, and following, the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. Each tree includes information about one of the fallen heroes and many are adorned with personal items left by family and friends.

Dunbrody Abbey Hedge Maze

If you find yourself in County Wexford I highly recommend a stop to complete this hedge maze created of yew trees. In the centre is a tall viewing platform – terrific for yelling hints to those who are still trying to navigate the maze.
Before leaving be sure to visit Dunbrody Abbey, just across the road. This Cistercian Monastery has been standing 850 years.

Ireland's magnificent gardens are a testament to the country's natural beauty and rich history. From the grandeur of Powerscourt to the remote wildness of Glenveagh, each garden offers a unique experience that will leave you wishing you could recreate even a bit of that magnificence at home.

Whether you're a green thumb or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, consider adding a couple of these gardens during your unforgettable trip to Ireland.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 196

The post Enchanting Gardens in Ireland – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Barnahown is a new luxury guest house and experience centre opening in Mitchelstown, County Cork in 2024.

Mitchelstown and the Galtee Mountains also lie in the regions of Ballyhoura and the Munster Vales. Both are areas that are known for outdoor adventure and a slower, more relaxing, experience for visitors.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 191

Barnahown is a mid-1800s farm house that has been undergoing a loving and sensitive restoration over the past few months.

Ciara O'Brien was raised in Mitchelstown before moving away for a corporate job that took her around the world. Deciding to leave corporate, Ciara invested in a local property to transform it into the type of accommodation and attraction she would like to experience, a ‘full service' local experience.

Cork is the largest county in Ireland and Mitchelstown is located in the northern part of the county near where the counties of Cork, Tipperary, and Limerick meet.

This area of Cork is known as the Golden Vale; a very rural area known for the quality of its farms and producers. The historic landowners of the area, the Kingston family, were good landlords to the Irish and left a fantastic Georgian architectural heritage.

Mitchelstown is a lovely juxtaposition of rural Ireland. You'll see farmers driving through town on their tractors, passing buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. St. George's Arts & Heritage Centre is newly restored and hosts live entertainment. Mitchelstown is also home to a famine workhouse.

The Galtee Mountains are the highest inland mountain range in Ireland, stretching 30 km from County Tipperary to County Limerick, just north of Mitchelstown.

The Galtees are filled with outdoor adventure from gentle walks to the challenging 3000 foot hike up Galteemore.
Download the Ballyhoura Trails Guide App to find your adventure.

Barnahown is an Irish farmhouse B&B experience – with a focus on local producers and artisans.

Breakfasts will be locally sourced – some from right outside the window. Decoration and design has been done by local artisans and artists. The on-site honesty bar will feature Irish tipples to enjoy in the evening.

Book your stay at Barnahown

Learn more

Barnahown website – follow on Instagram – email: [email protected]

Lough Curra walks. From the car park to the lake is about a 90 minute walk.

Mitchelstown walking tour. Explore the Georgian town – and learn the history of Mitchelstown Castle which was forcibly occupied by the IRA before being burned to the ground.

O'Callaghans Cafe & Delicatessen – a lovely restaurant that offers dine in or deli showcasing Irish produce.

The post Barnahown B&B and Adventures in the Galtee Mountains appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Jody is talking about Ireland's sunny Southeast in this episode. Join her and guest speaker John Purcell, owner of Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire as they discuss the Waterford Greenway.

If you like what you hear, please give my podcast a 5-Star review at iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast host.

Stream our podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Libsyn and Google Play Music.

The Waterford Greenway was originally a rail line in the Southeast of Ireland. It closed in 1967, then reopened 50 years later as a scenic bike tour.

John shares his tips for riding the Waterford Greenway and visiting the area. Please visit Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire to find out more about the bike tours available.

The post Exploring the Waterford Greenway | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 43 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The Munster Vales are nestled in the heart of Ireland’s “Ancient East” and offer a glimpse into Ireland’s wild beauty and rich history. Spanning counties Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, and Waterford, the region is famous for its mountainous landscapes, rolling hills, and quaint towns. Unlike Ireland’s more famous spots—like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Ring of Kerry—the Munster Vales are a hidden gem, offering visitors a chance to explore Ireland in its purest, unspoiled form.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Triona O'Mahoney, Destination and Marketing Manager for The Munster Vales. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

With five stunning mountain ranges at the center of it all, including the Galtee Mountains, Comeragh Mountains, Slieve Felim, the Knockmealdowns, and the Blackwater Valley, the Munster Vales are ripe for adventure. But beyond the picturesque landscapes, this area filled with fascinating history and warm, welcoming communities eager to share their unique stories.

The Munster Vales offer over 100 kilometers of walking trails, many of which are signposted and approved by the National Trails Office, making it a haven for hikers and walkers. Whether you're looking for an easy meander through green fields or a challenging trek up rocky slopes, there’s something for every level. For those into cycling, the region offers fantastic routes, especially along the Waterford Greenway, a 46-kilometer stretch that runs between Waterford City and Dungarvan. This former railway line guides you through some of the most scenic spots in the area. And for the truly adventurous, places like the Valley House Lakes in Cork offer wakeboarding, ziplining, and rock climbing.

The landscape itself is a major draw. From the rocky, majestic peaks of the Galtees to the gentle flow of the River Blackwater, the Munster Vales are beautiful in every direction. Lush valleys, dense forests, and meandering rivers offer some of the most scenic hiking and cycling routes you can imagine. And, of course, with this kind of beauty, you'll want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy everything nature has to offer.

The small towns in this area, such as Kilmallock in Limerick and Dungarvan in Waterford, are full of history and charm. The friendly locals, often willing to offer tips or share a story about the area, give you a sense of what it’s like to live in this beautiful and slightly undiscovered part of Ireland. The Munster Vales offer visitors a chance to slow down, breathe, and experience the Ireland most tourists never get to see.

The Munster Vales also boast a rich and long-standing connection to traditional Irish life. Many towns here have roots that stretch back centuries, and visiting them is like stepping back in time. From the charming streets of Youghal to the peaceful walks along the Blackwater River, each town and village has a distinct story to tell. You can also enjoy the serenity of places like the Donkey Sanctuary in Cork, a peaceful space that not only offers visitors a chance to connect with animals but also a moment to rest and take in the surrounding countryside.

The landscape of the Munster Vales is steeped in history. Explore the famous Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with commanding views over the Tipperary plains. Each site in this area feels like a step back in time, offering travelers a more intimate connection to Ireland’s deep-rooted past.

With fewer tourists, you can experience these landmarks at your own pace, without the hustle and bustle of more well-known spots. One of the great things about the Munster Vales is the lack of crowds. Unlike the more famous tourist sites, here, you can take your time and explore, without feeling rushed. Wander around the medieval town of Kilmallock, with its impressive old churches and ancient structures, and explore the caves in the Comeragh Mountains.

The Waterford Greenway is another must-see attraction. Running from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this scenic route allows visitors to cycle or walk along a route that takes you through farmland, forests, and views of the coast. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque villages where you can stop for a cup of tea or a chat with a local. If you’re looking to explore more rugged terrain, the Galtee Mountains offer some serious hikes with rewarding panoramic views that make the effort worth it.

Ballyhass Lake, located just outside Mallow, it’s a perfect spot to get your adrenaline flowing while enjoying the beauty of Munster. Once an old quarry, this site has been turned into an activity center that features ziplining, wakeboarding, and other adrenaline-packed adventures.

For those who enjoy a more relaxed pace, Kilmallock’s medieval buildings and fascinating museums are ideal for learning more about Ireland’s past. Take a stroll through its quiet streets, imagining life centuries ago. For nature lovers, the Blackwater Valley, with its flowing river, forests, and trails, provides endless hours of exploration.

Here are a few more things you can do while visiting the Munster Vales:

The Munster Vales is a place for adventure and relaxation, history and nature. The scenery is just as breathtaking as in any of Ireland’s more famous tourist hotspots, but it feels uniquely personal and untouched. The Munster Vales should be at the top of your itinerary for your next Ireland Vacation.

Weather in Ireland is known for its unpredictability, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and waterproofs, especially if you’re planning to hike or cycle in the mountains.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 42

The post The Munster Vales appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.