Powerscourt House and Gardens, County Wicklow, Ireland. Ireland vacation tips.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Irish Gardens?

ByJody Halsted Posted:

I am a huge fan of beautiful gardens! We have visited many gardens throughout the years, and while gardens in Ireland always have something to offer, there is a sweet spot if you want to catch the blooms looking their best.

Powerscourt_House_Gardens_County_Wicklow_Ireland_photo_by_Jody_Halsted_TravelinginIreland.com
Italian Gardens at Powerscourt Estate

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Enchanting Irish Gardens to add to your Itinerary

Reader Question: I came across this site whilst searching for advice on the best month to visit Irish gardens (for colour and flowers).

cabbage, kitchen garden, Kylemore Abbey, County Galway, Ireland
Cabbage and edible flowers in the kitchen garden at Kylemore Abbey

I'm not a gardener – though I try – so I am always impressed by the beautiful gardens in Ireland. I've visited in every season and there is always something to enjoy.

But if you're looking for Irish gardens in full bloom, there is a ‘sweet spot' as far as visitation. I turned to three of my favorite garden destinations in Ireland for advice:

Birr Castle Demense recommends visiting from spring to early summer as the best time to see their garden in bloom.

Powerscourt Estate says the best time for their gardens, just south of Dublin, are from April – August.

Listen to Alex Slazenger, head gardener at Powerscourt Estate, as he talks about the garden's history, future, and sustainability.

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Mount Falcon Estate head gardener Alex Lavarde invites guests to visit the kitchen gardens any time of the year, and says they are in bloom from early summer.

In my own experience I would say that summer gardens, from mid-June to early August, have a lush beauty that will delight any visitor.

Knappogue Castle gardens, County Clare. Private Ireland Castle Stay. Ireland castle vacation.
The gardens at Knappogue Castle
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8 Comments

  1. Is it true that visiting Irish gardens during the rainy season can actually enhance the colors and vibrancy of the flowers and foliage, creating a unique and enchanting experience for visitors?

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your question!
      I don’t know if there is any proof to this, but I personally think that Ireland has a special light when the days are overcast and soft. It really does seem to enhance the colors and make them appear brighter and more vibrant.
      As to the ‘rainy season’…  It rains almost daily in Ireland. Some days are just rainier than others. 🙂

      Reply

  2. We went on a wonderful 2 week trip around the whole isle in June a couple of years ago. We enjoyed the gardens so much – at Kylemore Abbey, Blarney Castle and so many other places. But besides the green beauty EVERYWHERE, we loved the amazing rhododendron that grew wild and was in full bloom, seemingly on every hillside! I’d like to save $$, but it just couldn’t be prettier than in June!

    Reply

      1. I think that was my first ever blog comment! Your name and travel style caught my eye from a Pinterest article “Spectacular Alternatives.” We are dreaming of another trip – are kind of skittish about renting a car, but most of the escorted tour packages include the “must sees” that we’ve seen. We were drawn to the western coast and thought of basing out of a B&B somewhere and doing daytrips, enjoying local color and music. Can you steer me to someone who might help us? (Sorry if this isn’t your thing – I’m a newbie at this!)

        Reply

        1. Once you visit Ireland it draws you back!
          You can certainly base on the west and day trip- it really depends on what you want to see and do!
          And I can totally help you!
          I have a few options…
          You can take a look at my free itineraries. They might spark some ideas for you.
          I also offer custom vacation coaching. We would work together to plan the perfect trip for you. This is really an ideal option when you want to base yourself and day trip. We will find the best location for you based on what you want to see & do. I can help you find small tours, private guides, and other options when you don’t want to drive. I can also help you past the fear of driving, if you want to explore that. Or I can help you plan an itinerary that has a mix of driving, guided tours, and train.
          I hope that helps- and thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

          Reply

  3. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of asking at the gardens themselves, Jody. I guess I was ‘there’ at the right time but visits were marred a bit by the wet and overcast weather. I’ll try for a bit later next year. Birr has been high on my list for some time. Best wishes, Barbara

    Reply

    1. It was no problem at all Barbara! Weather does play such an important part in gardens – too much rain, too little rain, strong storms… You will love Birr – we wandered there for hours!

      Reply