A creeper-covered 18th century house and walled garden form part of this wild garden, which began in the 1700s and was mentioned in Arthur Young’s tour of Ireland in the 1770s. The later garden was the creation of R.A. Grove Annsley, grandfather of the present owner. Three areas of contrast comprise the 30 acres; the walled garden, the glen, and the riverside garden. The Robinsonian garden in the glen contains some of the earliest Kingdon Ward rhododendron introductions to Ireland, many of them grown from seed.

Rhododendrons and azaleas cover the area much as they would in an Himalayan setting, perfuming the air and growing amid tall trees. The river garden leans more to the tropical and contains such specimens as Primula florindae grow to tremendous size. Rustic bridges cross the river, constructed by pre WWI British soldiers stationed at Fermoy barracks. A central path flanked by herbaceous borders comprises a key feature of the walled garden. Here scarlet-flowered Tropaeolum (creeping nasturtium) climbs through yew hedges. A summer house adds to the quiet look and is complemented by a pond surrounded by water-loving plants. Read more ….