Kilkmokea is situated on the joint estuary of the Nore and the Barrow. The gardens, which cover some 7 acres, fall into two distinct parts. Around the house are the formal walled gardens and set into the stone wall a heavy wooden door leads you into the magical world of the lower garden. Originally started in 1947 these gardens host a wide selection of rare and tender trees and shrubs.

Within the walled garden its rooms lead from one design feature to the next. The Italian loggia and pool with its fine stone pillars looks across to the quarter garden brimming with iris and roses. The acid soil of the woodland garden provides the perfect environment for rhododendrons, tender camellias, eucryphias and magnolias as well as echiums. Read more …