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Gardens at Cashel House & Kilgraney House among the best in Ireland

May 2011, Dublin:Ireland's Blue Book is delighted to announce that Cashel House and Kilgraney House Gardens are two of the best gardens in Ireland according to the recently published “The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland”.

The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland is a full-colour, beautifully bound handbook to the greatest and most breath-taking gardens across the island of Ireland. Written by journalist Shirley Lanigan, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland explores the gardens’ histories, design, flora and fauna, and also includes interviews with owners, curators and gardeners. In addition, it acts as a practical guide, providing information on fees, opening hours, etc and has been designed as a handbook to take around the country whilst visiting these remarkable horticultural sights.

When describing the gardens at Kilgraney House in County Carlow author Shirley Lanigan conjures a wonderful image, “On warm days the scent of lavender, box, mint and marjoram fill the air. Boxed-in beds of sage and rosemary compete with their own perfumes and on a sunny day the place is heady with herby smells”. The gardens at Kilgraney consist of a series of interconnecting herbal gardens which include a large kitchen garden, a tea walk, a medicinal herb courtyard, a medieval monastic herb garden and a garden of aromatic and fragrant herbs.

Situated in the heart of Connemara on the West coast of Ireland Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award winning gardens containing flowering shrubs and woodland walks. The description of the gardens at Cashel House by Ms. Lanigan captures the atmosphere of the Cashel House gardens, “We made our way along, stepping out of the quiet shade and into the dazzle of a sunny area called Mary’s garden. In the summer, this is the highlight - a special flower garden at the edge of the woods - an explosion of delphiniums, lupins, phlox and roses all melting together to make a garden that almost blinds the visitor as they emerge out of the dark wood.”

Both Cashel House and Kilgraney House are country houses which are available for overnight stays. Details on how to book both houses can be found on their websites. Kilgraney House is owned by Martin Marley and Bryan Leech. Cashel House is owned by the McEvilly family.

For booking Cashel House visit their website: Cashel House

For booking Kilgraney House visit their website: Kilgraney House

Published by Liberties Press the 100 Best Gardens in Ireland can be purchased on-line for €25 on the Liberties Press Website.