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| The Castle Gardens
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| Many famous Irish gardens are set in natural
landscapes of great beauty and nowhere else is the contrast between
the luxuriance of the gardens and a rugged and exposed environment
as marked as at Glenveagh. Situated at the foot of a steep wooded
hillside sloping down to Glenveagh castle on the wind swept shore of
Lough Veagh, the uncompromising conditions of high rainfall and acid
soil have been successfully exploited and the gardens feature a
range of exotic plants from places as far afield as South America,
Tasmania and China. The acid soil is particularly suited to the
growth of Rhododendrons of which there is a fine collection. |
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The centre-piece of the Pleasure Grounds is a long irregular lawn
fringed by herbaceous plants and backed by trees and shrubs. The
lawn fulfulls a similar role to a garden lake or pond, providing a
smooth, restful surface that is easy on the eye.Mr. Mc Ilhenney
planted the gardens for affect rather than to show off individual
plants. He gave each section of the gardens its own character and
style and linked them all together with winding paths. With clever
planning, the gardens feature a range of plants that create interest
and colour throughout the year. At all times of the year , the
rugged grandeur of the setting contrasts vividly with the studied
luxuriance of the plantings , and this remains the garden's greatest
distinction. In 1983, the Office Of Public Works assumed
responsibility for the garden and they were opened to the public in
1984. |
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A tour with 18 numbered stops is marked throughout the gardens,
closely following the route that Henry Mc Ilhenney favoured when
showing his guests around. You should allow at least one full hour
for the garden tour but if you have insufficient time to complete
it, you can return quickly to the start from most
points. |
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