Gardens Illustrated Contemporary Private Irish Gardens

This morning we visit the gardens of a private estate near Dunlavin before a special invitation to Patthana, an award-winning garden in the village of Kilegan and home to artist T.J. Maher and his partner, Simon Kirby. Although small it is skillfully and beautifully planted and is a joy to see in all seasons. Following a delightful lunch return to Marlfield House Hotel for time to explore their own wonderful gardens. Dining together again this evening.

Two contrasting exclusive visits to private gardens, both with impressive walled gardens, the first is formal with fine herbaceous borders, colourful annuals, trained fruit and a potager and at the second contains a rich tapestry of wonderful plantings in contrasting themed rooms, the work of several notable designers lovingly cared for by a dedicated team of gardeners. Time today is included to find your own lunch, to shop or to explore Powerscourt. Later, heading back to Dublin, we are invited to a private view of the wonderful new Dillon Garden where Helen Dillon has transposed her ideas developed over several decades, that show case her flair and skill in this new smaller space. Then transfer the short distance to The Dylan Hotel in Dublin where you dine together in the hotels award winning Eddison restaurant. 

Today we visit three special Dublin gardens. We start with a very private visit to an exciting garden that cannot be named. Close by we discover  Airfield Gardens that came to prominence under the leadership of Jimi Blake, since, they have continued to evolve with the help of designers Arabella Lennox Boyd and Dermot Foley and head gardener Colm O’Driscoll into a vibrant beautiful garden. A picnic lunch will be included at Airfield before driving to Ardán, a garden on a hilly peninsula overlooking Dublin Bay.  Hedges and trees provide shelter from the costal winds but also create many contrasting spaces: moving from the house with formal ‘hot’ and ‘cool’ herbaceous borders, the planting becomes less formal with a natural rock outcrop planted with alpines, a water garden and productive kitchen garden.  Return to Dublin International airport for 18.20 departure on BA0823 arriving back in Heathrow at 19:50.