Ireland is a land of castles and gardens that speak by themselves about the historical past and great natural beauties. Ireland has a mild, moist climate and almost zero environmental pollution due to which the flora finds abundant opportunity to flourish. The beautiful gardens created with the help of a benevolent nature and creative human effort, are truly the gems of the land. There are more than 300 castles and gardens in Ireland, these being the most popular.
This castle is located in Blarney near Cork and on the river Martin. The newest form of the castle dates back to 1446 when it was built by the Kings of Desmond of the MacCarthy Dynasty. The most famous relic in this castle is the Blarney stone or “Stone of Eloquence” and people wait in line to touch it. It is believed to be the magical rock on which the Kings of Ireland were crowned.
Blarney Castle
The meaning of Caislean Bhun Raithe in Irish means “Castle at the mouth of the Ratty”. This castle is located centrally in the Bunratty village near the Shannon airport. The history of the castle dates back to the Vikings in 970 and was originally a trading camp. The McNamara family finished the construction of the castle in 1425. Now this castle is well known for the medieval banquets where performances are given by the ‘Bunratty Castle Entertainers.’
Bunratty Castle
This is an important historic castle situated on the Dame Street in Dublin. Its history dates back to the first Lord of Ireland, King John in 1922. Until the independent state established in 1922, this castle was the seat of the British Empire. In 1922 it was handed over to the Irish Provisional Government by Michael Collins. It now serves as a major government complex and the seat of the European Presidency of Ireland.
Dublin Castle
This is one of the best gardens in Ireland and the best time to visit is during spring. At this time you will find things of interest both on the ground level and on the branch level. During spring the Robinsonian style is very apparent as thousands of bulbs are in full bloom. The Palm Walk is lined on both sides with purple and white crocuses and the magnolias with their large flowers are fully bloomed, too.
Mount Usher Gardens Wicklow
These gardens were laid out over two main periods and most of the folks involved in the creation of the gardens never saw them being completed throughout their lifetime. The house was rebuilt in the decade after 1731. The gardens were also remodeled to suit the new house. In the North side, there are formal tree plantations that frame the house, a walled garden, fish pond, grottos, cascade and terraces. There are hundreds of beech trees lining the walk around the wooded grounds that provide a fantastic view.
Powerscourt Gardens
This is known as the most romantic garden of Ireland and is a combination of formal and informal styles spread across 100 acres. There is a profusion of roses, and other old fashioned and modern plants lend their scents into the air. There are a lot of birds and butterflies to be enjoyed in the garden – and when you take a walk via the Hill Walk, you get a great view of the Blackstairs, Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster.