The best gardens in Ireland to seek out the most spectacular foliage displays

We are blessed in Ireland with some wonderful parks and gardens, and many are spectacular in autumn. Below are a few of my favourites for the brilliance of their foliage.

National Arboretum, Kilmacurragh, Co Wicklow Kilmacurragh Estate was developed in the 19th century by its owner Thomas Acton, who employed father and son David and Frederick Moore, the curators of the National Botanic Gardens. As a result, the gardens showcase a marvellous collection of plants from around the world. Although famous for its conifer and rhododendron collections, it has a collection of trees which look wonderful in autumn.

Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford, Co Wicklow The gardens at Mount Usher encompass the principles espoused by the “wild garden” pioneer William Robinson. Based around the River Vartry, the gardens contain a world-class collection of trees and shrubs, best seen in spring and autumn.

Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow The Brabazon family, Earls of Meath, have lived at Killruddery since the 17th century, where the best-preserved example of a French-style geometric garden in Britain and Ireland remains intact. Over the past decade, Anthony and Fionnuala Brabazon (Lord and Lady Ardee) have transformed the demesne, which now has a sustainable biodiverse farm, flowering woodlands, a farm shop and tea rooms.

Powerscourt, Enniskerry Co Wicklow Powerscourt offers acres of breathtaking vistas and walks, from the Italianate terraces overlooking the formal manmade lake to wooded walks, the gardens are gorgeous in autumn. Particularly good is the Japanese Garden with its fiery-hued acers.

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co Galway Beautiful Kylemore sits overlooking a lake and amongst mountains. In addition to lovely woodland and lakeside walks there is a restored Victorian walled garden and neo-Gothic church.

National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 A jewel in the crown of Irish gardens, the National Botanic Gardens are beautifully laid out, with informal areas, river walks along the Tolka, woodlands and formal gardens. If it is raining, you can visit the restored glasshouses.

Birr Castle, Birr, Co Offaly The gardens of Birr Castle have been cultivated by the Parsons family since the 17th century. There are many Champion Trees (the tallest or oldest example of a tree in the country, and in some cases Europe).

Altamont, Tullow, Co Carlow Another Robinsonian style garden, Altamont is a leafy paradise with a lake encircled by rare trees and shrubs. Lawns and winding paths lead down to the River Slaney. The arboretum is particularly good at this time of year.

Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford Mount Congreve has one of the largest plant collections in the world,
so has plenty of luscious autumn interest, and delightful walks along the River Suir.

Others worth a visit include: Woodstock Gardens, Co Kilkenny; Glenveagh Castle Gardens, Co Donegal; Mount Stewart, Co Down; Bantry House, Co Cork; Derrynane House, Co Kerry; Belvedere House, Co Westmeath; Tullynally Castle, Co Westmeath; and Curraghmore House, Co Waterford.

This feature originally appeared in the autumn/winter 2023 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.