If gardens are your thing, especially gardens in the grounds of beautiful, old, renovated Georgian Irish houses, then Kilgraney House Herb Gardens situated between Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) and Borris in County Carlow, Ireland is the place to head for.
It's hard to believe that the interconnected herb gardens have only been there for six years - their colours, textures and perfumes fill the beds and air as you amble around. I was told that the end of May/beginning of June is the time of year to really see them in all their glory- which must be a sight to behold as they were pretty impressive in August!
Starting with the medicinal garden (individual beds sown with herbs suitable for different ailments), pebbled pathways lined with granite take you through to the monastic herb cloister, the cosmic herb circle (where each star sign is depicted by it's own herbs), the aromatic herb & rose garden (located next to the very tempting spar) and the herbal tea walk. There's also an orchard (bulging with fruit in August), beautiful old trees scattered around the grounds and a kitchen garden where fruit and veg are grown for use in the restaurant kitchens. No chemicals are used in the gardens and the owners of Kilgraney House take on most of the work themselves, carefully researching their planting schemes and always on the look out for new ideas.
If you're a guest at this very tempting romantic getaway then you're free to wander around whenever suits you. If not the gardens (only) are open from May to September, Thursdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2.00pm until 5.00pm (current fee €3.00, (groups by prior arrangement). Refreshments are available and herbs are for sale too. I really can't recommend a trip out to Kilgraney House herb gardens enough - an inspirational place to spend an afternoon!
Kilgraney takes its name from the Irish ‘cill greine’ which means ‘sunny hill’ or ‘sunny wood’, and it is located in the beautiful Barrow valley, about half way between Kilkenny City & Carlow town. So whether you're just looking to enjoy a simple afternoon in the gardens, or perhaps a special weekend getaway in the House itself, this spot in the sunny southeast is worth a look!
**Kilgraney House Herb Gardens were visited ,enjoyed, & written about by Dee, who writes GreensideUpVeg**
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