You would be forgiven for thinking that Connemara is all bog, windswept, rocky and generally beautifully barren, while a lot of Connemara is like this, there's also some corners of man-made beauty in the form of a trail of unique gardens in the region. Below we've listed the garden's within the Connemara Garden Trail along with a map with their exact locations.
View a map of all the Connemara gardens by clicking here >>

Anglers’ Return, Toombeola, Roundstone
Angler's Return is a 19th century private garden is located beside Ballynahinch River and close to Ballynahinch Castle . This garden is best visited in April and May. Open March to October by arrangement. Cost: Voluntary contribution towards arts and music in Connemara.

Ardcarraig, Oranswell, Bushypark, Galway, Co. Galway
Ardcarraig Garden located outside Galway is a Lorna McMahon's private garden the fills 5 acres. Open May to September by appointment only. Cost: €5 in aid of Galway Mental Health Association. Tel: 353 (0)91 524336

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Ballinafad, Recess
Ballynahinch Castle Garden located in the heart of Connemara near Clifden, is another one of Connemara's Victorian Gardens. The 450 acre estate has plenty to offer with many special created walks with some great walks along the river and beneath Ben Lettery - one of the Twelve Bens. Ballynahinch Castle hotel is a great place to grab and bite to eat along the trail. Call to reception for a map. Open Daily: March to November. Cost: no charge.

Brigit’s Garden, Roscahill
This now famous celtic themed garden is located close to Connemara and about 20 miles from Galway city. This family friendly garden has something to offer everyone and has many events throughout the year. Open February to October. Cost: € 7.50 adult; € 5.50 senior/student; € 4 child; Family: € 22. Early and late season reductions. Tel: 00 353 (0)91 550905

Cashel House Hotel, Cashel
Cashel House Hotel's garden in Cashel Connemara is an informal country house style garden. The garden holds many rare trees and shrubs and some of the trees are the largest specimens in Ireland. The hotel also runs gardening courses. Call to reception for a map. Open year round from mid February - Guided tours available by arrangement. Cost: €6 Adults; €3 Children and concession. Tel: 353 (0)95 31001. Afterwards have afternoon tea in the hotel.

Errisbeg House, Roundstone
Errisbeg House very close to Roundstone village has a 3 acre rambling garden containing many varieties of shrubs and rare plants. The garden also contains many statues and sculptures by contemporary Irish sculptures. Open year round. Cost: Donations in aid of Cancer Care West. Tel: 00 353 (0) 86 8215153. Visit the garden and pop in the seaside village of Roundstone for lunch or an evening meal.

Gleann Aoibhheann, Beach Road, Clifden
This privately owned garden located very close to Clifden, the capital of Connemara has great sea views of Clifden Bay. Breandán O‟Scannaill‟s early 19th century garden is a wildlife sanctuary and no chemicals are used within the garden. Open from March to November, but strictly by appointment.
Tel: 00 353 (0) 95 2114. Costs €5 in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Afterwards, we recommend Guy's Bar in Clifden for a nice reasonably priced lunch or evening meal

Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden, Connemara, Co. Galway
It's likely Kylemore Abbey close to Letterfrack and Renvyle will be on your Connemara itinerary but the Abbey also has a fantastic restored award winning 6 acre Victorian walled garden open to the public. We suggest you make a full day of it taking in the abbey, beautiful gothic church, walks, all topped off by a visit to the garden. You can also grab lunch on site in Kylemore Abbey's excellent tea rooms. Cost: Adults €9 (winter), €12 (summer) Seniors €7 (winter), €9 (summer). Children under 10 go free. Student, family and group rates available. Guided tours available. (Entry includes visit to the abbey, gothic church and 1000 acre estate). Tel: 00 353 (0) 95 52000
Renvyle House, Renvyle Peninsula
Renvyle House located on the tip of the Renvyle Peninsula. Renvyle House, known for its excellent food gets all its herbs from this garden. There are numerous woodland walks here along with a rose garden and an orchard. Open Mid February to November. Afterwards enjoy a drink in the hotel bar with great views over the Atlantic Ocean. Read the Head Gardners Diary Click Here>>

Discover Ireland PDF of information about the 2012 Garden Trail Click Here>>

Map of the Connemara Garden Trail