Garnish Island

Welcome To Garnish Island, Co Cork, Ireland

Garnish Island, also known as Ilnacullin, is a picturesque and tranquil island located off the coast of Glengarriff in County Cork, Ireland. The island’s breathtaking gardens are renowned for their exquisite beauty and unique design, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and horticulturists alike. 

The island’s mild climate allows for a diverse range of plant species to thrive, and visitors can explore the island’s many winding paths and trails, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding ocean and mountains. 

With its fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of attractions to explore, Garnish Island is truly a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cork.

Getting There

Visitors can purchase tickets for the ferry to Garnish Island at the ticket office in Glengarriff, which is located on the pier and operated by the Garnish Island Ferry Company. The ferry ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and provides stunning views of Bantry Bay and the surrounding mountains, as an added bonus you can often see seals relaxing on the rocks!

Visitors should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure that they have enough time to purchase tickets and board the ferry.

Garnish Island Visitor Guide

Garnish Island is a true garden paradise, offering visitors a wide variety of attractions to explore. The gardens cover over 15 hectares of the island and are designed to take visitors on a journey through a diverse range of garden styles and plant species.

The gardens of Garnish Island are divided into a series of themed sections, each with its own unique character and style. These include the Italian Garden, the Walled Garden, the Grecian Temple, the Bamboo Glade, and the Pinetum, among others. Each section of the garden offers a unique and memorable experience, with its own particular highlights and attractions.

One of the main attractions on the island is the Italian Garden, which is located near the entrance to the gardens. This formal garden is filled with a variety of statues, fountains, and water features, all set against a backdrop of carefully manicured lawns and colourful flower beds.

Another highlight of the gardens is the Walled Garden, which is located in the central part of the island. This section of the garden features a series of formal parterres, which are filled with a variety of seasonal flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and irises. There is also a sunken garden, which is filled with fragrant herbs and flowers.

One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Martello Tower, which was built in the early 19th century to defend against possible French invasion. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Other notable attractions on the island include the Italian Temple, the Bamboo Glade, and the Seal Pond. The gardens are also home to a variety of trees and shrubs from around the world, including rhododendrons, magnolias, and eucalyptus trees.

If you are interested in seeing all of the gardens and sculptures, and taking a leisurely stroll around the island, you should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours on the island. This will give you enough time to explore the Italianate terraces, the Grecian temple, the wildflower meadows, and the famous tower. If you are interested in learning about the history of the island and visiting the Martello tower museum, you should plan to add an additional hour or so to your visit.

Garnish Island History

Garnish Island’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was purchased by the British merchant and politician, John Annan Bryce. Bryce was drawn to the island’s sheltered harbor and stunning views of the surrounding area and decided to transform it into a beautiful garden paradise.

In 1910, Bryce hired the celebrated architect and garden designer, Harold Peto, to create a unique and enchanting garden on the island. Peto was renowned for his innovative approach to garden design, and he worked tirelessly to create a series of themed gardens on the island that would showcase the island’s natural beauty.

The gardens of Garnish Island are designed to take advantage of the island’s mild climate and include a diverse range of plant species from around the world, including Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Peto’s design incorporated a variety of features such as ponds, fountains, and sculptures that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious and stunningly beautiful environment.

After Bryce’s death in 1922, the island was purchased by the Irish government and opened to the public. Since then, Garnish Island has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in County Cork, with thousands of visitors flocking to the island each year to experience its stunning gardens and rich history.

In addition to its stunning gardens, Garnish Island also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The island was once home to a small community of monks, and there are still remnants of their early monastic settlement visible on the island today. During World War II, Garnish Island was also used as a base for British and American forces, and visitors can still see the remains of military installations on the island.

Today, Garnish Island continues to inspire and enchant visitors from all over the world with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.