Derreen Garden in Kerry, Ireland, is a 60-acre garden with over 12km of paths that weave through mature and diverse woodland to reveal stunning views of Kilmakilloge Harbour, the Caha Mountains, and the distant McGillicuddy Reeks.
The garden is home to rare and exotic plants from the Himalayas and beyond, and is renowned for its collection of rhododendrons. The garden is teeming with wildlife and is a habitat for Sika deer, Irish hares, red squirrels, and an abundance of birdlife. It also boasts a collection of miniature “Derreeny Houses” located along the Glade Walk and Broad Walk, which are popular with children.
There are several walks around the garden, which take between 30 minutes and an hour. In the mild, damp climate of the Gardens, visitors can venture into a maze of narrow and mossy paths that wind through groves of towering eucalyptus, bamboo, tree ferns, and conifers, providing a mesmerizing experience.
The layout of Derreen Gardens centers around a house from the mid-19th century, which was reconstructed and expanded during the 1920s after it was destroyed during the Civil War. Guests can explore the garden, starting from the large, dome-shaped rock that was once utilized as a gathering spot for tribes.
As visitors follow the path to the boathouse, they’ll encounter a diverse array of myrtaceae, such as the prolific Myrtus luma. The gardens also boast a stunning collection of Himalayan rhododendrons, including the magnificent R. falconeri with its creamy-white bell-shaped flowers and the large R. sinogrande, renowned for its enormous dark green leaves with a silvery-grey underside.
History
In 1657, the Fitzmaurice family acquired the land where Derreen Gardens is now located, through Sir William Petty, who was a physician to Oliver Cromwell. Later in 1866, the 5th Marquis of Lansdowne inherited the property and decided to make it his summer residence.
In 1870, the 5th Marquis of Lansdowne set out to transform the barren land surrounding the house into the magnificent woodland garden it is today. His ambitious plan included planting 400 acres of shrubs and trees, which he brought back from his travels to India, Canada and many other places.
Getting There
Derreen Gardens is located in Lauragh, a small village in County Kerry, Ireland. The gardens can be accessed by car via the N70 road which runs along the scenic Ring of Kerry route. From Kenmare, it is approximately a 30-minute drive to the gardens. The gardens are well signposted from the road and there is a car park available for visitors.
