Pick our Head Gardener’s brains and allow him to share his passion for horticulture and in-depth knowledge as you explore the gardens together in small groups for comfort. He knows the garden intimately and has gently coaxed them into the next chapter of their evolution, always respectful of Lord Talbot’s original vision for Malahide.
Enjoy a journey of discovery as you learn more about plants, meander through winding lanes, discover secret gardens, revel in nature and loose yourself in the charm of it all!
Background
Lord Milo Talbot de Malahide was the most knowledgeable Irish gardener of his time.
He was a visionary and introduced unusual collections and developed the gardens to become the finest Irish Botanical Garden of its era. He set about improving the growing conditions in Malahide and took detailed notes about each plant recording their origin and growing history that we still have in the archives today. His gardens flourished.
He had a particular affinity with the fauna of the Southern Hemisphere. We have an extensive collection from Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand. His passion for collecting plants led to excursions to far-flung destinations and he manipulated plants to grow in Malahide gardens in what would have been inhospitable climactic conditions.
What to expect on this tour:
On this guided walking tour expect to see rare and beautiful plants and exotic Butterflies in Ireland’s only Butterfly House not forgetting The Cambridge House a Greenhouse that plays an integral role for Lord Milo’s horticultural studies. The Pond which is the most meditative part of the walled garden is also home to spectacularly colourful botanical flowers from places like South America. Primulas in full bloom in the Asiatic Garden and the Sarrecenia Collection from north America – a unique collection and the only one that has received the accolade of the RHS AGM. You will see the Rose Garden which was Isobel Talbots favourite garden, old varieties of roses, magnolias and lilies and a riot of colour when in bloom. Not forgetting The Dutch House and The Peach House – the oldest greenhouses in the garden holding rare plants – the former housing Mediterranean plants like pink peony and the later given over to Australasian shrubs. …and so much more.
You could travel the world in this tour!
Led by our head gardener Pascal Murphy it is one not to be missed.
Present yourself to the ladies at the Admissions Desk at the Visitor Centre in the Avoca Building.
Our Head Gardener Pascal Murphy will meet you at the Interpretative area for 10:45 am.
Followed by a 90-minute guided tour of the Butterfly House & the Private Walled Gardens with detailed information on the history of the garden plus just what it takes to take care of the gardens and grounds at Malahide Castle throughout the year.
Following the tour, you are welcome to wander the gardens & grounds at your leisure.
10:45 – Arrive at Admissions – meet inside the Interpretative space in the Visitor Centre
11:00 – Tour to commence
12:30– Tour ends with time for Q & A
Guests are welcome to continue to explore the grounds at their leisure
Every Thurs (except concert days) at 11 am
Tour price €16 pp
Book HERE
For larger tour groups and specialist enquiries contact: reservations@malahidecastleandgardens.ie