The Boyne Valley Garden trail, in the historic counties of Meath and Louth, promote historic gardens, garden centres, and open by appointment gardens/ Accommodation providers for individuals or groups that would like to visit.
The rich heritage of the Boyne Valley is reflected in the gardens that date as far back as the 17th century. Each garden member hosts events in their gardens, including walks, charity events, plant sales, outdoor theatre and so much more.
This historic home was built in 1740, with fine Georgian interiors and an enclosed, ornamental garden with period planting. Group tours are welcome (minimum 6 guests) by appointment only. A tour of the house is followed by tea/coffee and homemade cake. Find out more here.
The Cottages are a dreamy hamlet of 300-year-old thatched cottages, set in large organic flower gardens, by the seaside. The gardens can be visited by appointment during certain times of the year. Find out more here.
The Poppy Garden is a beautiful cottage garden full of quirky features and whimsical touches. A maze of paths will take you through gorgeous planting, a vegetable plot and an orchard, all overlooking stunning views of the Loughcrew Hills. Make time to enjoy a tea, coffee and some cake on the patio and browse the lovely pots and plants for sale. Find out more here.
Designer James McConnell’s Garden features a formal beech garden, boxwood parterre and a rose garden with a folly. Enjoy the lime walk, hornbeam arbour and vistas of parkland beautifully laid out around an early C19th farmhouse. A new walled garden is now open as part of the tour. Occasional art displays. Conveniently accessible from the M3. Open to individuals and groups by appointment only.
This Award-Winning Village Garden transformed from a derelict 3-acre site has an orchard, woodland, pollinating flowerbeds, soft fruit bushes, herbs and pond with seating scattered throughout. Created by volunteer village residents, it achieved green flag status for 2019-2020. It hosts regular family events. Check website for details. The garden is open all year around and is free to visit.
Rosemount is a ten-acre parkland sloping down to the banks of the temperamental River Nanny. It is planted with a mixture of native trees and shrubs, interspersed with parkland specimen trees. A separate guest house can be used for refreshments and lectures. Snacks and drinks by arrangement. Rosemount is open by appointment only.
The Station House is the Boyne Valley’s top country house hotel with exquisitely tended gardens creating an oasis of relaxation. Country-style afternoon teas, with a special discount to trail visitors can be booked year-round. Find out more here.
Tankardstown comprises of 80 acres of woodland, parkland, courtyards and walled gardens. A 500m lime tree avenue leads up to the late C18th Manor House with wonderfully tended gardens and surrounds. The walled kitchen garden supplies the award winning Brabazon Restaurant. The gardens can be visited by appointment only. Find out more here.
This multi-award-winning Garden Centre, with several ‘Best in Show’ and eight successive Gold Medals at Bloom is renowned for their unique selection of top-quality plants, grown in their own nursery, with special emphasis on plants that encourage pollinators and biodiversity. See website for catalogue. The Centre is open from 1st March – 30th September, Thursday-Saturday 9.30-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. It opens Easter, May, June, and August Bank Holiday Mondays. 1st October – end February: Weekends only, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm.
Elmgrove Farm
Elmgrove Farm is Ireland’s premier cut flower producer with close to 100 acres of cultivated flowers supplying its farm shop, farmers market stalls and wholesale customers at home and abroad. Located on the light, sandy soils of East Meath, the farm specialises in daffodils with over 20 varieties grown, including some unusual scented, double and bicolour varieties. Guided tours of the farm by appointment only, April-September, 7 days/week. The fee is €15pp, with 4 min. and max 30 people.
Owned by John and Bernie Lord who have created one of the largest show gardens in Ireland. Garden walks and talks on request. Visit the Wildflower Cafe for tasty treats and enjoy the eclectic gift shop. Open during the summer months- Mon-Sun 10am-6pm. Winter, Mon-Sun 10am-5pm. Find out more here.
Owned by John and Eileen Eivers – winner of Gold, Gilt and Silver medals at Bloom, the nursery specialises in herbaceous perennials and cottage garden plants. They are open April-July - Monday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 12pm-5.30pm, August- Oct Monday to Saturday 10am-2pm, Nov-Jan: Saturday 10am-4pm and Feb- March Monday to Saturday 10am-2pm.
You will find the current Boyne Valley Garden Trail brochure here. Remember to stay a while and experience as many gardens as you can! We can’t wait to welcome you.
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