Nature spot · County Wicklow
Festina Lente Gardens
Festina Lente Gardens are a hidden gem. Hidden in Old Connaught Avenue behind the walls lays a historic Victorian Walled Garden.The gardens are perfectly mantained, have a stunning water feature and plenty of space to picnic and for adults and children to enjoy.
Festina Lente Garden is one of the few surviving restored walled Gardens in Ireland still in use today as it would have been in the late Victorian period. The House and gardens were home to the Plunkett family from 1807 until 1946.
Each generation extended and modified the gardens which now stand at two and a half acres, divided into a Kitchen garden, pool and ornamental garden with the original walls dating back to 1780.The Festina Lente Foundation acquired the lease and commenced the garden restoration programme in line with a Historical Survey founded by the National Heritage Council. The main house and head gardener’s house are now in private ownership. Festina Lente has a Sensory Therapeutic Trail which was developed by the garden staff with the help of winning garden designer Oliver Shurmann.
Festina Lente Gardens is a registered charity, and run many Nature Based Workshops for children, horticutural workshops for adults and run many events on an annual basis. Festina Lente is open to the public 7 days a week and is no charge to enter. Coffee and tea/cakes and sandwiches are also on sale from the garden shop. Dogs are welcome too.
Outdoors in County Wicklow this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 10 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 9°Light rain
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 8°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct14° / 13°Sun with light cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
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