Nature spot · County Donegal
Greenfort
Set near Kerrykeel, County Donegal, Greenfort is home to a walled garden and mature trees that date from the early 1800s. It features a range of species as well as four areas for picnicking.
Tradition has it that in 1711, the Babington family built the first house at Greenfort, which is near Kerrykeel in County Donegal. The Bartons expanded and remodelled the house in the early 1800s and then in 1965, the Perrys renovated and added to the buildings. The walled garden and mature trees date from the early Barton era, with the great ponticum bushes being about a century old.
In the 20th century, the walled garden supplied fruit and vegetables to the Barton's Hotel at Portsalon. The Perry family moved from Bunlin, Milford in 1965 and Lionel Perry undertook extensive remodelling and replanting, which has been continued by his successors.
There are many species as well as hybrid rhododendron, azalea and camellia. Additionally, the garden features large areas of naturalised spring bulbs, acres of snowdrops, narcissi and bluebells. There are four areas for picnicking. Stout shoes or wellies are needed for walks.
Visit is by appointment only.
Outdoors in County Donegal this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Donegal
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 10°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 9°Medium rain showers
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 11°Sun with grey 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
Nature spot · 11 km awayIsland Roy - Oileán RuaidhIslandOileán Ruaidh or Island Roy is a truly magical retreat from the rush of the rest of the world. This tiny 65 hectare island, off the coast of Donegal, is so little known and secluded that it doesn't always feature on maps.
Nature spot · 13 km awayBá Bhaile Uí Thiarnáin (Ballyhiernan Bay)BeachSet along a rural stretch of northeast Donegal near the village of Rosnakill, Bá Bhaile Uí Thiarnáin (Ballyhiernan Bay) is a long, sandy beach perfect for walking and exploring.
Nature spot · 16 km awayRos Goill (Rossguill Peninsula)BeachSet between the headlands of Melmore Head and Horn Head, this point on the Rosguill Peninsula in northeast Donegal offers dramatic open views over the Atlantic coastline.