Widely respected as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown, Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with riverside walks covering over 40 acres (16 hectares). The estate gains much of its character from the many mature trees, natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens throughout the gardens.
Lawns bisected by sculpted yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and rhododendrons and lead in turn to a very different garden featuring exotic shrubs and trees. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks and huge stone outcrops leads the visitor to the River Slaney. When Corona North, who lovingly cared for the gardens for over 50 years died in 1999, the gardens were left to the State at her request. Ongoing restoration and maintenance continues under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
“Every visitor says it has a special atmosphere, that’s why so many people come back. Every element you want from a great garden is here, from lovely lawns, floral beds and beautiful woodland going down to the river, to a walled garden and really superb collections, such as the snowdrops, rhododendrons and the fabulous oaks in the arboretum” Paul Cutler, head gardener at Altamont Gardens.
Everyone welcome to meet at the new orchard at the rear of Altamont Gardens at 2p.,m. on 21st June.
Altamont Gardens Summer of Traditional Music Sessions every Wednesday at 2 p.m. on 21st June
Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Fielding Lecky Watson (father of Corona North) and see the Corona North rhododendron
Dawn Chorus at Altamont Gardens with Éanna Ní Lamhna on Sunday 21st May 2023 at 4.30 am, lovely early morning visit to Altamont Gardens and do not forget to wear warm clothes.
Tickets available at: altamontgardens@opw.ie (tickets are limited for this event}
Wear warm clothing and shoes or boots.
Refresments: tea/coffee & biscuits included
Bat Walk with Robert O'Dwyer in Altamont Gardens on 19th May 2023 at 9 p.m. for an evening of exploring Bats in the beautiful setting of Altamont Gardens.
Altamont Gardens Summer of Traditional Music Sessions every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in May Every one welcome to meet at the new orchard at the rear […]
The very popular Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens runs from February 1st to 28th and is a great opportunity to view this unique collection, first started by Corona North, former owner of the gardens
The very popular Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens is a great opportunity to view this unique collection, first started by Corona North, former owner of the gardens.
Having been further developed by the OPW over the last twenty years the collection is now amongst the largest in Ireland, with over 150 named varieties.
Guided tours will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout February.
