Make a date with Ireland's heritage as the annual National Heritage Week nears with a packed programme of events across the country. Many of our oldest and most historically important gardens are opening their doors to visitors with loads of fascinating workshops, tours and talks to enjoy.
In Co. Wicklow, there's a guided tour of Mount Usher Gardens, first planted in 1868 following the then-revolutionary natural gardening principles of Irish garden designer William Robinson. You can also look around the historic Shackleton's Walled Gardens in Dublin and explore its links with the famous explorer; or visit the beautiful and moving Famine Garden in Newmarket, Co. Kilkenny.
At the Douglas Library in Cork, Historic Landscape Consultant Louise Harrington is sharing her stories and expertise on the personalities, landscapes and plantings of Cork's big houses from the 18th century onwards. There's a music trail celebrating our rich, cultural heritage in the lovely setting of the Celtic Garden at Muff, Co. Donegal; and at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in Co. Meath you can step back in time to the 19th century, shown round the newly-restored walled garden and Octagon Garden by their Victorian gardener!
National Heritage Week runs from 22-30 August: for details of events visit www.heritageweek.ie.
