The Gardens
Opening Times 11am - 4pm
Marvellous views, peace and tranquillity await…
Visit Loughcrew’s historic gardens and spend a day ambling through a diverse, tranquil landscape with your friends and family. There is plenty to entertain all ages! Children love our wonderful Fairy Trail while gardeners enjoy investigating the beautiful array of trees and plants which can be found.
It is no surprise that County Meath is the heritage capital of Ireland and Loughcrew plays a part in giving it this title. The remains of a medieval motte as well as 17th century features including St Oliver Plunkett’s family church, a corn mill and the visible outline of a longhouse can all be explored here. We have created a dedicated history of the garden page here which includes more detail.
You can wander through the 400 year old yew walk and stroll under the boughs of the lime avenue – which smells sensational – too. Furthermore, you can admire the symbolic statues and sculptures dotted about on the extensive lawns.
There are a number of peaceful walks within the grounds which can be taken at any pace. Additionally, information boards have been placed around the gardens to help you get the most out of your visit. Make sure you keep an eye out for fairies as you explore too!
We endeavour to make your visit to Loughcrew educational, relaxing and memorable. For those who are up for adventure make sure you check out our Fairy Trail, while history fans shouldn’t miss the medieval motte and St Oliver Plunkett’s church. For hungry explorers, or those who just want to sit for a while, the coffee shop will be just the ticket.
We also offer guided walks when you visit Loughcrew’s historic gardens, which start from the coffee shop, so just contact us if this is something you’d like.
Be sure to check out the map of the garden below too!
We are excited to announce that you will now be able to buy yearly passes to Loughcrew Gardens! Treat yourself or your loved ones and witness the garden changing with the seasons. Pick up your pass at the admissions counter today. Family tickets are 75€ and a single admission tickets is 40€.
ADULT | CHILD | O.A.P. | GROUPS |
€7.00 | €3.50 | €5.00 | * |
Admission | Admission | Admission | Discounts Available |
Gardens Map
History of the Gardens
One of Ireland’s oldest gardens
A diverse canvas
The garden within Loughcrew’s grounds has a long history. It has been tended by generations of the Naper family since the 1600’s and many of it’s original features have been restored or reinstated. Today it is made up of a stunning combination of vistas, water and archaeological features and many trees, shrubs and flowers of interest.
Examples of the amazing 17th century features still standing within the garden are a glorious avenue of yew trees and a beautiful walled garden, from which a canal and a parterre have been relocated in replica, can all be seen. The corn mill which dates back to St Oliver Plunkett’s childhood sits within the heart of the garden, as well as the church he and his family used. Amazingly foundations of a longhouse and a medieval motte are also still visible.
Within the peaceful grounds of Loughcrew House, extensive lawns and terraces have been created and are encased by herbaceous flower borders. Specimen trees and a lime avenue have also been planted, and wildflower meadows have been established to use as wedding decorations and in bouquets. Symbolic statues and sculptures are also dotted about.
An extended walk past a Victorian rockery, hidden within trees, and gorgeous wildflowers will lead you to the softly framed, reinstated 19th century water gardens. An old Crannog, nearby, with a painted motif inside has also been restored.
The garden really is a remarkable, diverse canvas and the rest of the rolling estate is well-dotted with old trees, and glorious flowers during spring and summer. Altogether it forms a beautiful scene.
