Wander the bamboo groves
Thirty species of bamboo, most of them giant, line romantic paths through the park. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth, and shoots can rise a metre in 24 hours.
Bamboo Park
4.3 (343)
About
An exotic seaside garden on the Glengarriff coast, where thirty species of bamboo, palms and tree ferns thrive in Ireland's mild Gulf Stream air.
Things to Do
Palms and tree ferns
The collection includes hardy palms such as Phoenix canariensis, Washingtonia robusta and the rare Trachycarpus takil, plus Dicksonia antarctica tree ferns that seed themselves in the mild coastal shade.
Harbour and Garnish Island views
The garden slopes down to Glengarriff Harbour with views across to Garnish Island. Coming from Kenmare, the entrance is a huge Japanese-style gate on the N71 just past the harbour.
Private beach and seals
Visitors have access to a private beach with marvellous views to Garnish Island; if you are lucky you may spot one or more of the local seals in the bay.
Picnic gazebos
Romantic gazebos are scattered through the grounds for meditative moments and picnics.
Terrace cafe and shop
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with homemade cakes on the sunny terrace, and pick up a souvenir or plants for sale - bamboos, palms and tree ferns - in the shop.
History and the stone pillars
The modern areas were created in 1999 on the pattern of the Bambouseraie in Anduze, France. Look for 13 stone pillars of unknown origin, and the adjoining Old Garden, part of a garden established by Lady Ardilaun.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open all year, 9am to 7pm.
- Admission: Adults EUR 6, seniors EUR 5, students EUR 3.50, disabled EUR 1, children free
- Parking: Free car and minicoach parking on site; Google also records paid and free street parking nearby.
- Food: Tea, coffee and homemade cakes served on a sunny terrace.
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