The oldest continuously cultivated gardens in Ireland, set within the dramatic walls of a privately-owned Devonshire family castle, with a contemporary art gallery in the west wing.
A complete 17th-century walled garden first laid out by Richard Boyle around 1605, with original walls and terraces still intact. A working kitchen garden where vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers are grown for the castle, mixed with ornamental borders.
Created in the 19th century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire under the influence of Sir Joseph Paxton. Meandering paths wind through informal trees and shrubs to open lawns, anchored by a majestic ancient yew avenue where Edmund Spenser is said to have written part of 'The Faerie Queene'. Spring brings magnificent magnolias and rhododendrons.
A contemporary art gallery housed in the castle's west wing, hosting exhibitions of international significance. The 2026 season features 'Salon' — some forty paintings in a theatrical gallery staging. Admission is included with your garden ticket.
Since 1999, pieces of contemporary sculpture have been installed throughout the gardens, including works by Antony Gormley and Eilis O'Connell. A plant and sculpture map is available to help you locate each piece. Look for numbered markers identifying plants of special interest.
The café in the Upper Garden serves teas, coffees, soft drinks and cakes made by the castle chef. Pre-book a picnic basket for two (€50, Thurs–Sat, June–August) filled with seasonal salads, apple juice from the orchard, and homemade cakes — 48 hours' notice required. Whole cakes (€40) can also be ordered for collection.
Two additional free-admission gallery spaces in Lismore town. St Carthage Hall (behind the Heritage Centre on Chapel Street) and The Mill (a short walk from town on the Ballysaggartmore road) host rotating exhibitions, open Fridays–Sundays 12–5pm during exhibition periods.
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