Garden Visits

Molana Abbey, the Small Kitchen Garden and Pleasure Ground will be open everyday from 2011, 28th May to 31st July inclusive 9.30AM to 4.00PM daily.

Please park at Templemichael and use the pedestrian gate at twin lodges. Inside the second gate, on the right hand side, is an honesty box - please leave 5 euro per adult visitor to help us maintain the garden and Estate. Thank you. The walk from Templemichael follows the main drive through Parkland and Reedbeds with spectacular views of the wooded Blackwater River, to the Pleasure Ground and Kitchen Garden, over a mile from Templemichael.

Please contact the office on +353 (0)24 97460 - (0)24 978990 or e-mail info@ballynatray.com should you wish to visit the gardens.

The Arboretum

The first phase of the Arboretum planting has been completed within the Walled Garden. The design comprises a series of elliptical glades connected by lawns commanding various vistas of the Blackwater River. The exotic trees and shrubs represent some recent introductions from Korea, Vietnam, Tiawan, Japan and China.

Please contact the office on +353 (0)24 97460 - (0)24 978990 or e-mail info@ballynatray.com should you wish to visit the Arboretum.

More About Our Gardens

The Kitchen Garden

The Kitchen Garden, designed by Patrick Bowe in 2000 is on the site of a small brew yard. It is managed organically and provides fresh fruit, vegetables and cut-flowers to the house throughout the year.

The Walled Garden

To the east of the House lies the Walled Garden, which historically contained the kitchen garden, a series of terraced formal gardens and an arboretum. This garden is under development.

The Fragrant Garden

The Fragrant Garden was designed by Richard Taylor of Talylor-Tripp Associates, Hampshire in 2008. A 'parterre de broderie' has been planted in Box surrounded by an informal planting comprising of fragrant flowering plants.

Student Gardener

Currently there is a vacancy for a full-time residential student gardener. The placement provides a unique learning opportunity working in a developing garden and a chance to develop hands-on-skills.

The Head Gardener is qualified to deliver tuition in horticultural theory and there are two qualified gardeners as well as an arborist on the Estate team. Free self-catering accommodation is provided in addition to a contribution towards living expenses.

Welcome to the Waterford Garden Trail

The Waterford Garden Trail highlights 15 different garden attractions throughout County Waterford. There is a wide variety of gardens open for viewing, ranging from the gardens of the great old houses, to smaller gardens and garden centres.

As the gardens are dispersed throughout the county, visitors will also have the opportunity to drive through some of the most spectacularly beautiful countryside – from the wild and rugged mountain ranges, which frame the county to the north, to the majestic and breathtaking coastline to the south.

www.waterfordgardentrail.com