Gardens and Wildflowers of the Burren

Summary

The Burren, from the Irish bhoireann - a stony place - lies in the northwestern corner of Co Clare. Over 300 square kilometres in extent, it is the largest area of karstic limestone in western Europe. At first glance it presents a bleak appearance, but closer examination reveals the beautiful diversity of flora for which the whole region has justly become famous. The colourful exuberance and profusion of the wild flowers is simply captivating and, subject to the prevailing conditions, we can expect to see many interesting different species.

We begin with visits to two local private gardens. The Boyce’s garden is divided into a number of intimate ‘rooms’ of rockeries, herbaceous borders and water gardens, while Knockpatrick contains many unusual varieties of magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons.

Next we visit the Cliffs of Moher, perhaps Ireland’s most dramatically impressive natural attraction, followed by a private garden at Caher Bridge, a wonderfully varied plantsman’s limestone garden in the true “cottage” style.

We then have a full day exploring The Burren in the company of a local expert guide, when we can expect to see a good selection of plants typical of the area, with ‘textbook’ examples of pavement, flower-rich grasslands and associated limestone features such as disappearing lakes.

Tour highlights:

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• Privately-owned gardens giving an insight to gardening in this corner of Ireland
• Masses of wildflowers of great variety
• Unique landscapes of The Burren
• Dramatic vistas from the Cliffs of Moher
• Poulnabrone Dolmen, an impressive megalith