VISIT THE UNRIVALLED BEAUTY OF ILNACULLIN'S ITALAIN GARDENS

Garnish Island, also known as Ilnacullin (island of holly) is nestled in Glengarriff harbour, Bantry Bay, a stones throw from the hotel. The attractions of the island are numerous considering it covers just 15 hectares (37 acres). The famous gardens are not the only attraction as they are inevitably accompanied by a plethora of wild life and also for history enthusiasts, a Martello Tower. First time visitors are frequently pleasantly surprised by the presence of considerable numbers of seals on the southern shores of the island.

Visitors are welcome to take the short privately operated taxi ferry trip to the island from the 1st March to 31st October each year when the weather is at its most enjoyable and the garden is in its full splendour. The island and gardens are closed for the remainder of the year.

Access to this treasure is due to the generosity of Anna Byrne the previous owner of te island who bestowed it upon the Irish people in 1953. Therefore the island is now caringly managed by the Office of Public Works who charge a small fee for the pleasure of a visit.

The Italian Gardens

Designed by Harold Peto the acclaimed English architect and garden designer who’s genius is omnipresent in the houses of Kensington & Chelsea, London, the garden is delightful to visit throughout the growing season and autumn. Emerging from the winter the Rhododendrons and Azaleas dominate the landscape with their magnificent blooms peaking in May and June. The spring gives way to a stunning array of cultivars of climbing plants, perennials and extraordinary ornamental shrubs which bring with them unforgettably vivid colours and shapes. The autumn Heather signals the approach of the end of the tourist season and a last chance to enjoy the out of this world beauty of Garnish Island.

The structures present in the garden are an equally attractive pull for tourists. The Grecian Temple, Italian Temple, and a Martello Tower give an equally impressive feeling to the garden. A perfect fit.

The Martello Tower

This relic from the Napoleonic era is a historical reminder of times past in the south west of Ireland. Originally used as a defence post against artillery it house up to 25 men and was a key element in the strategy of the British Army who launched their own artillery from the flat roof. Thankfully it is better known today as a tourist attraction due to its impressive standing in the remote nature of Ilnacullin.