The Gardens

The Gardens at Ballintubbert Gardens and house are a living, ever evolving ecosystem shaped by history, nature and a deep respect for the land. The Garden Team, led by the experienced and respected Jenifer Taggart, continues this legacy through an organic, holistic approach that is connected to the rhythms of the natural world

Rooted in the ancient landscape of Baile an Tobair — “the town of the wells” — historically, these wells were believed to possess restorative properties, and records tell of pilgrims travelling to Ballintubbert in search of healing water. The gardens have grown around the mineral-rich waters and fertile soils that have sustained this place for centuries.

Ballintubbert became Ireland’s first organically certified ornamental garden in 2022 and is a place of both beauty and learning. Across the estate, historic garden rooms merge with wild meadows, woodlands, productive gardens and planting schemes designed for a changing climate. The Gardens are constantly evolving — a stunning showcase of how ornamental horticulture, biodiversity and sustainability can exist in harmony.

Nature sits at the core of every decision we make. We garden without chemicals, encourage natural ecosystems to flourish and work in partnership with wildlife. Birds act as natural pest control, pollinators are protected throughout the estate, and planting is selected not only for beauty, but also for resilience, ecological value and longevity in increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

The Gardens are encouraged to thrive through holistic principles that empower the interconnectedness of soil, water, plants, wildlife and people. Composting, seed saving, biodiversity corridors, no-mow areas, regenerative soil care and climate-adaptive planting techniques all display our commitment to long-term stewardship of the land.

Ballintubbert is also an educational garden. Through workshops, tours, seasonal events such as the annual Festival of Gardens & Nature and the Climate Carnival, we invite visitors to learn and engage with ideas surrounding ecological gardening, food systems, wellness, herbal traditions and environmental responsibility.

Throughout the seasons, the gardens unfold as a series of immersive experiences. Formal lime walks and the Sir Edwin Lutyens-inspired sunken garden contrast with naturalistic woodland planting influenced by William Robinson’s pioneering philosophy of wild gardening. Productive potagers and heritage orchards celebrate traditional growing methods and heirloom varieties, while experimental plantings explore species suited to Ireland’s future climate conditions.

Spring brings drifts of Narcissus, Galanthus and woodland flowers, summer overflows with roses, peonies, dahlias and pollinator-rich perennials. Autumn brings orchards heavy with fruit, seed heads alive with birds and rich seasonal colour throughout the estate.

Ballintubbert is a garden in dialogue with time — honouring its past while actively creating a more sustainable future. It is a sanctuary for biodiversity, a source of inner restoration and a reminder that The Gardens can nourish not only the land, but also the people who appreciate them.