Guided tours will be at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm
suggested donation is €7
Nestled in eleven acres of ancient woodland, we offer a breathtaking view of the Beara Peninsula, Kerry Mountains, and Kenmare Bay. When Paul and Daniel purchased the gardens 2 years ago, it was in need of some serious care and attention. Although lovingly planted and planned by the previous owner, the gardens require full time attention of both owners to reach their full potential and they have painstakingly rejuvenated it throughout that time.
Take the trails steep descent (60 metres/ 200 feet) to sea level. Although Kerry is renowned for its views, Ardea Gardens' were simply breathtaking (you won't see the same view anywhere else in the peninsula). The Lehid River, Harbor, and the private waterfall were a sight to behold, the changeable skies meant that we managed to get two or three distinct views of the same vista on that day.
As you wanderer through the winding paths, you will be captivated by the diversity of plants – ancient oaks, birch, pines, and exotic imports from temperate rainforests in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the American West. The gardens are alive with color and sound, thanks to the seven ornamental ponds and the vibrant wildlife they have restored. We walked into polytunnels filled with a variety of edible plants, some of which we had the opportunity to taste, full of colours and vibrancy we’ve never known in our own gardens. We even got to meet their own hive of honey bees who were working away at producing honey.
The Ring of Beara's microclimate fosters a vibrant ecosystem, with gardeners particularly astonished by the abundance and diversity of plant life. At Ardea gardens you will get a truly unique glimpse into this world and is a must-visit for anyone who loves botany.
