Derreen Garden, Botanical garden in Kilmackillogue Harbour, Ireland
Derreen Garden is a botanical garden near Kilmackillogue Harbour set across extensive woodland with winding paths connecting different plant collections. The site sits between coastal views and mountain scenery, with sections devoted to tender species adapted to the local growing conditions.
The garden began in 1863 when the 4th Marquess of Lansdowne started establishing plantings across the property. His son later enriched the collection by bringing back specimens gathered during travels to distant regions.
The garden draws visitors who come to walk among towering tree ferns and flowering plants, many of which thrive because of the mild maritime climate. People spend hours moving through different sections, discovering how the coastal setting shapes what grows here.
The garden remains accessible year-round with a network of paths suitable for walking and exploring. Good footwear is recommended as the trails wind through wooded terrain that can become muddy after rain.
The collection includes tree ferns and rhododendrons that usually grow in warmer climates, thriving here due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream. This climatic advantage allows subtropical plants to flourish far north of their typical range.
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