A wonderful opportunity to have afternoon tea in the Pugin Room at Lismore Castle and enjoy a unique pre-view of Lismore Castle Spring Gardens will take place on Sunday 14th March 2010. Devonshire day offers visitors the opportunity to view the Castle gardens under the expert guidance of Mr. Chris Tull, Head Gardner and enjoy Devonshire Cream tea being served by the Dukes Butler in the Pugin room at Lismore Castle (an opportunity not normally available to visitors.)
Lismore Castle Gardens are set in seven acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls and have spectacular views of the castle and the surrounding countryside.
The Lower Garden was formerly known as the Pleasure Grounds and is spectacular in the Spring Time. A number of camellia, rhododendron's and some particularly magnificent magnolias can be found here. There has been extensive planting over the last number of years and the gardens are being constantly refined and improved. The walls surrounding the garden date from the early 18th century and have been planted with roses such as Francis E, Lester, Bobbie James, Rambling Rector to name but a few. The Lower Garden also boasts some spectacular sculptures by well-known artists Eilis O'Connell, Anthony Gormley and Marzia Colonna.
The Upper Garden is one of the few Jacobean gardens to survive in anything like its original form. The first Earl of Cork helped by his gardener John built a high surrounding wall and a raised terrace terminated at either end by turrets. The Central Walk, which is between the herbaceous borders, is backed by yew hedges and was laid in dramatic alignment on the Pain spire of the Anglican Cathedral. The hedges provide a suitable background for the herbaceous borders as one walks towards the top terrace. Located here are some artistic works by Bridget McCrum, Simon Thomas, Emily Young and Edwin Whitney Smith.
A complimentary visit to the recently refurbished exhibition galleries at Lismore Heritage Centre and an opportunity to see the Award-winning Film 'The Lismore Experience' is included in the price.
The Immrama Travel Writing Festival Committee is hosting this event and proceeds will help fund the 2010 festival programme.
Tickets are available from Lismore Heritage Centre and cost €20.00. For further enquiries and bookings contact (058) 53803, (058) 53365 or (058) 54975.
