The annual 'Devonshire Day' at Lismore Castle has been announced to take place on St. Patrick's Day 2013, guests to Lismore castle on this day can take a unique opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in the Pugin Room and experience a preview of Lismore Castle's Spring Gardens.
Devonshire Day is now an annual traditional at the Castle; guests are served Devonshire Cream Tea by the Duke of Devonshire's Butler in the Pugin room and are then offered a guided tour of the Castle gardens under the expert guidance of the Head Gardener an opportunity not normally available to visitors.
Commenting on the launch of Devonshire Day Mr Jan Rotte, Event Manager of Immrama said, "We are delighted to again be announcing a date for Devonshire Day at Lismore Castle this really is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some Devonshire Cream Tea in themost picturesque surroundings. We understand that Devon have recently applied for Protected Geographical Status for Devonshire Cream Tea but we are sure it will always be available to be served at the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire and for guests to the castle to enjoy each year at Devonshire Day.
After enjoying the tea visitors on the day can experience a guided tour of Lismore Castle Gardens which 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 havebeen 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.
The Immrama Travel Writing Festival Committee is hosting this event and proceeds will help fund the 2013 festival programme. Tours take place at 11.30 a.m., 12.40 p.m., 1.50 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 4.10 p.m. Entrance is by ticket only, Children under 10 go free but must be pre-registered with the ticket office.
Book Tickets
Tickets are available from the Immrama office and Lismore Heritage Centre and cost €20.00. For further enquiries and bookings contact 058-53803 or 058-54975 or see facebook.com/lismoreimmrama
