On the grounds of The Irish National Stud and Gardens in County Kildare, there are two stunning gardens. The iconic Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s Garden which is the essence of Ireland’s landscape natural beauty in its rawest state.
St. Fiachra’s Garden was created to celebrate the Millenium at the Irish National Stud. And it was officially opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, in June 1999.
The garden commemorates St. Fiachra, the Patron Saint of Gardeners and a descendent of the High Kings of Ireland, he died in France in 670 AD.
The Garden was designed by Professor Martin Hallinan, an award-winning landscape architect and designer of the Irish Garden in Osaka.
It seeks to capture St. Fiachra’s love of nature. It has 4 acres of natural beauty woodland walks and lakeside walks. Also, it is a wetland, waterfall, and streams and is a natural habitat.
Water, trees, and rocks are the basic natural elements within which the garden was created. Its design reflects the monastic spirituality of 6th and 7th Century Ireland. An underground park, Waterford Crystal-shaped rocks, and fiber-optic lit ferns, orchids, and other plants are among the horticultural highlights.
The center of the garden is dominated by a peninsular of fissured limestone (above) on which a stone monk’s hermitage has been built.
The garden is wonderful thanks to a beauty that is completely natural. And the walk through the garden was delightful and relaxing.
St. Fiachra’s Garden like The Japanese Gardens is open Monday to Sunday (including Bank Holidays). 10.00 am to 18.00 pm. from February until November.
The entry ticket price for Irish National Stud & Gardens is Adults, €11.00; Children (Under 16), €6.00; Children (Under 3), Free; People older than 70, €9.00; Students, €9.00. (includes entry to the Japanese Gardens, the Horse Museum, St. Fiachra’s Garden, and a tour of the Stud). Free Car Parking.
For more information visit: irishnationalstud.ie
Location:
Below are photos I took in April 2022.
