In 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 a 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 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 670ad.
St. Fiachra’s Garden, in the National Stud grounds, was designed by Professor Martin Hallinan, award-winning landscape architect and designer of the Irish Garden in Osaka.
The garden seeks to capture St. Fiachra love of nature. It has 4 acres of natural beauty woodland walks and lakeside walks. It has also wetland, waterfall, streams and is a natural hibitat.
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 garden, Waterford Crystal shaped rocks and fibre-optic lit ferns, orchids and other plants are among the horticultural highlights.
The centre of the garden is dominated by a penninsular of fissured limestone (above) on which a stone monk’s hermitage has been built.
The garden is wonderful thanks to a beauty that is completly natural. And the walk through the garden was very enjoyable and relaxing.
St. Fiachra’s Garden like The Japanese Gardens are open Monday to Sunday (including Bank Holidays) 10.00am to 18.00pm. 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 ; Seniors, €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 of St. Fiachra’s Garden:
Below my photos taken in April 2022.
