![The Gardens](https://blarneycastle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/the_garden_pic-430x366.jpg)
The Gardens
Between the entrance gates and the distant lake lie 60 acres of surprises, delights and mysteries waiting to be discovered. There is a network of paths that lead visitors through various gardens, arboretums, and avenues, which are a constantly changing and evolving environment throughout the seasons.
Explore the Garden
![Ask the Expert](https://blarneycastle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/expert_pic-430x421.jpg)
Ask the Expert
Adam Whitbourn, Blarney Castle’s head gardener has over 25 years experience as a professional gardener. Working in gardens of all sizes and types (as well as his own), Adam has acquired a level of knowledge and expertise second to none. He really does have green fingers!
Adam loves to share tips, answer questions and talk about all things garden related so – make him happy – post your tips or email them to [email protected] or tweet him at @Blarney_Castle
Head Gardeners Diary
Garden Walking Trails
![Garden Walking Trails](https://blarneycastle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/river_gardn_pic-430x421.jpg)
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Woodland Walk
The peaceful woodland walk is a quiet secluded area that leads to a circuit of the 21-acre Blarney Lake. Throughout the walk, you may hear the rustling from the red Squirrels and Jays that call the woodlands home.
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Lake Walk
Our 22 acre lake provides one of the most beautiful walks that is on offer on the estate! Taking about 45 mins to complete, this walk provides several opportunities to stop and admire the beauty of the lake but also the many waterfowl that call it home. On the lake be sure to look out for the resident family of swans.
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Riverside Walk
This walk which runs west from the entrance to the Badgers Cave, follows the river Martin to the far end of our estate. Covered in a dense canopy, this walk accompanied by the sound of flowing river offers the chance of seeing the otters and kingfishers that call our estate home.
Conservation, Biodiversity and Wildlife
The estate boasts an impressive range of native wildlife. Blarney Castle & Gardens are the first estate in Ireland to be awarded the prestigious title of ‘Wildlife Estate’ from the European Landowners’ Organisation.
The native woodlands, rivers and lake within the inner estate and also in the separate pockets of ground around the village area, provide support for many increasingly rare species including otters, red squirrels, badgers, barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers, river lampreys, trout and salmon.
Thanks to Frank Brady for the wonderful photos!
Sculpture at the Castle 2023
Blarney Castle and Gardens would like to welcome you to Sculpture at the Castle 2023, an exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the picturesque surroundings of Blarney Castle’s Rock Close, Seven Sisters, Herbaceous Border, and Stable Yard.
We would like to thank the Sculptors for all their hard work over the past year to create this year’s showcase. Their enthusiasm, creativity and endeavour is an ongoing inspiration to us and we feel privileged to represent them.
Many hours have gone into the installation and maintenance of the sculptures. I would like to acknowledge Adam Whitbourne, Sean Brady, Stephen, Paul and everyone at Blarney Castle who have been generous with their time. Most importantly, I would like to thank Sir Charles and Lady Caroline Colthurst for their generous support and opening the gardens and hosting this exhibition.
We hope you enjoy the exhibition. If you would like more information about the exhibition or any particular piece of sculpture, please contact Kate at [email protected] .
Our Horses
Blarney Castle has a very strong history with equestrian. Visitors love to see the many horses and donkeys that we have on site.
The old stables can be seen at our Coach House Café but now the stables are located on the avenue as you walk towards the lake. Historically the estate was a venue for International Horse Trials and in more recent years was a host for a Irish Draft Horse event.