Annes Grove

Castletownroche, Co. Cork

History

Known as Ballyhimock in the late 18^th century, Annes Grove Demesne was the estate of the Grove family. Hon. Arthur Grove Annesley took over the property in the late 18^th century, as a result of the marriage of his uncle Earl Annesley to Mary Grove. It has been the home of his descendents ever since.

Richard Grove Annesley created the gardens, during the first half of the 20^th century. They are an example of the Robinsonian manner of gardening - where native and exotic species are married to the natural landscape with little to-do.

Designed largely in the early twentieth century and Robinsonian style, it also brings in components of an earlier, eighteenth-century "ornamental glen" and landscape.

How to get there

By car:

Located 1.6km north of Castletownroche, off the Fermoy/Mallow/Killarney N72 road.

By bus:

See www.buseireann.ie website for all current travel details and restrictions.

Opening times

Open March 17^th-September 30^th only:

Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 13:00-18:00.

Admission fee

Adults 6 euro

OAPs/Students 4 euro

Children 2 euro (under 5 years old free)

Discount for pre-booked groups.

Facilities

Toilets, Wheelchair access, Plant Sales. Guided tours for groups by appointment. Holiday accommodations are also available on Annes Grove Estate at the Annes Grove Farmhouse or The Castle Lodge. See below for contact information.

Address

Annes Grove

Castletownroche

Co. Cork

Contact: Jane or Patrick Annesley

Tel: +353 (0)22 26145

Email: annesgrove@aol.com

Annes Grove Farmhouse

Annes Grove

Castletownroche

Co. Cork

Contact: Jane Annesley

Tel: +353 (0)22 26145

Email: annesgrove@aol.com

The Castle Lodge

Irish Landmark Trust

25 Eustace Street

Temple Bar

Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 670 4722

Email: landmark@iol.ie

My experience

Annes Grove is a wild and mature garden; an absolutely delightful place to explore. Because of their age, beauty, and variety, these are the best gardens I saw in Ireland. Highly recommended.

I loved the Walled Garden - a very romantic setting, with breathtakingly unique flower species, a fairy knoll, and a friendly, black and white cat. I felt like I was in The Secret Garden. I watched the bees dip in and out of purple orchid blossoms. The orchid stalks wobbled back and forth under the weight of the bees. The fragrance emitted was sweet and powerful in the breeze.

We walked down the slope past limestone cliffs to the Awbeg River. I ducked through a low canopy of leaves the size of small elephants and wandered over a wooden log bridge across the river. We discovered a couple tiny islands, overtaken by towering bamboo plants.

Each step we took was toward more beauty - one cannot go wrong exploring here. Throw away the map and let your soul roam wild.

Written by Liz O' Malley - Summer of Travel 2007