FESTINA LENTE GARDENS

This is a two and half-acre Walled Garden, now restored as it would have been in the late Victorian period. This historic garden is divided into a kitchen garden, pool and ornamental garden with the original walls dating back to 1780. The main path in the kitchen garden is bordered by an extensive herbaceous border over 40 meters long containing many unusual plants, backed by espalier trees screening the vegetable beds. A variety of fruit trees are grown along the walls including some of the original pear and apple trees, which still survive and are fruiting. This is still a working garden producing vegetables, fruit, plants and cut flowers all for sale from our garden shop. This tranquil and peaceful garden originally owned by the Plunkett Family until 1939. Each generation extended and modified the gardens adding such features as a Fernery and Summer House.
The main house and head gardener’s house can still be seen, now privately owned. The Ornamental Gardens were officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in 2004.

Location:
Travelling from Dunlin on the N11 take Exit 5 for Bray North. At roundabout take second exit for Bray Town and proceed to traffic lights. Turn right onto Old Connaught Avenue. The entrance to Festina Lente is approx. 1.5km on the right.
Travelling North on the N11 take Exit 5 for Bray, Glencullen, Enniskerry. Turn left off the slip road. Festina Lente is approx. 300m on the right.

Admission:
By donation. Guided tours booked in advance €4pp or group of 10 €30.
Children are free but must be supervised.
All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the gardens.

Open:
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-6pm & Sunday 11am-6pm
 
Special events:
Painting Workshops Exploring Watercolours with Yanny Petters
Date: First Saturday of each Month
Time: 11am-4pm
Contact: Yanny Petters @ 01 2819282 / 087 3111620

Plant Healing Workshops - Join Registered Homeopath Sara Fontannaz in the Walled Garden, learn to make your own flower waters, hand cream, balms, healing ointments, bath salts etc.
Contact: Sara @ 086 1071553 or check www.festinalente.ie for a different workshop each month.
Time: 10am-12.30pm
Cost: €10pp

Irish Specialist Nursery Association
Rare and unusual Plant Fair in the Walled Victoria Garden. Irelands Specialist Nurseries will be offering 100s of the finest and rarest plants for your garden. Gardeners or keen plant hunters know they will find great value and something a little different.
Date: Saturday 28th April
Time: 10.30am
Cost:  Free

Delgany @ District Horticultural Rose Show
Date: Saturday June 30th
Time: TBC

Facilities:
Garden Centre & Gift Shop, Terrapin Sanctuary, Allotment, Gardening Workshops
Pet Friendly, Coffee/Tea & Snacks
Gardens available for Wedding photographs, private Children's parties etc. For more information please contact 01 22720704 or email info@festinalente.ie