Ashford is in County Wicklow, and Mount Usher Gardens are located in the village. Winding paths, tiered planting and seasonally changing colours are spread across 22 acres along the River Vartry. Mount Usher is also an example of Robinsonian-style planting. This gives a visit to the garden a clear focus on designed landscapes and their seasonal changes.
Gardens and seasonal food
Mount Usher Gardens offer self-guided walks throughout the year, as well as guided group tours. The Garden Café at Mount Usher Gardens serves seasonal, freshly prepared breakfasts, brunch and lunch. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan foods. The offerings differ: the café serves meals, while the market offers artisan foods. If you plan to visit the market, check its current offering in advance.
Woodland trails, sculptures and native trees
Devil’s Glen Wood is open to the public and has parking, picnic facilities and a range of woodland trails. Check access information before you travel. At Devil’s Glen Wood, Sculpture in Woodland showcases a unique collection of contemporary sculptures by Irish and international artists.
The woodland habitat is also a local highlight: Devil’s Glen, near Ashford, has ancient sessile oak woodland, as well as oak, birch and holly trees. Alongside the trails and sculpture collection, native tree species are another focus of the nature experience.
Culture and activities that require advance planning
Ashford Community & Heritage Centre is a community-based facility with spaces for various events and a purpose-built heritage centre designed to museum standards. Ashford’s former residents include the poet and Nobel Prize laureate Seamus Heaney and playwright John Millington Synge. Another way to explore local history is Wren’s Wood Garden, where guided tours share the garden’s history. In County Wicklow, Saint Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in the 6th century; a round tower and decorated crosses remain there.
The Irish School of Landscape Painting offers painting courses for artists of all experience levels and uses its own four-stage teaching method. The programme includes daily demonstrations in oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, pencil and pastel. Confirm current course dates before making plans.
The private Old Farm Equestrian Centre offers rides on a 50-acre farm and in the adjoining state forest. Riding lessons in dressage, show jumping and hacking can be booked as private lessons or for small groups; bookings are made in advance directly with the centre. Check current booking arrangements before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Kilcoole, Blessington, Redcross, Brittas Bay, Bray, Aughrim, Shillelagh, Rathnew
For the main travel overview: County Wicklow.
