Across the county, gardens are slowly emerging from the winter and with pops of yellow daffodils and spring flowers beginning to emerge.  It’s a fantastic time to plan a day trip to one (or more) of the garden centres on the Trail to invest in some Spring planting or to spend time in the gardens as nature unfolds and begins to bloom again, and certainly no day trip would be complete without a mouth-watering meal or satisfying snack along the way. 

Gorey Area

Follow a spot of shopping for Spring plants and seeds with lunch! Springmount and Cois Na hAbhann Garden, Home and Lifestyle Centre are great options. The Greenhouse Café, at Springmount boasts an extensive menu, including gluten free options, delicious freshly made specialty cakes, an outdoor terrace, and a full children’s menu. 

Cois Na hAbhann’s idyllic Bay Tree Restaurant is also a destination in itself. Nestled conveniently between Gorey and Enniscorthy, it is the perfect place to pause and refuel during a shopping trip or to meet up with friends. Their food is packed full of flavour and prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert are served. There are options for everyone, including vegans, vegetarians and children. 

Number 1 Family Day Out

Voted Ireland’s Number 1 family day out by the Irish Hospitality Awards, Wells House and Gardens in Ballyedmond will enchant guests of all ages. Preparations are underway for Easter celebrations with an easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday (March 31st) along with fairy tale fun and train rides in the arboretum.  Find out more>>

Wexford Lavender Farm, near Inch, is Ireland’s only commercial lavender farm. It features four acres of lavender, a gift shop, a children’s playground, a quad barrel train ride, a wooden maze, a video distillery talk, woodland walks, woodland warriors, outdoor snakes and ladders, plant sales and more. It is also home to the spacious and popular Purple Haze Café. The café is housed in a beautiful old stable block where tantalising treats and moreish meals are served up. Re-opening at Easter on March 29th,  there will be an Easter egg Hunt on Saturday March 30th, followed by 10th birthday celebrations in April 2024!

Kilmurry Nursery near Gorey, is an award winning second-generation family nursery that grows plants of a high quality. They specialise in herbaceous perennials, grasses and ferns for wholesale and retail sales. The Nursery has an online shop and delivers nationwide. The gardens are currently undergoing extensive works. They are planned to re-open in 2024 to the public as well as garden groups.

Enniscorthy Area

Like Gorey, Enniscorthy is another hub for garden centres, with some of Wexford’s finest home and garden shopping experiences on the town’s doorstep. Foodie delights are also easily found, so read on for a little taster of what to expect.

Beechdale Garden Centre is a great choice if you’re in the Enniscorthy area. The centre specialises in quality trees an plants including many rare or unusual varieties. Stop by The Wildlfower Café after perusing Beechdale’s great selection of garden supplies and accessories.  Now in its 11th year at Beechdale, the café offers freshly baked bread and desserts from their own kitchen. Mouth-watering daily lunch specials made with the finest locally sourced produce also feature.

New Ross & South Wexford

A fairytale castle, a Cistercian Abbey’s walled wonderland, private and community gardens, a Georgian manor, and a plant collection of presidential proportions await visitors to South Wexford, and there are also some fabulous spots for food along the way.  

The well-known Johnstown Castle Estate is a must-see for anyone in the South Wexford area. Visitors will marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the gothic revival castle, nestled amongst tranquil, picturesque grounds teeming with native plants and wildlife.

Open throughout the year, Johnstown Castle is a great choice for a day trip, with extensive grounds and gardens to stroll through, regular tours of the Castle itself and the fascinating Irish Agricultural Museum to explore onsite. After a busy day of adventure and discovery, the spacious Peacock Café is the perfect place to relax and recharge with friends and family. 

Step back in time

Kilmokea Manor is a stunning 18th Century Georgian Stone Rectory, set amid seven acres of heritage gardens, on the shores of the River Barrow near New Ross. Kilmokea offers top class guest accommodation and also admits day visitors to the gardens. The extensive gardens encompass topiary, lawns, herbaceous and mixed plantings alongside architectural features and ornaments. There is also a Fruit and Vegetable garden where they grow using organic methods and a large water garden which extends into woodland. The Conservatory Café and Gardens are open Wwednesday to Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 10.00am to 5.000pm from 27th March to 3rd November 2024.

The JFK Arboretum, situated near New Ross, is dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, Patrick, was born nearby. It covers 252 hectares on the summit and southern slopes of Slieve Coillte and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs. Highlights include the lake, which is a haven for waterfowl, the amazing panoramic views from the summit of the hill, the visitor centre and the tea rooms, which are perfect for a little rest, relaxation and refuelling after a day exploring the extensive grounds. October – March Closing Times are 10.00am to 5.00pm Last admission 60 minutes before closing for each site. Tearoom open weekends only.

Wexford Garden Trail