Overview
Gash Gardens occupies a quiet stretch of the River Nore near the village of Castletown, offering a four-acre sanctuary where water, stone, and plant texture work in harmony. The site began as an ordinary dairy paddock in the mid-1980s when farmer Noel Keenan decided to experiment with horticulture on his own land. Over three decades, that initial curiosity evolved into a carefully planned landscape divided into three distinct zones: a semi-formal gravel garden, a vibrant lawn area with herbaceous borders, and a looped riverside walk. Today, Noel’s daughter Mary and her husband Ross manage the gardens, continuing the family’s commitment to practical planting, seasonal colour, and quiet refuge.
What to See & Do
The Moon House & Water Features
The garden’s most striking architectural feature is the Moon House, a stone cavern built into the landscape to anchor the water theme. A controlled cascade tumbles past its circular window and feeds into a series of lily-filled ponds. The sound of moving water creates a consistent, soothing backdrop, while the still pools attract frogs, newts, and occasional dragonflies. Seating is strategically placed around the water features, allowing visitors to pause and watch the reflections shift with the weather. The riverside loop follows the natural curve of the Nore, offering a slower pace and views of native riparian vegetation.
Plant Collections & Borders
Gash Gardens is designed around texture and seasonal progression rather than rigid formality. The herbaceous borders rely on robust, long-lasting perennials that perform well in the local climate. Look for large-leaved rogersia, gunnera, astilbe, ligularia, and darmera near the water, while iris, crocosmia, and Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ add vertical interest and late-summer colour. Standout specimens include Lilium martagon, Alstroemeria psittacina, and a curated collection of old-fashioned roses paired with hardy perennial geraniums. The woodland and fernery sections showcase shade-loving specialists such as Polygonatum, Ypsilandra thibetica, Saruma henryi, and Triosteum pinnatifidum. A laburnum archway marks the entrance to the fernery, leading into a beech-hedged path that funnels visitors toward the river.
Nursery & On-site Shop
The garden doubles as a working plant nursery, propagating many of the specimens you’ll see in the borders. The selection reflects the owners’ practical approach to gardening: plants that thrive in Irish weather, require reasonable maintenance, and offer long seasonal interest. Visitors can purchase container-grown perennials, shrubs, and bulbs directly from the nursery, along with gardening tools and seasonal advice from staff who know the soil and microclimates firsthand.
Events & Learning
Throughout the May to September season, Gash Gardens hosts informal talks, guided garden walks, and occasional floral art demonstrations. These sessions focus on practical horticulture, seasonal planting strategies, and landscape design. Groups of ten or more can book private tours in advance, and the owners occasionally accommodate wedding photography sessions on site. For those interested in professional landscaping, Ross Doyle offers design consultations and installation services for private gardens and small public spaces, while Mary Keenan provides horticultural consultancy and public talks.
Practical Information
- Opening season: Typically runs from early May to mid-September. Exact dates shift slightly each year, so verify the current schedule on the official website before travelling.
- Standard hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11:00–17:00. The garden is closed on Sundays.
- Appointments: Monday and Tuesday visits are available by prior arrangement. Call +353 273 7883 or email info@gashgardens.ie to book.
- Admission: €5 per adult. RHSI members enter at half price with a valid membership card. Concession rates apply to standard garden entry only.
- Facilities: On-site parking and public toilets are available near the entrance. Picnics are permitted in designated areas, and refreshments can be arranged in advance for booked groups.
- Accessibility & safety: The main paths are generally walkable, but some sections near the river and water features are uneven. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times, as the riverside walk is not suitable for very young visitors.
Getting There & Nearby
Gash Gardens is approximately 15 km from Portlaoise, reachable via the N80. Clear signage from the Castletown turn-off directs visitors to the entrance car park.
If you are planning a garden trail through County Laois, pair your visit with Heywood Gardens, a historic demesne set against the Slieve Bloom foothills, or explore the woodland walks and cobbler’s castle folly at Oughaval. For a broader historical context, Emo Court offers a neoclassical mansion and extensive parkland just a short drive away. Check the Laois Heritage Trail map for additional stops that connect the region’s monastic ruins, estates, and natural landscapes.
Tip: The herbaceous borders peak in July and August, but the spring months offer the best display of early perennials and woodland specialists. If you plan to visit on a weekday, remember to call ahead for an appointment slot.