Overview
Rossdohan Island sits just a few hundred metres across Kenmare Bay from the Parknasilla Hotel, near the village of Sneem in County Kerry. Covering roughly 138 acres, the island operates as a living archive of Victorian-era horticultural ambition. A stone bridge built in the 19th century connects it to the mainland, though crossing it requires the landowner’s permission. What lies beyond that threshold is a lush, self-sustaining microclimate where towering New Zealand gums, giant sequoias, and eucalyptus trees tower over fern-laden paths. It feels less like a typical Irish landscape and more like a forgotten rainforest, quietly guarded by the tides of the Atlantic.
Known in Irish as Oileán Ros Dochan, the island is a recognised townland in the civil parish of Kilcrohane, barony of Dunkerron South. Its isolation and sheltered position have allowed it to retain a distinct character, untouched by the commercial pressures that often reshape coastal attractions.
History & The Garden’s Legacy
The island’s botanical transformation began in 1874 when Anglo-Irish surgeon Samuel Heard retired from service in India and purchased Rossdohan. Alongside his Australian wife, Kate Bradley, he imported saplings from across the British Empire – Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and South America. By 1875, a thatched mansion with a glazed veranda and stained-glass windows stood on the eastern shore, anchoring their vision.
The original house was destroyed by fire during the Irish Civil War in 1922. A second thatched residence was built later but burned down in the 1950s, leaving the skeletal ruin that now frames views of the bay. For much of the 20th century, the island was maintained by the Walker family, renowned horticulturists behind Dublin’s Fernhill Gardens. They preserved the farm buildings, introduced new exotic specimens, and kept the Victorian planting scheme alive.
In 2012, Rossdohan was acquired by the Parknasilla resort for a reported €2 million. Current owners Jacqui Safra and Tony Daly have committed to a slow, careful restoration. Rather than commercialising the site, they’ve worked with TV gardener Gerry Daly to stabilise the existing collection and allow limited public appreciation. Safra also owns nearby Garnish Island, making Rossdohan part of a broader effort to preserve Kenmare Bay’s historic garden heritage.
Flora & Wildlife
The island’s mild, sheltered climate allows plant species that struggle elsewhere in Ireland to thrive. Walkers will encounter:
- New Zealand kauri and gum trees – Some trunks exceed five metres in girth, creating a cathedral-like canopy.
- Giant sequoia – One of the few mature specimens growing in Ireland.
- Eucalyptus and bamboo groves – Their aromatic leaves and rapid growth reinforce the tropical atmosphere.
- Camellias and rhododendrons – These provide seasonal colour in spring.
- Silver-tree ferns – Rare in Ireland, these thrive in the humid understorey.
A secluded lily pond sits in a quiet glade, its still surface reflecting the surrounding foliage. The eastern shoreline, known for its jade-tinted water, hosts a resident seal colony that can be observed year-round. The humid conditions also support a distinct local mosquito population and other insects that have adapted to the exotic planting scheme.
Local Lore & Landmarks
Beyond the gardens, the island holds quieter historical markers. A small sea stack off the western coast is known locally as Scott’s Rock, named after architect Michael Scott, whose family had longstanding connections to the Kenmare area. Scott visited in the 1970s tracing his ancestry, and the rock remains a navigational reference for local boaters.
The ruined mansion on the eastern shore remains the island’s most striking feature. Its crumbling walls and open windows offer framed perspectives of the bay, while the renovated farmhouses nearby hint at the island’s agricultural past. The combination of wild growth and architectural decay gives Rossdohan a distinctly romantic, unpolished character.
How to Visit & Practical Information
Rossdohan is private property and does not operate on a public opening schedule. Access is managed carefully to protect the delicate ecosystem and historic structures.
- Viewing from the water: The island is easily visible from boat trips departing from Sneem or Kenmare. This is the most straightforward way to appreciate its scale without arranging land access.
- Walking the grounds: Visitors can arrange guided walks or independent visits by contacting the Parknasilla Hotel reception in advance. The 19th-century stone bridge is the primary access point, though private boat landings can also be coordinated with the estate.
- Photography & camping: Commercial photography requires a permit. Overnight camping is occasionally permitted for small groups with explicit written consent. Anyone granted access must follow a strict leave-no-trace policy.
- Facilities & planning: There are no visitor amenities on the island. Bring your own water, food, and sturdy footwear, as paths can be uneven and damp. Late spring and early summer offer the most vibrant foliage, though the seals and atmospheric ruins are compelling in any season.
- Contact: All access requests, including photography permits and camping, should be directed to the Parknasilla Hotel main reception. Book well ahead, as arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Contact the estate at least three weeks before your intended visit to confirm dates, group sizes, and any specific requirements for your trip.