Airfield Gardens, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14
An unexpected treasure island in the sea of Dublin's urban sprawl. Forty acres of rich farmland include a four-acre garden, recently restored. Wildflower meadows, herbaceous borders, a fragrant rose garden and Victorian greenhouse are some of the old-fashioned treats that soothe the weary visitor. Unusual plants for sale. Open: Tues-Sat, noon-4 p.m. until September 30th. Admission: £2.50. Tel: 012984301
Lakeview, Mullagh, via Kells, Co Cavan
The garden of Daphne and Jonathan Shackleton, is set among gently rolling hills and - as the name suggests - has sparkling glimpses of Mullagh Lake. Rare perennials are arranged with a painterly eye and interspersed with plantings of lusty organic vegetables. Plant nursery. Open: FriSat, Sun and bank holidays, 2-6 p.m. until September 30th. Admission: £3. Tel: 046-42480
Annes Grove, Castletownroche, Co Cork
One of the most romantic - and under-visited - gardens in Ireland. A walled garden contains formal parterres, herbaceous and autumn borders and an excellent nursery, while a magical glen and winding walks offer hours of pleasure for the more energetic visitor. Open: Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun, 1-6 p.m. until September 30th. Admission £3. Tel: 022-26145
Strokestown Park, Strokestown, Co Roscommon
Home to one of the most ambitious garden restorations in Ireland. The four-acre, walled, pleasure gardens enclose the longest herbaceous border in the world, croquet and tennis lawns, a minimal maze, a box-edged rose garden and a huge, rectangular pool of water. The newly-restored, two-acre, Georgian fruit and vegetable garden opened on July 20th. Open: 11 a.m.-5.30 p.m. daily, until October 31st. Admission: £3.25. Tel: 07833013
Glenveagh, Churchill, Co Donegal
A surprising, lush interlude in 25,000 windswept, mountainous acres of national park. In the sheltered valley on the edge of Lough Veagh, tree ferns and other tender specimens thrive in this part-formal, part-wild garden, the creation of larger-than-life US millionaire, Henry McIlhenny. Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, until November 1st. Admission: £2. Tel: 074-37090
