Ballinlough Castle Gardens, Clonmellon, Co Westmeath.

Telephone: 046-33135

Fax: 046-33331.

Opening hours from Sunday, August 16th to September 30th: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 2 to 6 p.m. (After October 1st, open by appointment only.)

Other gardens in the region that are part of the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme

Larchill Arcadian Gardens,

near Kilcock, Co Kildare.

18th century ferme ornee: a farm with rustic follies and rare breeds. Walled garden and newly-restored lake. Tea rooms. Open: noon to 6 p.m. daily until the end of September. Other times by appointment.

Loughcrew,

Oldcastle, Co Meath.

Historic demesne with gardens spanning four centuries, including a 17th century yew walk (probably the oldest in the country) and Victorian water garden and grotto. Serious restoration work is still in progress.

Ballindoolin House,

Carbury, Co Kildare.

Located three miles outside Edenderry on Kinnegad Road. 19th century gardens under restoration, including two-acre walled garden; five-acre pleasure grounds and two-mile forest walk. Tea rooms and craft shop. Open: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of September. Other times by appointment.