Park & nature

Garnish Island

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Garnish Island, also known as Ilnacullin, is a small island in Bantry Bay transformed into a lush sub-tropical garden. Thanks to the mild Gulf Stream climate, the island hosts an extraordinary collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world. Visitors arrive by ferry and are greeted by a walled garden filled with vibrant flowers, a Japanese garden, and a Martello tower offering panoramic views. The island's peaceful paths wind through woodlands, past a Grecian temple, and along the rocky shoreline. It's a horticultural masterpiece and a haven for nature lovers, with the scent of magnolias and rhododendrons in the air during spring.

Don't miss

  • Explore the walled garden with its vibrant flower beds and Italianate architecture
  • Climb the Martello tower for stunning bay views
  • See the collection of rare rhododendrons and camellias
  • Visit the Grecian temple overlooking the sea

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Garnish Island

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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