We have the pleasure of once again introducing a broad range of private and publicly open gardens for the garden lover to enjoy. We are delighted to report that despite these difficult economic times that flower gardening in Donegal is thriving. It is our great pleasure as the organisers of the Trail to have the opportunity to witness all the improvements, and new plantings being made in the Trail gardens. Every garden in the Trail is credit worthy, and each year we have endeavoured to make a presentation of a specially commissioned medal of distinction for outstanding effort. In 2007 we awarded to Dunmore (Carrigans), in 2008 to Browns Farm (Portnoo) and last year 2009 to Cluain na dTor Nursery Gardens (Falcarragh).

“A modest garden contains, for those who know how to look and wait, more instruction than a library” Henri Frederic Amiel 1821-1881. Thus is garden visiting in Donegal, we cannot stress enough the necessity to take time to look at what each horticultural space offers, there are so many cameos to find, unusual combinations of shrubs and perennials, some may inspire, other may not. We pride ourselves in having an eclectic mix of gardens, and this year we are happy to include the Fr. Mc Dyer Terrace in
Glencolmcille, yet another example of gardening interpretation.

Garden visiting in Donegal is an especially rich experience. Travelling the country roads of Donegal can be such an enjoyable experience and the visitor has the opportunity to stop into private gardens to see how the immediate environment has been transformed with shelter belts and abundant colour. We know that a well planted garden quickly becomes a haven for bees, butterflies, woodland birds and a host of other native flora and fauna. Donegal is blessed with spectacular landscape, wild and rugged in the west combining with beautiful seascape and fertile and leafy in the east along the rivers Finn, Swilly and Foyle.

You will find an improved format within this guide book. The gardens are grouped together by locality. We recommend the visitor concentrate on a locality rather than try to cover the whole county in a day. Next there is an at-a-glance page showing opening times which we hope will assist you in making an itinerary. Please also take note that some of the gardens are at their best in late summer. In the central page you will find all the garden locations shown grouped by colour scheme as well as the locations of nurseries and garden centres where plants can be purchased. For your own comfort, always come prepared, especially with good footwear – Donegal can be quite wet. All the information relating to the Trail can be accessed on our website:

www.donegalgardentrail.com