Cluain na dTor Seaside Gardens

Best described as Donegals “Exotic Garden” - the planting is inspirational and boldly experimental. This garden specialises in plants tolerant of seaside conditions. Cluain na dTor translates as “meadow of shrubs” - an apt place name - here Seamus O Donnell has planted great hedges of olearia to shelter his garden of exotic foliage plants and surrounding his wildflower meadows. Thirty years in the making, the gardens have matured with a wonderfully eclectic mix of individual specimens, happily assembled, to exhibit their beautiful bold forms, textures and colours. In the exotic garden banana’s and gingers brush shoulders with palm trees, schimas, magnolias, tree ferns, bamboos, dahlias and watsonias, the sheer diversity in this garden is most impressive. This garden is horticultural experimentation “par excellence” demonstrating a much greater range of plants are suitable to Donegal coastal conditions. Contemporary sculptures and Deirdre Brennan’s Art Studio highlight the work of local artists. A fine organic vegetable garden keeps the family fed.

Cluain Na dTor Gardens proudly feature in the THE RHS GARDENS OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND ‘Your guide to 100 of the most beautiful gardens’ (Aug.2025).