The Garden
The Story of Ardán Garden
Neither of us were gardeners when we first bought a house together in 1997. But immediately we were gripped by plants and the excitement of creating beauty together around our home.
When we were moving house in 2002 we wanted space to create a garden, but never imagined that others would want to come and visit. Somehow we landed here on the scenic peninsula of Howth, just north of Dublin city.
Our garden’s design is a direct response to the windy conditions on this rocky outcrop, at the top of Howth hill and 4km out to sea, We used hedging to create several smaller and better sheltered spaces within the garden. Each space uses a different plant palette and design style to create a specific mood. As you move from one area to the next, the feeling changes, adding up to one larger experience.
The presence of Conall’s sculpture enhances that response.
Through the years we have built up a broad and varied plant collection and developed our skills as plants-people and gardeners. We continuously change areas of the garden, and so it grows with us.
We were surprised when a newt arrived in the garden who had been thought to be extinct in the region. This set us on a path of learning about how our garden interacts with nature and provides habitats for wildlife. We learned to garden organically, to cultivate with no-dig methods, and to return everything to the soil.
Our approach we call ‘eco-aesthetic gardening’ where both habitat and beauty are united around our home.
We hope you will enjoy your visit,
Nuala and Conall
Garden Interactive Map
Description
Ardán Garden is a magical half an acre (2000m2) garden situated on a southward sloping hill within the Howth conservation area and the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere.
The garden is subdivided into several smaller spaces, each with a different style. From the leafy front garden, enter through a gate to the herbaceous garden with its long serpentine borders flanked by deep and exuberant colour-themed herbaceous beds. These are set with the backdrop of an extensive natural outcrop of rock and a view to the hill beyond.
Now you are tempted in any of four directions. If you go through the second gate and down steps you arrive at the lush exotic garden with bold colours and space to sit beside the wildlife pond.
Drop another level under the arching branches of Schefflera taiwaniana and Dicksonia antarctica and you enter a copse of birch trees, chosen to cohere with the birch woods on the hill. The grove is underplanted, first with ferns and begonias and as it opens out, then with an array of leafy woodland plants, dappled with white flowering shade-lovers.
As you make your way back up, enter the vegetable garden with its uniquely designed raised beds, and where no-dig gardening gives food for the house. Continuing uphill, the view to the herbaceous and glasshouse at the top is lined with topiary interspersed with more big-leaf plants.
Arriving at the top, take time to admire the natural rock over which water trickles. It is summer-planted with succulents including many of the aeonium collection. Then on the patio see the arrangement of potted plants near the house.
Discover the Garden Experience
Garden Visit
- Entry to Ardán Garden.
- Available each Friday and Saturday between June and September, 11am to 4pm.
- Explore the garden. Surround yourself in beauty, art and nature.
- Relax and enjoy. We will be here to welcome you.
- €10 per person.
Group Tour
- For tour groups, garden clubs and culture vultures.
- We show you round the garden, telling you its stories and revealing its highlights.
- Garden tours are tailored to your group’s interests – plants, design, art, nature, or a combination of all of these.
- All tours are given by either Nuala or Conall.
- Typically a group visit with a tour lasts about 80 minutes in the garden.
Exclusive Private Visit
- Enjoy exclusive use of the garden at a time that suits you, for you and your family or friends when nobody else is present.
- Includes a personalised tour given by Nuala and Conall and some quality light refreshments.
- For small groups up to 8 people, with private use of our Howth garden for two hours.
- This is a luxury experience with limited availability.
- Please contact us to arrange your exclusive private garden visit.
Friends Day Out
- Enjoy the luxury of time with your best friends in the beautiful surroundings of Ardán Garden. Just hang out, catch up, and enjoy gourmet light refreshments with exclusive use of the garden.
- If you would also like to learn more about gardening, Nuala and Conall can offer a demonstration or even a hands-on garden masterclass as a way for you to have fun with your dear friends.
Other Experiences And Talks
- Are you a photo-club, plein-air artist, or getting engaged. You know how you want to enjoy our garden. Let us know and we will try to meet your special interest.
- Conall gives talks on a range of garden topics. He can be booked to give an in-person talk, or online.
