KILMOKEA Country Manor and Gardens

KILMOKEA Country Manor & Gardens

South West Wexford is "the secret Ireland" – unspoilt, awaiting discovery. It is distinctly different and possesses a landscape, history, culture and character undeniably its own. Its uniqueness is due in no small part to some early visitors from across the seas – the Celts, Vikings and Normans who came, conquered and stayed.

Indeed the coastline, which offers a beach a day for a fortnight, is one of the special attractions of this area. Pretty fishing villages, bird watching on the mudflats of Barrow river, deep sea angling, snorkeling and swimming are part of the area’s maritime life. Rivers, valleys, estuaries and rolling hills have long provided South West Wexford with rich grazing land.

And best of all are the people – warm, friendly, funny, interesting, philosophical, they always have time for a chat or to tell stories about days gone by. The people, the history, the coast, the country – all the ingredients for a great holiday.

Mark and Emma Hewlett welcome you to Kilmokea, a Georgian house built in 1794. It has been lovingly restored and stands admidst seven acres of heritage gardens. Nestled on the banks of the River Barrow this former Rectory offers the ultimate in relaxation. To complete your relaxation experience, Mark and Emma invite you to enjoy the Patterdale Spa at Kilmokea.

The gardens at Kilmokea, which cover some seven acres, fall into two distinct parts. Around the house are formal walled gardens and set into the stone wall a heavy wooden door leads you into the magical world of the lower garden. Originally started in 1947 these gardens host a wide selection of rare and tender trees and shrubs. With over 130 different species the garden is a delight to both the keen amateur and the more serious horticulturist. Presently Kilmokea Gardens holds an Irish Heritage Garden certificate which is a justifiable reward for 52 years of creation and dedication.

Within the walled garden its rooms lead from one design feature to the next. The Italian loggia and pool with its fine stone pillars is the perfect resting area from which to look across the garden to the quarter garden brimming with Iris and Roses. The herbaceous border is full of old-fashioned plants featuring the ‘hot" colours of the red Maltese cross lychnis and foamy yellow thalictrum.

The woodland garden, with its host of winding paths provides an exciting display of exotic plants. Cultivation of this area began in 1968 with the excavation of the large pond. It was here that a millstone and flume from a horizontal mill were found dating back to the 7th Century The acid soil of this lower garden provides the perfect environment for Rhododendrons, tender Camellias eucryphias and magnolias not to mention Echiums, the giant borage which is closely associated with Kilmokea.

Kilmokea is a delight to view in the Spring with its mass of flowers, Summer with the Herbaceous plants at their height, Autumn with its subtle changing of colours and Winter with its fine silhouettes. We know you will enjoy this year-round wonderland. You are most welcome.

Garden Facilities: Cream Teas and lunch is served in the Georgian conservatory. Delicious organic salads and homemade fair is served. There are plants and preserves for sale. There is a Car Park & Guest Lavatories (wheelchair accessable). Guided Tours are available.

The Kilmokea Irish Pottery, Arts and Crafts shop is stocked with the best of Irish design including Nicholas Moss Pottery, Jerpoint Glass and Stoneware Jackson and many others. Perfect for wedding presents and gifts which can be shipped directly from Kilmokea to your chosen destination.

KILMOKEA Country Manor & Gardens
Great Island
Campile
County Wexford
Ireland
Tel: + 353 – 51 – 388109. Fax: + 353 – 51 – 388776.
E-mail: [email protected]