Explore Garnish Island

Seals lie lazily on the shore of Garnish, and if you’re lucky, the reintroduced sea eagle will be overhead as you arrive at this ever-changing island. Springtime brings the bloom of rhododendrons and azaleas; summer a burst of colour from exotic plants from far-off countries such as New Zealand and Chile whose botanicals thrive in this area’s microclimate; and in autumn, the landscape changes completely once more while auburn leaves fall from trees. Across the 37-acre island, there’s an enchanting mix of manicured gardens and natural rocky landscape. Check out the Italian Garden with its beautiful sunken ornate pool and the Grecian Temple with views of West Cork’s Caha Mountains and many other attractions on the island.

With those incredible gardens, you may be left thinking that Garnish can’t possibly flaunt any more appeal. Well, you’d be wrong, as it’s also packed with evidence of the island’s history. Garnish was once a military base and a Martello Tower built by the British War Office in 1805 stands on the island’s highest point with views over Bantry Bay and nearby Whiddy Island. Later, in 1910, the island switched ownership to Belfast-born merchant and politician John Annan Bryce, who settled in a cottage on the island before starting work (with the assistance of Edwardian landscape designer Howard Peto) on the magnificent gardens you can experience today.

To fully take in the history and beauty of the island, we recommend a walk. The Garnish Loop is a good option, or try the Garnish Island walk, which incorporates some of the aforementioned historic sites including Bryce House and the Martello Tower.

So, what are you waiting for?