Ireland’s great estates can boast some of the world’s most breathtaking landscaped gardens. The Historic Houses Annual Conference, in conjunction with Maynooth University, the Irish Georgian Society, Ireland’s Office of Public Works and the Yorkshire Country House Partnership, will be looking at the history and development of these spectacular landscapes on 11 May 2021. The conference titled ‘Razored Hedgerows, Planted Trees and Natural Delights’  will be held online giving more people the opportunity to join for free. Amongst the speakers this year are Michael O’Sullivan and Catherine Fitzgerald.

For those who are interested in understanding more about the high concept ambitious gardens associated with Ireland’s historic houses, such as Emo Court, County Laois and Glin Castle, County Limerick, the conference promises to offer some fascinating insights into the ideas behind their development. For passionate gardeners, there will also be presentations on glasshouse and plant collections, as well as the art of landscape design.

The conference ends with an open discussion about something that has been a revelation for many of us since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic – the value of gardens and open spaces to our well-being.

If you are interested in joining the 2021 Annual Historic Houses event please email cshihe@mu.ie or you can find out more by downloading a brochure from Maynooth University.