Our Transition Year Horticulture students visited Blarney Castle and Gardens on Tuesday 29th April. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the flowers were blooming!

We were met by Olive who gave us the warmest of welcomes and an introduction to the estate. Then it was time to explore.

Our first stop was the castle. We climbed to the very top where we soaked up the views of the 60 acre estate. A few brave students took the opportunity to kiss the infamous Blarney Stone!

We spent the afternoon wandering through the various gardens, arboretums and avenues immersing ourselves in the stunning surroundings. We spent time in the cool and serene Boardwalk and Water Garden, passed through the willow tunnels and visited the mystical Rock Close. We found some shade in The Fern Garden where we were surrounded by ferns from the Jurassic period. We explored The colourful Herbaceous Border , The Vietnamese Woodland, The Himalayan Valley, The Poison Garden and The Carnivorous Courtyard. The variety and floral magnificence was impressive.

We marvelled at the ancient yew trees and the gigantic Western Red Cedar. We identified oaks, chestnuts, limes, beech , ash and many more all the time watching out for red squirrels and listening for the drum of the woodpecker or the call of the buzzard.

The lake walk with its floating bird-hide gave us a chance to stop and test our birdwatching skills. The bee observatory provided another pitstop. From here we observed the bees and their hives and had a bird’s-eye view of the walled garden and its fruit trees.

A great day was had immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. We arrived back to school tired but happy!

Many thanks to Blarney Castle and Gardens for giving us the opportunity to explore their little piece of heaven!