Garinish Island is an island garden of rare beauty nestled in Glengarriff Harbour on Bantry Bay!
Garinish Island or Ilnacullin, as it is also known, is 15 hectares in size, and it has become renowned among horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world.
The remarkable gardens on Garinish Island owe their existence to the creative partnership, some 70 years ago, of Annan Bryce – then owner of the island – and the architect and garden designer, Harold Peto.
Plans for a mansion were prepared, to incorporate the Martello Tower, but it was never built. Instead the Bryce family made their home in the large cottage known as Bryce House.
On the death of their son, Rowland Bryce, in 1953, the island was bequeathed to the Irish people and entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works.
In 2016, Bryce House was opened to the public by the Office of Public Works, and it is home to a fascinating museum that explores the Garnish Island project.
Take the boat to Ilnacullin to uncover the fascinating history of Garinish island at the wonderfully restored home of the Bryce family who created the island’s extraordinary garden paradise.
The family’s cottage has been restored to its original Edwardian picturesque style. It is now home to a fascinating and fully accessible exhibition that reveals the garden’s history.
You’ll gain a real sense of how the family lived on the island, as well as an understanding of their imaginative plans!
Make sure to allow time to explore the gorgeous gardens during your visit.
| Name | Bryce House |
|---|---|
| Website | https://garinishisland.ie/tour-of-bryce-house/ |
| Island Email | garinishisland@opw.ie |
| Island Phone Number | +353 (0)2763040 |
| Island Opening Times | 1 April – 30 September Daily 10:00 – 16:30 1 October – 6 November Daily 10:00 – 15:30 |
| House Tour | Bryce House is accessible by guided tour only. |
| Ferry Information | Ferries run to the Island during the open season. The journey takes ten to fifteen minutes. See up to date timetables and contact details at the following links: https://harbourqueenferry.com/ https://bluepoolferry.ie/ |
| Admission Fee | Once on the island, an admission fee is payable. This includes entry to Bryce House. Adult: €5.00 Group/Senior: €4.00 Child/Student: €3.00 Family: €13.00 |
| Facilities | A coffee shop serving light snacks is located at the landing pier. There are toilet facilities nearby, including one for those with special needs. |
| Accesiblitiy | Parts of the island contain steep steps, and are inaccessible by wheelchair. There is a lift facility inside Bryce House. |
| Credit Cards are not accepted on the island. |