Visitor Information 2023

Garinish Island open daily from 1 April

Limited opening of Bryce House for guided tour.

Opening times:  10:00 and last landing 15:30.

Harbour Queen Ferry landings – on the hour & half past.

Blue Pool Ferry landings – quarter past & quarter to the hour.

Suitable footwear is advised as the terrain is uneven in locations and please note that there are some steep inclines.

Unfortunately, we can accept cash only

Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Co. Cork, Garinish is a small island known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty.

The gardens of Garinish (also known as Garnish, or Ilnacullin) owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan and Violet Bryce, then owners of the island, and Harold Peto, acclaimed architect and garden designer. The island is renowned for its richness of plant form and colour, which change continuously with the seasons. Pathways wind around the landscape, leading to a number of fascinating garden buildings, such as the Grecian temple, the clock tower, the casita, and an original Martello Tower. Bryce House, the family residence on the island for many years, is presented as it would have appeared during their lifetime. A selection from their vast collection of important paintings, prints, drawings, and books can be seen on display inside. Garinish Island is operated and managed by the Office of Public Works.

Please note that credit cards are not accepted on the island.

Garinish Island is extremely busy at peak season and visitors may experience considerable delays. This is more pronounced at weekends, Bank Holidays and on sunny days. For a more enhanced visit we would suggest visiting outside those days. Give consideration to week days and also the shoulder season. Garinish is a place of exceptional beauty in all weathers.