Salthill Gardens, County Donegal Travel Guide

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Discover a serene escape at Salthill Gardens in Donegal, where contemporary horticulture meets historic walled charm near the Wild Atlantic Way.

Salthill Gardens, near Mountcharles in County Donegal, offers a serene escape into vibrant landscapes. This contemporary garden, styled by Elizabeth Temple, features perennials, vegetables, and shrubs within historic walled boundaries, creating a unique microclimate and a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Salthill Gardens

Mountcharles, Salthill Demesne, Co. Donegal, IE
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Thursday 2 pm-6 pm
Friday 2 pm-6 pm
Saturday 2 pm-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Salthill Gardens.

Check the opening hours before visiting, as they are limited to afternoons and specific days.
Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments may not be available.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the winding gravel and grass paths.
Consider attending one of the annual garden musical events held during the summer.

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Explore Salthill Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Salthill Gardens, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Donegal town, take Bus Éireann route 490 towards Killybegs or Glencolumbcille. Alternatively, take TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim route 293 towards Malinmore. Both routes stop at Mountcharles. From the Mountcharles bus stop, Salthill Gardens is approximately a 20-minute walk. Follow the road southwest out of Mountcharles, and the gardens will be signposted. A single bus fare from Donegal to Mountcharles typically costs €3-€6.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Donegal town. A taxi from Donegal town to Salthill Gardens will cost approximately €13-€16 and take around 5 minutes. It is advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before setting off. There are no taxi ranks directly at Salthill Gardens, so pre-booking a return is recommended.
Walking

From Mountcharles Pier, Salthill Gardens is a walk of approximately 20 minutes. Head southwest along the coastal road, following signs for Salthill. The walk offers views of Donegal Bay. Note that there are no dedicated footpaths for the entire route, so caution is advised.

Discover more about Salthill Gardens

Salthill Gardens, located a short distance from the sea near Mountcharles, County Donegal, presents a contemporary garden experience steeped in history. The gardens are styled by Elizabeth Temple and feature a diverse selection of perennials, vegetables, and shrubs. Salthill Garden is located less than 200 metres from the sea, just outside Mountcharles, County Donegal.The garden whispers stories of walled gardens of the past. Today it stands independent of trends and restorative themes. The walls themselves have stood for over 100 years and have been well maintained. Since 1985, the lawn and cultivated perimeter have been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple to the present and individually styled garden. The evolution continues season by season, always featuring a good selection of perennials, vegetables and shrubs.Salthill House, which the garden is part of, was built in the mid-18th century as part of the Conyngham Estate. The house overlooks Donegal Bay and sits 52 feet above sea level at low water. The garden began its current form in 1984, transforming from an acre of grass into a winding landscape of gravel and grass paths, showcasing perennials, trees, shrubs, and roses. The tradition of 'ridges' or 'lazy beds' is maintained and hosts seasonal vegetables. This little oasis of 1.03 acres has its own unique micro-climate, lovingly cared for with organic principles.